The 2015 NHL playoffs commence for the Lightning on Thursday, April 16

The NHL playoffs commence on April 15^th and that much has been clear for a few days now as the league has reported it. What hasn't been clear is what the playoff pairings are going to be..

The Lightning and whoever they play to start the 1^st round of the NHL ploayoffs are going to play on Thursday, April 16^th. It's not a question of how does anyone know this, it's who do we know this. No, that's not a typo, that's a reference to rock legends The Who. They (as well as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts) will perform at the Amalie on Wednesday night as part of their 50^th anniversary tour.

If the game one is Thursday, game two is likely Saturday and game three on Monday at the opponent's arena. Schedule conflicts may lead to back-to-back games or an extra day off at any point of the schedule.