In Game 1 of the playoffs, the Florida Panthers will face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Despite falling to third in the Atlantic Division, the Panthers posted strong individual performances that landed them fourth in franchise history for points. The Panthers split the regular season series with Tampa and will be without suspended defenseman Aaron Ekblad. The Lightning, on a hot streak and returning to the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year, boast a potent lineup led by Nikita Kucherov and a top-tier power play, making this matchup keenly anticipated.
The Florida Panthers face their rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, in the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons, despite a late-season slump.
Despite a late season drop in standings, the Panthers achieved the fourth-highest points total in franchise history, fueled by standout performances from key players.
The Tampa Bay Lightning enter the playoffs on a hot streak, recording a 7-2-3 record and finishing with 100 points for the first time since 2021-22.
With their high-ranked power play, the Lightning will present significant challenges for the Panthers, who must avoid penalties in what is expected to be a tight series.
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