The season is over. Relax. Take a breather. You're not likely happy with the last game, or recent play off the Lightning during their season ending road trip. That season is over though. Done with. Moot. It's disappointing to know that factors such as injuries sustained during the first season of the NL will have a hand in things going forward but... Well, that first season is now last season. We move forward and the NHL's Second Season gets born for the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, April 13 as the club squares off in the opening round of the 2016 NHL playoffs.
As was noted a few days ago, this also happens to be the 20th anniversary of the Lightning franchise's first ever Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance. It's also the second consecutive year the Lightning face the Detroit Red Wings to open the playoffs. Here's the schedule as it stands (including broadcast data):
Date TIME (ET) #2 Tampa Bay vs. #3 Detroit Networks
Wednesday, April 13 7 p.m. Detroit at Tampa Bay NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports
Friday, April 15 7 p.m. Detroit at Tampa Bay CNBC, CBC, TVA Sports
Sunday, April 17 7 p.m. Tampa Bay at Detroit CNBC, CBC, TVA Sports
Tuesday, April 19 7 p.m. Tampa Bay at Detroit NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports
*Thursday, April 21 TBD Detroit at Tampa Bay TBD
*Sunday, April 24 TBD Tampa Bay at Detroit TBD
*Tuesday, April 26 TBD Detroit at Tampa Bay TBD
* If necessary
So what are your thoughts, people? Can this battered club handle the Red Wings? The two clubs split their series this season...