Welcome back to NHL Predictions 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs style, where we break down the matchups, analyze the chaos, and try to predict the future with the accuracy of a Florida weather forecast.

The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning meet Wednesday as they continue their Eastern Conference first-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad will miss at least one game against the Lightning, depending on the next match result, after the NHL Department of Player Safety handed him a two-game suspension for elbowing Brandon Hagel in the head during Game 4. The hit occurred midway through the second period of Monday’s 4–2 Florida win over Tampa Bay.