TAMPA - Life without Steven Stamkos may soon be a reality for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
On Saturday, that possible reality was put to the test as Stamkos missed the regular season home finale with a blood clot in his arm.
Tampa Bay went on to win the game 3-1 against New Jersey to take one step closer to clinching a postseason berth.
Nikita Kucherov had a goal and three points, Victor Hedman had a goal and an assist while Ben Bishop finished with 26 saves. Brian Boyle added the game winner on a third-period power play goal in the third period as Tampa Bay outshot the Devils 17-5 in the final frame.