This season, the Lightning seek to land in legendary status by winning three consecutive championships, which has not been done since the dynasty days of the New York Islanders when they won four consecutive Cups from 1980-83.
But so much has changed for Tampa Bay since capturing those two Cups in the span of 282 days between September 28, 2020, and July 7, 2021.
The forward depth that proved so valuable to the team’s success for two straight postseasons was lost due to salary cap constraints. Blake Coleman landed in Calgary. Barclay Goodrow went to the New York Rangers.