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.

TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Lightning are on the brink of elimination as they prepare to face the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of their First Round Stanley Cup Playoffs series. Florida currently leads the series 3-1,

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.