“I think it’s great for hockey in Florida because there’s two elite teams,” Paul Maurice, coach of the Panthers, said, laying the groundwork for the intrastate clash. The Florida Panthers, champions of the Atlantic Division, are set to face their crosstown rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, in Game 1 of their first-round series – with the stakes soaring. After years of postseason dominance, the Panthers are looking to change the narratives on their home ice.
The highly anticipated game will occur on Sunday, April 21, 2025, at 12:30 pm ET. Whether watching the playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena or home, here is everything you need to know about the game – where to watch, on which streaming channel or broadcast.
Panthers vs. Lightning Game 1: Where to watch
The first game between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning will take place on Sunday, April 21, 2025, at 12:30 pm ET (11:30 am CT, 9:30 am PT). The early afternoon start provides an ideal opportunity for fans to enjoy the Sunday spectacle, whether they gather at Amerant Bank Arena at sunrise or watch from the comfort of their home. It’s the perfect time for a playoff game, with high intensity for the first puck drop.
For the fans who will be tuning in from home, ESPN will officially broadcast the game nationwide, providing expert commentary and in-depth analysis for every bit of it. A Florida fan can catch amazing action on Bally Sports Florida; for Panthers fans, switch to their feed or Bally Sports Sun for Lightning coverage. This broadcasting will ensure that no matter which team you are rooting for, you stay close to the amazing action.
Welcome to ESPN, Lord Stanley
The Stanley Cup playoffs start on ESPN this Sunday! pic.twitter.com/OkHZgGG6Zc
— ESPN (@espn) April 18, 2025
There are numerous streaming options for fans on the go. ESPN+ will broadcast the game live with a monthly subscription at just $10.99. For Bally Sports subscribers, both regional feeds are accessible via the Bally Sports app, with a monthly subscription of $19.99 or an annual fee of $189.99. For fans who enjoy radio, WPOW 96.5 or WBZT 1230 AM will cover the Panthers, while WDAE 620 AM is the Tampa Bay go-to station. Other radio networks, such as SiriusXM’s NHL, provide coast-to-coast coverage, and at $24.98 per month after a $1 for three-month promotional offer, they will keep you connected regardless of where you are.
On the battlefield, rivalries reignited
The Panthers and Lightning are facing each other for the fourth time in the playoffs, with Tampa Bay having won the previous three series until last spring’s turnaround. Florida enters the series with a title in the Atlantic Division and a sense of confidence after successfully advancing to the next round against the same opponent. The Panthers’ star player, Sam Reinhart, ranks among the NHL’s top ten goal scorers this season.
Furthermore, Nikita Kucherov’s playmaking prowess and Sam Reinhart’s resilience, which define the Panthers, showcase their distinct characteristics on the field. Other players, such as Andrei Vasilevskiy, maintain a calm demeanor and net-minding that anchors the lightning. On the other hand, Sergei Bobrovsky appears to be a tough player with a high hockey IQ. These players are expected to carry the game’s momentum forward.
Additionally, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said, ”Every year these guys come back and prove they can do it. It’s been amazing to be a part of for over a decade. This group wants to make more memories. … Let’s see what we can do in the playoffs.” The coach made a statement about the team’s resilience and championship pedigree, which make them a formidable opponent. They see it as another chapter of their postseason history. With a roster filled with experience and determination, the Lightning are poised to continue their pursuit of greatness, as the Florida Panthers are also ready to face any challenge in the playoffs.
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