Playoff Spot Clinched, and Bolts Follow Up with a Comeback Win
There were several potential playoff clinching scenarios for the Tampa Bay Lightning today. The first was one that would happen before the Bolts even took the ice. The Detroit Red Wings took on the Eastern Conference basement dwelling New York Rangers at Madison Square Gardens. A regulation loss for the visiting Red Wings would ensure that they could not surpass the Lightning (or the Sabres) and would thereby clinch a playoff berth for Tampa Bay (and Buffalo). Detroit followed through with their end, losing 4-1, so the Lightning playoff spot was clinched a couple of hours before puck drop at Benchmark International Arena.
On to the Main Act
With their playoff spot clinched, the Lightning got ready to finish off their seven-game home-stand. Today's opponent, the Boston Bruins. It was the third meeting of these two teams this season. The first one was in Boston all the way back in the opening week of the season when the Lightning secured their first win of the 2025-2026 campaign. The second meeting was a game Lightning fans will remember for years to come. The Stadium Series game. The one with the goalie fight. The one where Tampa Bay came back from a 5-1 deficit to win in a shootout. The pressure would be on the Bruins today, as the Lightning had already secured their post-season plans, while Boston continues to fight for theirs.
Bruins Take Control
The first period was pretty evenly matched. Both teams had their chances. The Bruins got two power plays but could not score. Andrei Vasilevskiy was the best Bolt on the ice making several key saves. Twenty minutes ended with no score, and each team with eight shots.
The Lightning have been a very good second period team this year, but they certainly did not look the part today. Shots in the second favored Boston 7-0 for the first several minutes. The Lightning finally got their first shot on the penalty kill. As the seven-minute mark approached, Boston broke through after sustained pressure to take a 1-0 lead.
The Lightning began to wake up later in the period and had some chances but could not capitalize. In the end, the Bruins outshot them 11-5 for the period.
Lightning Fight Back in the Third
In the second, the Lightning didn't look like a team that had clinched a playoff spot. Or perhaps, they did. Perhaps, they looked like a team that was lacking motivation since their spot was already assured. Either way, the fans at Benchmark International Arena wanted to see a better third period.
They got their wish as the Lightning played much more inspired hockey in the third period.
Just 2:13 into the final frame, the Bolts got the equalizer. Charle-Edouard D'Astous found a rebound and snapped it home to tie the game. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Darren Raddysh assisted on the marker.
Record Setting Raddysh
The game remained deadlocked at one for much of the third period. Then, with five and a half minutes remaining in regulation, a record setting goal! Darren Raddysh rifled one over the shoulder of Jeremy Swayman to give Tampa their first lead of the night. Raddysh's 21st goal of the season is the most ever by a Lightning defenseman!
Nikita Kucherov would add an empty net goal with a minute and a half remaining to seal this one at 3-1.
With the victory, the Lightning climb to 102 points (48-22-6). They will remain atop the Atlantic Division through the weekend no matter how they Sabres game plays out tonight. They two team will face off on Monday night. The Montreal Canadiens are close on their heels.
As an added bonus, their in-state rivals, the stinkin' Panthers, were officially eliminated from playoff contention with an embarrassing 9-4 loss to Pittsburgh today.
Three Stars
Darren Raddysh: game winning goal to set a new Bolt record, 2 points
Andrei Vasilevskiy: stopped 21/22 at some very big moments
Charle-Edouard D'Astous: tying goal in the third period
Honorable mention to Yanni Gourde whose line was relentless on the forecheck and helped swing momentum back in the Bolts' favor.
Up Next
The Bolts have clinched their playoff spot and completed their seven-game home-stand with a 5-1-1 record (earning 11 of a possible 14 points). The battle for first in the Atlantic continues as the Bolts hit the road for a four-game jaunt across the Atlantic Division teams still in playoff contention. First stop will be in Buffalo Monday night with a 7pm scheduled start time.
Comments