The Panthers out-hit the Lightning by a 48-28 count. They particularly made their presence felt in the first period when they were credited with 19 hits to only nine for the Lightning. If Jon Cooper is concerned about what the Panthers did to his team physically, he’s not letting on.

Matthew Tkachuk returned to action with two goals, and the Stanley Cup champs swiped home-ice advantage by thumping the host Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Panthers have a chance to eliminate the Lightning on Wednesday night but they’ll be doing so without defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for two games.