Lightning and Panthers Clash Near Season Finale

Playoff implications are on the line as the regular season nears its end in Tampa.

The Florida Panthers (47-30-4) travel up to Amalie Arena for a date with the Tampa Bay Lightning (46-26-8) on Tuesday, April 15.

Atlantic Title Implication

Tampa has an opportunity to win the Atlantic Division. They must close out their season with two straight wins, including Tuesday against the Cats. They also have to bank on the Toronto Maple Leafs (50-26-4) dropping their final two games for the math to check out in their favor.

With that in mind, Tuesday’s Panthers vs. Lightning game now goes from a battle of in-state pride to a one-sided chase for the Atlantic title.

On the other hand, Florida is officially locked into the third spot in the Atlantic. Sitting at 98 points, even with a win they can not pass up the Bolts.

Round One starts in Tampa ⚡️

Get your tickets: https://t.co/Kc9FHaeuNv pic.twitter.com/oaESBl2Nce

— x – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 15, 2025

Florida can play spoiler to Tampa’s title chase, and in the the process will officially lock the two teams into another first round playoff matchup.

Familiar Foes

Florida and Tampa have almost become destined to find each other in the race for Lord Stanley. They have faced off in the playoffs three times in the past five years, twice in the first round.

Their most successful seasons, Tampa’s cup run in 2021 and Florida’s in 2024, both had stops against the other in the opening series.

In the regular season series this year, the Panthers lead the Lightning 2-1.

In and Out

With their position secure and injuries nagging, the status of key Panthers players is up in the air heading into their season finale. Sam Bennett and Dmitry Kulikov returned to action in Florida’s recent loss to the Rangers.

However, other stars like Matthew Tkachuk, who is nearing full strength, will wait this one out to prepare for Game One of the playoffs.

Tampa still struggles to fill an Oliver Bjorkstrand-sized hole in their line combinations. They’ve done a decent job masking this loss. They’ll have a strong test ahead of them with a team as defensively stout as the Panthers, personnel aside.

Season’s End

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. from Amalie Arena in Tampa. The Bolts will conclude its season against the New York Rangers (38-36-7) on April 17.