Pavel Kubina, Randy Jones and 2009 second overall pick Victor Hedman are welcome additions in the Lightning’s defense.

Tampa Bay Lightning – Florida Panthers

Pavel Kubina, Randy Jones and 2009 second overall pick Victor Hedman are welcome additions in the Lightning’s defense. Another solid addition is the goalie Dan Ellis. Where there are issues is up front, as there's a real drop off in depth after the top five forwards Stamkos, Lecavalier, St. Louis, Gagne and Malone. Tampa play a hard-working, two-way game and are at their best when they play with a physical edge. But they must continue to find chemistry in the lines and help the team win even more games because there is a lot of potential in this team. Lightning are actually on 5th place on the East.

Washington and Tampa Bay have higher-end talent and are deeper than Florida so the Panthers are looking at third place in the division, assuming they can finish ahead of Atlanta and Carolina. In Tomas Vokoun and Scott Clemmensen, the Panthers have a strong goaltending which is probably the best tandem in their division. Vokoun and Clemmensen have to lead the team once again. The Panthers are the only team in the league to have more wins than regulation losses during all five seasons since the NHL lockout ended and no postseason appearances to show for it. Their roster is wafer thin and the Eastern Conference is too tough.  I'm not optimistic that they will be successful in the playoffs this season.

Tampa Bay have more quality and experiences.  They are strong at St. Pete Times Forum and they should win this game...home win at 1.90 (at Betsson.com) and over 5,5 goals.