Lightning Morning News: One month till the true enjoyable begins

This is it of us. We’re formally into the final month of the common season. The NHL playoffs are slated to start out on Saturday, April 18th, so it’s formally go time for the league. For the primary time in fairly awhile, nothing is absolutely set but in both convention. Despite most groups solely having 15-17 video games to go, nobody has been formally eradicated but, nor has anybody clinched (Colorado is the closest with a magic variety of 5). There continues to be loads to be decided, and the Tampa Bay Lightning are proper within the mixture of issues.

If the NHL determined to only lower the season off proper now, the Bolts could be the second seed within the Atlantic and draw the Montreal Canadiens within the first spherical. The different match-up would function the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins. Over within the Metro, Carolina would tackle Detroit (who crosses over) and Pittsburgh would host the Islanders. Fun!

The Western Conference is simply as a lot enjoyable. Colorado would tackle Seattle, Dallas and Minnesota would do battle within the first spherical (which is the almost certainly match-up to really occur). Anaheim (!) is within the prime spot within the Pacific and will get Utah as a reward whereas Edmonton and Vegas would conflict within the first spherical.

Columbus and Ottawa are the 2 groups at the moment outdoors trying in for the Eastern Conference whereas the West has Los Angeles, San Jose, Nashville, and a resurgent Winnipeg nonetheless with cheap pictures at making a comeback.

The Lightning have 16 video games left to clinch their ninth-straight playoff berth. Because issues are so bunched up the Bolts magic quantity nonetheless sits at 25, however everybody within the east continues to be at 20 or extra.

So buckle up everybody, it’s going to be a enjoyable experience.

Other Hockey News

Brad Marchand would possibly want surgical procedure [Miami Herald]

Say what you’ll about Yanni Gourde’s long-term deal, however at the very least his cap hit is barely $2.33 million. Brad Marchand has 5 extra seasons at $5.25 million. While he was efficient when on the ice this season, protecting him wholesome for the remainder of this deal isn’t going to be simple, and it appears like this season is likely to be carried out.

The Lightning have develop into a more durable staff, is that what the NHL desires? [Tampa Bay Times]

John Romano writes in regards to the duality (“It’s a Jungian thing, sir.”)that the NHL wrestles with. They wish to undertaking a picture of robust ruggedness, however that promotion of brute physicality can even result in Radko Gudas taking out Auston Matthews or the Florida Panthers being…properly…the Florida Panthers.

Conor Geekie embracing AHL alternative [The Hockey News]

Sometimes, it takes a step again to maneuver two steps ahead. Conor Geekie didn’t plan on spending nearly all of the season in Syracuse, however he’s come to phrases with it, and is having fun with the ice time the Syracuse Crunch can supply him.

Five underrated breakout gamers within the 2025-26 NHL season [Daily FaceOff]

J.J. Moser makes the checklist in lieu of his defensive accomplice, Darren Raddysh. A defender who defends issues. What an idea.

Gavin McKenna, James Hagens amongst Hobey Baker Finalists [Hobey Baker]

There are not any Lightning prospects on this yr’s shortlist, though Jayson Shaugabay’s teammate Max Plante was named as a finalist.

Sam O’Reilly earns respect of coaches in OHL [CHL]

The Lightning prospect earned the highest spot in three classes: Smartest Player, Best on Face-Offs, and Best Defensive Forward. Marco Mignosa (Ranked third in Smartest Player, third in Best Stickhandler, 2nd in Best Shootout Shooter, and third Best Penalty Killer) and Grant Spada (Best Shot Blocker and third Most Improved Player) additionally positioned in a number of classes whereas Ethan Czata was the third Hardest Worker.

A win, Kucherov’s hat trick, and a glance forward [Backchecking the Bolts]

Another episode within the books as at this time’s trivia query entails short-handed objectives.