Remember this post from last year?
And then......
The Lightning, after setting the record for the most wins in a season went on to be swept in the first round of the play-offs.
The past five years have been very difficult for the Lightning
2015 - Stanley Cup Finals
Opponent: Chicago Blackhawks
After leading two games to one, the Lightning failed to win another game and scored only 2 goals in the final three games.
2016 Eastern Conference Finals
Opponent Pittsburgh Penguins
Lightning again collapsed scoring only 3 goals in the final 2 games.
2017
Decimated by injuries, they failed to even make the playoffs
2018 Eastern Conference Finals
Opponent: Washington Capitals
Up three games to two, the Lightning scored 0 goals in the final two games.
2019 First Round Playoffs
Opponent: Columbus Blue Jackets
After scoring 3 goals in the first period of the first game, it was all downhill from there. They managed only 5 goals in the final 3 games.
So, yes, Lightning fans are used to the crash and burn scenarios that made the Lightning a meme on the internet
but
NOT THIS YEAR!
Round One
Opponent: Columbus Blue Jackets
Game one featured 6 overtimes before the Lightning finally scored. I was still at work when the game started at 3:00 and I was in bed when it finally ended. The Lightning then won 3 of the next four games to win the series in 5 games.
Round Two
Opponent: Boston Bruins
They lost game one but then won four in a row to take the series in 5.
Round Three
Opponent: New York Islanders
They won in 6 games...game six featuring an overtime winning goal by Cirelli.
Round Four
Opponent: Dallas Stars
After losing game one by a large margin, they picked themselves up and won three of the next four games (and the loss was a goal scored in double overtime)!
Finally STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS
Hedman's Hair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice to have the monkey off our backs.
