It’s just a minor note, really; it’s just a tweet from Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times that notes the standings are on display for the Tampa Bay Lightning in their dressing room at 401 Channelside Drive:
There’s a standings board in #TBLightning lockeroom. Crunch time
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) February 26, 2015
That sign and its location should tell you more without the need of aid from a direct quote on the subject. With 20 games left in the NHL season for the Lightning, with the playoffs all but assured, Tampa Bay management (head coach Jon Cooper as well as Steve Yzerman) aren’t settling for a playoff berth this time around. The Atlantic Division title is in the air, with the Montreal Canadiens leading the Bolts in the standings by 3 points.The Detroit Red Wings trail Tampa by 3 points in the standings as of today.
As smith said, it’s indeed crunch time. If the Lightning wants the division, the opportunity to claim it as their own is becoming limited. Holding off challengers will also become more of a necessity unless distance grows between teams at the top of the Atlantic Division standings.
Which of these teams will win the Atlantic Division regular-season title?
| Detroit Red Wings | 11 |
| Montreal Canadiens | 88 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 236 |
