But ultimately, the Panthers simply outplayed the Lightning. They converted on their chances and defended at a high level. Bobrovsky gave them timely saves, especially in the first period. Conversely, the Lightning made isolated defensive mistakes that proved to be extremely costly.

Cooper called it “a brutal game” between two tired teams, citing that the Panthers were finishing a four-game road trip that previously sent them to Utah, Colorado and Dallas while the Lightning were back home playing their fifth game since Dec. 8 in a different city.

The Florida Panthers visit the Tampa Bay Lightning after Brad Marchand scored two goals in the Panthers' 4-0 win over the Dallas Stars

The Battle of Florida resumes on Monday night as the Atlantic Division-leading Tampa Bay Lightning host the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers at the Benchmark International Arena.

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper made a rather interesting admission after a loss to the Florida Panthers.

Panthers aim to cap a strong road trip by clashing with a struggling Lightning squad that could potentially be welcoming back their star goalie.