Expectations were high this year in Tampa Bay. After an early exit last spring, the belief inside the room — and across the fan base — was that this version of the Lightning was more equipped to go a deep playoff run.

Kucherov had only seven shots on goal in five games. He avoided the battle areas quite a bit. When the Panthers hit him — and they did often — he didn’t like it. He threw fits on the ice and the bench. He let the Panthers get to him early and often.

Defending champion Florida Panthers take first step toward repeat bid Wednesday night by eliminating the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5.