The Florida Panthers opened their Stanley Cup playoffs with a commanding 6-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, taking a 1-0 series lead. Matthew Tkachuk, making a notable return after a two-month injury absence, scored twice, showcasing his offensive prowess on the power play. Sam Bennett initiated the Panthers' scoring, followed by contributions from Sam Reinhart and Nate Schmidt, who both capitalized on Tampa's defensive lapses.

Despite the absence of star defenseman Aaron Ekblad, serving a suspension, Florida's blueline stood strong, limiting Tampa's scoring chances and allowing their forwards to shine. The Panthers effectively utilized screens and deflections to beat Andrei Vasilevskiy, contrasting their previous series struggles against the Lightning. The Panthers' success came from both aggressive forechecking and physical play, crucial for maintaining their edge in the upcoming games.