For the longest time, the captain’s pride served the Lightning well. Steven Stamkos helped create — and enforce — a certain standard in the Tampa Bay locker room. He was the conduit between the coaching staff and the players.

But this time there's a twist. In 2021 and 2022, the Lightning were the defending Stanley Cup champion; this time the Panthers are. Each time the two teams have faced each other, the winner of the series has gone on to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

For the third time in four seasons, the Panthers and Lightning are meeting in the playoffs. This one might be the best yet.