3 hours ago
1
Game 1 of the Battle of Florida was quite odd.
The Panthers and Lightning traded early goals, but by the middle of the second period, it was 5-1 in favor of Florida.
There were some bad bounces, but overall, it was a meek effort from the Bolts on Tuesday evening.
It would be a surprise to see a repeat performance on Thursday.
BetMGM bonus code POSTBET for Panthers-Lightning
Use BetMGM bonus code POSTBET to get your first bet back in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win, up to $1,500.
Panthers vs. Lightning Game 2 prediction
We get reminded every spring how one game in the playoffs can change the entire conversation in the hockey world.
Before this series began, the Lightning were one of the trendiest picks to win the Stanley Cup.
The Bolts were terrific down the stretch, improved at the trade deadline, and were being propelled by arguably the hottest player in the league, Nikita Kucherov.
The conversation around the Panthers was quite different.
The Cats didn’t have a great finish to the season; they were without Matthew Tkachuk and Aaron Ekblad, and the players the Panthers acquired at the deadline were having some issues finding their legs.
The Tampa Bay Lightning were one of the best teams in the NHL in the second half of the season. Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn ImagesBut now, the script has flipped. Tongues are wagging that the Panthers are back in their championship form, while the Bolts are looking for answers.
All of this because of one very strange game of hockey.
One game, now matter how lopsided, shouldn’t be causing this much of an about-face. The Lightning remain a real threat to win this series and beyond.
The Bolts have a high-octane offense, an elite defense, and one of the best goaltenders in the league.
Betting on the NHL?
- Check out the best NHL betting sites
- Read our expert guide on how to bet on the NHL
They’re experienced, and their coach, Jon Cooper, will have them level-headed as they prepare for Game 2.
Tampa Bay is a slight favorite to win on Thursday night and that’s a fine bet, but let’s go a step further here.
If you thought the Bolts were a good bet at single-digit odds to win the Stanley Cup before Game 1, you should like them even more now at 17/1.
The Play: Tampa Bay Lightning to win the Stanley Cup (16/1, BetMGM)
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). Participant must complete the Wagering. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. US Promotional Offers Not Available in MS, NY, ON, or PR. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
English (US)