The defending Stanley Cup champions can get one step closer to back-to-back titles with a win Wednesday evening.
Game 5 of the Panthers’ first-round series is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET as the Lightning look to keep their season afloat.
Florida holds a commanding, 3-1 advantage in the series following a dramatic victory in Game 4. The Panthers netted three goals in the third period, including two in an 11-second span, to erase a 2-1 deficit and coast to a 4-2, series-altering win.
The Panthers have benefited from the return of winger Matthew Tkachuk, who missed the final 25 regular-season games after suffering a groin injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Tkachuk returned for Game 1 of the playoffs.
As Tampa Bay eyes a 3-1 series comeback, it will rely on Nikita Kucherov, who is still in search of his first goal of the playoffs. Kucherov had three points in the Lightning’s Game 3 victory but otherwise has been held in check.
Here’s what you need to know about Wednesday’s matchup between Lightning and Panthers, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Lightning vs. Panthers on today?
- TV channel: ESPN2
- Live stream: Fubo
Game 5 of Lightning vs. Panthers will air live on ESPN2. Bob Wischusen (play-by-play) and AJ Mleczko (analyst) are scheduled to have the call.
Fans looking to stream Lightning vs. Panthers can watch live on Fubo, which will carry every 2025 NHL playoff game broadcast by the ESPN networks.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Lightning vs. Panthers start time
- Date: Wednesday, April 30
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Game 5 of the NHL Playoffs series between the Lightning and Panthers is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Tampa Bay looks to kickstart a rousing comeback with a victory in Game 5. The Lightning last overcame a 3-1 series deficit during the 2011 quarterfinals, winning three consecutive games to stun the Penguins.
The Panthers, meanwhile, are the last team to successfully pull off a 3-1 comeback, vanquishing the Bruins in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. Florida, which won the Stanley Cup last year, hopes to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
Lightning vs. Panthers radio station
Fans can listen to the Lightning vs. Panthers broadcast live on SiriusXM.
New subscribers can enjoy SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NHL, NBA, MLB and NFL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Lightning vs. Panthers series schedule
Florida leads series 3-1
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 22 | Game 1: Panthers 6, Lightning 2 | — | — |
| April 24 | Game 2: Panthers 2, Lightning 0 | — | — |
| April 26 | Game 3: Lightning 5, Panthers 1 | — | — |
| April 28 | Game 4: Panthers 4, Lightning 2 | — | — |
| April 30 | Game 5 at Tampa Bay | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo |
| May 2 | Game 6* at Florida | TBA | TBA, Fubo or Sling |
| May 4 | Game 7* at Tampa Bay | TBA | TBA, Fubo or Sling |
* If necessary
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2025
Here are the key dates to know for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when previous series end.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round begins | April 19 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 5 or 6 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | June 1-7 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 23 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 27-28 |
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