Every game has been crucial for the Tampa Bay Lightning for quite some time now. However, we have officially entered crunch time with 15 games yet to play and the postseason still very much in site.
As of Monday afternoon, the Bolts are in a dogfight with the Maple Leafs and Islanders for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. With the Atlantic Division spots essentially out of reach, the wild card is the only way the Lightning can get in. Toronto holds the spot for now with 76 points. The Islanders are right below them 75 points and Tampa is not much further behind with 73.
All of this makes the Lightning's four games this week the most important of the season. Success could lead to sliding ahead of the Leafs and the Isles, while disappointment could eliminate their chances altogether.
The Bolts kick off their week on the road on Monday night in New York against the Rangers. They then fly to Ottawa for the second game of a back-to-back against the Senators. The most important matchup of the week will take place on Thursday when Tampa Bay host the Maple Leafs. This will be the game to watch for any hockey fan as it will most likely have serious implications. The Bolts then close out the week on Saturday against the best team in the NHL, the Washington Capitals.
To be honest, I am quite surprised to see the Lightning where they are at this point in the season. Before the trade deadline, I was ready to count them out of the battle for the most coveted trophy in all of sports. However, the team's resiliency and impressive play have them still in it.
My tune has changed recently and I feel this team has a legitimate shot at being the one who walks away with that final wild-card spot. This team continues to demonstrate they have whatever it takes no matter the adversity they face.
This week should be an entertaining one when it comes to Tampa Bay Lightning hockey with a lot on the line.