Lightning, Panthers Prepare for Final Regular-Season Showdown

TAMPA, Fla. — As the NHL regular season winds down, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers face off for the final time this season on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Amalie Arena. This matchup not only marks the culmination of their ongoing rivalry but sets the stage for a potential confrontation in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Panthers, boasting a record of 47-30-4, have already secured the No. 3 seed in the Atlantic Division. Meanwhile, the Lightning (46-26-8) are vying for the division title, trailing the Toronto Maple Leafs by four points. Should the Lightning win their remaining games and the Maple Leafs falter, Tampa Bay will secure home-ice advantage when these teams inevitably meet again in the playoffs.

Throughout the past five seasons, Florida has emerged as a competitive hub for hockey, with the Lightning and Panthers collectively winning the Stanley Cup three times and consistently advancing deep into the playoffs. The Panthers eliminated the Lightning last year in the playoffs and went on to clinch their first Stanley Cup title in 2024. In total, the two teams have met three times in the postseason since 2021.

In a recent debate on NHL.com, senior writer Dan Rosen and staff writer Tracey Myers evaluated which team is better positioned for a playoff run this season. Myers praised the Panthers’ resilience, noting their strong performance despite the exhaustion stemming from back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances.

“The Panthers are a machine. They have been strong all season and continue to play great hockey as the playoffs approach,” Myers stated. “Even though we all know the division title is out of reach, that doesn’t matter if they can channel their recent playoff experience into renewed success this season.”

However, Rosen provided a contrasting viewpoint, suggesting that the sheer volume of hockey the Panthers have played could make them vulnerable. “Florida’s players have logged 290 games in just over two years, which may catch up with them come playoff time,” he argued.

Rosen also raised concerns about the Panthers’ injury list, which includes key defenseman Aaron Ekblad, suspended until Game 3 of the playoff series. He noted that forward Matthew Tkachuk, who has sat out the last 25 regular-season games, faces pressure to return to peak form quickly.

On the flip side, Rosen highlighted the Lightning’s depth and health heading into the playoffs, noting their recent record of 20 wins in the last 31 games. With star players like goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and forward Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay remains a force with ample playoff experience and a championship mentality.

“The Lightning possess an elite goaltender in Vasilevskiy and have strengthened their lineup through trade acquisitions before the deadline,” said Rosen. “Their depth and skill make them primed for a long playoff run, especially following disappointments in past seasons.”

The matchup on Tuesday also carries additional strategic implications, as both teams recognize the importance of gaining momentum heading into the playoffs. Fans are eagerly anticipating what could be a playoff preview, with both squads looking to assert dominance before the postseason officially begins.

As for the game tonight, puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, and hockey fans across the league will be watching closely to see how this heated rivalry plays out in the final regular-season meeting.