The Tampa Bay Lightning Won the Presidents’ Trophy

The Tampa Bay Lightning won the Presidents’ Trophy, given to the team with the best regular season record,  for the first time in their franchise history. Last night they clinched the award by beating the Arizona Coyotes 4-1 at Amalie Arena.

During the game, Steven Stamkos scored his 384th career goal to become the Lightning all-time leading goal-scorer. Stamkos scored the goal at 6:54 of the first period after redirecting a shot from Ryan McDonagh.  He surpassed Vincent Lecavalier franchise record in 737 games. It took Lecavalier 1,037 games to score 383 goals for the Lightning. A tribute video and standing ovation sparked an emotional moment for Stamkos and the Lightning.

History, witnessed.

Steven Stamkos is now the all-time franchise leader with 384 goals… and counting. ⚡️ #STAMMERTIME pic.twitter.com/xuBwnbYQEC

— p – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 19, 2019

Winning the Presidents’ Trophy means that the Lightning clinched the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, they will play the second wild card in the first round of the Eastern Conference.

The Lightning became the second-fastest team in NHL history to clinch the Presidents’ Trophy. The 1995-1996 Detroit Red Wings still holds the record for clinching the trophy in 71 games.

The @TBLightning required the second-fewest games to clinch the Presidents’ Trophy since its inception in 1985-86.

Only the 1995-96 Red Wings (71 GP) accomplished the feat in fewer contests, en route to setting the NHL single-season wins record (62). #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/xSoWGECfMI

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 19, 2019

A lot of people are expecting the Lightning to win the Stanley Cup. There is no doubt that they are top contenders. In the last four years, they reached the Eastern Conference finals three times, including one Stanley Cup Final appearance. They were so close to lifting the Stanley Cup in these past four years. Winning the Presidents’ Trophy puts extra pressure and motivation to win it all.

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