The numbers tell the story for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018-19. The wins and points in the standings, placing them in the conversation for best regular-season team in the history of the National Hockey League. The offensive team statistics that reveal them to be a juggernaut. The individual accomplishments of their top players that will net them some hardware at the NHL Awards this summer.
But perhaps the most stunning number related to the Lightning's accomplishments? That would $79.5 million. That's the upper limit of the salary cap, and Tampa Bay's payroll was meticulously constructed to be underneath it over the last few seasons.