Lightning Home Favorites Over Panthers In Tuesday NHL Picks

• What: Tuesday NHL Picks
• Who: Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning
• When: Tuesday, April 15, 7:00 p.m.

Home ice in the first round of the NHL playoffs is no longer on the line in the Tuesday NHL picks. As the Tampa Bay Lightning play host to the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay is already assured of that. However, if the Lightning win this game, there's still a chance they could catch the Toronto Maple Leafs for top spot in the Atlantic Division.

Oddsmakers are going with the home team as the betting chalk. The Lightning are -172 home-ice favorites.

Let's look at the latest betting line on this game. Remember, odds are subject to change.

	Puck Line	Moneyline	Total
Florida Panthers	+1.5 (-177)	+147	O 5.5 (-115)
Tampa Bay Lightning	-1.5 (+153)	-172	U 5.5 (-105)

Florida lost 5-3 to the New York Rangers on Monday. That assures that the Panthers can finish no higher than third in the Atlantic.

There are 10 NHL games on the docket during a busy Tuesday night of action. This game is the one that we think provides the best bet of the night in the NHL picks.

Best NHL Picks For You

Before we make a deeper assessment of Tuesday's Panthers vs Lightning NHL picks and best bets, why not take a look at our handy best NHL betting sites list to make the most out of your bets, including the latest props and futures wagering. As well, these online sportsbook reviews will also aid in helping you decipher which betting site is the one that's going to service your NHL betting needs on a comprehensive basis. And if you're someone who is living life on the move, these are the best sports betting apps that can help you get your NHL bets down in the midst of your busy day.

Panthers vs Lightning Betting Trends

In head-to-head meetings, the Panthers have won three of the last four, six of the past eight and 10 of the last 13 games against the Lightning. At Tampa Bay, Florida is 5-1 straight up in the club's past six visits.

The Panthers are 3-6 SU in their last nine games. They are also 0-5 SU in their past five road games. Florida has won three straight games against Atlantic Division opposition.

Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in the past six games. The Lightning are 1-4 SU in their last five meetings with Eastern Conference clubs.

The last three games between Tampa Bay and Florida have all gone under. When playing in the Tampa Bay, three of the last four games between the Lightning and Panthers went over.

Seven of Florida's past eight games have gone under. As well, each of the Panthers' last five games against Atlantic Division teams and four of the last five contests facing Eastern Conference opposition have also cashed on the under.

The NHL picks show four of Tampa Bay's last five games have gone over. Each of the last six Lightning home games also hit on the over. Against Eastern Conference squads, eight of Tampa Bay's past 12 games went over.

The Panthers are 6-6 SU as a betting underdog this season. Florida is 18-22 against the puck line as a road team. Tampa Bay is 23-17 against the puck line as the home club. The Lightning are 40-20-7 SU as the favorite in the betting line.

Injuries, Absences Slowing Panthers

As the playoffs near, injury and suspension continue to play havoc with the Florida lineup. Panthers power forward Matthew Tkachuk has been out since February due to a lower-body injury. He's expected back in time for the postseason.

GAME ON!#TimetoHunt pic.twitter.com/6LxqKQaq6Q

— x - Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) April 14, 2025

That's also when defenseman Aaron Ekblad will return. He's under NHL suspension for using a banned substance. Forward Sam Bennett was back for Monday's 5-3 loss to the New York Rangers. Forwards Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov were also recent returnees from the injury list.

Lightning Can Still Catch Maple Leafs

An all-Florida first-round playoff series is likely, but it isn't locked in yet. The Lightning still hold an outside chance of catching the Toronto Maple Leafs for top spot in the Atlantic Division. Toronto is four points ahead with each team having two games to play.

Big work week 💼 pic.twitter.com/J81YRVJvFs

— x - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 14, 2025

Tampa Bay's +75 goal differential is the best of any Eastern Conference club. The Lightning rank first in the NHL with 289 total goals this season. That's an average of 3.61 goals per game. Tampa Bay is also ranked fifth in the NHL for the fewest goals against this season. The Lightning have given up 214 total goals, or 2.67 per game.

Florida vs Tampa Bay NHL Picks

The Lighting are 6-1-3 in their last 10 games. Meanwhile, Florida is 4-5-1. The Panthers blew a 3-1 lead in losing to the Rangers on Monday. New York had been 0-30-1 when trailing by two or more goals in a game this season.

Tampa Bay Lightning To defeat Florida Panthers

-172

Bet Now!

The Panthers are 7-6 in the second game of back to backs. They've lost their last two games in this scenario. The Lightning are 5-2 SU in their past seven home games. Take Tampa Bay over Florida in the Tuesday NHL picks.