The Florida Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game 1 of their NHL Playoff series tonight. The matchup will begin at 7:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Panthers ended the regular season with a 47-31-4 record, but they have lost back-to-back games.

In order to win the series opener, the Panthers will need to rely on their star forward Sam Reinhart. He led the team with 81 points and 39 goals during the regular season, so he will look to continue his offensive success tonight.

The Lightning ended the regular season with a 47-27-8 record, and they have won two of their last three games.

In order to win game 1 tonight, the Lightning will need a great performance from their star forward Nikita Kucherov. He led the team with 121 points and 84 assists during the regular season.

Fans can watch game 1 of this NHL Playoff series for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.