Panthers – Bruins: Sam Bennett to miss Game 2 vs. Boston

After a disappointing 5-1 loss in Game 1, the Florida Panthers will try and even up the series later tonight in Sunrise. 

 

The Panthers aren’t strangers when it comes to facing an early series deficit. In the first round last year, they lost Game 1 to the Bruins before winning Game 2, 6-3.

 

They’ll need to do the same tonight at home, otherwise they’ll be flying to Boston, down 2-0. 

 

Florida will once again be without the services of center Sam Bennett (upper-body) on Wednesday night. Bennett, who hasn’t played since Game 2 of the first round, will miss his fifth straight game. 

 

Bennett has been skating away from the team this week and took part in a full skate with the Panthers’ scratches on Tuesday.

 

Bennett did not skate Wednesday.

 

Also on Tuesday, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said that Bennett would play in “one of the next three games”. Maurice gave another update before Game 2, saying Bennett’s “not far off” and that he expects him to be on the road trip. 

 

As for lineup changes, the Panthers didn’t switch up anything at morning skate — running back the same lines from Game 1. 

 

Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is scheduled to start his seventh straight game (4-2-0) of the postseason.

 

Projected Lines

Verhaeghe – Barkov – Tkachuk 

Luostarinen – Lundell – Reinhart 

Tarasenko – Stenlund – Rodrigues 

Cousins – Lorentz – Okposo

 

Forsling – Ekblad

Mikkola – Montour

Ekman-Larsson – Kulikov

 

Bobrovsky (Confirmed Starter)

Stolarz

 

Schedule — Bruins lead 1-0

Game 1: Monday, May 6 — 8 p.m. (Amerant Bank Arena) –  FINAL: BOS 5-1

Game 2: Wednesday, May 8 — 7:30 p.m. (Amerant Bank Arena)

Game 3: Friday, May 10 — 7 p.m. (TD Garden)

Game 4: Sunday, May 12 — 6:30  p.m.  (TD Garden) 

Game 5: Tuesday, May 14 — TBD (Amerant Bank Arena)

Game 6: Friday, May 17 — TBD (TD Garden)

Game 7: Sunday, May 19 — TBD (Amerant Bank Arena)

From South Beach to Slam Dunks: The Impact of Online Sports Betting on NBA Fandom in South Florida

The convergence of sports and technology has given rise to a new era of fandom, particularly in regions with a fervent sports culture like South Florida. The National Basketball Association (NBA), with its star-studded teams and high-energy games, has long captivated audiences worldwide. However, the emergence of online sports betting platforms has added a new dimension to the fan experience, reshaping how enthusiasts engage with their favorite teams and players. This article assesses the impact of online sports betting on NBA fandom in South Florida, exploring its implications on fan behavior, team allegiance and the overall sports landscape.

The Rise of Online Sports Betting

In recent years, online sports betting has experienced exponential growth, propelled by advancements in technology and changing regulatory landscapes. South Florida, with its vibrant sports scene and passionate fan base, has embraced this trend wholeheartedly. The accessibility and convenience of online platforms such as Betway zm have made it easier than ever for fans to wager on favored NBA teams, transforming how they consume and interact with the sport.

Changing Fan Behavior 

The availability of online sports betting such as Betway zm has led to a shift in fan behavior, with many enthusiasts becoming more deeply invested in the outcomes of NBA games. No longer mere spectators, fans now have a vested interest in the performance of specific players, teams and individual statistics. Furthermore, the accessibility of real-time data and betting markets has empowered fans to analyze and strategize like never before, enabling a deeper understanding and appreciation of the intricacies of the game. This heightened level of engagement has built a sense of camaraderie among fellow bettors while intensifying competitive spirit during games.

Impact on Team Allegiance

Traditionally, sports fandom in South Florida has been deeply rooted in local allegiances, with residents rallying behind their hometown teams such as the Miami Heat, for example before their recent upset of the top seeds the Boston Celtics. However, the advent of online sports betting has blurred the lines between loyalty and opportunity, as fans are increasingly drawn to teams with favorable betting odds rather than geographical proximity. This phenomenon has led to a more diversified fan base, with supporters aligning themselves with teams that offer the best prospects for financial gain.

The Intersection of Entertainment and Economics

The marriage of sports and gambling has created a symbiotic relationship between entertainment and economics. For many fans in South Florida, betting on NBA games at platforms like Betway zm has become not only a form of recreation but also a potential source of income. The thrill of wagering adds an extra layer of excitement to the viewing experience, transforming mundane matchups into high-stakes showdowns. Additionally, the financial incentives associated with successful bets can serve as a lucrative incentive for fans to remain engaged and invested in the sport.

Regulatory Considerations

Despite its growing popularity, online sports betting remains a contentious issue in many jurisdictions, with varying degrees of regulation and oversight. In South Florida, legislators continue to grapple with the complexities of gambling laws, weighing the economic benefits against potential social and ethical concerns. While some argue that legalized sports betting can stimulate economic growth and generate tax revenue, others raise concerns about the potential for addiction and exploitation, particularly among vulnerable populations. 

The Future of NBA Fandom

As online sports betting at providers in league with Betway zm continues to permeate the fabric of NBA fandom in South Florida, its long-term implications remain subject to speculation. While some herald it as a natural evolution of the sports entertainment industry, others caution against its potential to commodify and dilute the purity of the game. Ultimately, the impact of online sports betting on NBA fandom in South Florida will depend on a delicate balance between regulation, innovation, and the enduring passion of fans.

Conclusion

The integration of online sports betting into NBA fandom in South Florida represents a seismic shift in how enthusiasts engage with the sport. From changing fan behavior and team allegiances to the intersection of entertainment and economics, the impact of this trend is multifaceted and far-reaching. As the landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders must navigate the complexities of regulation and ethics to guarantee the integrity of the game remains intact while simultaneously embracing the opportunities for growth and innovation that online sports betting such as Betway zm presents.

Why Online Betting Will Be a Success in Maryland For The State and The Players

The Maryland betting market is anticipated to be extensive when launched. It is famous for the Baltimore Ravens, which have shown outstanding performance in the NFL. In addition, it is home for all those sports enthusiasts that enjoy fantasy sports games. They will check sites like BetbuddyMD to check the available betting options. 

 

Maryland and the rest of the DMV are a hub for professional sports, so the betting market is expected to grow extensively. Moreover, it could be the best betting market in the whole nation. 

 

Why online betting will be a success for the state

Legalizing sports betting in Maryland is expected to happen by the end of 2022. Back in November 2021, the officials stated that legalizing betting would occur at that time. For now, there is ongoing research performed by the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission. It focuses on online betting and its implementation. 

 

Many sports fans can’t wait to see what the newly established market offers. And we must highlight that the fans are eager to see betting options for the upcoming NFL games. With this, football fans can support their favorite teams legally.

 

Betting market

The betting market is highly regulated, so companies need to have the proper certifications. Sixty betting companies have gained permission to operate in this market. In addition, 30 sportsbooks have also been granted a license. With so many companies available, players are free to choose the right fit for their betting needs.

 

What to expect from the Maryland betting market? The big brands in the betting world will have dedicated apps for their customers. With this, betting on the go will be so much easier. 

 

How the players will benefit from betting in Maryland

The betting marketplace has enormous potential. We know that many companies already have licenses to operate in this market. With many of them being big brands, the competition will be intense. For players, this is good news. The companies will need help to gain new customers and will offer great prizes and bonuses for this. In addition, online betting sites will provide various options and improve their features for the ultimate user experience. With welcome bonuses and the possibility to pay in crypto, the players will enjoy their online experience.

 

It is important to note that reputable brands in the betting industry will enter the market. Big names such as DraftKings and With so many providers available, players will have the freedom to choose. Line shopping will be available for the ones looking for the best odds. Maryland has a competitive market, unlike other states, where you can only find a few providers.

 

But also it is essential to note that there are exciting options available. Sports fans have domestic teams to bet on the Ravens and Orioles. For example, the Ravens have already established a partnership with a reputable company that will bring so many bonuses when betting on home teams. And for sports fans, this will be an exciting experience for sure. 

 

Bruins take Game 1 on road, defeat Panthers 5-1

SUNRISE — Just two days off their Game 7 overtime win, the Boston Bruins opened up the second round with a 5-1 road victory over the Florida Panthers, Monday night in South Florida. 

 

Boston takes a 1-0 series lead against Florida lead for the second consecutive postseason.

 

The first goal of the game didn’t come until 11:45 into the second period, where Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk broke the ice with his fourth goal of the postseason, giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead.

 

After nearly 32 minutes of stellar goaltending to start the game, the floodgates would open up after Tkachuk got the ball rolling

 

Just 67 seconds after Florida took the lead, Boston’s Morgan Geekie answered the bell, tying the game at 1-1 with his third goal of the playoffs. 

 

Mason Lohrei would give Boston their first lead of the night with 3:43 left in the period, burying his first career playoff goal past Sergei Bobrovsky.

 

With 21 seconds left in the second, Brandon Carlo scored from the point — giving the Bruins a two-goal lead.

 

After three unanswered goals in the final seven minutes of the period, the Bruins went into the third up 3-1.

 

In the third, Justin Brazeau added a fourth Bruins goal — putting them up 4-1, 7:13 into the third. 

 

The Bruins would add one more on the empty net to end their goal total at five.

 

Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman had 38 saves in the win.

 

Boston has won Game 1 in their last two playoff series — the most recent being this year over Toronto.

This was Florida’s first home playoff loss since Game 4 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final to Vegas.

‘All the bruises are gone and we feel pretty strong’: Panthers fresh and ready for second-round series against Bruins

FORT LAUDERDALE — It’s been a week since the Panthers finished off the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games to move onto the second round. 

 

Wrapping up their series early, the Panthers have been out of game action for six days, but have kept themselves busy with a few team skates as they awaited the winner of the Bruins – Leafs matchup. 

 

“Rest isn’t the right word, it’s recovery, right? You get two days off at home, you’re rested and recovered.” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. “All the bruises are gone and we feel pretty strong.”

 

On Saturday, the Bruins avoided disaster, defeating the Leafs 2-1 in Game 7 thanks to David Pastrnank’s game winner.

 

Toronto was able to overcome a 3-1 deficit to force a winner takes all game in Boston — the same thing the Panthers did last season.

 

Unlike Florida, Toronto couldn’t get the job done. So now we are back to where we were last year — Florida vs Boston in the playoffs.

 

“Obviously a really good team over there,” Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour said of Boston. “You can look back at whoever won that series (Boston-Toronto), we got history with both of them.”

Last season, the Bruins were the overwhelming favorites in the series.


Florida was the lowest ranked team in the playoffs — narrowly getting in by just a point. The Bruins were the Presidents’ Trophy winners and chosen by many to win the cup. 

 

The guys from last year will never forget the borderline miracle they pulled off last year, however the 2023-24 Panthers are a different beast. 

 

Florida won Game 82 of the regular season, while Boston lost — flip flopping the division on the final day as the Panthers took home the Atlantic Division title. 

 

On Monday night, the Panthers will host the Bruins in Game 1 of the second round and they hope to take advantage of the home-ice they outright won. 

 

“It’s huge,” Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues spoke about playing in front of their fans . “They call it home-ice advantage for a reason. They (the fans) were loud, they were into it from Game 1 and it gives you a boost. 

 

The Panthers will be running the same lineup as they did in Game 5 against the Lightning, with Sergei Bobrovsky set to start again in net. 

 

Panthers forward, Sam Bennett, hasn’t played since Game 2 but has been skating away from the team. 

 

“He’s not far off,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said when asked about Bennett’s time table.

 

Puck drop will be at 8 p.m. ET in Sunrise.

 

Projected lines

Verhaeghe – Barkov – Tkachuk 

Luostarinen – Lundell – Reinhart 

Tarasenko – Stenlund – Rodrigues 

Cousins – Lorentz – Okposo

 

Forsling – Ekblad

Mikkola – Montour

Ekman-Larsson – Kulikov

 

Bobrovsky (Confirmed Starter)

Stolarz

 

The NHL has released the full second round schedule, but have not announced all of the start times just yet. 

 

Schedule

Game 1: Monday, May 6 — 8 p.m. (Amerant Bank Arena)

Game 2: Wednesday, May 8 — 7:30 p.m. (Amerant Bank Arena)

Game 3: Friday, May 10 — 7 p.m. (TD Garden)

Game 4: Sunday, May 12 — TBD (TD Garden) 

Game 5: Tuesday, May 14 — TBD (Amerant Bank Arena)

Game 6: Friday, May 17 — TBD (TD Garden)

Game 7: Sunday, May 19 — TBD (Amerant Bank Arena)

Panthers await opponent as Leafs force Game 7 against Bruins

The Florida Panthers will have to wait a few more days before they can begin their second-round playoff series. 

 

On Thursday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins 2-1 — forcing a winner takes all Game 7, Saturday in Boston.

 

William Nylander scored both of Toronto’s goals while Boston got on the board with just 0.1 seconds left in the game.

 

Florida will face the winner of the Leafs – Bruins series round 2, with Games 1 and 2 at home in Sunrise. 

 

Despite still not knowing their next opponent, the Panthers are more than familiar with both squads. 

 

The Panthers knocked the Bruins out in seven games in the first round last season before doing the same to the Leafs in just five games the next round. 

 

“The other teams, their personnel changed a bit (from last year), but the basics of their games haven’t changed,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said on Thursday. “Neither have ours, we got no secrets.” 

 

Entering Saturday’s Game 7, Boston finds themselves in an awfully similar situation to what they faced last year against Florida.



Like last year, the Bruins held a 3-1 series lead to the Leafs, with a chance to win the series at home in Game 5. Toronto — as Florida did — defeated the Bruins in overtime, shifting the series back to their home barn.

 

Boston has lost a first round Game 6, on the road, in back-to-back seasons and will need to prevent a repeat of last year if they don’t want another early summer. 

 

The NHL announced on Thursday that Game 1 between the Panthers and the winner of Leafs-Bruins will be on Monday, May 6 in Sunrise

 

As the Atlantic Division winners, Florida will have the home-ice advantage in the second round, whether it’s Boston or Toronto who land in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday morning.

Fascinating World of Slot Machines: Unraveling Popular Game Themes in Pin-Up Casino AZ

In online casinos, slots are the most played game. To win, you need to wait for a combination of identical symbols. Many well-known platforms that are not on the first day of the market, such as Pin-Up casino AZ, select the best slots from the trending game providers to guarantee the most rewarding leisure time for customers. The range of themes is a significant element in why many gamers play online slot games. It allows novice and seasoned players to select the most engaging pastime. Let’s examine the topics that are popular in Azerbaijan right now.

Popular slot themes in PinUp 360

What popular game themes can you find in modern Azerbaijani casinos? Let’s look at the most popular trends:

  • Fruits. It’s a cornerstone of all one-armed bandits. While there aren’t as many fruit motifs as once, many still love the symbols of bananas, lemons, plums, and oranges.
  • History. Games use this subject to feature games about historical periods. It could be treasure hunts, pharaohs, pyramids, or ancient civilizations. These slot machines base their storyline on well-known historical events. Moreover, Egypt has been a very prominent issue in this topic.
  • Pop culture. Usually, pop culture personalities play prominent roles in the characters, or popular bestsellers serve as the inspiration for the plots. Jurassic Park and Game of Thrones are two examples of these games.
  • Adventure. Players like exploring new places. Therefore, games like Novomatic’s Books and NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest — where heroes go on a treasure hunt — play a significant role.
  • Vikings and Scandinavian gods. It’s a relatively recent subject that has made its way into online casinos, such as Pin-Up online, owing to contemporary TV shows and movies. A unique society, fascinating mythology, and striking images of Vikings capture the hearts of numerous players.

Any theme will do since they all provide an engaging experience, so you can select any. For instance, those who prefer Pin Up casino Azerbaijan may easily search for one-armed-bandits based on themes and choose an appropriate one.

How to choose slot games for money in Pin-Up online?

It’s essential to comprehend the selection criteria for slots to have a fun and safe gaming experience. We recommend concentrating on the subsequent standards:

  • Determine how much you will spend on the game. Select one-armed bandits with wagers that are risk-free and within your means.
  • Look for the best RTP. Each slot game has a fixed winning percentage. There are more opportunities to win if the indication is high.
  • The slot’s variability reveals the frequency and magnitude of the wins. Smaller winnings occur more frequently while playing games with a low score. Additionally, high unpredictability occasionally leads to more significant successes.
  • Several bonus rounds, free spins, and other features are available on slots. Examine the bonuses listed and read the explanations.

A wide variety of slot machines with various themes are available in legal casinos to suit every player’s preference. PinUp 360 is one instance of this. Players may discover slots on a variety of subjects here. These are a few options available to players on gambling sites.

To sum up, casino slot types are growing along with the popularity of online platforms. Slot machines come in a variety of themes and varieties. The popularity of the mentioned games is still quite strong and is just becoming higher.

Panthers advance to second round, defeat Lightning in five games

SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday night, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-1 — taking the series in five games.

 

The Panthers have now made the second round for three consecutive seasons.

 

After a scoreless first period which saw each team finish with just seven shots on goal, the offense would finally open in the second, and the home team would get on the board first. 

 

45 seconds into the second, Carter Verhaeghe put away his own rebound to score his fourth goal of the series — giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead.

 

Besides Game 4, there’s been a goal within the first minute of a period in every game this series. Each team has done it twice — Verhaeghe being responsible for both of Florida’s.

 

The Panthers struggled on the power play in the game, but they would find some offense off their penalty kill.

 

While shorthanded, Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov scored his first goal of the series, giving the Panthers a 2-0 lead. 

 

The Panthers would kill off the same penalty, however, after Sergei Bobrovsky stopped a barrage of Lightning shots, Victor Hedman would finally get the Lightning on the board with a slapshot from the point — cutting the Panthers lead to 2-1. 

 

Despite conceding the goal, the fans chanted “Bobby” in admiration for the effort of the Panthers goaltender.

 

“I just appreciate the support, they gave it to me all season long,” Bobrovsky said. “It’s a privilege to play in front of them.”

 

After 40 minutes of play, the Panthers led 2-1 — outshooting the Lightning 22-12 in the period. 

 

Entering the third, the Panthers were 20 minutes away from moving onto the second round, but with the Lihgtning trailing by just a goal, the push from the visitors was to be expected. 

 

The final frame of regualtion was as heavy of a period as there’s been this series. Tampa finished every hit, and the Panthers followed suit. 

 

After 10 plus minutes of tight hockey in the third, the Panthers captain gave his team a pivotal two-goal cushion. 

 

Barkov scored his second goal of the night with just under nine minutes to go in the third — this was the first multi-goal game in 52 career playoff games for the Panthers captain.

 

“He was so good, so dominant. It was like a man playing against boys out there. ” Matthew Tkachuk said of Barkov. “That was very impressive.”

 

Evan Rodrigues would ice the series, scoring his first goal of the playoffs — making it 4-1 with 5:44 left in regulation.

“I thought in the third we probably played our best period of the series,” Rodrigues said. “We had a big challenge, they were gonna have a big push and  I thought it was probably the lamest we played the entire series.”

 

The Panthers would score twice on empty net (Verhaeghe, Mikkola) — taking the game 6-1 and the series in five games.

 

This is the first time that the Panthers won a series against the Lightning in the playoffs. They lost the two previous attempts (2020-21 & 2021-22) with the 2022 series being a Lightning sweep.

 

“You have to slay the dragons,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. “You’ve got to do things that you haven’t been able to do to show forward motion in progress because there was more pressure on our team.”

 

Florida’s current roster has 11 guys who were on the team for the 2022 second round loss to the Lightning and nine guys who were on the team for both 2021 and 2022.

 



What’s Next?

 

Florida awaits the winner of the Boston Bruins – Toronto MapleLeafs series. Boston currently leads 3-1, with a chance to close out the series at home on Tuesday night.

 

The Panthers defeated both teams in the playoffs last year — taking down Boston in seven games during round one, and Toronto in five games during round 2.

Know About the Best Odds to Win FIFA EURO 2024?

The best time to check out Euro 2024 odds and learn how to bet on the Euros is right now since the most recent round of the playoffs took place on March 26. 

With ten different nations having claimed victories in the tournament’s first 16 editions, many people believe the renowned 24-team competition is additionally harder to win than the World Cup.

 

We’ll talk about the betting odds for Euro 2024 here, as well as early favorites like In Germany and some of the long-shot dark horses with a real possibility of winning. 

2024 European Favorites

England (+300)

The current favorite to win the Henri Delaunay Award at Euro 2024 is England, even though they have never won the award. England has demonstrated incredible achievements throughout recent times. They achieved their first-ever European final in 2020, the World Cup semifinals in 2018, and the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals. 

 

With the firepower to support it, England will get driven to finish the job after losing to Italy on penalties in the previous European Championship final. It prevented them from winning their second-ever major international championship. Jude Bellingham has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world after a single season at Real Madrid, while Harry Kane kept performing brilliantly in his first season at Bayern Munich.

 

With Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia as the competition in their group, England should have little difficulty qualifying for the next round. Although there is considerable risk for England, if they win Group C, they would get a highly advantageous knockout stage draw and will probably play home to a team that finished third in the round of 16. However, should they place second in the group, they will have to play the victor of Group A, most likely Germany. 

France (+ 350)

Les Bleus are among the favorites in the Euro betting odds, which should come as no surprise given that France was only a penalty kick and an extended foot away from winning consecutive World Cups. France handily dominated the teams they faced in the Euro 2024 qualifying phase, winning seven games, sharing one, and scoring 29 goals against only three goals scored in eight games.

Even now, Kylian Mbappé remains one of the world’s greatest players. Thus, therefore it’s fantastic to realize that he is just 25 years old. It indicates that Mbappé is very close to reaching his peak. He is ten goals away from tying Olivier Giroud (56) as France’s best scorer. It’s doubtful that he will break the record in this competition, but he will undoubtedly try to pass Thierry Henry (51) for second place and give France their third European title. 

Germany (+650) 

Germany has performed horribly below expectations in subsequent big tournaments since winning the World Cup in 2014. In the Euro 2020 round of 16, Die Mannschaft got eliminated by eventual winners England, and they failed to advance to the next round in both World Cups. They played 11 international friendlies in 2023, losing six and drawing two, maintaining their dismal record.

 

Still, Germany will benefit from being the host country and remain In Germany. History will favor. The hosts of the Euro have won the championship three times (1964, 1968, and 1984) and advanced to the final three times (Belgium 1980, Portugal 2004, and France 2016). In a tournament that takes place across the continent, Italy was one of 11 extra countries to host a match, even though they were officially the host nation when they emerged victorious in 2020.

 

On the field, Germany still possesses a lot of firepower, and Julian Nagelsmann will be aware that the entire country depends on him. Fortunately for Nagelsmann and Germany, their group, considering all factors, matches up with Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland. They won’t undervalue any of their rivals, considering their previous past.

Spain (+800)

In 2023, Luis de la Fuente assumed over as manager of Spain, and he earned the UEFA Nations League championship with the squad. It is also likely that Spain gets to finish opposing England and France in the bracket, giving it an easy path to the final match.

 

Together with a formidable defense, the Spanish midfield of Martín Zubimendi, Rodri, and Pedri is perhaps the greatest in the world. La Furia Roja has a significant impact if striker Álvaro Morata is playing at his best. He has had difficulty in big competitions in the past. 

Portugal (+900) 

The Portuguese team’s extraordinary depth of skill is remarkable. Superstars like Bruno Fernandes, Gonçalo Ramos, Rafael Leão, Bernardo Silva, João Félix, and Bruno Fernandes all contribute significantly, in addition to Ronaldo. Portugal’s weakest point historically has been its defense. However, it currently has more depth in this domain. 

Euro 2024 player of the tournament

The Euro 2020 victor Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italy goalkeeper will have plenty of options to choose from, although the player’s share for the championship odds has not yet been available. 

 

Bellingham, Gavi, and Eduardo Camavinga are some of the top players in Europe and might win the championship. Therefore, it’s critical to monitor their achievements this season.

Lightning win Game 4, avoid series sweep to Panthers

TAMPA —  The Tampa Bay Lightning prevented a series sweep, defeating the Panthers 6-3 on Saturday night at Amalie Arena.

 

The Panthers hold a 3-1 series lead, with Game 5 coming up in Sunrise on Monday.

 

For the first time in the series, the Lightning were able to strike first in the game. 

 

On their second power play in the first period, captain Steven Stamkos scored his fourth goal of the series at the 8:54 mark of the frame. 

 

Stamkos leads the Lightning in scoring this postseason. 

 

After not getting a power play in Game 3, the Panthers went to the man-advantage for the first time in two games 10:18 into the first.

 

The lack of power play time from the previous game showed on their first attempt on Saturday.

 

A poor attempt on the power play by the Panthers turned into a great chance the other way for the Lightning. 


12:09 into the period, Brandon Hagel led a shorthanded rush and fired a long writster over Sergei Bobrovsky, giving the Lightning their first two-goal lead of the series.

 

It was Tampa’s day in the first. Less than three minutes after Hagel made it 2-0, Brayden Point cashed in on a wrap-around for a third unanswered goal. 

​​

Florida was held scoreless in the opening period for the first time in the playoffs. 

 

Down three to start the third, the Panthers needed the next goal if they wanted to make up any ground after getting blown out in the first.

 

Luckily for them, Carter Verhaeghe doesn’t play for the Lightning anymore.

 

Verhaeghe finally got the Panthers on the board, scoring his third goal of the series 4:17 into the second — cutting Tampa’s lead to 3-1. 

 

Florida had some momentum after getting their first of the game, but it would only last a few minutes as Brandon Hagel scored his second goal of the game, 9:40 into the second. 

 

Down three again, the Panthers weren’t going down without a fight.

 

90 seconds after Hagel’s goal, Sam Reinhart cut the Lightning lead in half again — scoring his 60th goal of the year (regular season + playoffs). 

 

The Panthers comeback train kept on moving and they would make it a one-goal game before the period ended. 

 

With the Panthers moving in transition, Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson jumped up in the rush, burying his first playoff goal since the 2020 playoffs.

 

Less than five minutes after the Lightning went up three, the Panthers closed the gap to one and would head into the second intermission that way.

 

If there was one Lightning skater who impressed the most in this series, it would have to be Steven Stamkos. 

 

The Bolts captain started the scoring for them in the first and he would score an important cushion goal in the third. 

 

Stamkos sniped his second of the night, fifth of the series, past Bobrovsky with 10:26 to go in regulation, putting the Lightning up  5-3.

 

Nick Paul would seal the game, scoring on a 5-on-3 advantage for Tampa’s sixth goal of the night.

 

Game Notes 

Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev played in his first game since fracturing his tibia and fibula on Feb. 7 against the New York Rangers. Sergachev said he found out on Friday that he could be playing in Saturday’s Game 4.

 

“Honestly, I couldn’t really sleep last night,” Sergachev said. “It felt like a first NHL game.”

 

The Panthers went to the penalty kill five times on Saturday, conceding twice. Through four games in the series, they’ve had to kill off 17 penalties (13/17 on the PK) — compared to their nine power plays (2/9 on PP).

 

Game 5 will be in Sunrise, Florida will have another chance to win the series, this time at home.