Black Aces is the term given to players that are brought to the NHL club to practice and keep in game shape in case the team needs them during the playoffs for injuries. This is usually made up of players from the AHL that would normally be in line for call-ups, plus some extras, and sometimes younger prospects that get an opportunity to work with strength and conditioning staff before heading home for the summer.
Since the Syracuse Crunch made it into the playoffs, the only player the Lightning brought down to Tampa at the start of the playoffs was Riley Nash.