- The Florida Panthers take a 3-1 series lead into Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, April 30th
- Tampa Bay is listed as slight -115 home favorites in the Panthers vs Lightning Game 5 odds
- Read below for Panthers vs Lightning Game 5 preview, with a prediction, odds and prop bets
The Florida Panthers are on the verge of eliminating their cross-state rivals as they head into Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning with a commanding 3-1 series lead. After a dramatic comeback victory in Game 4, where they scored two goals just 11 seconds apart in the final four minutes, the Panthers now have a chance to close out the series on the road.
Puck drop for Game 5 at Amalie Arena in Tampa is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET on Wednesday, April 30th, with coverage on ESPN2 and SN360.
Here is our look at the Game 5 Panthers vs Lightning odds, along with odds and prop bet recommendations.
Panthers vs Lightning Game 5 Predictions
For my Game 5 prediction, I’m taking advantage of the value on Florida and backing the Cats to close out the series. Paul Maurice’s club is a veteran-laden, playoff-experienced roster that knows they can’t afford to give the Bolts any life in this series.
Despite being slight underdogs on the road, the Panthers have shown why they’ve been dominant in this rivarly, winning 13 of their last 18 meetings with Tampa Bay since February 2023. Florida has also been exceptional on the road during playoff action, winning eight of their last 11 playoff road games.
The difference maker in this series has been the play between the pipes. Sergei Bobrovsky has been stellar for the Panthers, posting a 3-1 record with a 2.01 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage, including a shutout in Game 2. Andrei Vasilevskiy, typically one of the league’s elite netminders, has struggled with a 1-3 record, 2.79 GAA, and .884 save percentage.
Vasilevskiy vs Bobrovsky: Tale of the Tape
Tampa Bay’s offense needs a serious spark, having scored just nine goals across the first four games and failing to net more than two goals in three of those contests. The power play has been abysmal, converting at a meager 6.7% rate (15th in playoffs).
While Jake Guentzel leads the team with five points and Nikita Kucherov has contributed four assists, the Lightning stars haven’t taken over games as they’re capable of doing. Victor Hedman, usually a play-driver from the blueline, is stuck on only one assist.
Florida’s balanced attack, meanwhile, has been its strength. Matthew Tkachuk leads the way with three goals, while Sam Bennett and Aleksander Barkov have each contributed four points. I’m much more confident in a depth player on Florida’s roster coming through tonight than I am in a player on Tampa Bay’s squad.
A potential wrinkle for Game 5 is Aaron Ekblad’s two-game suspension for an illegal hit on Brandon Hagel in Game 4. However, the Panthers have already played stretches without Ekblad earlier this season and still thrived, and Nate Schmidt has stepped up with three goals in the series, including two game-winners.
TB-FLA Predictions:
- Panthers Moneyline (-105 at BetMGM)
Panthers vs Lightning Game 5 Odds
In the Panthers vs Lightning Game 5 odds, Tampa Bay is a narrow -115 moneyline favorite to stave off elimination, giving them a 53.49% implied win probability. If you bet $115 on Tampa Bay and win, you’ll make a profit of $100. On the flip side, if you put down $105 on the Panthers at -105 odds, you’d get back $100 if they win.
The over/under for Panthers/Bolts Game 5 is set low at 5.5, with -115 juice on the over. The past two games barely got over the 5.5 total, and you can expect a tight-checking affair in Game 5 with the Bolts on the brink.
The Lightning have struggled mightily in recent playoff home games, posting a dismal 1-6 record in their last seven postseason contests at Amalie Arena. Florida is now a heavy -1000 favorite in the Stanley Cup odds to advance from this series.
Odds as of April 30, 2025, at BetMGM. Check out the topNHL betting apps for Panthers vs Lightning.
Panthers vs Lightning Player Props
Looking at the NHL player props, Sam Bennett stands out with his consistent production in this series. He’s scored two goals and picked up two assists in the first four games. He’s been active offensively all season, firing off at least three shots in three out of those four games against Tampa.
Bennett paces the Panthers with 21 shots attempts as well, showing just how often he’s trying to put pucks on net. During the regular season, the agitator averaged 3.17 shots per game, making the over on his 2.5 shots line worth a play tonight.
Meanwhile, Seth Jones has stepped up in a major way for Florida’s defense. After netting the game-winning goal in Game 4, Jones should continue gaining confidence in his first postseason on Florida’s blueline.
With Ekblad out due to suspension, Jones is set to get more ice time and responsibilities, including extra power-play time. He’s already notched a point in two of his last three playoff games and five of his last eight overall, dating back to the regular season.
TB-FLA Prop Picks:
- Sam Bennett Over 2.5 Shots (-110)
- Seth Jones Over 0.5 Points (+105)
NHL Player Prop odds at BetMGM Sportsbook
As the NHL playoffs continue, all eyes are on Game 5 between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. With the series tied at 2-2, this pivotal game could determine the outcome of the entire series. Fans and bettors alike are eagerly anticipating the matchup, with predictions, odds, and prop bets swirling around the internet.
The Lightning are coming off a dominant 6-2 victory in Game 4, with their offense firing on all cylinders. Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point have been leading the charge for Tampa Bay, while goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has been solid between the pipes. The Panthers, on the other hand, have been relying on their depth scoring and strong defensive play to keep them in the series.
In terms of predictions, many experts believe that Game 5 will be a close contest, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for the win. The Lightning have the edge in terms of experience and talent, but the Panthers have shown that they are more than capable of pulling off an upset. It could come down to which team can capitalize on their opportunities and make the most of their special teams play.
In terms of odds, the Lightning are currently favored to win Game 5, with sportsbooks giving them a slight edge over the Panthers. However, anything can happen in playoff hockey, and the Panthers have proven that they are not to be underestimated. Bettors looking to place a wager on the game should consider all factors before making their decision.
As for prop bets, there are a number of options available for Game 5 between the Panthers and Lightning. Some popular prop bets include predicting the total number of goals scored in the game, which player will score the first goal, and whether or not there will be a fight during the game. Bettors can also wager on specific player performances, such as how many shots on goal a certain player will have or how many saves a goaltender will make.
Overall, Game 5 between the Panthers and Lightning is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable matchup. With predictions, odds, and prop bets abound, fans and bettors alike will be on the edge of their seats as they watch these two teams battle it out on the ice. Whether you’re rooting for the Lightning or the Panthers, one thing is for certain – this game is sure to be a thrilling one.
