Published Feb 5, 4:03am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Feb 5, 4:03am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Feb 5, 4:03am ET
Fascinating action before the start of the Winter Olympics is set for Feb 5, as the high-flying Tampa Bay Lightning host the Florida Panthers.
It has been an excellent season to this point for the Lightning, winning an Eastern Conference-high of 36 games. They have also recorded wins in each of their last four.
Meanwhile, the Stanley Cup defense for the Panthers is yet to hit top gear, losing five of their last ten in regulation time.
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|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Lightning | -196 |
| Florida Panthers | +171 |
The Tampa Bay Lightning appear to be the leading chance in the Eastern Conference at this stage, with no side having won more than their 36 games in 2025-26.
Tampa have also won an Atlantic Division-high of eight games in their last ten, losing on just one occasion in regulation across that period.
At the heart of their success this term has been their defensive record, allowing an impressive low of 139 goals. Last time out, they needed to show their character to overcome the Buffalo Sabres, winning 4-3 in overtime.
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This season has been mixed for the reigning Stanley Cup champions, but given their proximity to the playoff places, it would still be difficult to rule them out.
The Panthers have gone 29-24-3 this term, and they have indicated their struggles for consistency across their last ten, winning on five occasions and suffering five defeats in regulation.
Defensive issues have been apparent for the Panthers throughout the season, allowing 185 goals. But, they should be confident ahead of this clash following a dramatic 5-4 SO win against the Boston Bruins on Wednesday.
| TOTAL | Panthers | Lightning | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 204 | 98 | 96 | - |
| GOALS | 1235 | 632 | 603 |
The Panthers will have limited time to recover ahead of this game on the road after being taken the distance by the Bruins on Wednesday. Therefore, the freshness of the in-form Lightning could be telling in Tampa.
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Tampa Bay Lightning
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