Analyzing the Odds, Predictions, and Props for Game 3 between the Lightning and Panthers on April 26th

• The Florida Panthers take a 2-0 series lead into Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, April 26th
• Florida enters as -135 home favorites in the Lightning vs Panthers Game 3 odds
• Read below for Lightning vs Panthers Game 3 preview, with odds, props and a prediction

The Tampa Bay Lightning find themselves in a precarious position heading into Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers. After dropping the first two contests on home ice, the Lightning now face the daunting task of winning at Amerant Bank Arena to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole.

The Panthers dominated Game 1 with a 6-2 victory before shutting out the Lightning 2-0 in Game 2. Even though Tampa Bay has been better in a lot of the advanced stats during the series, Florida’s goalie and their knack for scoring at the right moments have really made a big difference.

Puck drop for Game 3 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise is scheduled for 1:00 pm ET on Saturday, April 26th, with coverage on TNT and TBS.

Lightning vs Panthers Game 3 Odds

In the Lightning vs Panthers Game 3 odds, Florida is a -135 moneyline favorite to extend their series lead, giving them a 57.45% implied win probability. If you bet $135 on Florida and win, you’ll make a profit of $100. On the flip side, if you put down $100 on the Lightning at +115 odds, you’d get back $115 if they win.

The Lightning have had a tough time against the Panthers lately, winning only 4 out of their last 16 matchups. Florida has been nearly unbeatable at home, sporting a 15-3 record in their last 18 games at Amerant Bank Arena. In the 2025 Stanley Cup odds, the Panthers lead the way in the East while the Bolts have faded drastically.

Odds as of April 25, 2025, at bet365. Check out the topNHL betting apps for Lightning vs Panthers.

Goaltending Battle Taking Center Stage

The difference in this series so far has been between the pipes. Sergei Bobrovsky has been outstanding for the Panthers, posting a 2-0 record with a sparkling .951 save percentage and 1.00 goals-against average, including a shutout in Game 2. After struggling in Game 1, Andrei Vasilevskiy rebounded in Game 2, stopping 21 of 22 shots but still took the loss.

Vasilevskiy vs Bobrovsky: Tale of the Tape

Tampa Bay’s offense has been virtually non-existent, scoring just two goals total across the first two games. The power play has really struggled, going just 1-for-8 in the series. Jake Guentzel, Nikita Kucherov, and Brayden Point – the big offensive stars for the Lightning – have only managed to grab one point each in the first two games.

On the Florida side, they’ve got a pretty good balance going with players like Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart, Nate Schmidt, and Aleksander Barkov all racking up three points in the series. The only downside is that Barkov got hurt and had to leave Game 2, so we don’t know if he’ll be ready for Game 3. That could really shake up Florida’s offense.

Lightning vs Panthers Player Props

Looking at the player props, Sam Bennett stands out with his consistent shot production. He recorded four shots in Game 2 and averaged 3.41 shots per game during the regular season. Despite the defensive nature of this series, Bennett has remained active offensively.

If you want to place a bet on someone to score a goal, Brayden Point is a solid choice at +190 odds for an anytime goal. He found the net in Game 1 and has scored four goals on 12 shots in six games against Florida this season.

Despite the Lightning’s offensive struggles, Point’s scoring touch against the Panthers makes him worth considering, especially as Tampa desperately needs offensive production from their top players to avoid falling into a 3-0 series hole.

TB-FLA Prop Picks:

• Sam Bennett Over 2.5 Shots (+128)
• Brayden Point Anytime Goal (+155)

NHL Player Prop odds at bet365 Sportsbook.

Lightning vs Panthers Game 3 Predictions

The advanced stats tell an interesting story in this series. Despite Tampa Bay controlling 62.18% of the 5v5 Corsi, 58.56% of the Fenwick, and generating 61.67% of the scoring chances, they’ve been outscored 4-1 at even strength. This suggests the Lightning are due for some positive regression, but Florida’s defensive structure and Bobrovsky’s stellar play may continue to frustrate them.

Both teams are averaging historically low shot totals (Tampa Bay 20.5, Florida 20.0), indicating this has been and will continue to be a tight-checking series. With the UNDER hitting in four of the last five meetings between these teams, and in four of Tampa Bay’s last five road games against Florida, expect another low-scoring affair.

TB-FLA Predictions:

• Under 5.5 Goals (-105)

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers are set to face off in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on April 26th, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams will be looking to gain the upper hand in what has already been a highly competitive matchup.

When analyzing the odds for Game 3, it’s important to consider a few key factors. The Lightning are coming off a dominant 3-1 victory in Game 2, and will be looking to carry that momentum into Game 3. They have a strong roster led by stars like Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point, who have been instrumental in their success so far this season.

On the other hand, the Panthers have shown that they are more than capable of competing with the defending Stanley Cup champions. With players like Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau leading the way, they have the offensive firepower to keep up with the Lightning. Additionally, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been solid between the pipes, giving the Panthers a strong presence in net.

In terms of predictions, this game could truly go either way. Both teams have shown that they are evenly matched, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see this series go the distance. However, if the Lightning can continue to play at the level they did in Game 2, they have a good chance of coming out on top in Game 3.

When it comes to props for this game, there are a few key players to keep an eye on. Kucherov and Point have been red-hot for the Lightning, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make a big impact in Game 3. On the Panthers side, Barkov and Huberdeau will likely be key players to watch, as they have been instrumental in their team’s success so far.

Overall, Game 3 between the Lightning and Panthers is shaping up to be a thrilling matchup. With both teams hungry for a win, fans can expect an intense and competitive game on April 26th. It’s sure to be a can’t-miss showdown between two of the top teams in the NHL.