The Tampa Bay Lightning has been so close to the Stanley Cup Award for several years, but, unfortunately, the team failed to succeed each time. They last made it to the finals in 2015, where Tampa was one step closer to victory, but that was a long time ago. The team is creating a new history now.
2015 Finals
In 2015, Tampa had already lost two of its main stars of the past era – Vincent Lecavalier, and Martin St. Louis. However, a new generation had already appeared – Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Ondřej Chambers, Nikita Kucherov, and Tyler Johnson.
Nevertheless, youth and enthusiasm could not cope with the experienced Chicago. It seemed then that the Lightning would become champions, if not in a year, then in two.
Another Wasted Chance
Tampa confidently dealt with Detroit the following season, as well as the Islanders. Then they were in the final, where the team led 3-2 in the series with Pittsburgh. Surprisingly, Tampa failed in the sixth game and looked confused in the seventh. The Penguins eventually took the cup. The Era of Change
In the 2017/2018 season, Tampa began to change. Steve Yzerman made a fantastic deal with Montreal by trading troubled Jonathan Drouin.
Tampa led the table again. The Lightning also finished first in the East. They had the chance of winning the Stanley Cup. First, Tamps easily defeated New Jersey and Boston In the first two rounds. Then they were leading 3-2 with Washington in the East. However, they suddenly halted progress.
“We took it upon ourselves. We received a tough blow last year, as we deserved, withstood it, and now we hit back. The relief cannot be compared to anything,” said head coach John Cooper after reaching the 2020 Stanley Cup final. Now Tampa is one step closer to victory again. Let’s see if they succeed.
Who do you think will be they winner this time?
Also, you can read NHL Stars that Could Spend Their Entire Careers on the Same Team.
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