Mikhail Sergachev, Anthony Cirelli, Erik Cernak Agree to New Contracts with Lightning
Jul 13, 2022
DENVER, CO - JUNE 18: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (98) skates during the Stanley Cup Finals game 2 between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on June 18, 2022. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Lightning announced Wednesday they have agreed to eight-year contract extensions with defensemen Mikhail Sergachev and Erik Cernak and center Anthony Cirelli.
Sergachev penned a contract worth $8.5 million annually. The deal will make him the highest-paid defenseman on Tampa Bay's roster, putting him ahead of Victor Hedman.
Cirelli will collect $6.25 million annually, while Cernak will earn $5.2 million per season.
The Lightning won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021 and reached their third straight Stanley Cup Final in 2022. Their championship window is wide-open, and general manager Julien BriseBois is betting on the current core to continue to be effective.
Rewarding your best players sends a message to the entire roster. It represents a continued level of commitment from the front office and ownership.
BriseBois also avoids potential headaches next offseason. Sergachev, Cirelli and Cernak would've all been eligible for free agency in 2023.
The bill will come due sooner or later for Tampa Bay, though.
Already, re-signing Ondrej Palat might be out of the question. Next summer, Alex Killorn can hit the open market. Looking beyond that, Steven Stamkos is a free agent in 2024 with Hedman out of contract in 2025.
The Lightning can't keep everybody, so BriseBois will inevitably have more hard choices to make—assuming Palat is gone—in the future.
And it remains to be seen whether maintaining such a top-heavy roster will backfire down the line.
Andrew Copp Agrees to 5-Year, $28.2M Red Wings Contract After Rangers Stint
Jul 13, 2022
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 13: Andrew Copp #18 of the New York Rangers skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Six of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)
Andrew Copp and the Detroit Red Wings agreed to a five-year deal, which will average $5.625 million annually, on Wednesday.
Copp said on TSN he's looking at the bigger picture with the Red Wings, who have missed the playoffs for the last six years, and he "like[s] where this team is headed."
"It's not just a one or two year decision, it's a five-year decision. I really like where this team is headed, I just want to be a part of it going forward."
Broadly speaking, helping an Original Six franchise return to relevancy probably carries a lot of appeal. As a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, signing with the Red Wings likely had an added layer of attraction for Kopp.
He has seen firsthand how a team can make quick progress after prolonged mediocrity.
The 28-year-old was a member of the Winnipeg Jets when they saw their fortunes turn around. Winnipeg snapped a seven-year playoff drought in 2014-15 and reached the conference finals in 2017-18.
The addition of Copp will fortify Detroit's depth up front. He's coming off a career year after totaling 21 goals and 32 assists in 72 games. He also notched 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 20 playoff games.
This move represents a bet on Copp for the Red Wings and Copp betting on himself to some degree. In the Motor City, he'll have the opportunity to show his improvement in 2021-22 was no fluke.
Andrew Copp tells ESPN+ he thinks the Red Wings can take the next step and become a playoff team. "I think the sky's the limit for us."
The Red Wings aren't wasting time addressing other needs in free agency. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported they're "closing in" on a deal with Ben Chiarot.
2022 NHL Draft Results: Team-by-Team Grades, Analysis for Notable Picks
Jul 8, 2022
MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JULY 07: Shane Wright poses for a portrait after being selected fourth overall by the Seattle Kraken during the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bell Centre on July 07, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)
The 2022 NHL draft came to a close on Friday night, and each of the league's 32 teams are hoping their new additions can one day help them contend for a Stanley Cup.
While there were some surprises throughout the draft, perhaps nothing was more of a shock than Shane Wright being passed on by the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils and Arizona Coyotes with the top three picks.
Wright, who was widely believed to be the best player in this year's class, was selected fourth overall by the Seattle Kraken. The pick is now being viewed as the steal of this year's draft.
That said, let's give the NHL's 32 teams a grade for the picks they made over Thursday and Friday's action.
2022 NHL Draft Grades
Anaheim Ducks: B
Arizona Coyotes: A
Boston Bruins: C
Buffalo Sabres: B+
Calgary Flames: C-
Carolina Hurricanes: C+
Chicago Blackhawks: B+
Colorado Avalanche: D+
Columbus Blue Jackets: A-
Dallas Stars: B
Detroit Red Wings: B-
Edmonton Oilers: C
Florida Panthers: C
Los Angeles Kings: B+
Minnesota Wild: B+
Montreal Canadiens: A+
Nashville Predators: B
New Jersey Devils: A-
New York Islanders: C
New York Rangers: B
Ottawa Senators: C+
Philadelphia Flyers: A-
Pittsburgh Penguins: C
San Jose Sharks: B+
St Louis Blues: C+
Seattle Kraken: A+
Tampa Bay Lightning: B-
Toronto Maple Leafs: B
Vancouver Canucks: C+
Vegas Golden Knights: C
Washington Capitals: B-
Winnipeg Jets: B
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens took one of the best young players in the draft, selecting Juraj Slafkovsky first overall. However, their decision to pass on Shane Wright was baffling to many.
That said, Slafkovsky should be a productive player for the Habs for years to come.
The 18-year-old helped lead Slovakia to a historic bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, tallying seven goals in seven contests, including two in the bronze-medal game.
He also represented Slovakia at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, finishing with three goals and six assists in five games en route to a silver medal, and played his domestic hockey in the Finnish Liiga for TPS Turku.
In addition to selecting Slafkovsky, the Canadiens also picked Filip Mesar (No. 26), Owen Beck (No. 33) and Lane Hutson (No. 62) in the first two rounds. all of whom should see plenty of time at the NHL level.
So while the Habs passed on Wright, they still get an A+ for this year's draft as they selected multiple players that could become staples in their lineup down the line.
Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken got the steal of the draft when they selected Shane Wright fourth overall.
The 18-year-old was widely expected to be the top pick in this year's class after an outstanding career with the Ontario Hockey League's Kingston Frontenacs.
While Wright got out to a slow start to the 2021-22 season with the Frontenacs, he still tallied 32 goals and 62 assists for 94 points in 63 regular-season games and added three goals and 11 assists in 11 playoff games.
Wright also represented Canada at the 2021 Under-18 World Championships, helping lead the Canadians to a gold medal. He notched nine goals and five assists in five games and was one of the best players of the tournament.
Considering Wright has been compared to Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron, the Kraken may have just drafted their future franchise center.
Seattle also selected Jagger Firkus (No. 35), Jani Nyman (No. 49), Niklas Kokko (No. 58) and David Goyette (No. 61) in the second round. The Kraken have a great 2022 class that is sure to prepare them well for the future. which is why they received an A+.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche made just two picks in this year's draft—one in the sixth round and one in the seventh, selecting a right-handed defenseman in Chris Romaine at No. 193 and a goaltender in Ivan Zhigalov at No. 225.
Colorado made a number of deals that included draft picks to make its 2021-22 squad better and, after winning the Stanley Cup, the front office probably has no regrets about losing some of those picks.
However, it's hard to give the Avalanche a grade higher than a D when they didn't add much to their prospect pool this week.
Alex DeBrincat Traded to Senators from Blackhawks for No. 7, More NHL Draft Picks
Jul 7, 2022
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - APRIL 20: Alex DeBrincat #12 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates with the puck against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on April 20, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
Ahead of the 2022 NHL draft on Thursday night, the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators shook things up in the top 10.
The Senators announced they have acquired forward Alex DeBrincat from the Blackhawks in exchange for three draft selections, including picks No. 7 and 39 in the 2022 draft.
The Blackhawks tried to toe the line between being a playoff contender and rebuilding their roster going into the 2021-22 season. Things didn't go well, as they finished seventh in the Central Division with 68 points and missed the playoffs for the fourth time in the past five years.
It was going to be difficult for Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson to go all-in on a rebuild without making a drastic move. The team didn't have any major contracts come off their books prior to the start of free agency to clear significant cap space.
Patrick Kane told reporters in April he was hopeful for a quick turnaround going into 2022-23.
"You can win and still be in a rebuild," Kane said. "I think there are teams that have accelerated that too, right? You look at L.A., they had some young guys that probably came in and maybe exceeded some of maybe their front-office expectations and all of a sudden, they're in a spot where they can sign guys like [forward Phillip] Danault and trade for [forward Viktor] Arvidsson, and they're a better team."
Rather than add more money to the payroll with the hopes of getting back to contention, though, it seems Davidson and his staff are emphasizing a long-term approach this offseason.
DeBrincat is an odd player for a rebuilding franchise to trade. He's only 24 years old, just set a career-high with 78 points last season and is under contract for $6.4 million next season before hitting restricted free agency.
Trading DeBrincat does move the Blackhawks back into the first round of Thursday's draft. They dealt their top pick in the 2022 draft last year in a package to acquire Seth Jones from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Jones was given an eight-year, $76 million extension by Chicago after the trade. The pick traded by the Blackhawks wound up being at No. 6 overall. They will be able to get a high-end prospect with the pick they are receiving from the Senators.
Ottawa general manager Pierre Dorion told reporters prior to the start of the 2021-22 season that his team's rebuild "is done" and they were "stepping into another zone."
Instead, the Senators limped their way to a 33-42-7 record and seventh-place finish in the Atlantic Division. They finished in the bottom 10 in the NHL in goals scored (227) and goals allowed (266).
Adding a young, talented player like DeBrincat to the mix should greatly improve Ottawa's scoring output as the franchise looks to end its six-year playoff drought.
Ryan McDonagh Traded from Lightning to Predators for Philippe Myers, Grant Mismash
Jul 3, 2022
TAMPA, FL - JUNE 22: Ryan McDonagh #27 of the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period in Game Four of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Philippe Myers and forward Grant Mismash, the franchise announced Sunday.
"He's one of the best defenders in the NHL, he's a selfless player and a great leader. I would like to thank him for everything he's done for us," Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois told reporters.
Tampa Bay's decision to move McDonagh was largely to clear cap space, as the 33-year-old is under contract for four more seasons with an average annual salary of $6.8 million.
If the Lightning buy out the remainder of Myers' contract, which has been speculated, they will have cleared more than $7.3 million in cap space, per Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff. However, BriseBois told reporters Sunday that they don't plan to buy out the veteran defenseman and that they like his "toolbox," per The Athletic's Joe Smith.
That said, the Bolts are still over the salary cap by $933,333, per CapFriendly, and will need to clear more cap space if they hope to re-sign unrestricted free agents Ondrej Palat and Jan Rutta this summer.
Tampa Bay is currently set to head into the 2022-23 season with a defense that includes Myers, Victor Hedman, Mikhail Sergachev, Erik Cernak, Zach Bogosian and Cal Foote. While that's not a bad group, the loss of McDonagh is a tough blow to the unit.
McDonagh spent four-and-a-half seasons with the Lightning after being sent to Tampa Bay in a trade from the New York Rangers, with whom he began his career, in February 2018. He played a key role in each of Tampa Bay's Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021 and the team's run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2022.
From 2020-22, the Minnesota native averaged 21:47 of ice time in 171 regular-season games, tallying nine goals and 41 assists for 50 points. He averaged 23:10 of ice time in 68 playoff games in that span, notching two goals and 16 assists for 18 points.
While McDonagh is undoubtedly past his prime, he still had a solid 2021-22 campaign, tallying four goals and 22 assists for 26 points in 71 games while averaging 22:27 of ice time, the highest he's averaged since the 2017-18 season.
McDonagh will now be tasked with helping anchor a Nashville defense alongside Norris Trophy finalist Roman Josi and Mattias Ekholm. It's unclear which pairing he will play on, but Josi and Ekholm will probably be ahead of him on the depth chart.
Even with the trade for McDonagh, Nashville has $18.1 million in cap space, per CapFriendly. That gives the Predators more than enough room to re-sign star forward Filip Forsberg, in addition to some of their other free agents.
However, the Preds could use an upgrade on offense even if Forsberg returns, so it's possible the franchise will look into some of the top available forwards when free agency opens.
As for the Bolts, Myers will probably be one of their bottom pairing defensemen. He tallied one goal and three assists for four points in 27 games with the Preds last season and had an underwhelming three seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers before that, posting six goals and 23 assists for 29 points in 115 games.
Mismash spent the 2021-22 campaign with the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals, tallying six goals and 12 points in his rookie year. The 23-year-old will likely remain in the AHL for the 2022-23 season as Tampa Bay has plenty of offensive depth.
NHL Rumors: Jim Montgomery, Bruins Agree to Contract as Boston's New HC
Jul 1, 2022
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 26: Dallas Stars head coach Jim Montgomery in the first period during a game between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks on November 26, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Boston Bruins have finally found their replacement for Bruce Cassidy.
Boston is hiring former Dallas Stars head coach Jim Montgomery as its next bench boss, according to Joe McDonald of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. The deal is expected to be in the neighborhood of three years and $2 million annually, per ESPN's Kevin Weekes.
Former Bruin and current NHL player on Montgomery: “Jim Montgomery is great coach and even better person. The guys will love playing for him and he will make this team a contender.”
Montgomery was one of three reported finalists for the job, joining former New York Rangers head coach David Quinn and Seattle Kraken assistant Jay Leach, who previously coached the Providence Bruins, Boston's AHL affiliate.
The 53-year-old will become just the third head coach to be hired by the Bruins since 2007. Claude Julien coached the franchise from 2007 to '17, leading Boston to a Stanley Cup title in 2011, and Bruce Cassidy led the team from 2017 to '22.
Montgomery was hired as head coach of the Stars for the 2018-19 season and led the team to a 43-32-7 finish and a berth in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. However, he was fired just 31 games into the 2019-20 campaign for "unprofessional conduct."
Montgomery revealed one month after he was fired that he had entered rehab for alcohol abuse, calling the loss of his job a "wake-up call."
Montgomery was hired as an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues in September 2020 and served in the role over the last two seasons. With the Canadian assisting behind the bench, St. Louis reached the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
Montgomery also served as head coach at the University of Denver from 2013 to '18. Under his leadership, the Pioneers reached two Frozen Fours and won an NCAA championship in 2017.
He also played college hockey at the University of Maine and appeared in 122 NHL games from 1993 to 2002.
Montgomery has some big shoes to fill in Boston after the Black and Gold surprisingly fired Cassidy following a first-round playoff exit to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Cassidy served as head coach of the Bruins for six seasons, compiling a 245-108-46 record. He led the Bruins to the Stanley Cup playoffs in each of his six seasons behind the bench, including a Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 2019.
Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said at the time of Cassidy's firing that he believed the team would benefit from a "new voice."
ESPN's John Buccigross later reported during a radio hit with WEEI's Merloni, Fauria & Mego that Cassidy's handling of the development of younger players and his relationship with those players likely played a role in his firing.
“Bruce Cassidy as a coach, he’s respected, great X’s and O’s guy, knows how to game plan, how to beat the other team. It’s elite, obviously, the amount of games he won as the Bruins’ head coach. … But his communication skills and people managing, for some, have been difficult to deal with. Kind of a running commentary on the bench, which players sometimes hear and maybe they think, ‘Jeez, I wonder what he’s saying about me.’ It’s not uncommon.
“… It’s a delicate thing. The motivational tactics he uses, certainly really harsh, on young players especially. And that’s the part which, probably as the Bruins are looking to go forward with perhaps a younger core -- I don’t want to call it a rebuild -- but his voice I think was growing tired. I think players probably in the exit meetings, from what I was told, kind of voiced their opinion about him."
Throughout their head coaching search, the Bruins appeared to prioritize coaches that had a solid repertoire with younger players. So, it's no surprise that Montgomery, Leach and Quinn were the finalists given their experience with younger groups.
That said, Montgomery will be tasked with not only managing younger players in Boston, but some seasoned veterans in Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and Hampus Lindholm, among others.
The Bruins still have a lot of work to do to improve the team for a Stanley Cup run in 2022-23, and hiring a new head coach is only the first step in the process.
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Lightning's Ondrej Palat Heralded as Clutch Hero in Game 5 Win over Avalanche
Jun 25, 2022
DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 24: Ondrej Palat #18 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates a goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period in Game Five of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Ball Arena on June 24, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Ondrej Palat played hero for the Tampa Bay Lightning once again Friday night as he scored the game-winning goal in a 3-2 Game 5 victory against the Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Final at Ball Arena.
With Friday's game tied 2-2 a little past the midway point of the third period, Palat found the back of the net for his 11th goal of the playoffs, seven of which have come in the third period, thanks to a perfect pass from defenseman Victor Hedman.
Palat was praised for his heroics as the Bolts hung on to force a Game 6 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Palat has been such a force for #GoBolts during this playoff. He epitomizes how this team plays. As Gene Hackman said in “The Replacements” “Miles and Miles of Heart” https://t.co/3zF5anpTD9
This type of postseason production is nothing new from Palat. Entering Friday's game, the 31-year-old had notched 47 goals and 45 assists for 92 points in 136 playoff games.
During Tampa Bay's 2020 Stanley Cup run, Palat tallied 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points in 25 games. He followed that up with five goals and eight assists for 13 points in 23 playoff games during the Bolts' 2021 Cup run.
The Lightning selected Palat in the seventh round of the 2011 NHL draft, and he has been a staple in the lineup since making his debut during the 2012-13 campaign.
With the series set to shift back to Tampa Bay, the Bolts will be hoping Palat can help the team force a Game 7 and keep their hopes of winning the Stanley Cup for the third straight season alive.
Game 6 between the Lightning and Colorado is set for Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. Colorado leads the series 3-2.
Bruins Rumors: Patrice Bergeron Likely to Re-Sign With Boston on 1-Year Contract
Jun 24, 2022
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 14: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the third period in Game Seven of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on May 14, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
It appears the Boston Bruins' top-line center has decided to return for at least one more season.
Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron "has decided to return likely on a one-year deal" with the Black and Gold, according to Joe McDonald of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
This is huge news for the Bruins and their fanbase as Bergeron just finished up an eight-year, $55 million contract.
After the Bruins fell to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in May, Bergeron told reporters it was "too early" for him to make a decision on his future, opting to not rule out retirement at 36 years old.
Had Bergeron entered retirement, the Bruins would have been in trouble entering the 2022-23 season as the organization is not prepared to replace its franchise center. Boston doesn't have a single center on its roster that could step into a first-line role nor does the franchise have a prospect capable of entering the top six.
In addition, the Bruins have just $2.4 million in cap space, according to CapFriendly, and that wouldn't have been enough to sign one of the top available centers on the market, such as Evgeni Malkin, Claude Giroux or Filip Forsberg.
Bergeron's return is also a good sign for the Bruins as the team will need him if it hopes to tread water in the standings to start the 2022-23 campaign. Charlie McAvoy, Matt Grzelcyk, Mike Reilly and Brad Marchand are expected to miss the beginning of the season after undergoing offseason surgery.
Bergeron has been a staple in the Bruins' lineup since being selected in the second round of the 2003 draft. He made his NHL debut during the 2003-04 season and has emerged as one of the best two-way forwards in the league.
The Quebec native helped Boston win the Stanley Cup in 2011 and has also won a record five Selke Trophies as the NHL's best defender, with his most recent award coming this year.
Over his 18-year career, Bergeron has tallied 400 goals and 582 assists in 1,216 regular-season games in addition to 47 goals and 76 assists in 167 playoff games.
He has shown no signs of slowing down, either, notching 25 goals and 40 assists for 65 points in 73 games during the 2021-22 season in addition to three goals and four assists in seven postseason games.
With Bergeron likely set to return, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney can shift his focus to working on a long-term contract extension for star winger David Pastrnak. In addition, Boston is still searching for a head coach to replace Bruce Cassidy, who was unexpectedly fired earlier this month.
Lightning's Jon Cooper: 'Heart Breaks' for TB Players After Game 4 Loss vs. Avalanche
Jun 23, 2022
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JUNE 22: Corey Perry #10 of the Tampa Bay Lightning and teammates react after losing to the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in overtime in Game Four of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper was emotional after his team's controversial 3-2 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday.
Cooper only answered one question during the postgame press conference, telling reporters his "heart breaks" for his players because of how the game ended:
"You’re gonna see what I mean when you see the winning goal. My heart breaks for the players because we probably still should be playing.”
Jon Cooper only took one question post-game, and was clearly not happy about the Avalanche's OT winning goal. pic.twitter.com/g6DAwp475i
Prior to Nazem Kadri's game-winning goal, there was some confusion that the Avs may have had too many men on the ice. Nathan MacKinnon was being subbed out for Kadri, but it took him more than five seconds to get to the bench.
At the same time, it also appeared the Lightning had an extra man on the ice when the substitutions were happening:
As a couple people pointed out, if Cooper wants too many men here it's going to be difficult to argue with 7 Lightning players having feet on the ice https://t.co/MfwTr7nuzN
NHL Hockey Operations issued a statement after the game about the controversy.
"A too many men on the ice penalty is a judgment call that can be made by any of the four on-ice officials," the statement read (via NHL.com's Mike Zeisberger). "Following the game, Hockey Operations met with the four officials as is their normal protocol. In discussing the winning goal, each of the four officials advised that they did not see a too many men on the ice situation on the play."
There was a similar situation that the Lightning benefited from in last year's playoffs. Yanni Gourde scored a shorthanded goal in Game 7 of the semifinal that wound up being the difference in a 1-0 win over the New York Islanders.
Andrew Gross of Newsday noted that an image was circulated that appeared to show Tampa Bay had five skaters on the ice. Barclay Goodrow was serving a two-minute penalty for cross-checking at the time.
No one on the Islanders was asked about the situation. The Lightning then went on to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final by defeating the Montreal Canadiens.
Wednesday's loss put the Lightning on the brink of defeat, facing a 3-1 series deficit heading back to Ball Arena for Game 5.
The only team to erase a 3-1 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final was the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1942. They dropped the first three games of their series to the Detroit Red Wings before winning four straight.
The Lightning and Avs will play Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.
