Expect fireworks in latest rivalry matchup between Panthers and Lightning

A challenging week continues for the Florida Panthers on Saturday when they welcome perhaps their most bitter rival to Sunrise.

After splitting a pair of road games in Dallas and Carolina, the Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Lightning, who surely haven’t forgotten what happened the last time these teams met.

This will be the final meeting of the season between the cross-state rivals and first and only time the Panthers will host the Lightning at Amerant Bank Arena.

The previous two matchups, both won by Florida, were up in Tampa Bay.

That includes last month’s visit when the Panthers put up nine goals on the Bolts, embarrassing them in their own barn.

The blowout will likely be on the minds of both teams ahead of Saturday's meeting, which should only add to the intensity. 

Another thing that can probably be counted on is that the power play potency will be off the charts.

Florida and Tampa Bay are the top two teams in the NHL when on the man advantage, with Tampa (29.4%) ranking first and Florida (26.8%) in second.

The Panthers lineup will be something to keep an eye on after Florida played without center Sam Bennett and winger Evan Rodrigues during Thursday’s loss in Carolina.

Both have been considered day-to-day by Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice, who will likely provide an update on both players after Florida’s morning skate at the Baptist Health Ice Plex on Saturday morning.

Here are the Panthers projected lines and pairings for Saturday’s matchup with Tampa Bay:

Vladimir Tarasenko – Sasha Barkov – Sam Reinhart

Carter Verhaeghe – Sam Bennett – Matthew Tkachuk

Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Evan Rodrigues

Nick Cousins – Kevin Stenlund – Kyle Okposo

Gus Forsling – Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Niko Mikkola – Brandon Montour

Josh Mahura – Dmitry Kulikov

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