Panthers Aim to Advance Against Lightning Without Ekblad

TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Panthers can move to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a win over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. With a dramatic victory in Game 4, Florida leads the best-of-7 series 3-1.

In Game 4, the Panthers scored two late goals within 11 seconds to take control and stun the Lightning. Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk commented, “You’re trying to end someone’s season. They’re down three games. They battled all year. They’re not going to go down easy, that’s for sure.”

However, the Lightning face a tough challenge without forward Brandon Hagel, who is sidelined after being elbowed by Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad in Game 4. Ekblad received a suspension from the NHL Department of Player Safety for the incident.

The series has intensified, with multiple suspensions. Hagel’s absence follows a suspension for a hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov. Florida’s Gustav Forsling also faced a game misconduct for boarding Tampa Bay’s forward.

Now, the Lightning must focus on increasing their offensive production. They led the NHL in scoring during the regular season but struggled in this series. “Get in front of the goalie and get more shots,” Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov said, emphasizing the need to attack more aggressively.

Historically, teams that lead 3-1 in a best-of-7 series have a 317-32 (.908) record. The Lightning, who are 1-for-15 on the power play in the series, are 16-13 in elimination games, showing the stakes are high.

The Panthers are looking to continue their momentum, winning both games in Tampa during this series. Tkachuk’s ice time has increased as he has returned from a lower-body injury, now vital to Florida’s strategy. He noted, “We want to finish this and finish it the right way.”

As Game 5 approaches, questions surround team strategies. Lightning coach Jon Cooper stated, “It seems like the urgency level is heightened. In the end, it’s still another hockey game.” Meanwhile, Tkachuk emphasizes Florida’s determination to maintain their steady play despite the pressure.

Both teams are poised for a fiercely contested game with significant playoff implications on the line.