Cirelli exited Tuesday's 6-2 Game 1 loss to the Florida Panthers after playing only 6:21 time-on-ice due to an undisclosed injury, and his status is up in the air for Game 2. Nick Paul centered Tampa Bay's second line after Cirelli's injury. The 27-year-old Cirelli scored a career-high 59 points (27G / 32A) in 80 games this season.
Vasilevskiy had a tremendous regular season, posting a 2.18 GAA and .921 SV% in 63 games (38-20-5). During the regular season, Vasilevskiy never allowed more than five goals in a game. However, in Game 1, he was beaten six times on 17 shots (.647 SV%) in a 6-2 loss. Still, he will return to the crease in Game 2, looking to help Tampa Bay tie the series at one. Tampa Bay enters Game 2 on Thursday as -117 home favorites against the Florida Panthers.
Vasilevskiy had a tremendous regular season, posting a 2.18 GAA and .921 SV% in 63 games (38-20-5). During the regular season, Vasilevskiy never allowed more than five goals in a game. However, in Game 1, he was beaten six times on 17 shots (.647 SV%) in a 6-2 loss. Still, he will return to the crease in Game 2, looking to help Tampa Bay tie the series at one. Tampa Bay enters Game 2 on Thursday as -117 home favorites against the Florida Panthers.
Cirelli exited Tuesday's 6-2 Game 1 loss to the Florida Panthers after playing only 6:21 time-on-ice due to an undisclosed injury, and his status is up in the air for Game 2. Nick Paul centered Tampa Bay's second line after Cirelli's injury. The 27-year-old Cirelli scored a career-high 59 points (27G / 32A) in 80 games this season.
Cirelli exited Tuesday's 6-2 Game 1 loss to the Florida Panthers after playing only 6:21 time-on-ice due to an undisclosed injury. Nick Paul centered Tampa Bay's second line after Cirelli's injury. The 27-year-old Cirelli scored a career-high 59 points (27G / 32A) in 80 games this season.
The battle of Florida is the only playoff series yet to commence, but it will get underway on Tuesday, with Vasilevskiy tending the twine for Tampa Bay. Vasilevskiy had a tremendous season, rebounding after an uncharacteristically averaging 2023-24 campaign, posting an impressive 2.18 GAA and .921 SV% in 63 games (38-20-5). The 30-year-old netminder has a 2.41 GAA and .920 SV% in 115 career playoff games (66-46). Tampa Bay enters Game 1 on Tuesday as slight -115 home favorites against the Florida Panthers.
The battle of Florida is the only playoff series yet to commence, but it will get underway on Tuesday, likely with Vasilevskiy tending the twine for Tampa Bay. Vasilevskiy had a tremendous season, rebounding after an uncharacteristically averaging 2023-24 campaign, posting an impressive 2.18 GAA and .921 SV% in 63 games (38-20-5). The 30-year-old netminder has a 2.41 GAA and .920 SV% in 115 career playoff games (66-46). Tampa Bay enters Game 1 on Tuesday as slight -115 home favorites against the Florida Panthers.
Harkins will be the odd-man out upfront for Anaheim's regular season finale on Wednesday. Brett Leason will draw into the lineup in his place.
Carlson did not play Washington's previous game and will remain out on Tuesday against the New York Islanders. The 35-year-old defenseman is averaging 23:34 time-on-ice and has 51 points (5G / 46A) in 79 games this season.
Carlson did not play Washington's previous game but could return to the lineup on Tuesday against the New York Islanders. The 35-year-old defenseman is averaging 23:34 time-on-ice and has 51 points (5G / 46A) in 79 games this season.
Vasilevskiy has allowed four goals in consecutive games (0-0-2), saving 49 of 57 shots (.859 SV%), and will hope for a better result tending the twine on Tuesday against the Florida Panthers. Still, the 30-year-old Vasilevskiy has been stellar most of the season, posting a solid 2.20 GAA and .920 SV% in 62 games (37-20-5). Tampa Bay enters Tuesday's contest, a potential first-round playoff preview, as -182 home favorites against a Florida team that lost 5-3 to the New York Rangers last night.
Guentzel did not play in Tampa Bay's previous game due to personal reasons but will return to the lineup on Friday. The 30-year-old Guentzel is averaging 20:06 time-on-ice and has 77 points (38G / 39A) through 76 games in his first season with Tampa Bay.
The Lightning will turn to their franchise netminder in a pivotal game on Friday in their push for the Atlantic Division crown. Vasilevskiy took the loss in his last start, allowing four goals on 31 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss to the division-leading Maple Leafs on Wednesday. The former Vezina Trophy winner is enjoying another successful season in Tampa Bay, posting a 37-20-4 record and a .921 SV%. He's a great bet to get back in the win column on Friday as the Lightning enter action at -300 on the money line.
Guentzel did not play in Tampa Bay's previous game due to personal reasons but returned to practice on Friday. The 30-year-old Guentzel is averaging 20:06 time-on-ice and has 77 points (38G / 39A) through 76 games in his first season with Tampa Bay.
With Stuart Skinner (upper body) returning to the lineup on Friday, Rodrigue has been reassigned to the Bakersfield Condors (AHL). The 24-year-old Rodrigue made his NHL debut in his brief stint with the Oilers, posting a 3.10 GAA and .862 SV% in two winless appearances.
Guentzel was a surprise scratch on Wednesday, with the team not announcing his absence prior to warmups. Mitchell Chaffee will draw into the lineup in his place.
In a crucial battle for first place in the Atlantic division, Tampa Bay will have Vasilevskiy tending the twine against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Vasilevskiy was sensational in his most recent outing, saving 38 of 39 shots (.974 SV%) in a 5-1 win over the New York Rangers. The 30-year-old Vasilevskiy has been other-worldly since the start of 2025, leading the NHL in wins (21), SV% (.930), and shutouts (4), and has the second-best GAA (1.94). Tampa Bay enters Wednesday's contest as -181 home favorites against a Toronto team that lost 3-1 to the Florida Panthers last night.
