TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

The Tampa Bay Lightning don’t want to get ahead of themselves in their bid to become the first team in 40 years to win three consecutive Stanley Cup titles.

Ross Colton scored with just under four seconds remaining, giving the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning a 2-1 victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

EASTERN CONFERENCEAtlantic Division(3) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (1) Florida Panthers (Lightning lead 1-0)Time: 7 p.m. Despite Anthony Duclair scoring first for the Panthers, that is all Florida would get in game one. Watch the NHL Playoffs on FuboTV (7-day free trial)WESTERN CONFERENCECentral Division(3) St. Louis Blues vs. (1) Colorado Avalanche (Avalanche lead 1-0)Time: 9:30 p.m. ETWhere: Ball Arena (Denver, Colo.)Channel: TNTStream: Sling, DirecTV StreamThe Avs and Blues went at it in game one, well maybe the Avs went more at the Blues. The Blues showed that they can stay in games with the overpowering Avs, albeit if their goaltender plays out his mind.

Pierre-Edouard Bellemare scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period, Andrei Vasilevskiy remained red-hot with 34 saves and the Tampa Bay Lightning topped the Florida Panthers 4-1 in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series.

After an exciting opening round, the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is shaping up to be even more exciting. The Division Finals begin on Tuesday featuring the league’s two best teams and the defending Stanley Cup champs. In that opening round series against the Washington Capitals, Florida needed some puck luck and a couple of valiant comebacks to make their way into the second round. The two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Lightning had to go the distance against the Toronto Maple Leafs to keep their title defense intact. Check out the full NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs results here

Brayden Point scored on a rebound with 1:56 remaining in overtime to give the Tampa Bay Lightning a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs and force a Game 7 in the first round playoff series between the Atlantic Division rivals.

Ross Colton scored twice, Andrei Vasilevskiy had 22 saves and the Tampa Bay Lightning got off to a fast start and beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 7-3 in Game 4 to even their first-round playoff series.

Jack Cambell had 32 saves — including three to protect the lead on a late power play — and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.

NHL teams are taking different approaches to crossing the U.S.-Canada border during the first round of the playoffs with the U.S. still requiring a negative COVID-19 test for all passengers arriving on international flights. The Edmonton Oilers flew to Vancouver and took buses into Washington state before flying to Los Angeles to avoid U.S. virus testing requirements, and the Toronto Maple Leafs took buses to Buffalo, New York, before flying to Florida for the same reason. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames all opted to test and fly direct when their respective series shifted from Canada to the U.S. late this week.

The Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes are among the contenders looking to get over the hump this year and win the Stanley Cup.

The eight playoff teams in the Eastern Conference have been set since before the All-Star break.

President Joe Biden avoided politics in honoring the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning for winning the Stanley Cup in each of the past two seasons.

Evgeni Malkin scored two goals, and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Detroit Red Wings 7-2.

Jakub Vrana scored his second goal of the game to snap a tie in the third period Tuesday and the Detroit Red Wings finally solved goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 and Amalie Arena. Vasilevskiy entered the game with a career record of 13-0-0 against the Red Wings. It was the Red Wings’ first game since Dylan Larkin’s season ended Monday following core muscle surgery and they didn’t struggle for offense like they did the previous two games (outscored 10-1). The Red Wings have split four games during a rugged six-game stretch that continues Thursday at Florida. The Red Wings scored the next three goals.

Watch the Detroit Red Wings on DirecTV StreamDetroit arrives in the Sunshine State with a 29-37-10 record, and have just been jumped by the Buffalo Sabres in the Atlantic Division, as the Wings now sit sixth in the division with 68 points. This, coming after the Red Wings lost both games of their back-to-back over the weekend, and have now lost four of their last five games. Despite a rather solid start on Sunday, the Red Wings were not able to keep one of the league’s most potent offenses at bay on Sunday in Detroit. The Tampa Bay Lightning are doing exactly what they did before winning their second consecutive Stanley Cup last season. Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveWhat: NHL HockeyWho: Detroit Red Wings (29-37-10) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (46-21-8)When: Tuesday, April 19Time: 7:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, those two stories collide when the Dallas Stars host the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Stars are fighting with the Vegas Golden Knights and Nashville Predators for the two Wild Card spots in the Western Conference. At the moment, Dallas holds the second Wild Card position, one point back of the Predators, but two ahead of the Golden Knights. They are comfortably in a playoff spot, though, as the Washington Capitals, who hold the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, are six back of the Lightning. What: NHL HockeyWho: Tampa Bay Lightning (43-20-8) vs. Dallas Stars (40-26-4)When: Tuesday, April 12Time: 9:30 p.m.

Jack Roslovic had three goals, including the winner at 3:19 of overtime, and added an assist to lead the Columbus Blue Jackets past the Detroit Red Wings 5-4.

The Tampa Bay Lightning haven't been through struggles like this in many years.

DETROIT – Braydon Point scored at 2:32 of overtime Saturday and the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 at Little Caesars Arena. Tampa Bay (40-18-6) scored twice on the power play while the Red Wings (26-31-8) went 0 for 5 on the man-advantage. Tyler Bertuzzi was called for tripping 51 seconds into overtime, putting the Lightning on the power play. The Red Wings, after failing to convert on their fifth power play, mounted some pressure five-on-five. The Red Wings had a good opportunity to strike first in the opening period with back-to-back power plays.

The Detroit Red Wings are coming off a tough loss at the hands of the New York Islanders on Thursday night. They now prepare to host the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday afternoon. Watch the Detroit Red Wings on DirecTV StreamIn their matchup with the Islanders, the Red Wings fell behind by two in the first period, including giving up their first goal just nine seconds into the game. The Tampa Bay Lightning come to town, and the back-to-back Cup champs have struggled as of late. Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveWhat: NHL HockeyWho: Tampa Bay Lightning (39-17-6) vs. Detroit Red Wings (26-31-7)When: Saturday, March 26Time: 12:30 p.m.

Victor Hedman scored twice, Mikhail Sergachev had a goal and two assists and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-3 on Sunday night. Hedman, Corey Perry and Sergachev scored Tampa Bay's last three goals in a 32-second span in the third. “We were shooting pucks, and good things happen,” Hedman said.

The back-to-back Stanley Cup Champion Lightning are looking poised for another deep playoff run. Watch the NHL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Much further down the league standings you will find the Chicago Blackhawks. Chicago has seen an uptick at play at points during the season, and have won two of their last four games coming into Sunday. What: NHL HockeyWho: Tampa Bay Lightning (36-12-6) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (20-28-8)When: Sunday, March 6Time: 7:00 p.m. ETWhere: United Center (Chicago, Ill.)Channel: NHL NetworkStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NHL standings and results on NHL.com

Mikhail Sergachev scored the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period on a power play and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-1.

The Detroit Red Wings appeared to catch a break Friday when the Tampa Bay Lightning, playing on back-to-back nights, started their backup goaltender. But the Red Wings didn’t make it hard enough on Brian Elliott, didn’t get enough pucks on net in a 3-1 loss at Amalie Arena. Andrei Vasilevskiy, who is 13-0-0 lifetime against the Red Wings (24-25-6), started Thursday in a 5-1 loss to Pittsburgh. “I think ultimately it’s probably trying to be too cute and trying to make that extra play,” Blashill said. We probably missed him as the game went along.”More: Red Wings lose specialty teams battle

The Detroit Red Wings outscored the Tampa Bay Lightning at even strength Friday but lost the special teams battle, and that was the difference. The Red Wings (24-25-6) were unable to win back-to-back games after a 4-3 victory over Carolina on Tuesday. After a scoreless opening period, the Lightning dominated the second period, outshooting the Red Wings 19-6, but the teams traded goals. He leads the Red Wings and NHL rookies with 36 assists. The Red Wings complete a difficult back-to-back Saturday against Florida.

The Detroit Red Wings will be well-rested and the Tampa Bay Lightning quite agitated when the teams meet tonight at Amalie Arena (7 p.m., Bally Sports Detroit). The Red Wings (24-24-6) are coming off a 4-3 overtime victory over Carolina on Wednesday, looking to win back-to-back games for the first time since Feb. 9-12 against the Flyers. But Red Wings’ coach Jeff Blashill doesn’t believe being the rested team necessarily is an advantage in this case. Prior to that, the Lightning had won 17 in a row at home against the Red Wings, including the playoffs. … I just would hate to put a real date on it and lock myself into that.”The Red Wings will need to clear a roster spot before activating Vrana.

The Detroit Red Wings are feeling good after a dramatic win against one of the NHL’s best. However, they have to quickly turn their attention to another one of the league’s best teams, as they head down to Florida to meet with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Watch the Detroit Red Wings on DirecTV StreamRaymond’s 16th goal of the season keeps him in the NHL rookie scoring lead, with 43 points this season. For the first time since opening night, the Wings get to meet the back-to-back Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveWhat: NHL HockeyWho: Detroit Red Wings (24-24-6) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (35-11-6)When: Thursday, March 3Time: 7:00 p.m.

Steven Stamkos had a goal and two assists as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Nashville Predators 3-2 to spoil the first outdoor game in Music City.

In a very fun and exciting event, the NHL goes back outdoors, in a unique environment, as the annual Stadium Series sees two sun belt teams face off in the Music City, as the Nashville Predators host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Watch the NHL on DirecTV StreamThe Predators are playing in their second outdoor game in franchise history. Despite their success and consistently exceptional seasons, this will be the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first ever game outdoors. What: 2022 NHL Stadium SeriesWho: Tampa Bay Lightning (33-11-6) vs. Nashville Predators (30-18-4)When: Saturday, February 26Time: 7:30 p.m. ETWhere: Nissan Stadium (Nashville, Tenn.)Channel: TNTStream: DirecTV StreamCheck out the NHL standings and results on NHL.com

The Detroit Red Wings waived center Gemel Smith Friday, one month after claiming him on waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning. If Smith, 27, clears at 2 p.m. Saturday, the Red Wings will have the option of assigning him to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. Gemel hasn’t had tons of opportunity yet, but if Carter Rowney and Vladdy (Namestnikov) are back and you’re looking at a pretty full roster. The Red Wings claimed Smith on Jan. 19 needing help at center after Carter Rowney was injured and with Mitchell Stephens out long-term. We have flexibility with Joe because we don’t need to put him on waivers (to send him down).

Pat Verbeek has been hired as the new general manager of the Anaheim Ducks.

The Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday claimed center Gemel Smith off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Smith, 27, is the older brother of Detroit winger Givani Smith. Gemel Smith suffered a lower-body injury in training camp with the Lightning and hasn’t played in a game this season. Smith appeared in eight games last season between Tampa Bay and AHL Syracuse. He has 12 goals, 24 points and 53 penalty minutes in 88 NHL games over parts of five seasons with Dallas, Boston and Tampa Bay.

The Detroit Red Wings have claimed forward Gemel Smith off of waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

DETROIT -- Detroit sports teams haven’t had a ton of success lately. No team has won a playoff game since the Red Wings defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2015-16 NHL playoffs. The results were mixed, but often positive Detroit teams. Leading the way was the classic winged wheel of the Detroit Red Wings, which ranked as the No. Hockey fans seemed to respect the classic nature of the Red Wings logo.

Anthony Duclair scored twice, Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal and four assists, and the Florida Panthers romped to a 9-3 rout of the NHL-leading Tampa Bay Lightning.

Ondrej Palat scored 36 seconds into overtime after Tampa Bay teammate Corey Perry tied it late in the third period, and the Lightning beat the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 in the first NHL game following an extended holiday break.

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The NHL will emerge from an extended holiday break with taxi squads and other roster revisions to guard against more disruptions to the season.

Steven Stamkos scored the tiebreaking goal on a third-period power play and the Tampa Bay Lightning rallied past the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in the final NHL game before an extended holiday break.

The Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers played in an empty Bell Centre on Thursday night because of a spiraling rise of COVID-19 cases.

Jeff Vinik is overseeing a $3.5 billion development in downtown Tampa that is betting on workers returning to offices, something he said he's bullish on.

Andrei Vasilevskiy made 31 saves, Anthony Cirelli had a goal and two assists, and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat Washington 3-2 to end the Capitals’ eight-game season-opening point streak.

On Tuesday, two of the most talented lineups in the Western Conference get set for a Mile High showdown, as the Colorado Avalance and Vegas Golden Knights try to move past their early season struggles. The Avalanche were projected by many as the team to beat in the Central Division. After beating the newest franchise in the league, the Seattle Kraken, on opening night, the Golden Knights have also been unable to put games into the win column. What: NHL HockeyWho: Vegas Golden Knights (1-4) vs. Colorado Avalanche (2-3)When: Tuesday, October 26Time: 8:00 p.m. ETWhere: Ball Arena (Denver, Colo.)Channel: ESPNStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NHL standings and results here

On Monday night, two very different teams meet in the national capital of the Great White North, as the young and exuberant Ottawa Senators prepare to host the veteran-filled lineup of the Washington Capitals. The Capitals are having a solid start to their 2021-22 season, despite the expectations of many. Washington is just a couple of days removed from an afternoon clash with the Calgary Flames, falling overtime. The Sens have shown they are going to be a team to keep an eye on. What: NHL HockeyWho: Washington Capitals (3-0-2) vs. Ottawa Senators (2-3)When: Monday, October 25Time: 7:90 p.m.

Dylan Larkin will not play in Saturday night’s game against the Vancouver Canucks.

The NHL has suspended Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin one game for “roughing” Mathieu Joseph of the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday. Larkin delivered a gloved punch to Joseph’s face in retaliation of the Lightning forward’s check from behind that sent the Detroit forward into the boards moments before. Larkin received a match penalty at 11:40 of the second period of the Red Wings’ 7-6 overtime loss in their season-opener at Little Caesars Arena. Larkin will miss Saturday’s game against Vancouver at LCA (7 p.m., Bally Sports Detroit), a contest he might have missed anyway due to an unspecified injury caused by Joseph’s hit. Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Larkin will forfeit $30,500.00.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety for his punch to Tampa Bay Lightning forward Mathieu Joseph during Thursday night's game at Little Caesars Arena.

Ondrej Palat scored with 2:17 left in overtime, lifting the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 7-6 comeback victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night.

Ondrej Palat scored with 2:17 left in overtime, lifting the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 7-6 comeback win over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night.

The NHL returned to ESPN with a doubleheader that averaged 884,000 viewers, and TNT's coverage attracted more than 669,000 viewers.

Oddsmakers aren’t giving the Detroit Red Wings much of a chance of having a successful season ahead of Thursday night’s season-opening game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. For instance, PointsBet and Barstool are offering +800 and +900 odds respectively for the Red Wings to just make the playoffs. If you bet against the Wings getting in, you’re facing odds of -1429 at PointsBet and -2000 at Barstool. The odds are even longer for the Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup. But while wagering on a team’s success doesn’t seem likely to profit, there are some bets out there for individual success that fans may want to consider.

Tristan Jarry had 26 saves, Danton Heinen and Brian Boyle scored early second-period goals, and the short-handed Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2 in the regular-season opener.

After a rather short offseason, the National Hockey League returns on Tuesday night, with the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions kicking things off, as the Tampa Bay Lightning get set to host the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Lightning are the second team to win back-to-back Stanley Cups since the beginning of the salary cap era in 2005. The only other team to win back-to-back Cups in the last 15 years was the Pittsburgh Penguins, when they achieved the feat during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. What: NHL HockeyWho: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay LightningWhen: Tuesday, October 12Time: 7:30 p.m. ETWhere: Amalie Arena (Tampa, Fla.)Channel: ESPNStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, DirecTV Stream, ESPN+Check out the NHL standings and results here

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed Jon Cooper to a three-year extension through the 2024-25 season, rewarding their coach after the team won consecutive Stanley Cup titles.

This is a team in rebuild mode, but the future screams potential.

NHL uniforms will soon have ads on them.

The Detroit Red Wings have agreed to a three-year contract with forward Jakub Vrana.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed left wing Tyler Bertuzzi to a two-year contract extension.

The Detroit Red Wings have acquired center Mitchell Stephens from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a 6th-round pick in the 2022 NHL draft.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed Luke Witkowski to a two-year contract.

A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that veteran forward Corey Perry has agreed to a $1 million, two-year contract with the back-to-back champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Detroit Red Wings open the 2021-22 regular season against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning Oct. 14 at Little Caesars Arena. Some notable games on the Red Wings schedule:Nov. 9 vs. Edmonton: Hart Trophy winner Connor McDavid makes his lone appearance in Detroit. Nov. 11 vs. Washington: Former Red Wing Anthony Mantha’s first game in Detroit since being traded. April 29 at New Jersey: Regular season finale. See the complete Red Wings’ 2021-22 schedule here.

Goaltender Carey Price has been exposed to the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft after backstopping the Montreal Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final.

Brian Garlock is returning to Big Rapids Sunday, and he will be bringing the Stanley Cup with him. Garlock, a Big Rapids native who played four years with the Ferris State University hockey team, serves as the video coordinator for the Tampa Bay Lightning, which recently captured its second consecutive Stanley Cup. Ferris’ hockey Twitter account announced Wednesday that Garlock and the Cup will be at Buffalo Wild Wings Sunday from 4-8 p.m., and the public is invited. Garlock is a 2003 Big Rapids High School graduate, and he later served as an employee at Ferris’ ice arena. He will be available to sign autographs, and fans will be permitted to take photos with the Stanley Cup for only a $10 donation supporting local hockey.

Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Nikita Kucherov dumped his drink on a reporter's head as he was interviewed at a celebratory boat parade in Florida.

Expect a fast and furious NHL offseason to unfold in the coming days and weeks.

The NHL ended its 16-year partnership with NBC after Game 5 of the 2021 Stanley Cup.

At least 54 people have been confirmed dead in the collapse and 86 are still missing

Former Grand Rapids Griffins center Stacy Roest will have his named engraved on the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive season. Roest is now the assistant manager and director of player development for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who finished off the Montreal Canadians Wednesday night. The Lightning beat the Canadians 1-0, enabling Tampa Bay to clinch the series 4-1. It marks the eighth time in the past 14 years and 10th in the last 17 that a former Griffins player has participated on a Stanley Cup champion. In all, 17 Griffins have won the Stanley Cup.

The Hometown Heroes Parade kicked off along a stretch of downtown Manhattan known as the Canyon of Heroes.

At least one person was killed in Florida. At least 10 people were injured after a suspected tornado struck a Navy base in Georgia.

Hats and AccessoriesTampa Bay Lightning Fanatics Branded 2021 Stanley Cup Champions Locker Room Adjustable Trucker Hat - Black. Price: $39.99Tampa Bay Lightning Fanatics Branded 2021 Stanley Cup Champions Unstructured Adjustable Hat - Heathered Gray/Black. Price: $25.99T-shirtsTampa Bay Lightning Fanatics Branded 2021 Stanley Cup Champions Jersey Roster T-Shirt - Heathered Gray. Price: $34.99Tampa Bay Lightning Fanatics Branded 2021 Stanley Cup Champions Home Breakaway Custom Jersey - Blue. Price: $209.00Jerseys featuring players’ names:Nikita Kucherov Tampa Bay Lightning Fanatics Branded Home Breakaway Player Jersey - BlueVictor Hedman Tampa Bay Lightning Fanatics Branded Home Premier Breakaway Player Jersey - BlueBrayden Point Tampa Bay Lightning Fanatics Branded Home Premier Breakaway Player Jersey - BlueSteven Stamkos Tampa Bay Lightning adidas 2021 Stanley Cup

The Lightning are the first team to go back-to-back championships since the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have won the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive season.

After a dramatic, tension-filled victory in game four, the Montreal Canadiens were able to fight another day in their Finals series with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning, statistically, controlled the second at the Bell Centre on Monday night. The Bolts outshot the Habs 34-21 in the contest, but Montreal never seemed out of the game. The Canadiens are also 12-2 this postseason when scoring first, and will look to repeat the feat if they want to win in Tampa on Wednesday night. What: Stanley Cup FinalsWho: Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (Lightning lead 3-1)When: Wednesday, July 7Time: 8:00 p.m.

Josh Anderson scored and Carey Price stopped 12 shots, sending the Montreal Canadiens into the first intermission with a 1-0 lead over the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday night. Looking to avoid a four-game sweep, the Canadiens took their first lead of the series when Anderson converted Nick Suzuki’s pass into the slot at 15:39.

With a convincing win in game three this past Friday, the Tampa Bay Lightning are one win away from winning the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row. However, the Montreal Canadiens are going to try and deter that from happening on their home ice. With the series coming to Montreal for the first time this century, the Canadiens were all teed up to try and get back into the series in game three. Watch the Stanley Cup Finals on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Montreal answered back with Phillip Danault’s first of the playoffs later in the frame, but the Bolts stormed out of the gates early in the period two with goals from Nikita Kucherov and Tyler Johnson. What: Stanley Cup FinalsWho: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens (Lightning leads 3-0)When: Monday, July 5Time: 8:00 p.m.

After two games down in Florida, the Stanley Cup Finals heads up to Canada for the first time, with the Tampa Bay Lightning well in control against the Montreal Canadiens. At the halfway mark of the contest, the Habs were outshooting the Bolts by a 3:1 margin. Yet, Montreal came back with a goal from Nick Suzuki near the halfway mark of the period. Watch the Stanley Cup Finals on FuboTV (7-day free trial)It looked as if the game was going to head into the third period tied at one. What: Stanley Cup FinalsWho: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens (Lightning leads 2-0)When: Friday, July 2Time: 8:00 p.m.

The Stanley Cup Finals are underway, and the Tampa Bay Lightning made a statement in their game one victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night. Erik Cernak deflected an Ondrej Palat pass to break the ice just over five minutes in, before Yanni Goure added another for Tampa Bay early in the second period. Watch the Stanley Cup Finals on FuboTV (7-day free trial)In the final frame, the Lightning shutdown the Canadiens’ offense, only allowing one shot through the first 10 minutes of the period. In their semifinal series against the Vegas Golden Knights, Montreal lost game one, 4-1, before bouncing back with a win in the next meeting. What: Stanley Cup FinalsWho: (4) Montreal Canadiens vs. (2) Tampa Bay Lightning (Game 1)When: Monday, June 28Time: 8:00 p.m.

The Montreal Canadiens need more from their best offensive line in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Playoff scoring leader Nikita Kucherov had two goals and an assist and Andrei Vasilevskiy finished with 18 saves to outplay Carey Price and lead the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 5-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

On Monday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare to take on the Montreal Canadiens in game one of the Stanley Cup Finals. Not just because they are the defending Stanley Cup champions, but also because they have the best offensive weapons in the postseason. The top-five scorers this postseason are all off of the Tampa Bay roster, with Nikita Kucherov leading the pack. Watch the Stanley Cup Finals on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Montreal is, once again, the underdog heading into this series. What: Stanley Cup FinalsWho: (4) Montreal Canadiens vs. (2) Tampa Bay Lightning (Game 1)When: Monday, June 28Time: 8:00 p.m.

Montreal Canadiens forward Joel Armia has been placed in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.

The Montreal Canadiens have finally earned respect during a remarkable playoff run that has them in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 28 years.

Andrei Vasilevskiy had 18 saves and Yanni Gourde scored a short-handed goal to help the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the New York Islanders 1-0 in Game 7 of their NHL playoff semifinal series.

On Friday night, the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning will faceoff, with the winner heading to the Stanley Cup Finals. Watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs on FuboTV (7-day free trial)However, with their season on the line, New York was not about to go away quietly. Now, the series heads back to Tampa for a do-or-die game seven. For the Lightning, they are 5-3 all-time, but their last game seven was back in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2018, when they lost, at home, to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals. What: Stanley Cup SemifinalsWho: (3) New York Islanders vs. (2) Tampa Bay Lightning (Game 7)When: Friday, June 25Time: 8:00 p.m.

The Tampa Bay Lightning haven’t lost consecutive postseason games in over two years and haven’t faced a winner-take-all challenge since 2018.

The series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders has certainly been entertaining, in just about every facet. On Wednesday night, the Lightning have a chance to go back to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second year in a row. Stamkos scored his second of the game, followed by quick tallies from Ondrej Palat and Alex Killorn making it 6-0 after 40 minutes. Brayden Point and Luke Schenn added goals to put the icing on the cake in the final frame for Tampa. What: Stanley Cup SemifinalsWho: (2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) New York Islanders (Lightning lead 3-2)When: Wednesday, June 23Time: 8:00 p.m.

Steven Stamkos had two goals and an assist and Andrei Vasilevskiy notched his fourth career playoff shutout, helping the Tampa Bay Lightning rout the New York Islanders 8-0 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup semifinal series.

After hanging on by a thread to win game four, the New York Islanders head back to the Sunshine State for game five of their semifinal series with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning were feeling good after their game three victory, and used that momentum to control early in game four. Yet, the game remained scoreless until Josh Bailey’s second of the postseason broke the ice just minutes into the frame. Watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs on FuboTV (7-day free trial)However, the Lightning did not go quietly in the third period. What: Stanley Cup SemifinalsWho: (3) New York Islanders vs. (2) Tampa Bay Lightning (Series tied 2-2)When: Monday, June 21Time: 8:00 p.m.

Matt Martin capped New York’s three-goal second period, Ryan Pulock made a diving stop in front of an open goal in the closing seconds and the Islanders held on to beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 to even their Stanley Cup semifinal series at two games apiece.

The Tampa Bay Lightning earned a huge win game three in enemy territory, and have a chance to take a stranglehold in their semifinal series against the New York Islanders. On Thursday night, fans were packed to the ceiling at Nassau Coliseum, hoping their team would be able to take the series lead. However, the Islanders rallied back with an excellent second period, leading to Cal Clutterbuck’s fourth of the postseason in the late stages of the frame. Watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs on FuboTV (7-day free trial)However, the Isles would be forced to go on the penalty kill shortly thereafter. What: Stanley Cup SemifinalsWho: (2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) New York Islanders (Series tied 1-1)When: Saturday, June 19Time: 8:00 p.m.

Brayden Point kept up his scoring touch with a tiebreaking goal late in the second period, Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 27 shots and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the New York Islanders 2-1 on Thursday night to take a 2-1 lead in the Stanley Cup semifinals.

After two games in the Sunshine State, the New York Islanders prepare to host the Tampa Bay Lightning in what is projected to be a loud Nassau Coliseum on Thursday night. After losing game one on home ice, the Tampa Bay Lightning looked for a much better performance in game two. Watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Similar to game one, scoring chances were galore between the two teams, but this time it was Tampa who had the betterment of the chances. The series now heads to the famous Nassau Coliseum, which the Isles are 4-2 at home so far in these playoffs. What: Stanley Cup SemifinalsWho: (2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) New York Islanders (Series tied 1-1)When: Thursday, June 17Time: 8:00 p.m.

The Detroit Red Wings acquired Adam Erne in 2019 as a fourth-line, grinding, energy-type player. “He’s really driven, he wants to be a good player in the NHL, he puts the time in, the work in. We all feel good for him.”Erne is among the Red Wings’ dozen or so restricted free agents. “A lot of nights we played against other teams’ top lines and we prided ourselves on not giving them much. Try to bring that into next season, do that consistently throughout the year.”More: Red Wings seeking assistant coach with unique ideas for power play

Brayden Point and Ondrej Palat delivered early goals and NHL playoff scoring leader Nikita Kucherov had three more assists to help the Tampa Bay Lightning rebound from a series-opening loss and beat the New York Islanders 4-2 in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup semifinals.

The anticipated series between two teams with differing styles is underway, as the underdog New York Islanders are up 1-0 in their best-of-seven semifinal series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Game one in Tampa saw the Lightning come out strong, but the Islanders were able to quickly recover and hang with the best offensive team in the playoffs. Despite New York outshooting the Bolts 14-11 in the first period, the game remained scoreless heading into the intermission. Early in the third, Ryan Pulock added another goal for the Islanders with an innocent-looking slap shot that beat Tampa’s goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. What: Stanley Cup SemifinalsWho: (3) New York Islanders vs. (2) Tampa Bay Lightning (Islanders lead 1-0)When: Tuesday, June 15Time: 8:00 p.m.

Semyon Varlamov made 30 saves and the New York Islanders got goals from Mathew Barzal and Ryan Pulock to beat the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 on Sunday in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup semifinals.

For the second year in a row, the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning meet in the semifinals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but this year feels a little bit different compared to 2020. The Lightning come into the series as the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, having just eliminated the Central Division champion-Carolina Hurricanes in the second round, and seem very determined to pull off a repeat. Watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs on FuboTV (7-day free trial)New York is riding high heading to the semis once again. In last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, the Lightning knocked off the Isles in six games, before Tampa went onto win their first Cup since 2004. What: Stanley Cup SemifinalsWho: (3) New York Islanders vs. (2) Tampa Bay Lightning (Game 1)When: Sunday, June 13Time: 3:00 p.m.

Experience is an invaluable ally in the Stanley Cup playoffs.