Playoff series wins by the Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders suggest a changing of the guard in the NHL.
Author: Kevin Allen, USA TODAY
Opinion: Lightning must guard against overreaction after epic failure
The NHL’s top regular-season team got swept in the first round. Now what?
Blue Jackets complete stunning sweep of record-tying Lightning in first round
Lightning tied an NHL record with 62 wins but became first Presidents’ Trophy winner to be swept in first round. It’s Blue Jackets’ first series win.
Maple Leafs’ Nazem Kadri suspended for remainder of first round vs. Bruins for cross-check
Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri was suspended for the remainder of the first round for his cross-check to the head of the Bruins’ Jake DeBrusk.
Opinion: Lightning heading toward an all-time playoff implosion down 3-0 to Blue Jackets
The Lightning tied an regular-season record for wins, but Tampa Bay finds itself down 3-0 in the first round to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Here’s why.
Opinion: Three NHL teams adding new players, potential difference makers in playoffs
The Golden Knights, Avalanche and Blue Jackets have added new players mid-playoffs with hopes they’ll find an edge.
Sizing up the NHL playoff series: Where have the Lightning’s scorers gone?
High-scoring Lightning stars shut out in the first two games by Blue Jackets, Blues continue their roll, and Penguins are capable of rebounding.
Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour rips officials during in-game television interview
Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour was incensed when officials gave a match penalty to Micheal Ferland during a Game 2 loss to the Capitals.
NHL playoffs: Ranking teams 1-16 based on Stanley Cup chances
The Lightning won 62 games and lead the field of 16 in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings of playoff teams.
Lightning won 62 of 82 games. But they aren’t invincible. Here’s who can beat them in NHL playoffs
The Lightninghave played like aStanley Cup favorite the entire season. But they aren’t invincible. Just look at the Red Wings from 1995-96.