Panthers-Lightning series preview - will Florida get revenge for 2021?

For the second straight year, it will be a Battle of Florida in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Panthers seeking revenge for their loss in 2021. Last year, the Lightning defeated the Panthers in six games in the first round and went on to win their second straight Stanley Cup.

The Panthers just came off a six-game series win over the Washington Capitals where they looked shaky at times. Forward Carter Verhaeghe scored the overtime winner in Game 6 and was easily the MVP of the series. In six games, he had twelve points (six goals, six assists).

Florida also is dealing with an injury to their forward group. Mason Marchment, who missed Game 5 and 6 of the Washington series with a lower-body injury missed practice on Monday and is not expected to play in Game 1 according to Panthers Head Coach Andrew Brunette.

Bruno says Mason Marchment is «probably» not available for Game 1 against Tampa.— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) May 15, 2022

As for the Tampa Bay Lightning, they're coming off a seven-game series win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Lightning were down 3-2 in the series but defeated Toronto at home in overtime in Game 6 and then 2-1 in Game 7.

Much like the Panthers, the Lightning will be missing a player to their forward group and no disrespect to Mason Marchment, but this is a much bigger loss. Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper told reporters on Monday that Brayden Point is doubtful for Game 1, but will likely be day-to-day after that.

Jon Cooper said Brayden Point is doubtful for Game 1 but is day to day after.— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) May 16, 2022

Point suffered a leg injury in Game 7 against Toronto and left the game in the first period. The 26-year-old returned to start the second period, played one shift but was in a lot of pain and did not play again, but sat on the bench with his teammates.

With a series win, the Tampa Bay Lightning will advance to their fourth Eastern Conference Final in five years.

Let's take a look at the schedule, which includes a rare playoff back-to-back for Game's 3 and 4.

Note: * - if necessary.

(A1) Florida Panthers vs (A3) Tampa Bay Lightning
Game 1: May 17th at 7 p.m. ET.
Game 2: May 19th at 7 p.m. ET.
Game 3: May 22nd at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Game 4: May 23rd at 7 p.m. ET.
*Game 5: May 25th at TBD.
*Game 6: May 27th at TBD.
*Game 7: May 29th at TBD.

Who do you think will win? Will the Panthers advance to their first Eastern Conference Final since 1996 or will the Lightning keep their hopes of a third straight Stanley Cup alive? Let us know in the poll below!