Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Nick Perbix (48) celebrates with the bench after his goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
The Sunshine State has become one of the NHL’s most competitive battlegrounds, and the 2025‑26 season is no exception. As the league pauses for the Milan‑Cortina Olympics, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers sit in dramatically different positions—one near the top of the Eastern Conference, the other fighting to stay above the playoff line.
Lightning Surge Into the Break as a Conference Power
Tampa Bay enters the Olympic break as one of the NHL’s elite teams. With 78 points through 55 games and a 37‑14‑4 record, the Lightning sit atop the Eastern Conference standings. Their +59 goal differential is among the best in the league, and their road dominance (19‑5‑4) underscores their championship‑caliber consistency. Their recent 8‑1‑1 stretch shows a team peaking at the right time. Tampa Bay is not just a playoff lock—they are a legitimate Presidents’ Trophy contender.
Panthers Battling in the Middle of the Atlantic
The Panthers enter the break in a more precarious position. With 69 points through 57 games and a 32‑20‑5 record, Florida sits in the middle of the Atlantic Division pack. Their +13 goal differential and strong home performance (21‑8‑1) show they remain a dangerous team, but their road inconsistency (11‑12‑4) has kept them from climbing higher. Their recent 6‑1‑3 form suggests they are stabilizing at the right time, but the margin between third place and falling into the wild‑card chase remains thin.
What Must Happen After the Olympics
For Tampa Bay, the mission is simple: maintain pace, stay healthy, and secure home‑ice advantage. Their depth, scoring balance, and defensive structure make them one of the league’s most complete teams.
For Florida, the path is more complicated. They must tighten defensively, improve their road play, and avoid multi‑game skids that could drop them into a crowded wild‑card race. The Panthers have the talent to surge, but the post‑Olympic schedule will test their resilience.
A State Divided—But Poised for Drama
The Lightning look like a powerhouse. The Panthers look like a bubble team with upside. Together, they set up a compelling final two months of the season—one chasing a top seed, the other fighting to secure a spot in the dance.