On Tuesday night, the Lightning, despite losing to the New York Rangers, still clinched a playoff berth because Boston lost in a shootout. On this night, the Lightning secured second place in the Atlantic Division and home ice in the first round of the playoffs. Again on this night, they got some help – Boston beat Detroit. But unlike on Tuesday, they didn’t need the help. The Lightning put forth a solid performance in their 4-2 win over the Devils.
The Lightning needed to play well in order to win this game. The Devils were coming off a lackluster effort in a Tuesday loss to Buffalo and, after being called out by their coach, played a spirited game against the Lightning.