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Will Tampa Bay Lightning Harness Home Advantage Against Florida Panthers?

As the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare to host the Florida Panthers at Amalie Arena, fans are eager to see how their team will fare in this upcoming encounter. The Lightning have shown a mixed bag of results in their recent outings, with a narrow loss in their last game against the Panthers, where they managed to score 2 goals but conceded 3. Despite this setback, there were positive takeaways from the game; notably, their powerplay unit capitalized on one of six opportunities and showed resilience by keeping up with shots on goal.


Apr 23, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola (77) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The faceoff circle has been an area of concern for the Lightning as they won only 44 percent of draws in their last match-up. Improving faceoff success could be crucial in controlling the game's pace and possession against a strong Panthers squad. Additionally, while Tampa Bay's penalty kill was effective – not allowing any goals during shorthanded situations – discipline may play a key role as they gave up five powerplays to Florida.


Defensively, blocking shots and physicality seem to be strengths for Tampa Bay; they registered an impressive 56 hits and blocked 16 shots last time out. However, maintaining defensive solidity without conceding penalties will be essential.


Apr 23, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (21) and Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) battle for the puck during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

On offense, converting scoring chances remains vital. With a shooting percentage at nine percent recently against the Panthers, finding ways to increase shot quality and quantity could turn close games into victories.


Looking ahead at this home game scenario for Tampa Bay Lightning offers them an opportunity to leverage home ice advantage and reverse recent fortunes against their state rivals. Fans can expect a determined effort from both sides as each team seeks critical points late in the season.


Apr 23, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) watches as the puck goes past the net against the Florida Panthers during overtime in game two of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The much-anticipated clash is scheduled for April 27th at Amalie Arena in Tampa with puck drop set for 5:00 PM local time (21:00 UTC). Fans can catch all the action live on networks such as TBS or BSSUN or stream it via Max internet service.

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