The Bolts
It wasn’t the best night for the Tampa Bay Lightning. They lost the last regular season game at Amalie Arena to the Washington Capitals, 6-3. The Caps dominated the Bolts and scored three goals during the first period [Raw Charge]
Washington continued to dictate the pace as the period continued whereas the Lightning struggled to navigate the neutral zone effectively. Then when Tampa Bay did manage to get some offensive pressure, Gourde was called for hi-sticking at 14:12. Live and on replay it appeared that Gourde didn’t make contact with Oshie’s helmet, but the officials thought otherwise. So, make that two questionable (at best) calls against the Lightning.
Victor Hedman didn’t return after the first period. He was diagnosed with an upper-body injury after a hit by Carl Hagelin. No updates on his condition yet.
#TBLightning Cooper said he’s concerned with the chances they’ve been giving up and too many penalties. But have to imagine biggest worry is status of Victor Hedman, especially with history of prior concussions. Cooper said he didn’t know yet whether he could rule concussion out
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) March 31, 2019
On the plus side, the Bolts received the President’s Trophy during the pregame celebration. Yes, Steven Stamkos touched the trophy, but let’s be reasonable and not get distracted by silly superstitions.
Presidents’ Trophy for an the absolutely fantastic regular season. Congrats @TBLightning! pic.twitter.com/XiS48iBumO
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) March 30, 2019
Stamkos also got a silver stick from Vincent Lecavalier and team owner Jeff Vinik as the top goal-scorer in Tampa Bay Lightning history.
Vinny and Mr. Vinik on hand tonight to present Stammer with a silver stick in honor of him becoming the new all-time leading goal-scorer in franchise history. ⚡️#Stammertime | #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/GJQmx0UqsB
— p – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 30, 2019
It wasn’t a win but the team still made a kind gesture to their fans for being supportive for the whole regular season.
The result wasn’t ideal tonight, but the @TBLightning made sure there were smiles to go around with their annual Fan Appreciation Night, with players handing out their game-used jerseys! #GoBolts #NHL pic.twitter.com/XLVvx7CK50
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) March 31, 2019
The Prospects
Unlike the Lightning, the Syracuse Crunch won their game against the Utica Comets and earned their 900th victory in franchise history. [Raw Charge]
Somewhat lost in all of the goalscoring, Atte Tolvanen made his home debut in net and stopped 23 of 25 shots and picked up his first professional victory. Carter Verhaeghe had four points and moved into the lead in the AHL points race with 75. With the victory, the Crunch also clinched the Galaxy Cup (a title bestowed upon the team that has the most points in the season series between Utica and Syracuse). Oh, and it was also Head Coach Ben Groulx’s 200th AHL win as well.
History!
A lot of records were been rewritten last night. Alex Volkov got a first star of the game and also scored his seventh game-winning goal of the season.
This turned into the game-winning goal. It’s Alex Volkov’s seventh game-winner for the #SyrCrunch this season, tied for the third-most in Crunch history. Only trails Brett Connolly (8) and Mark Hartigan (9). https://t.co/9rLiKdv5Pc
— Lukas Favale (@LukasFavale) March 31, 2019
The Solar Bears also won their game over the South Carolina Stingrays and secured their spot in the Kelly Cup Playoffs!
WE. ARE. IN!!!!
The Solar Bears storm back from a 2-0 deficit and hang on for a 3-2 win over the Stingrays to punch their ticket to the Kelly Cup Playoffs!!! pic.twitter.com/wQEqCIWtcz
— Orlando Solar Bears (@OrlandoHockey) March 31, 2019
The Crunch hosted members of the inaugural 1994-95 team in honour to celebrate their 25th season in the AHL.
The boys are back in town. 🙌
We’re honored to have members of our inaugural 1994-95 team back in Syracuse to help us celebrate our 25th season. pic.twitter.com/ZZkzQG8MVv
— x – Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) March 30, 2019
The Game
The New York Islanders have clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2016.
WE’RE IN!!#YESYESYES pic.twitter.com/sY9r7O4AwY
— x – New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 31, 2019
The playoff race in the Eastern Conference continues: the Hurricanes, the Blue Jackets, and the Canadiens won their games on a Saturday night, sitting within one point of each other in standings.
Alex Ovechkin scored his 50th and 51st goals of the season and became the third player in the NHL history with eight or more 50 goal seasons.
Alex Ovechkin joins Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky as the only players in NHL history to score at least 50 goals in 8+ seasons! pic.twitter.com/5YU6fFlcBP
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) March 31, 2019
He also passed Brandon Shanahan for the 13th on the all time goal scoring list with 657 goals.
On top of being his 50th of the season, Ovi also moved up the all-time goals list with that tally pic.twitter.com/IGzHN6vq6U
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 31, 2019
Nick Schmaltz signed a new deal with the Arizona Coyotes for 7 years with a $5.85 million AAV.
Apparently 7 years at $5.85M https://t.co/veSqMxFRPL
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 30, 2019
Jake Dotchin was forced to leave the game when it became clear that the Anaheim Ducks listed him as a scratch.
Wow. Ducks get caught using an ineligible player. Dotchin not listed on the game sheet, refs catch it and he’s forced to leave the game. Anaheim now stuck playing with 5 defensemen the rest of the night. Rookie head coach Bob Murray doesn’t seem too worked up about it.
— Felix Sicard (@Felix_Sicard) March 31, 2019
