Lightning beat Bruins after securing playoff spot

Tampa Bay clinches Eastern Conference playoff berth with win over Boston

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:31pm

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The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Boston Bruins 3-1 on Saturday night, just hours after the team secured a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Darren Raddysh scored the game-winning goal for the Lightning with 5:31 remaining in the contest.

Why it matters

The Lightning's playoff berth continues the team's recent run of success, as they look to make another deep postseason run after winning back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.

The details

The Lightning took care of business against the Bruins, breaking a 1-1 tie late in the third period on Raddysh's goal. Tampa Bay had earlier clinched their playoff spot when the Detroit Red Wings lost to the New York Rangers earlier in the day.

  • The Lightning secured their playoff spot earlier on Saturday, April 6, 2026.
  • Tampa Bay defeated the Bruins on the evening of Saturday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Darren Raddysh

A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who scored the game-winning goal against the Bruins.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The NHL team that clinched a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and then defeated the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.

Boston Bruins

The NHL team that lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night.

Detroit Red Wings

The NHL team whose loss to the New York Rangers earlier on Saturday helped the Lightning clinch their playoff berth.

New York Rangers

The NHL team that defeated the Detroit Red Wings, contributing to the Lightning's playoff clinching.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had a chance to clinch today, so it was important for us to go out and take care of business against a tough Bruins team.”

— Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Lightning

What’s next

The Lightning will look to build momentum heading into the playoffs, while the Bruins will try to rebound and secure their own postseason berth.

The takeaway

The Lightning's playoff clinching and victory over the Bruins demonstrates the team's continued excellence and status as a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference.