NEWARK, N.J. - Amid all the off-ice drama, inconsistent ups and downs and sometimes circus-like atmosphere surrounding the Tampa Bay Lightning this season, they will start the playoffs on home ice.
Jonathan Drouin’s return to the NHL helped spark Tampa Bay to a 4-2 victory at New Jersey to help secure the required two points for the Lightning to clinch the second spot in the Atlantic Division and home ice advantage in the opening round.
Tampa Bay will host either Boston or Detroit when the postseason begins next week.
Drouin, playing his first game in the NHL since Dec.