Friday, 3 a.m.
The important thing about the Lightning’s season-ending game against the Rangers can be summed up succinctly.
It’s over.
That’s about the only thing the Lightning can draw from a 4-0 loss to the New York Rangers. The Bolts had nothing to play for as they open the post-season Tuesday night against the Florida Panthers. Their starters’ minutes were reduced, and backup goalie Jonas Johansson started.
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The result was ugly. The Rangers scored twice in the second period and twice in the third. Mika Zibanejad scored twice for New York.
Johansson let in four goals in 24 shots.
Victor Hedman played only 16:09. Nikita Kucherov played just 13:43. Brayden Point played just 12:50. And so it went.
“There are 82 regular -season games, and it’s a roller coaster ride,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. “So many ups and downs, but with this team, there are a lot more ups than downs. Any time a little adversity hit, they would find a way to navigate through it.”
The Bolts finished the year 47-27-8, but just 18-19-4 on the road.
Tampa Bay is home against Florida at 8 p.m. at Amalie Arena on Tuesday night.