Welcome back to NHL Predictions, where we break down matchups, chew on some data points, and pretend we have psychic abilities. Today’s showdown features the Tampa Bay Lightning vs.

The defense also does a good job limiting the opposition, ranking eighth in xGA/60. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning rank lower than the Panthers in all three categories. Another disadvantage for the Bolts is they have to go to Amerant Bank Arena for this contest, where Florida is 19-10-2 this season. Tampa is just 14-13-2 on the road.

SUNRISE, Fla. –  Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zito announced today that the club has acquired defenseman Seth Jones and the Chicago Blackhawks fourth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft in exchange for goaltender Spencer Knight and Florida’s conditional first-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft.

The Panthers sent goaltender Spencer Knight and a conditional 2026 first-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for Jones and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

The Florida Panthers have boosted their defense by acquiring veteran All-Star defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks. In the trade, the Panthers also received a future draft pick while sending goaltender Spencer Knight and a conditional pick to Chicago.