A Panthers win gives Florida a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-7 series, needing just one win over the final three games to advance to the second round. A Lightning win levels the series at two wins apiece before the series shifts back to Tampa.

The Panthers begin their title defense with a first-round series against the battle-tested Lightning, which begins Tuesday night. Last year, the two in-state foes also met in the first round, with Florida disposing of Tampa Bay in five games - their first of four series victories en route to winning the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.