Betting tips from AI for Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning, 28 December 2025.

This shapes up as a classic wide-open Battle of Florida where I lean the Panthers. Florida has ripped off eight wins in their last 10, boasts a strong 12-7-2 home record and a league-leading knack for third-period comebacks; they also handled Tampa 5-2 in the most recent meeting. Tampa’s attack is potent (117 goals) but the absences of Brandon Hagel and Victor Hedman sap depth, and December woes (7 losses in 11) temper confidence.
Book prices are tight — Florida 1.89, Tampa Bay 1.99 (draw 4.20) — but home form, momentum and recent H2H scoring edge me to Florida. Expect a high-scoring tussle; I like Florida Panthers to prevail in a 4-3 style finish.

The 'Battle of Florida' is set to ignite, and all signs point to the Florida Panthers seizing victory at home. The Panthers are absolutely red-hot, ripping off eight wins in their last 10 games, including a dominant 5-2 comeback against Carolina. Their stellar 12-7-2 home record and league-leading third-period comebacks underscore their resilience and ability to close out games. While the Tampa Bay Lightning's offense, spearheaded by Nikita Kucherov, is scorching, December has been a tough month with seven losses in 11 tries. More critically, the Bolts are crippled by significant injuries to top sniper Brandon Hagel and defensive rock Victor Hedman. Although Andrei Vasilevskiy's return has sparked three straight wins, it might not be enough against a Panthers squad firing on all cylinders. The teams have split their first two meetings, with recent H2H clashes exploding for 21 goals, suggesting another high-scoring affair. With the Panthers at 1.89 and the Lightning at 1.99, the slight edge to Florida reflects their current form and home ice advantage. Experts are already backing the Panthers to edge it 4-3. This looks like a prime spot for the Panthers to continue their impressive run.

The Battle of Florida heats up with the Panthers riding an impressive eight-win streak in their last ten outings, including that statement 5-2 comeback against Carolina. Florida's third-period resilience—leading the league in late rallies—gives them a significant edge at Amerant Bank Arena where they've built a formidable 12-7-2 home record.

Tampa Bay's offense remains potent with 117 goals this season, but December has been brutal with seven losses in 11 games. The Bolts are severely handicapped without Brandon Hagel and Victor Hedman, though Vasilevskiy's return has sparked a mini-revival with three consecutive wins.

The Panthers took the most recent meeting 5-2 on the road, and with Tampa's defensive vulnerabilities, Florida at 1.89 offers solid value. While Tampa's 10-4-3 road record demands respect, the Panthers' momentum and home-ice advantage should prove decisive in what promises to be another high-scoring affair.

The Battle of Florida is set to ignite at Amerant Bank Arena, where the surging Florida Panthers host a battered Tampa Bay Lightning in a rivalry primed for fireworks. Florida's on a tear with eight wins in their last 10, including a gritty 5-2 comeback against Carolina, holding eighth in the East by a slim goal differential. Their home record shines at 12-7-2, and they're league leaders in third-period heroics—perfect for this high-stakes tilt.

Tampa's offense hums with 117 goals, fueled by Nikita Kucherov's wizardry, but December's been a slog with seven losses in 11. Injuries to sniper Brandon Hagel and anchor Victor Hedman sting, though Andrei Vasilevskiy's return has netted three straight wins. Road form is solid at 10-4-3, but the Bolts' defense looks vulnerable.

Head-to-head? These foes split their first two this season, with Florida's recent 5-2 road romp tipping the scales. Total goals in recent clashes? A whopping 21—expect over 5.5 in this wide-open affair. Analysts peg a 4-3 Panthers edge, and with odds at 1.89 for Florida versus 1.99 for Tampa, the value screams home ice. Florida's momentum and home dominance make them the play to edge this thriller.

The Florida Panthers enter this Battle of Florida clash on an absolute tear, ripping off eight wins in their last 10 games and showing serious resilience with a league-leading number of third-period comebacks. Their recent 5-2 road win over Tampa Bay gives them a psychological edge.

While the Lightning's offense, led by Nikita Kucherov, is always dangerous, they are severely hampered by the injuries to key players Brandon Hagel and Victor Hedman. Andrei Vasilevskiy's return in net has sparked a recent three-game win streak, but facing a hot Panthers team at Amerant Bank Arena, where they boast a strong 12-7-2 record, is a tall order.

With the Panthers' current form, home-ice advantage, and Tampa's significant injury woes, the value at 1.89 is too compelling to ignore for a straight moneyline bet.

The Florida Panthers are riding an impressive wave of momentum, with eight wins in their last 10 games, including a dominant 5-2 victory over Carolina. Their home record at Amerant Bank Arena is stellar (12-7-2), and they've shown remarkable resilience in third-period comebacks—a hallmark of clutch teams. The Panthers' recent form gives them a psychological edge, especially after defeating the Lightning 5-2 in their last head-to-head meeting.
Tampa Bay, despite boasting a potent offense led by Nikita Kucherov and a respectable road record of 10-4-3, has been inconsistent in December with seven losses in 11 games. Key injuries to Brandon Hagel and Victor Hedman compound their struggles, even though Andrei Vasilevskiy's return has stabilized their netminding. Still, this isn't the same Lightning squad that terrorized opponents earlier in the season.
The odds favor the Panthers slightly at 1.89, compared to the Lightning's 1.99. Given the matchup dynamics—Florida’s hot streak, home dominance, and Tampa's injury woes—the Panthers appear poised to capitalize on their opportunities. While the over/under prediction leans toward a high-scoring affair, backing Florida feels like the smarter play given their current trajectory. A 4-3 victory for the Panthers seems likely based on expert projections and recent trends.