Lightning looking to turn page on recent playoff disappointment

Tampa Bay has lost in East 1st Round in each of past 3 seasons, going 1-7 on home ice in that span

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:33pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and ice broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, conveying the intensity and complexity of the upcoming playoff series between the Lightning and Canadiens.As the Lightning seek to overcome their recent playoff struggles, the team's high-stakes matchup with the Canadiens is rendered in a cubist style that captures the intensity and complexity of the upcoming series.Today in Tampa

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been eliminated in the Eastern Conference First Round in each of the past three seasons, winning just four games combined in those series and going 1-7 on home ice. The team knows this trend cannot continue as they prepare to face the Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Lightning have been one of the NHL's most dominant teams over the past decade, winning two Stanley Cups. However, their recent playoff struggles have raised questions about their ability to perform under pressure and maintain their championship-level play.

The details

In their past four playoff series dating back to the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, the Lightning have lost Game 1 three times and have an 0-6 record in overtime games. The team acknowledges they need to be ready from the start and outwork their opponents to reverse this trend.

  • The Lightning will face the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 on Sunday, April 17, 2026 at 5:45 p.m. ET.
  • Tampa Bay has lost in the Eastern Conference First Round in each of the past three seasons (2023, 2024, 2025).

The players

Brayden Point

A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who emphasizes the importance of the team being ready for Game 1 after letting it slip in recent years.

Andrei Vasilevskiy

The goaltender for the Tampa Bay Lightning who says the team needs to put their past playoff disappointments behind them and outwork their tough opponent, the Montreal Canadiens.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest thing for us is being ready for that Game 1. I think in the last few years we've let Game 1 slip and you're behind the eight ball already. I think just being ready for that and having a better Game 1.”

— Brayden Point, Lightning forward

“An overtime win would be nice. But we have to put (the past) behind us. It's back to zeroes and this is a tough opponent. They are fast, skilled and one of the hardest teams in the NHL right now. We have to outwork them.”

— Andrei Vasilevskiy, Lightning goaltender

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.