Editing Tampa Bay Lightning (section)

===Steve Yzerman/Julien BriseBois era (2010–present)===

====2011 run to the conference finals (2010–2011)====
In May 2010, Vinik hired [[Steve Yzerman]] away from the [[Detroit Red Wings]] front office to be the new general manager on a five-year contract. Yzerman then hired [[Guy Boucher]] from the Montreal Canadiens organization to succeed Rick Tocchet as the head coach two weeks later.

Yzerman's first off-season with Tampa Bay began with a splash. With the sixth pick of the [[2010 NHL entry draft]], the Lightning selected forward [[Brett Connolly]] despite a history of injuries while playing for the [[Western Hockey League]] (WHL)'s [[Prince George Cougars]]. On July 1, 2010, veteran blueliner [[Andrej Meszároš|Andrej Meszaros]] was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for their second-round pick in [[2011 NHL entry draft|2011]]. Later that day, the Lightning signed star winger Martin St. Louis to a four-year, $22.5&nbsp;million contract extension to come into effect on July 1, 2011. On July 19, in another move with the Flyers organization, the Lightning traded defenseman [[Matt Walker (ice hockey)|Matt Walker]] and Tampa Bay's fourth-round pick in 2011 for high-scoring winger [[Simon Gagné|Simon Gagne]]. Other off-season acquisitions included the signing of forwards [[Sean Bergenheim]], [[Dominic Moore]] and [[Marc-Antoine Pouliot]], along with defensemen [[Brett Clark (ice hockey)|Brett Clark]], [[Randy Jones (ice hockey)|Randy Jones]] and [[Pavel Kubina]] and goaltender [[Dan Ellis (ice hockey)|Dan Ellis]], as well as the re-signing of restricted free agent forward [[Steve Downie]] to a two-year, $3.7&nbsp;million deal.

With starting goaltender Mike Smith injured, the Lightning called up [[Cédrick Desjardins|Cedrick Desjardins]], who played with a .950 [[save percentage]] and a 1.00 [[goals against average]] (GAA) in two games. The team then acquired veteran [[Dwayne Roloson]] from the New York Islanders for further coverage in net.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/tampa-bay-lightning-gets-goalie-dwayne-roloson-from-new-york-islanders-for/1143142|title=Tampa Bay Lightning gets goalie Dwayne Roloson from New York Islanders for minor-league defenseman|last=Smith|first=Joe|date=January 2, 2011|work=[[St. Petersburg Times]]|access-date=May 31, 2011|archive-date=January 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105110730/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/tampa-bay-lightning-gets-goalie-dwayne-roloson-from-new-york-islanders-for/1143142|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Lightning compiled a 46–25–11 record with 103 points in the [[2010–11 NHL season|2010–11 season]], matching a franchise record for wins in a season. After holding the first place in the Southeast Division for several months, they fell to second after a poor performance in March. However, their record was solid enough for second in the Southeast Division and fifth in the Eastern Conference, and they returned to the playoffs for the first time since the 2007. Scoring 31 goals and assisting on 68 for 99 points, [[Martin St. Louis]] finished second in the NHL in points only behind the 104 points by [[Daniel Sedin]] of the [[Vancouver Canucks]]. [[Steven Stamkos]] recorded 45 goals as the runner-up to the [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy]] only behind the 50 goals scored by [[Corey Perry]] of the [[Anaheim Ducks]] and was a finalist for the [[Ted Lindsay Award]] as the most outstanding player in the regular season as judged by the members of the NHL Players' Association, which ultimately went to Vancouver's Daniel Sedin.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?page=11awardsfinalsits |title=NHL awards: 2011 finalists |author=ESPN |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=ESPN |date=April 22, 2011 |access-date=January 6, 2024}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

[[File:Vincent Lecavalier OT goal 2011-05-01.JPG|thumb|Lecavalier scores the game-winning goal in game 2 of the [[2011 Stanley Cup playoffs|2011]] conference semifinals. The team went on to sweep the [[Washington Capitals]] in the series.]]
In the [[2011 Stanley Cup playoffs|2011 playoffs]], Tampa Bay played the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] in the conference quarterfinals who finished the season as the fourth seed in the Eastern Confernence. After losing game 4 at home in the second overtime period, they fell behind in the series one game to three. However, the Lightning went on to win the next three games, including a 1–0 game 7 win on the road, taking their first playoff series since winning the Stanley Cup against the [[Calgary Flames]] in 2004. In the conference semifinals, the Lightning swept the top-seeded [[Washington Capitals]]. Tampa Bay played the [[Boston Bruins]] in the conference finals. In game 4 of the series, the Lightning trailed 3–0 at the end of the first period. When Dwayne Roloson was pulled for Mike Smith, the Bruins failed to score again, and the Lightning tied the game in the second period by scoring three goals in 3:58, going on to win the game 5–3 and tying the series at two games apiece. The series went the full seven games, though the Lightning were eliminated by a single goal, as they lost game 7 (0–1) to lose the series to the eventual Stanley Cup champion and third-seeded Bruins in seven games, one win short from reaching the Stanley Cup Finals.

====Transition seasons (2011–2013)====
The Lightning finished the [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12 season]] with a 38–36–8 record. With only 84 points, they fell short of reaching the playoffs by eight points in the standings and ending the season third in the Southeast Division and tenth in the Eastern Conference. Individually, [[Steven Stamkos]] scored a franchise-record 60 goals. He won the [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy]] for the second time in his career. Stamkos was also second in the NHL in points with 97, and was a finalist for both the [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] for the first time and the [[Ted Lindsay Award]] for the second consecutive season which both awards eventually going to [[Evgeni Malkin]] of the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]].

As with the [[1994–95 NHL lockout]], the [[2012–13 NHL lockout]] resulted in a 48-game season. Nearing the end of an 18–26–4 season for 40 points, in which the Lightning ended fourth in the division and 14th in the conference, general manager [[Steve Yzerman]] looked to their highly-successful [[American Hockey League]] (AHL) affiliate, the [[Syracuse Crunch]]. On March 25, 2013, head coach Guy Boucher was dismissed for following a 7–16–1 record.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Tampa Bay Lightning|date=March 24, 2013|access-date=March 25, 2013|title=Lightning Release Guy Boucher of Coaching Duties|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=661783}}</ref> The Lightning announced [[Jon Cooper (ice hockey)|Jon Cooper]] would become the eighth head coach in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Tampa Bay Lightning|date=March 25, 2013|access-date=March 25, 2013|title=Lightning name Jon Cooper as head coach|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=662090}}</ref> [[Martin St. Louis]] won his second [[Art Ross Trophy]] with 60 points in the shortened season, as Stamkos finished runner-up 57.

On June 27, 2013, the team announced that they would exercise one of their two "[[compliance buyouts]]" on captain [[Vincent Lecavalier]], as permitted by the [[NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement|collective agreement]]. This move made Lecavalier an unrestricted free agent beginning July 5 of that year. The team stated the move was made not because of Lecavalier's play on the ice, but because of how his contract affected the team's salary cap, which would have been more than $7&nbsp;million per year until its expiration after the 2019–20 season.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Tampa Bay Lightning|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=June 27, 2013|title=Lightning To Use Compliance Buyout on Vincent Lecavalier|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=675430}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Tampa Bay Lightning|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=June 27, 2013|title=Analysis of Lecavalier Compliance Buyout|url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=675431}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Tampa Bay Times|author=Damian Cristodero|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=June 27, 2013|title=Lightning plans Lecavalier buyout|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightning-starts-lecavalier-buyout-process/2128824/}}</ref>

====Return to playoff contention (2013–2014)====
After acquiring goaltender [[Ben Bishop]] from the [[Ottawa Senators]] in a trade the previous season, the Lightning started the 2013–14 season with an above-average performance. On November 11, 2013, going into the day tied for most goals during the regular season, [[Steven Stamkos]] suffered a broken right [[tibia]] after crashing into one of the goalposts during play against the [[Boston Bruins]]. He would miss 45 games and was not cleared to play again until March 5, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/lightnings-stamkos-cleared-to-play-thursday-against-sabres/2168627/|title=Lightning's Stamkos cleared to play Thursday against Sabres|last=Cristodero|first=Damian|work=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=March 6, 2014}}</ref>

[[File:Ryan Callahan 1 2014-03-22.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Ryan Callahan]] during his first month with the Lightning. Callahan was acquired by the team in a trade that sent [[Martin St. Louis]] to the [[New York Rangers]].]]
In January 2014, general manager [[Steve Yzerman]], who also served as the general manager for Canada's team at the [[Ice hockey at the 2014 Winter Olympics – Men's tournament|2014 Winter Olympics]], elected not to name Lightning captain [[Martin St. Louis]] to Canada's roster, instead choosing the still-injured Stamkos. After Stamkos was not medically cleared to play in [[Sochi]] in early February, Yzerman ultimately named St. Louis to Team Canada as an injury replacement. In late February, it was reported St. Louis had requested a trade from Yzerman the month prior.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=26564|title=St. Louis, Lightning discuss future with team|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=February 26, 2014|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=March 6, 2014}}</ref> St. Louis, who had a no-move clause in his contract with Tampa Bay, reportedly consented to only being traded to the [[New York Rangers]]. On March 5, 2014, St. Louis was sent to New York along with a conditional 2015 second-round pick in exchange for New York captain [[Ryan Callahan]], a 2015 first-round draft pick, a conditional 2014 second-round pick and a 2015 conditional seventh-round pick. The deal came subsequently after Stamkos had been cleared to return to the Lightning's active roster. St. Louis cited his decision based on his family and thanked Lightning fans for their support during his tenure with the franchise, but would not specify any further about the reasons leading to his request.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/video?clipId=9913579|title=Exclusive Interview: Martin St. Louis|date=March 5, 2014|work=FOX|publisher=myfoxtampabay|access-date=March 6, 2014|archive-date=March 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306085826/http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/video?clipId=9913579|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 6, Steven Stamkos was named Tampa Bay's 10th captain in his first game back after recovering from a tibia injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/10564945/steven-stamkos-tampa-bay-lightning-returns-broken-leg-45-games|title=Steven Stamkos back, named captain|agency=Associated Press|date=March 6, 2014|publisher=ESPN|access-date=March 6, 2014}}</ref> On April 7, the team announced it had signed general manager Steve Yzerman to a four-year contract extension.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/07/lightning-sign-gm-yzerman-to-four-year-extension/ |title=Lightning sign GM Yzerman to four-year extension|first= Mike|last=Halford|work=NBC Sports Pro Hockey Talk|date=April 7, 2014|access-date=November 19, 2014}}</ref>
 
Finishing the season with 101 points, the Lightning placed second in the Atlantic Division, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2011. However, Tampa Bay was eliminated in the first round, losing to the [[Montreal Canadiens]] in a four-game sweep.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400552526|title=Max Pacioretty lifts Habs to 2nd round in sweep of Lightning|agency=Associated Press|date=April 22, 2014|publisher=ESPN|access-date=April 23, 2014}}</ref>

====Contention for the Stanley Cup and one playoff absence (2014–2018)====
On June 25, 2014, the Lightning agreed to terms with [[Ryan Callahan]], signing him to a six-year, $34.8 million contract extension.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/11132358/ryan-callahan-sign-six-year-contract-tampa-bay-lightning|title=Ryan Callahan signs 6-year deal|last=LeBrun|first=Pierre |date=June 25, 2014|publisher=ESPN|access-date=June 25, 2014}}</ref> The same day, the Lightning used its remaining compliance buyout on forward [[Ryan Malone]] after his on-ice performance had declined from injuries seasons prior in addition to his off-ice troubles that included a DUI arrest before the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24597113/lightning-use-second-compliance-buyout-on-ryan-malone|title=Lightning use second compliance buyout on Ryan Malone|last=Stubits|first=Brian|date=June 25, 2014|publisher=ESPN|access-date=June 25, 2014}}</ref>

Finishing the [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]] with 108 points, the Lightning placed second in the Atlantic Division and qualified for the playoffs for the second-straight season, scoring the most goals out of any team in the NHL. Tampa Bay eliminated the [[Detroit Red Wings]] in seven games in the first round of the playoffs before facing the [[Montreal Canadiens]] in the second round. The Lightning won the first three games of the series and had a chance to sweep the Canadiens; however, Montreal responded with wins in games 4 and 5 to extend the series to a sixth game. Tampa Bay won the sixth game of the series to eliminate the Canadiens and advance to the conference finals for the first time since 2011, facing the [[Presidents' Trophy]]-winning [[New York Rangers]]. In the conference finals, the Lightning and the Rangers split the first two games of the series in New York, with the Lightning winning game 2 of the series thanks to a [[Tyler Johnson (ice hockey)|Tyler Johnson]] hat-trick. The series then shifted to Tampa, where the Lightning had a come-from-behind overtime victory in game 3, but lost game 4 to even the series at two games apiece. During game 5 in New York, goaltender [[Ben Bishop]] recorded his second shutout of the playoffs in a 2–0 victory, but the Rangers responded in game 6 by scoring seven goals to tie the series at three games apiece. In game 7, Bishop recorded his third shutout of the playoffs in another 2–0 victory against the Rangers to lead the Lightning to their first appearance in the [[2015 Stanley Cup Finals|Stanley Cup Finals]] since 2004. The Lightning not only became the first team to defeat the Rangers in a game 7 at [[Madison Square Garden]], but they also became the first team to successfully defeat three [[Original Six]] teams in the first three rounds of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nhl-stanley-lightning-idUSKBN0OF0WW20150530|date=May 30, 2015|title=Lightning beat up on Original Six to reach Cup finals|work=Reuters|access-date=May 31, 2015}}</ref> The Lightning would face the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] in the Stanley Cup Finals, making it the first time a finalist faced four Original Six teams in the playoffs since the four-round format was introduced in [[1980 Stanley Cup playoffs|1980]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/25200921/the-tampa-bay-lightning-and-their-playoff-journey-through-the-original-six|title=The Tampa Bay Lightning's playoff journey through the Original Six|first=Adam|last=Gretz |work=CBS Sports|date=May 31, 2015 |access-date=May 31, 2015}}</ref> After losing game 1 at home, the Lightning built a two games to one series lead, though the Blackhawks would win the following three games to win the Stanley Cup in six games at the [[United Center]] in [[Chicago]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/2015-chicago-blackhawks-vs-tampa-bay-lightning-stanley-cup-final.html|date=May 30, 2015|title=Lightning strikes again|agency=Hockey reference|access-date=September 6, 2020}}</ref> This made Tampa Bay the first team to beat three of the Original Six teams in the playoffs since the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] completed the feat in 1992. However, they became the first team to lose the Stanley Cup Finals despite beating three Original Six teams in the previous three rounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/tampa-bay-falls-short-loses-cup-game-shutout-31790484|title=Tampa Bay Falls Just Short, Loses the Cup in Game 6 Shutout|date=June 16, 2015|author=Beacham, Greg|agency=Associated Press|publisher=ABC News|access-date=March 10, 2025}}</ref>

[[File:Tampa Bay Lightning Game 6 Watch Party (18219067034) (cropped).jpg|thumb|A viewing party outside [[Amalie Arena]] for game 6 of the [[2015 Stanley Cup Finals]]]]
The Lightning had a slow start to the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16 season]]. The season was filled with controversy for the team, starting off with the contractual questions regarding captain [[Steven Stamkos]] and with the former third overall pick [[Jonathan Drouin]] publicly requesting a trade and being suspended from the organization. The Lightning picked up their play at the beginning of 2016 and set the franchise record to nine consecutive wins on March 5, 2016, when [[Alex Killorn]] scored with 42.5 seconds remaining in overtime to propel the Lightning to a 4–3 victory over the [[Carolina Hurricanes]] at Amalie Arena. On March 26, 2016, the Lightning announced cornerstone defenseman [[Anton Strålman|Anton Stralman]] had suffered a fractured leg in their game against the [[New York Islanders]] at home. Stamkos was out of the lineup for the team's game on April 2 against the [[New Jersey Devils]] in Tampa; general manager [[Steve Yzerman]] announced after the game that the captain would miss one-to-three months due to a blood clot in his arm. Due to unfortunate circumstances, the team had no other option but to bring Drouin back to the team. The Lightning ended up finishing second in the Atlantic Division and would once again face the third-seeded Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the [[2016 Stanley Cup playoffs|playoffs]]. The Lightning played the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the 2016 playoffs for the second consecutive year and defeated them in five games after winning game five 1–0 at Amalie Arena. Next up, the [[New York Islanders]] (who had recently defeated the Panthers to win their first playoff series since the 1992–93 season) would face the Lightning. In game 1, the Islanders defeated the Bolts 5–3. The Lightning would eventually answer back by winning four consecutive games in the series to defeat the Isles in five games to move on to the conference finals for the second consecutive year, in large part due to back-to-back road overtime victories with goals scored by [[Brian Boyle]] and [[Jason Garrison]]. The Lightning were set to play against the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] in the conference finals. In game 1 at [[Consol Energy Center]], star goaltender Ben Bishop would be added to the list of devastating injuries for the team as he left on a stretcher and did not return for the remainder of the series. Stralman would eventually return in game 2. A back-and-forth series would eventually lead to a game 7 showdown in [[Pittsburgh]]. Lightning captain Steven Stamkos surprisingly took warmups and was in the Lightning lineup after a long absence from blood clot surgery. However, it was not enough as the Lightning would fall in the game 2–1 against the Penguins for a 4–3 series defeat, who went on to defeat the [[San Jose Sharks]] and win the Stanley Cup while the Lightning came one win short from a second consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals.

[[File:Nikita Kucherov 140103.png|thumb|upright|[[Nikita Kucherov]] emerged as the Lightning's leading point-scorer during the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16 season]].]]
With the Lightning under the spotlight in the 2016 off-season, Drouin rescinded his trade request. Steve Yzerman would then announce on June 29 the team re-signed Stamkos to an eight-year, cap-friendly deal. He would then sign star defenseman [[Victor Hedman]] to an eight-year contract on July 1, along with a seven-year deal for Alex Killorn and three-year deals to star winger [[Nikita Kucherov]] and goaltender [[Andrei Vasilevskiy]].

The Lightning narrowly missed the playoffs in the 2016–17 season. Finishing with 94 points, they were beaten to the second wildcard by the Toronto Maple Leafs, with 95 points. The 2016–17 season for the Lightning was a host of injuries, mainly their captain, Steven Stamkos. Stamkos went down in the 17th game, against the Detroit Red Wings on November 15, 2016. It was revealed he suffered from a torn left meniscus, which put him out for the rest of the season. Ryan Callahan would also play in only 18 games due to multiple surgeries to his back and hip.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/former-rangers-captain-ryan-callahan-diagnosed-with-degenerative-back-disease/ |title=Former Rangers captain Ryan Callahan diagnosed with degenerative back disease |work=CBS Sports |last=Benjamin |first=Cody |date=June 20, 2019 |access-date=June 20, 2024}}</ref> Towards the end of the season, they traded goaltender Ben Bishop to the [[Los Angeles Kings]], center [[Brian Boyle]] to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and forward [[Valtteri Filppula]] to the [[Philadelphia Flyers]]. However, there were positive signs as winger Nikita Kucherov emerged with 40 goals for the first time in his career and the Lightning also showcased their young talent with rookie [[Brayden Point]] and promising AHL call-ups [[Yanni Gourde]] and [[Jake Dotchin]]. The Lightning bounced back with this talent in the last third of the season, but it was not enough as they missed the 2017 playoffs by one point.

In the 2017 off-season, the Lightning made a deal with the Montreal Canadiens to send Jonathan Drouin to their franchise in exchange for defensive prospect [[Mikhail Sergachev]] and a second-round pick in the [[2018 NHL entry draft]]. They also signed defenseman [[Daniel Girardi]] for two years and winger [[Chris Kunitz]] to a one-year deal.

[[File:Victor Hedman - Tampa Bay Lightning.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Victor Hedman]] won the [[James Norris Memorial Trophy]] in [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18]].]]
In the [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18 season]], Steven Stamkos returned from injury, scoring 20 points in the first 10 games and assisting on nine of Nikita Kucherov's 11 goals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehockeynews.com/news/article/stamkos-transformation-into-kucherov-s-set-up-man-has-lightning-looking-scarier-than-ever|title=Stamkos' transformation into Kucherov's set-up man has Lightning looking scarier than ever {{!}} The Hockey News|last=Campbell|first=Ken|work=The Hockey News|access-date=November 21, 2017}}</ref> The Lightning finished the 2017–18 season with a record of 54–23–5, finishing with 113 points. The Lightning won their first [[Atlantic Division (NHL)|Atlantic Division]] title and first division title since the 2003–04 season, as well as securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the [[2018 Stanley Cup playoffs]]. Andrei Vasilevskiy was nominated for the [[Vezina Trophy]] for the first time. Nikita Kucherov scored 100 points during the regular season, finishing third overall in the league. Steve Yzerman was once again nominated for the [[NHL General Manager of the Year Award]]. During the 2018 playoffs, the Lightning eliminated the New Jersey Devils in the first round and the Boston Bruins in the second round, both in five games. However, they were defeated in the conference finals by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals, in seven games, one win short from clinching a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals once more.

====First Presidents' Trophy winner swept in the first round (2018–2019)====
On September 11, 2018, it was announced that [[Steve Yzerman]] would be resigning from his position as general manager, and longtime assistant general manager [[Julien BriseBois]] would be taking his place as the new general manager.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/09/11/ap-source-steve-yzerman-stepping-down-as-lightning-gm/37783561/|title=AP Source: Steve Yzerman stepping down as Lightning GM|work=USA Today|access-date=September 11, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theathletic.com/518457/2018/09/11/steve-yzerman-stepping-down-as-lightning-general-manager/|title=Steve Yzerman stepping down as Lightning general manager|last=Smith|first=Joe|work=The Athletic|access-date=September 11, 2018}}</ref> During the [[2018–19 NHL season|2018–19 season]], the Lightning clinched their first [[Presidents' Trophy]] and second consecutive division title after a 4–1 win over the [[Arizona Coyotes]] on March 18, 2019. Winning their final regular season game against the [[Boston Bruins]] on April 6, the Lightning finished with 62 wins, tying the NHL record set by the [[1995–96 Detroit Red Wings season|1995–96 Detroit Red Wings]] for most wins in a season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nearhos |first1=Diana C. |title=Lightning ties NHL wins record with No. 62 |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/2019/04/06/lightning-ties-nhl-wins-record-with-no-62/ |website=Tampa Bay Times |access-date=April 8, 2019 |date=April 6, 2019}}</ref> [[Nikita Kucherov]] became the second player in Lightning franchise history (after [[Martin St. Louis]]) to win the [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] as the league's most valuable player and the [[Art Ross Trophy]] as the league's leading point scorer, setting a new franchise record of 128 points. [[Andrei Vasilevskiy]] became the first player in franchise history to win the [[Vezina Trophy]] as the league's best goaltender. However, in the first round of the [[2019 Stanley Cup playoffs|2019 playoffs]], they were swept in four games by the eighth seeded [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] in that team's first-ever playoff series victory,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Merz |first1=Craig |title=Blue Jackets sweep Lightning in Game 4 for first playoff series victory |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-columbus-blue-jackets-game-4-recap/c-306819236 |website=NHL.com |access-date=April 2, 2023 |date=April 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417021235/https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-columbus-blue-jackets-game-4-recap/c-306819236 |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> becoming the first Presidents' Trophy winner to be swept in the first round of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nearhos |first1=Diana C. |title=Lightning's Jon Cooper: 'For six days in April, Columbus was the better team' |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/2019/04/17/lightning-becomes-first-presidents-trophy-winner-to-be-swept-in-first-round/ |website=Tampa Bay Times |access-date=May 11, 2019 |date=April 16, 2019}}</ref> [[2019 Tampa Bay Lightning–Columbus Blue Jackets playoff series|The series]] is widely regarded as one of the biggest [[Upset (sports)|upset]]s in league history. Former NHL player and [[NBC Sports]] analyst [[Jeremy Roenick]] described Tampa's elimination as "one of the biggest letdowns in history", while the ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' described it as "the disappointment that all others are measured against".<ref>{{cite web |title=Quest for the Cup: Blue Jackets and Isles advance |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/video/quest-cup-blue-jackets-upset-lightning-islanders-sweep-penguins |website=NBC Sports |accessdate=April 17, 2019 |date=April 16, 2019 |archive-date=April 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419003626/https://www.nbcsports.com/video/quest-cup-blue-jackets-upset-lightning-islanders-sweep-penguins |url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Back-to-back Stanley Cups and three straight Finals appearances (2019–2022)====
Following their earlier than expected exit from the 2019 playoffs, several players left the Lightning. Left winger [[J. T. Miller]] was traded to the [[Vancouver Canucks]]. Backup goaltender [[Louis Domingue]] was dealt to the [[New Jersey Devils]] for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in [[2021 NHL entry draft|2021]]. Defenseman [[Anton Strålman|Anton Stralman]] left the team in free agency after five seasons and signed a three-year contract with the inner-state rival [[Florida Panthers]]. Right winger [[Ryan Callahan]]'s career was effectively ended when he was diagnosed with a degenerative back disease.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/former-rangers-captain-ryan-callahan-diagnosed-with-degenerative-back-disease/ | title = Former Rangers captain Ryan Callahan diagnosed with degenerative back disease | work = [[CBS Sports]] | date =June 20, 2019 | access-date =September 29, 2020}}</ref> Defenseman [[Daniel Girardi]] went unsigned over the summer and eventually announced his retirement from playing hockey effective immediately after his two-year contract he signed in 2017 expired.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/dan-girardi-retirement-1.5291473 | title = Former Lightning, Rangers d-man Dan Girardi retires as NHL's blocked shots leader | publisher = [[CBC News]] | date = September 20, 2019 | accessdate = September 20, 2019}}</ref> To make up for these losses, the Lightning signed defenseman [[Kevin Shattenkirk]] to a one-year contract, after his contract with the [[New York Rangers]] was bought out. Left winger [[Patrick Maroon]], who was coming off a [[Stanley Cup]] championship with his hometown team, the [[St. Louis Blues]], was also signed to a one-year deal. The Lightning re-signed centers [[Brayden Point]] and [[Cédric Paquette|Cedric Paquette]] to two and three-year contracts, respectively. Starting goaltender [[Andrei Vasilevskiy]]'s contract was also extended by eight years.

The Lightning began the season with a 17–13–4 record after 34 games. After this point, they won 23 of their next 26 games, including two separate win streaks of at least ten games, the second of which eventually set a new franchise record of eleven consecutive wins. They lost captain [[Steven Stamkos]] to injury once again, as he underwent surgery to repair a [[Core (anatomy)|core muscle]] in late February. He was expected to miss 6–8 weeks as a result, which at the time was expected to keep him out for the remainder of the regular season and the start of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.si.com/nhl/2020/02/29/lightning-steven-stamkos-injury-surgery | title = Lightning Captain Steven Stamkos to Miss 6–8 Weeks After Surgery | newspaper = [[Sports Illustrated]] | date =February 29, 2020 | access-date =September 29, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/lightning/news/lightning-captain-steven-stamkos-to-have-surgery/c-315697614 | title = Lightning Captain Steven Stamkos to have surgery | publisher = [[NHL]] | date =February 29, 2020 | access-date =September 29, 2020}}</ref>

Before the 2020 trade deadline the Lightning made two significant trades that would go on to be instrumental to their future success. On February 16, 2020, the Lightning acquired forward [[Blake Coleman]] from the New Jersey Devils for prospect [[Nolan Foote]] and a [[2020 NHL entry draft|2020]] first-round pick. Then on the last day before the deadline, the Lightning acquired forward [[Barclay Goodrow]] and a 2020 third-round pick from the San Jose Sharks for Tampa's 2020 first-round pick and [[Anthony Greco]].

[[File:Andrei Vasilevskiy 2018-05-21 1.jpg|thumb|right|[[Andrei Vasilevskiy]] backstopped the Lightning to back-to-back [[Stanley Cup]] championships, winning the [[Conn Smythe Trophy]] as playoff MVP in [[2021 Stanley Cup playoffs|2021]].]]
Tampa Bay had only played 70 games when the NHL suspended the season on March 12, 2020, due to concerns over the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NHL statement on coronavirus |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-coronavirus-status/c-316155530 |website=NHL.com |access-date=March 12, 2020 |date=September 29, 2020}}</ref> It was not until late May that the league decided to cancel the remaining three weeks of the regular season. At the time, the Lightning had a record of 43–21–6 and were second in their conference. To finish the season, the league expanded the [[2020 Stanley Cup playoffs]] to include 24 teams rather than 16. In July, it was announced that the playoffs would begin August 1, and would take place in the Canadian cities of [[Toronto]] as the Eastern Conference hub, and [[Edmonton]] for the Western Conference. By virtue of having one of the top four highest point percentages at the time the season was suspended, the Lightning not only qualified for the playoffs, but would first compete in a single round-robin opening round group with the [[Boston Bruins]], [[Washington Capitals]], and [[Philadelphia Flyers]] to determine seeding.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stanley Cup Qualifiers schedule |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-round-robin-best-of-5-series-dates-times/c-317365910 |website=NHL.com |access-date=July 10, 2020 |date=September 29, 2020}}</ref> Winning two out of three games, the Lightning earned the second seed in the East.

Following the round-robin, the Lightning drew the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] again in the first round. The first game of the series ultimately became the [[Overtime (ice hockey)#List of notable overtime games|fourth-longest NHL game]] in history, as the game-winning goal was scored by Brayden Point at the 10:27 mark of the fifth overtime period. Point also scored in overtime for a second time in game five, eliminating Columbus.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lightning eliminate Blue Jackets with overtime win in Game 5 |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/lightning-eliminate-blue-jackets-overtime-win-game-5/ |website=Sportsnet.ca |access-date=August 19, 2020 |date=September 29, 2020}}</ref> In the second round, the Lightning faced the [[Presidents' Trophy]]-winning Boston Bruins. After losing the first game of this series, the Lightning rallied to win the next four, with [[Victor Hedman]]'s double-overtime goal in game 5 sealing the series victory for Tampa Bay.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lightning eliminate Bruins after Game 5 goes to double overtime |url=https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2020/08/31/lightning-eliminate-bruins-in-double-ot-game-5-kucherov-injured/ |author=James O'Brien |website=nbcsports.com |access-date=August 31, 2020 |date=September 29, 2020}}</ref> After advancing, the remainder of the Lightning's playoff run took place in Edmonton, which had been planned as the site of both of the conference finals and the Stanley Cup Finals. In the conference finals, the Lightning took on the [[New York Islanders]]. The Islanders extended the Lightning to six games, but Tampa Bay would once again prevail in overtime to win the series, with the game-winning goal this time being scored by [[Anthony Cirelli]]. The win earned the Lightning the [[Prince of Wales Trophy]] for the third time in their history, and their first trip to the [[Stanley Cup Finals]] since [[2015 Stanley Cup Finals|2015]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lightning eliminate Islanders in OT, will face Stars in Stanley Cup Final |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lightning-eliminate-islanders-will-face-stars-in-stanley-cup-final-031319767.html |author=Arun Srinivasan |website=yahoo.com |access-date=September 17, 2020 |date=September 29, 2020}}</ref> In the [[2020 Stanley Cup Finals]], the Lightning met the [[Dallas Stars]]. The teams split the first two games of the series. In game three, Steven Stamkos returned to the lineup, having missed the entire playoff run to that point after suffering an injury prior to the start of the playoffs, unrelated to an injury he sustained during the regular season.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/lightning/news/steven-stamkos-set-to-return-in-game-3/c-319164186 | title = Steven Stamkos set to return in Game 3 | publisher =[[NHL]] | date =September 23, 2020 | access-date =September 29, 2020}}</ref> He scored a goal on what was his only shot on goal of the series, as he did not take to the ice again following the end of the first period. Tampa Bay did, however, win both game three and four to take a 3–1 series lead. Dallas stayed alive in the series by winning game five 3–2 in double-overtime to force a game six, but the Lightning closed them out with a 2–0 win in game six to win their second [[Stanley Cup]] championship, and first since 2004.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stack |first1=Shaun |title=Who Are the Best Florida Sports Teams of All-Time? |url=https://spacecoastdaily.com/2023/04/who-are-the-best-florida-sports-teams-of-all-time/ |website=spacecoastdaily.com |access-date=December 20, 2023 |date=April 20, 2023}}</ref> [[Victor Hedman]] was named the [[Conn Smythe Trophy]] winner as the [[Most Valuable Player|MVP]] of the playoffs, having recorded 22 points on 10 goals and 12 assists. [[Nikita Kucherov]] set a new franchise record for points in a single playoff season with 34, and also became the franchise leader for playoff goals, assists, and points. The team set a league record with over 221 minutes played in overtime periods alone.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=PR_NHL |number=1310950240028155904 |date=September 29, 2020 |title=The @TBLightning finished the postseason with a 7–2 record in overtime games, playing a League-record 221:14 overtime minutes in the 2020 postseason – equivalent to nearly four extra regulation games. |access-date=March 10, 2025}}</ref> They also became the first team in league history to have three series-winning goals in overtime.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=PR_NHL |number=1310789637569425408 |date =September 29, 2020 |title=The @TBLightning won three series in OT and got clinching goals from NHL goals leader @BraydenPoint19 in both the First Round and #StanleyCup Final.. |access-date=March 10, 2025}}</ref> [[Andrei Vasilevskiy]] surpassed both former Lightning goaltender [[Ben Bishop]] and [[Nikolai Khabibulin]] to become the franchise leader in playoff games played and playoff games won. The victory led to a new tradition for Tampa Bay sports teams: boat parades. The 2020 Lightning held a parade of boats on the [[Hillsborough River (Florida)|Hillsborough River]] rather than a traditional [[victory parade]] through the streets of the city, mainly to comply with COVID-19 regulations, but subsequent championship teams in Tampa have held similar parades even with those restrictions lifted.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lightning, City of Tampa to host boat parade, fan rally|url=https://www.nhl.com/lightning/news/tampa-bay-lightning-city-of-tampa-to-host-boat-parade-fan-rally/c-319226540|access-date=July 16, 2021|website=NHL.com|date=September 29, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=February 10, 2021|title=Brady completes Lombardi pass as Bucs party|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30874484/tampa-bay-buccaneers-celebrate-super-bowl-lv-title-boat-parade|access-date=July 16, 2021|website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=2021 Stanley Cup Celebration Events|url=https://www.nhl.com/lightning/fans/stanley-cup-celebration|access-date=July 16, 2021}}</ref>

Due to COVID-19, the league moved the Lightning to the [[Central Division (NHL)|Central Division]], where they would compete with the Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, Panthers, Predators, Red Wings, and Stars for the [[2020–21 NHL season|2020–21 season]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=2021 NHL season: Division realignment, coronavirus protocols, Stanley Cup Playoffs dates|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/2021-nhl-season-division-realignment-coronavirus-protocols-stanley-cup-playoffs-dates/|access-date=July 13, 2021|website=CBSSports.com|date=January 14, 2021}}</ref> The Lightning would only play against teams in the Central Division, with limited attendance to start the season. The team once again played in a shortened season, playing 56 games in total. [[Nikita Kucherov]] would miss the entire regular season with a hip surgery he had in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Insight into Kucherov's injury and his playoff readiness|url=https://www.nhl.com/lightning/news/insight-into-tampa-bay-lightning-forward-nikita-kucherovs-injury-and-his-playoff-readiness/c-324720060|access-date=July 13, 2021|website=NHL.com|date=May 14, 2021}}</ref> During the season, the Lightning acquired defenseman [[David Savard]] through a multi-team trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the [[Detroit Red Wings]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Savard acquired by Lightning in trade with Blue Jackets, Red Wings|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-acquire-david-savard-in-three-team-trade-with-detroit-and-columbus/c-323496078|access-date=July 13, 2021|website=NHL.com}}</ref> The Lightning would also acquire defenseman [[Fredrik Claesson]] in another trade with the [[San Jose Sharks]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 12, 2021|title=Sharks trade Fredrik Claesson, acquire NCAA goalie from Lightning|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/04/12/sharks-trade-fredrik-claesson-acquire-goalie-prospect-from-lightning|access-date=July 13, 2021|website=The Mercury News}}</ref> The Lightning finished the season with a 36–17–3 record, and would finish third in the Central Division.

Entering the [[2021 Stanley Cup playoffs|2021 playoffs]], the Lightning would face against the [[Florida Panthers]] in the first round, making this the first time the [[Lightning–Panthers rivalry|state rivals]] would meet each other in the playoffs. The Lightning would win the series 4–2, with the last game continuing a playoff series clinching shutout streak that had carried over from the [[2020 Stanley Cup Finals]] against Dallas. In the second round, the Lightning would face the [[Carolina Hurricanes]]. In the third game of the series, [[Brayden Point]] would score the first goal in a playoff goal-scoring streak that would last for 9 games, coming in second to [[Reggie Leach]] with 10 games in a single playoff year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Point falls short of playoff goal streak record for Lightning|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/lightnings-point-falls-short-of-playoff-goal-streak-record/c-325479358|access-date=July 14, 2021|website=NHL.com}}</ref> The Hurricanes would win game 3 in overtime, however the Lightning would win the next two games to win the series 4–1. For the second consecutive year, the Lightning would again face the [[New York Islanders]] before heading to the Stanley Cup Finals. Due to the lack of conferences for this season, this series would not be called the conference finals, but instead it would be known as the Stanley Cup semifinals. The Islanders would once again take the Lightning to an extended series, having won game 6 in overtime to force the series to seven games. However, the Lightning would clinch the series in game 7 with a single shorthanded goal scored by [[Yanni Gourde]]. The win would earn the Lightning their second consecutive [[Prince of Wales Trophy]], and a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. In the [[2021 Stanley Cup Finals]], the Lightning went up against the [[Montreal Canadiens]]. In the first three games, the Lightning would prevail, a notable highlight being the diving goal [[Blake Coleman]] would score with 1.1 seconds left in the second period in the second game in the series.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coleman goal in Game 2 of Final ranks among greatest in Lightning history|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/lightning-coleman-diving-goal-stanley-cup-final/c-325540652|access-date=July 13, 2021|website=NHL.com}}</ref> The Canadiens however would force a game 5 and prevent a sweep, winning game 4 in overtime. The Lightning however would win the Stanley Cup in game 5, with a single goal scored by [[Ross Colton]] in the second period. The game would also see the Lightning win in their own arena, the second time in team history, and the first time since the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] won the Cup in [[2015 Stanley Cup Finals|2015]], which coincidentally was against the Lightning. Starting goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP with 5 shutouts during the playoffs, 4 of which were series-clinching shutouts. Patrick Maroon would win his third consecutive Stanley Cup, one with his hometown team, the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and two with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021. Maroon later slipped and dropped the Stanley Cup and severely dented the trophy's bowl during a celebration at Julian B. Lane Park following the team's victory parade on July 12. Maroon cited the strong thunderstorm during the outdoor celebration as the reason, and the Cup was quickly repaired with no further issues whatsoever.<ref>{{Cite web|title=So that's what happened: Lightning's Pat Maroon admits to dropping the Stanley Cup|url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/sports/nhl/lightning/stanley-cup-pat-maroon-damage/67-920c5bcb-713b-4e89-92a4-47582db83b0b|access-date=July 16, 2021|website=wtsp.com|date=July 14, 2021}}</ref>

On February 26, 2022, the Lightning played their first outdoor game in franchise history against the host [[Nashville Predators]] in the [[2022 NHL Stadium Series]] at [[Nissan Stadium]]. The Lightning would win the game against the Predators with a score of 3–2, with Steven Stamkos receiving first star. On April 14, 2022, the Lightning clinched a playoff berth after a 4–3 overtime win against the [[Anaheim Ducks]]. In the [[2022 Stanley Cup playoffs|2022 playoffs]], the Lightning defeated the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] in seven games in the first round and swept their in-state rivals, the Presidents' Trophy–winning [[Florida Panthers]], in the second round. On June 11, the Lightning clinched their third straight Stanley Cup Finals berth after a 2–1 win against the New York Rangers in game six of the conference finals. However, in the [[2022 Stanley Cup Finals|2022 Finals]], they came up two wins short for a third consecutive Stanley Cup title by losing the series in game 6 against the [[Colorado Avalanche]] on June 26.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-tampa-bay-lightning-game-6-recap/c-334578586|title=Avalanche edge Lightning in Game 6, win Cup for first time since 2001|last=Gulitti|first=Tom|publisher=NHL Enterprises, L. P.|date=June 26, 2022|website=NHL.com|accessdate=June 26, 2022}}</ref>

====Early playoff exits and Stamkos departure (2022–present)====
In the [[2022–23 NHL season|2022–23 season]], the Lightning finished in third place in the Atlantic Division and sixth in the Eastern Conference, and once again played the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] in the first round of the [[2023 Stanley Cup playoffs|2023 playoffs]]. However, this time, the Maple Leafs would avenge their loss the previous year and eliminated the Lightning 4–2. After a 7–3 game one win, Tampa lost 7–2 in game two. The Lightning then became the first team in Stanley Cup playoffs history to lose three overtime games at home, including a 2–1 loss in the deciding game six. It was the first time since 2019 that the Lightning failed to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.<ref>{{cite web |title=NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition – April 30, 2023 |url=https://media.nhl.com/public/news/17012 |website=NHL.com |access-date=November 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241128075459/https://media.nhl.com/public/news/17012 |archive-date=November 28, 2024 |date=April 30, 2023}}</ref>

In the [[2023–24 NHL season|2023–24 season]], the Lightning finished in fourth place in the Atlantic Division and the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, and qualified for the [[2024 Stanley Cup playoffs|2024 playoffs]] as the first wild card, but were eliminated by their in–state rivals and eventual Stanley Cup champions, the [[Florida Panthers]], in five games in the first round.

In the 2024 off-season, longtime captain [[Steven Stamkos]] signed with the [[Nashville Predators]] on the first day of free agency after Stamkos and the team were unable to come up with a contract extension agreement prior to start of free agency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/steven-stamkos-nhl-tampa-bay-lightning-hockey |title=Thank You, Tampa Bay |author=Steven Stamkos |publisher=The Players Tribune |website=theplayerstribune |date=July 15, 2024 |access-date=July 22, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/puzzling-strange-steven-stamkos-speaks-191728674.html |title='Puzzling and strange': Steven Stamkos speaks after saying goodbye to Lightning |author=Kaycee Sloan |website=yahoo.com |publisher=Sports Yahoo |date=July 1, 2024 |access-date=July 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/steven-stamkos-leave-lightning-tampa-bay-captain-predators/fe2f9f8421a0f9154e7a89f6 |title=Why did Steven Stamkos leave the Lightning? Jake Guentzel deal leads to Tampa Bay captain signing with Predators |website=sportingnews.com |publisher=Sporting News |author=Bryan Murphy |date=July 1, 2024 |access-date=September 28, 2024}}</ref> They would subsequently name [[Victor Hedman]] as the next captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/lightning/news/lightning-name-victor-hedman-the-11th-captain-in-franchise-history |title=Lightning name Victor Hedman the 11th captain in franchise history |website=nhl.com |publisher=Tampa Bay Lightning |date=September 18, 2024 |access-date=September 18, 2024}}</ref>

In the [[2024–25 NHL season|2024–25 season]], the Lightning placed second in the Atlantic Division and the third seeding in the Eastern Conference. They played the [[Florida Panthers]] in the in the first round of the playoffs and lost 4–1. During the series [[Brandon Hagel]] was concussed by [[Aaron Ekblad]] in the second period of game 4, missing the rest of game 4 and also missed game 5.<ref>{{cite news |last=Russo |first=Michael |title=Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad suspended 1 game for hit on Lightning’s Brandon Hagel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6320962/2025/04/29/panthers-aaron-ekblad-suspension-brandon-hagel/ |work=The Athletic |publisher=The New York Times |date=April 29, 2025 |access-date=May 7, 2025}}</ref>