Time: 7:30 pm Eastern Time
Location: BB&T Center
Broadcast/Streaming: NBCSN, SN, TVAS, BSFL, BSSUN
After 28 seasons of existence, the Tampa Bay Lightning will face their in-state rival, the Florida Panthers, for the first time in a playoff game. A long-awaited Sunshine State playoff series is starting tonight with the game in Sunrise, Florida. Unlike in the previous years, where the Lightning were a clear favourite between those teams, both teams are heading into the first round of playoffs with almost even chances to make the next round.
The Panthers claimed home-ice advantage after winning two final games of the regular season against the Lightning, in which Tampa Bay decided to give some rest to their players.