It's no secret the Tampa Bay Lightning have been a thorn in the side of the Panthers in recent years.
While the Lightning were playing in the Stanley Cup Finals last season, the Panthers were looking for more answers as to why they once again couldn't get over that playoff hump.
Look no further than the offense, where Tampa ranked first in goals while the Panthers were 25th. That in and of itself is why the Panthers have struggled in recent years with the Lightning.
With an all-important home and home with a struggling Lightning team on tap, Florida looks to reverse the trend after going 1-2-1 against them last year.
"They're a good team," said head coach Gerard Gallant. "They haven't been at the top of their game lately either so it's going to be two battles and it's a good rivalry. We're looking forward to it. They are one of the early season favorites and a real good team in the league."
"I think we've played them pretty well up there, but it's about winning games," he said. "Last year we lost a couple of tough games up here and we just didn't win. It's all about wins."
Wins have been sorely missed lately, as the Panthers have gone 1-4-2 in their last 7 games. While the Lightning generally have their number, now would be the time to take advantage of their poor play to get back on the winning track. The Lightning are 3-6-1 over their last 10 games, have only scored 15 goals, and been shut out three times over that stretch.
Gallant said injured center Sasha Barkov "could be" a game time decision tonight, but it sounded more like a Monday return as he recovers from a hand/wrist injury. It will be a much needed lift to get him back, as he is widely considered the best player on the team.
Dan Spiegel Florida Panthers Media