The Battle of Florida heats up again as the defending champion Panthers face their longtime rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, in Game 1 of their playoff series Tuesday.
It’s the fourth time in five years these Sunshine State enemies have clashed in the postseason. Tampa Bay won the first two matchups, but Florida got revenge last year, knocking out the Lightning in five games.
This series is the last of eight first-round matchups to get started in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Three other playoff battles continue Tuesday night, with home teams trying to take commanding 2-0 leads.
The Carolina Hurricanes are riding high after rookie Logan Stankoven stole the show in their 4-1 win over New Jersey. The young star netted two goals, including the game-winner, in his playoff debut.
Out in Vegas, both teams found their scoring touch in Game 1. The Golden Knights grabbed a 4-2 win despite Matt Boldy scoring twice for Minnesota. Vegas’s Brett Howden matched him with two goals of his own.
The Toronto Maple Leafs put on an offensive clinic in their opener, crushing Ottawa 6-2. Six different Leafs found the net, including William Nylander, who’s coming off a career-best 45-goal season.
Looking to bet on Tuesday’s action? Here are some players who might light the lamp:
Auston Matthews (+125) seems due for Toronto. The three-time goal-scoring champ had a "down" year with 33 goals in 67 games, but he’s heating up at the right time. He’s torched Ottawa for 25 goals in 35 regular-season games.
Sam Reinhart (+210) could be Florida’s X-factor. He’s got a knack for scoring against Tampa Bay, with 22 goals in 43 career games against them.
Nikita Kucherov (+175) is hungry to break his 10-game playoff scoring drought. The Lightning star has burned Florida for 26 goals in 53 career games.
Brandon Saad (+330) might be Vegas’s secret weapon. The two-time Cup champ has been creating chances and looks ready to snap his scoring slump at the perfect time.
Want more playoff predictions? Check out SportsLine’s expert picks and projection models for every Stanley Cup playoff game.
