For the first time since 2007, the Tampa Bay Lightning are headed to the postseason. With their 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Bolts are playoff bound.
Penguins Vs. Lightning: Bolts Clinch Playoff Spot With Win Over Likely Playoff Opponent
They won the game the way they've won a lot of games this season -- strong goaltending from Dwayne Roloson, a few goals from Steve Downie and Martin St. Louis (helped by points from Simon Gagne, Steven Stamkos and Vinny Lecavalier), and fine team defense. Despite some recent struggles, the Bolts are a team that can be scary once the postseason page turns.
The playoff berth is sort of the culmination of the work of Tampa’s new management. New owner Jeff Vinik hired GM Steve Yzerman and coach Guy Boucher to turn the on-ice product in town around sooner rather than later, and they’ve done it faster than anybody could’ve imagined -- in just one year.
With the outcome, it’s looking more and more like these two teams are going to face in the first round of the postseason. Pittsburgh has the edge in the home-ice race between the two teams, but only three points separate the two teams.
Elsewhere in the NHL...
Sharks 6, Stars 0: This isn’t the way to make the playoffs, Dallas. This is the way to make the playoffs, San Jose. The Sharks clinched a spot with the big, lopsided victory.
Leafs 4, Bruins 3 (SO): Joffrey Lupul scored two goals and Nazem Kadri had the game-winner in the shootout for Toronto, who's all but out of the postseason at this point. Despite Boston's loss, however, the one point earned assures them no less than a tie with Montreal for the Northeast title.
Thrashers 1, Flyers 0: Philadelphia threw over 40 pucks at the net in a game full of special teams play, but a deflection off the skate of Nik Antropov was enough for Atlanta to win and mathematically stay alive in the playoff hunt.
Predators 3, Avalanche 2: Nashville likely won’t win the Central Division, but with Detroit’s 10-3 loss on Wednesday night, maybe they felt the door was a bit ajar. Thanks to this win over Colorado, the Preds move within just four points of the Wings with four games to play. Crazier things...
Capitals 4, Jackets 3 (OT): Jason Chimera scored the overtime winner for the Caps as they earned two big points and inched closer to the Flyers for the top-seed in the Eastern Conference. Just one point separates the two clubs.
Senators 4, Panthers 1: Colin Greening (say what now?) scored two goals and Craig Anderson made 37 saves as the Sens won a hockey game. Cool.
Wild 4, Oilers 2: Does anything in life sound less exciting than a Minnesota vs. Edmonton game in late March?
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