Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, NHL successfully wrapped its 2019/20 season. And it was Tampa Bay Lightning who emerged as the team that managed the unusual situation the best, as the captured the elusive Stanley Cup on Monday night.
Lightning secured the trophy with a 2-0 win over Dallas Stars in Game 6, with Brayden Point and Blake Coleman getting on the scoreboard in the first and second periods respectively. This was Tampa Bay’s second championship in franchise history and first since 2004.
Besides Stanley Cup, Lightning’s defenseman Victor Hedman ended up lifting the Conn Smythe Trophy as well, being crowned the playoff MVP.
“It takes a lot to be in a bubble for 80 days or whatever long it was,” said Hedman after the game. “But it’s all worth it now. We’re coming home with the Cup.”
While Hedman carried the load for Tampa Bay on the defensive end, Brayden Point was the man in charge of the offense. Point finished the postseason with playoffs-high 14 goals, while also adding 19 assists.
“The beauty of our team is everyone was chipping in,” said Point. “We got tremendous depth. We got contributions from anyone and everyone at different times, and that’s what makes this win so special.”
Tampa Bay Lightning demonstrated a dominant performance throughout the postseason, losing just one game in each of their first two rounds. They had to push to six games in Conference Finals against New York Islanders but were dominant in that series as well.
Lighting’s win gets more impressive when you realize that the team played almost the entire playoffs without their captain and one of the key players in Steven Stamkos.
“These last six weeks have been really emotional for my family and I, not only on the ice but off the ice,” said Stamkos. “I just want to say to my family: I love you guys so much. To all the friends and everyone who supported us along the way: We love you. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.”
