It looks like hockey analysts are beginning to buy into the Lightning’s late-season surge, with the team climbing steadily in various power rankings as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Since February 4 — a point when Tampa Bay sat outside the playoff picture — the Lightning have racked up 35 points, making them the second-best team in the NHL during that span. Only the red-hot St. Louis Blues, riding an 11-game win streak, have earned more points.
Tampa Bay has proven once again that they know how to play winning playoff-style hockey. Still, they’re not without flaws. As the weekend games approach, here are a few key stats worth noting:
32
That’s how many years it’s been since an NHL team had five players each score 30 or more goals in a season. The Lightning already have four: Brayden Point (38), Jake Guentzel (38), Brandon Hagel (34), and Nikita Kucherov (33). Anthony Cirelli is close behind with 26 goals. The last teams to achieve this were the Red Wings and Penguins back in the 1992-93 season — a rare feat in the modern era.
+71
That’s the Lightning’s goal differential, now the best in the Eastern Conference after surpassing Washington’s +69. Only the Winnipeg Jets have a higher differential at +84. The Lightning’s margin reflects not just a potent offense but also disciplined play on defense.
1-17-3
That’s the Lightning’s record when scoring two goals or fewer. While this stat is slightly skewed by late empty-netters, it still undercuts the idea that Tampa Bay excels in low-scoring, grind-it-out games. A recent example came in Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Ottawa — a game in which the Lightning generated plenty of scoring chances but couldn’t capitalize.
17th
Tampa Bay ranks 17th in the NHL in road points, with a 17-18-3 record away from Amalie Arena. Despite the struggles, the Lightning have tallied 125 goals on the road — the fifth-most in the league — suggesting that offense isn’t the issue. Rather, it’s been about consistency and execution away from home.
4-9-0
That’s the Lightning’s record against potential Atlantic Division playoff opponents. While their 0-3-0 record against the Maple Leafs is somewhat misleading — those games came early in the season — the team is also just 1-2-0 against both Florida and Montreal. Tampa Bay will have two more chances to prove itself at home with upcoming matchups against Toronto (Wednesday) and Florida (April 15). Considering the current standings, the Lightning will likely face one of those teams in the first round, with the other potentially waiting in the second.
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