Preview: Lightning, Panthers Meet in Florida Showdown With Identical Records SUNRISE, Fla. (Interstat) — The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers, tied in the standings and fresh off decisive victories, will renew their in-state rivalry Saturday at Amerant Bank Arena. Both teams enter the matchup with identical 20-16 records. The Panthers (20-16) won the most recent meeting 5-2 in Tampa on Dec. 15, but the Lightning (20-16) took the previous contest 3-1 in Sunrise on Nov. 15. Tampa Bay arrives following a 4-1 win over the St. Louis Blues on Monday. Defenseman Darren Raddysh was instrumental in that victory, scoring a goal and adding two assists. He has been a key offensive contributor from the blue line recently, posting 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) in his last 11 games. Florida is coming off a 5-2 road win against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday. Defenseman Seth Jones scored a goal in that game and has been a steady two-way presence, recording seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in his last 10 contests while delivering physical play. The Lightning have shown inconsistency lately, with a 4-5-1 record in their last 10 games. The Panthers have been slightly better over the same span at 6-3-1, though both teams have struggled to find a prolonged winning streak. This game opens a critical home-and-home sequence for the Lightning, who will host the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday. The Panthers continue a four-game homestand, with the Washington Capitals visiting Monday. Saturday’s matchup features two teams jockeying for position in a tight Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference playoff race. The Panthers will look to leverage home-ice advantage and continue their recent success against their cross-state foes, while the Lightning aim to avenge their loss from two weeks ago and build momentum before returning home. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.