The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face off against the Ottawa Senators on April 3. The Lightning will look to stay hot after winning each of their last four games. This includes a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders in their last contest on April 1.
The Lightning are entering this matchup against the Senators with a massive opportunity, too. If the Lightning defeat the Senators, they will officially clinch a playoff berth for the eighth straight year. Thus, the Bolts should certainly be energized out of the gate for this one.
However, this is not the only way the Lightning could clinch a playoff spot against the Senators. If the Lightning lose in overtime or the shootout, they would still secure a playoff berth if the Montreal Canadiens lose to the Boston Bruins or the Columbus Blue Jackets fall to the Colorado Avalanche. In addition, even if the Lightning don't get a point against the Senators, they could still officially get into the playoffs if the Canadiens and Blue Jackets both lose in regulation as well.
Thus, Lightning fans will certainly want to keep an eye on not only what happens during the club's contest against the Senators but also the rest of the Eastern Conference. It will be fascinating to see what happens from here.
