While most of the players were probably taking their game-day naps, the Tampa Bay Lightning extended some franchise history. Thanks to the New York Rangers loss at the hands of the New Jersey Devils earlier in the day, the Lightning clinched a postseason spot for the eighth consecutive season. No matter how they do over the next two weeks, they’re dancing in the second season.
It also marks the 11th time in 12 seasons that Jon Cooper has led them to the playoffs, with the 2016-17 season the lone season the Bolts haven’t played extra hockey under his tutelage.