Game Info
Lightning @ Panthers- 2/11/21 at 7:00 PM
Lightning @ Panthers- 2/13/21 at 7:00 PM
Panthers @ Lightning- 2/15/21 at 7:00 PM
Preview
The Tampa Bay Lightning will face their state rivals in the Florida Panthers for the next three games. Tampa Bay, who sits at 9-1-1, is undefeated at home. For the Florida Panthers, they come in at 7-1-2. Although the Panthers record is great, they have struggled to win games in regulation. Additionally, the 2nd best offense and best defense in the league belongs to Tampa Bay. However, Florida has the best power play in the league. Will Tampa Bay be able to win a 3 game series against their state rivals?
X-Factors
The Florida Panthers will need their power play to play a big role in order to beat Tampa Bay. Florida’s power play percentage is 37% and Tampa Bay averages around 5 penalties a game. This means the Panthers could theoretically score 2 goals a game from the power play alone. That would already be over Tampa Bay’s average of 1.82 goals against per game. Therefore, if Florida can perform to that level, they already put the Lightning on their heels.
Tampa Bay is the best defensive team in the NHL, however, continuing that performance is not the x-factor for the Lightning. Tampa Bay’s x-factor will be the guys who keep the puck out, the goaltenders. Vasilevskiy has yet to record a shutout this season, and one would be nice against Florida. Also, Andrei Vasilevskiy has played 10 out of 11 games for the Lightning. With 3 quick games, it is likely that a night of rest will be in store for number 88. His backup, Curtis McElhinney, has featured in one game which was against Nashville on Monday night. McElhinney, recorded a .958 save percentage in the Lightning’s 4-1 win over Nashville. It is very important that, in the case McElhinney plays, he is ready to go. With such a great defense, this can be Tampa Bay’s first big test for their goalies.