During the Lightning’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the NHL announced the schedule for the Eastern Conference’s first games. The Lightning will kick things off down in Sunrise on Sunday, April 21st at 12:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN in the States and on SportsNet and TVAS in Canada. The rest of the schedule will likely come out tomorrow or Friday.
For the Lightning, it gives them an extra day to get healthy. They had several players miss their final game of the season as Anthony Cirelli, Tyler Motte, Haydn Fleury, and Luke Glendening sat out. Victor Hedman was also out as he deals with an illness. Back-up goaltender Jonas Johnasson is also on the sidelines with an unknown return date. The delay isn’t going to be long enough to get Mikhail Sergachev back in the line-up, but hopefully a few of their banged up players can feel one day better.
As for the rest of the Eastern Conference, it’s no surprise that Toronto kicks off their series in Boston at 8:00 PM on Saturday. That is likely the marquee match-up in the league’s eyes and will be getting all of the prime viewing spots. The Islanders and Carolina kick things off on Saturday at 5:00 PM EST while Washington heads to the Big Apple to take on the Rangers at 3:00 PM on Sunday.
As of the time we’re writing this, the Western Conference hasn’t announced their opening games.
Other Hockey News
Lightning end season with win [Raw Charge]
Along with Kucherov’s usual brilliance, Tanner Jeannot picked up a goal, his first since December 6th against the Penguins, which should be good for his confidence heading into the playoffs. Matt Tomkins picked up his third win of the season.
Nikita Kucherov records 100th assist of the season [Raw Charge]
The Maikop Magician added another line to his Hall of Fame plaque as he became the fifth player (and second this season) in NHL history to reach 100 assists in a season. Did it come on the power play? Of course it did.
Why Nikita Kucherov has the best case for the Hart Trophy [ESPN]
I’ve long said that Greg Wyshynski is a wise, wise man. The ESPN writer (and friend of the blog) makes a compelling MVP case for Nikita Kucherov.
NHL Mailbag: Stamkos’ future with the Lightning [NHL.com]
I don’t want to think of Steven Stamkos as a Canadien or Red Wing. It just seems wrong. Much like the organization, let’s not think about this again until the season is over.
Nick Paul is the Lightning’s King Clancy nominee [NHL.com]
The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is awarded to the player “who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in the community.” Paul has had a career year on the ice and continues to help the community, most notably through his charity, Points by Paul, to help support mental health in the Tampa Bay Area.
Belleville 2, Crunch 1 (SO) [Syracuse Crunch]
Dylan Duke made his pro debut and Devante Stephens scored his seventh goal of the season, but it wasn’t enough as the Lightning lost to Belleville (again) in a shootout. Brandon Halverson had 17 saves on 18 shots in regulation. It was a rough season for Syracuse against the Senators as they posted a 1-4-1-2 record against Ottawa’s affiliate.
Canadiens exercise option on Marty St. Louis [ESPN]
The higher-ups approve of the job the former Lightning forward is doing in Montreal as they exercise a two-year option on his contract that will keep St. Louis behind the bench through the 2026-27 season. Expectations will continue to rise for the first time NHL coach as the Habs continue to add young talent to his roster.
Marc-Andre Fleury signed to one-year extension [Minnesota StarTribune]
The Flower is going to be back for one more year. The Minnesota Wild have signed the future hall-of-fame to a one-year extension. Fleury has indicated that his 21st season will likely be his last.
Orlando Solar Bears announce playoff schedule [Orlando Solar Bears]
The Lightning’s ECHL affiliate will start their first-round series against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Sunday April 21st at 3:00 PM . The first home game, Game Three, will be on Friday the 26th at 7:00 PM. Thanks to the fact that they share the building with the Orlando Magic, Game Four has an “estimated” start time of 9:00 PM EST.
Jaydon Dureau is the lone Lightning prospect on the playoff roster. The 2020 draft pick had 25 points (9 goals, 16 assists) in 34 games with the Solar Bears this season.
