The Panthers cannot lose themselves in chaotic brawls this year. Especially against teams like the Lightning, who are absolutely lethal on the power play. If Florida has a repeat of that Stanley Cup Final with Vegas, they may not even make it to the final round in 2024.

SUNRISE, Fla. – The Battle of Florida is about to begin again. Facing each other in the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons, the Florida Panthers will kick off their quest to return to the Stanley Cup Final with an exciting matchup against the cross-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference First Round.

The Panthers and Lightning played three times this regular season, with Florida winning two of the matchups, 3-2 on Dec. 27 and 9-2 on Feb. 17 in Tampa. The Lightning won in their lone trip to