It took awhile, but the Tampa Bay Lightning are back.
The Lightning won their first Cup back in 2004, in their first appearance in the Finals. They faced some serious ups and downs between then and their second franchise appearance in 2015, when they fell to the dynasty-era Chicago Blackhawks in six games.
Many thought that Stanley Cup appearance was just the beginning for the team that boasted so much talent, and it really was. But it hasn’t been a linear path. The Lightning, despite their incredible roster, have faced some pretty brutal and disappointing losses. Many also thought they might be headed for a similar fate this year, when their Conference Finals Series versus the Islanders was in overtime of Game Six, with the Isles looking to push Game Seven. Would the Tampa Bay Lightning choke again?
Not on Anthony Cirelli’s watch.
Cirelli scored the OT winner to send the Lightning to their third Cup Final in franchise history, and fans are pumped.
Congrats to the Lightning on their win!
