Jon Cooper had every reason to believe that the Lightning, two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, could hope to be in the running for a hat-trick. “We’re not done writing our history,” the Tampa Bay head coach said earlier this month, as his team was on the verge of elimination against the Toronto Maple Leafs. “We feel that we still have a lot to accomplish. »
Andrei Vasilevskiy is one of the reasons for the success of the Lightning. The defending Conn-Smythe Trophy winner has won six straight games since the Lightning fell 3-2 in their first-round series against the Maple Leafs, including the deciding Game 7 in Toronto and a four-game sweep against the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Next up is a sixth Eastern Finals appearance in eight years, where they will face the Carolina Hurricanes or the New York Rangers.
“We have found a recipe that has allowed us to go further in the playoffs, and especially in the last two and a half years now, and we want to continue,” captain Steven Stamkos noted after the end of the game. Monday night’s game against the Panthers. A win that gave the Lightning their first playoff sweep in 11 years. “It’s the most fun, heartbreaking and nerve wracking time of the year, but it’s also an incredible feeling. You can’t really describe it unless you’ve been through it, and this group certainly lived it. »
Vasilevskiy made 49 saves Monday, blanking the Panthers 2-0. Since allowing three or more goals in each of the first six games against the Maple Leafs, he’s allowed just four in his last five outings.
” Nothing in particular. I think that’s just the way the whole team plays in these games. For all series, the guys have blocked shots and they don’t hesitate to sacrifice themselves to stop the puck, added the goaltender. It’s a big effort on the part of all our team members. Of course, it’s not just me. I just try to do my job the best I can. »
A new dynasty?
With Monday’s victory, the Lightning join the New York Islanders and the Montreal Canadiens among teams to have won 10 or more consecutive playoffs.
Pat Maroon, who won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 before signing with the Lightning two years ago, is at the heart of a 14-game winning streak. “I’ve had the chance to play with two very good teams in recent years, but this team has been very impressive. It’s great to see what we’ve been through over the past few years, he noted, and it’s amazing to be a part of it. »
The Lightning are the third team to win at least 10 consecutive playoffs. The Canadiens did it twice, winning 13 straight series from 1976 to 1980, and 10 in a row from 1956 to 1960. The New York Islanders won a record 19 straight series from 1980 to 1984.
Two more wins in the series, and the Lightning will become the first team to win three consecutive Stanley Cup titles since the Islanders won four in a row from 1980 to 1983.
“Twelve would sound even better, wouldn’t it?” noted forward Alex Killorn. ” It’s impressive. I know, Coop mentioned it, and then Patty has 14. So there’s one, but it’s special to be part of this group. Like I said, with Vassy. I think there are a lot of players on this team who will become Hall of Famers. So I’m just happy to be part of it, to be quite honest. »