The Lightning were re-crowned Eastern Conference Champions after completing its comeback series victory over the New York Rangers.
Courtesy of @TBLightning on Twitter
By Max Steele
The Tampa Bay Lightning are headed to the Stanley Cup Finals, again.
The hockey team completed its comeback series victory over the New York Rangers with a 2-1 win on Saturday night at Amalie Arena and were re-crowned Eastern Conference Champions for the third postseason in a row.
Steven Stamkos—who has been Tampa Bay’s head captain since 2014—scored five goals and two assists throughout the series, including both goals in the clutch Game 6 win.
The 32-year-old gave his team a 1-0 lead in the second period with a deep shot from beyond the top of the circle. After the Rangers tied the game up at 1-1 in the third period, it only took Stamkos 21 seconds to score again and seal the game.
“These are the games you live for as a kid,” Stamkos said after the series-clinching win. “Tonight was amazing. Unbelievable team effort.”
After losing the series’ first two games in New York, the Lightning players had to rally to give themselves a chance at defending their throne in the next round.
They were up for the challenge.
The Lightning didn’t lose a single game after that — taking both Game 3 and 4 in Tampa, squeaking out a narrow Game 5 victory in New York and sealing the series in Game 6.
The team now advances to its third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and have the chance to three-peat, a feat that has only been accomplished five times in National Hockey League history, with the last occurring nearly 40 years ago by the New York Islanders.
While Tampa Bay will have experience on its side, the Lightning will face off against arguably its toughest opponent yet, the Colorado Avalanche.
The Avalanche are coming off a 4-0 sweep in the Western Conference Finals and will have nine days of rest before the Stanley Cup puck drops.
Game 1 is set for Wednesday, June 15 at 8 p.m. at Colorado’s Ball Arena.
