There’s a reason why the Tampa Bay Lightning was viewed as the favorite against the higher-seeded Florida Panthers; after two games, it’s clear experience is that reason. Some would call the Lightning’s 3-1 Game 2 win over the Panthers “opportunistic” given how tilted shot attempts and expected goals were for Florida. Folks who have seen this Lightning team and organization mature since their 2015 Stanley Cup Final berth know better.
Game 2 showcased Tampa Bay’s experience and, by extension, Florida’s inexperience. Coach Joel Quenneville stated after Game 1, “That’s the difference between teams that know how to win.