2021–22 Tampa Bay Lightning season
The 2021–22 Tampa Bay Lightning season was the 30th season for the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise that was established on December 16, 1991. The Lightning entered the season as the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions.
| 2021–22 Tampa Bay Lightning | |
|---|---|
Eastern Conference champions | |
| Division | 3rd Atlantic |
| Conference | 5th Eastern |
| 2021–22 record | 51–23–8 |
| Home record | 27–8–6 |
| Road record | 24–15–2 |
| Goals for | 287 |
| Goals against | 233 |
| Team information | |
| General manager | Julien BriseBois |
| Coach | Jon Cooper |
| Captain | Steven Stamkos |
| Alternate captains | Victor Hedman Alex Killorn Ryan McDonagh |
| Arena | Amalie Arena |
| Average attendance | 19,092 |
| Minor league affiliate(s) | Syracuse Crunch (AHL) Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) |
| Team leaders | |
| Goals | Steven Stamkos (42) |
| Assists | Victor Hedman (65) |
| Points | Steven Stamkos (106) |
| Penalty minutes | Patrick Maroon (134) |
| Plus/minus | Victor Hedman (+26) |
| Wins | Andrei Vasilevskiy (39) |
| Goals against average | Brian Elliott (2.43) |
The Lightning rejoined the Atlantic Division after a one-season stint in the Central Division due to re-alignment under league's return to play protocols. On April 14, 2022, the Lightning clinched a playoff berth after a 4–3 overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks. On June 11, 2022, the Lightning defeated the New York Rangers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, clinching its third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearance and fifth overall. In addition, they also became the first team to clinch three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances since the Edmonton Oilers (from 1983 to 1985), while also joining the Montreal Canadiens (from 1976 to 1980) and the New York Islanders (from 1980 to 1984) as the only teams in NHL history to post at least 11 consecutive playoff series victories. Despite the Lightning's playoff run, the team came up short for a third consecutive Stanley Cup title, falling to the Colorado Avalanche in six games.