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5d ago

Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers Set to Renew Playoff Rivalry in Game 1

The Panthers face roster challenges with Aaron Ekblad suspended and Matthew Tkachuk's return uncertain, while the Lightning miss Oliver Bjorkstrand for the series.

Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates off after losing Game Four of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs in overtime against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Amalie Arena on April 24, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.
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Overview

  • Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs 'Battle of Florida' begins tonight at 8:30 p.m. in Tampa, marking the fourth playoff meeting between the two teams in five years.
  • The Panthers will be without defenseman Aaron Ekblad for the first two games due to a suspension for a performance-enhancing substance violation.
  • Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand is ruled out for the entire series with a lower-body injury, impacting Tampa Bay’s offensive depth.
  • Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk, sidelined since February with a lower-body injury, participated in full practice but remains a game-time decision for his return.
  • Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, coming off his second consecutive Art Ross Trophy-winning season, and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy are key players to watch in the series opener.