The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers are set to face off in Game 3 of their first-round series in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Puck drop is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on TBS, truTV, and Max. The Panthers lead the series 2-0, and the Lightning will look to rebound and avoid falling into a daunting 3-0 deficit.
Team Overview:
Florida Panthers (47-31-4, 2-0 in series):
The defending Stanley Cup champions have started the series strong, winning both games on the road in Tampa. Florida’s penalty kill has been exceptional, allowing just one goal on eight Lightning power-play opportunities. Sergei Bobrovsky has been stellar in net, recording a shutout in Game 2 and stopping 59 of 64 shots faced in the series. The Panthers’ balanced scoring has been a key factor, with ten different players recording at least one point in the first two games. Florida will also see the return of defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who missed the first two games due to suspension.
Tampa Bay Lightning (47-27-8, 0-2 in series):
The Lightning, known for their high-powered offense, have struggled to find the back of the net, scoring just two goals in the series. Nikita Kucherov, the team’s leading scorer, has been held without a goal in his last 12 playoff games, though he has contributed with assists. Tampa Bay’s power play has been inefficient, converting only one of eight opportunities. The absence of Brandon Hagel, who was suspended for Game 3 after a controversial hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, adds to the Lightning’s challenges. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy will need to be at his best to keep Tampa Bay competitive.
Key Players to Watch:
Florida Panthers:
- Sergei Bobrovsky: The veteran goaltender has been a brick wall, recording his fourth career playoff shutout in Game 2.
- Aaron Ekblad: Returning from suspension, Ekblad will bolster Florida’s defense and contribute offensively.
- Sam Bennett: Bennett’s physical play and scoring ability have been crucial for the Panthers.
Tampa Bay Lightning:
- Nikita Kucherov: The Art Ross Trophy winner needs to break his scoring drought to spark Tampa Bay’s offense.
- Victor Hedman: The defenseman’s leadership and ability to generate offense from the blue line are vital.
- Andrei Vasilevskiy: The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner must deliver a standout performance to keep the Lightning in the series.
Matchup Analysis:
Offense vs. Defense:
Florida’s balanced scoring and Bobrovsky’s stellar goaltending have neutralized Tampa Bay’s offensive threats. The Lightning will need to improve their power play and capitalize on scoring chances to challenge Florida’s defense.
Momentum:
The Panthers enter Game 3 with confidence after their dominant performances in Tampa. The Lightning, facing elimination pressure, must regroup and find answers to their scoring woes.
Physicality:
The rivalry between these teams has intensified, with physical play and penalties shaping the series. Expect another hard-fought battle as both teams look to assert themselves.
Game Odds
Tampa Bay Lightning 5.5
Florida Panthers – 135
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 25, 2025
