The 2020–21 Tampa Bay Lightning season was the 29th season for the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...

(NHL) franchise that was established on December 16, 1991. The Lightning entered the season as the defending

Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup () is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff champion. It is the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America, and the International Ic ...

champions. In a joint announcement from the NHL and NHLPA on October 6, 2020, a target date of January 1, 2021 was set for the start of the season. It was reported December 18, 2020 that the two parties had tentatively agreed to a 56-game season scheduled to begin on January 13, 2021. Because the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...

was still ongoing prior to the season, as part of the league's return to play protocols, the divisions were realigned and the Lightning were put into the Central Division. This new configuration retained

Chicago Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...

Dallas Dallas () is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of Texas metropolitan areas, most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the Metropolitan statistical area, fourth-most ...

, and

Nashville Nashville, often known as Music City, is the capital and List of municipalities in Tennessee, most populous city in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is the county seat, seat of Davidson County, Tennessee, Davidson County in Middle Tennessee, locat ...

, while it added

Detroit Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...

and

Florida Florida ( ; ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern region of the United States. It borders the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Alabama to the northwest, Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia to the north, the Atlantic ...

from the Atlantic Division, as well as Carolina and

Columbus Columbus is a Latinized version of the Italian surname "''Colombo''". It most commonly refers to: * Christopher Columbus (1451–1506), the Italian explorer * Columbus, Ohio, the capital city of the U.S. state of Ohio * Columbus, Georgia, a city i ...

from the

Metropolitan Division The National Hockey League's Metropolitan Division (often referred to simply as the "Metro Division") was formed in 2013 as one of the two divisions in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference as part of a league realignment. It is als ...

. The regular season schedule was announced on December 23, 2020. Opponents in each game during the regular season and potentially the first two rounds of the playoffs are from within the new division. The Lightning entered the

2021 Stanley Cup playoffs The 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs was the playoff tournament of the National Hockey League (NHL) for the 2020–21 season. The playoffs began on May 15, 2021, and concluded on July 7, 2021, with the Tampa Bay Lightning winning their second consecu ...

as the defending Stanley Cup champions and the third seed in the Central Division. In the first round, the Lightning defeated their in-state rival the

Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...

in six games. They went on to defeat the

Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...

in five games to earn a spot in the Semifinals, where they defeated the

New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (N ...

in seven games to reach the

Stanley Cup Finals The Stanley Cup Finals in ice hockey (also known as the Stanley Cup Final among various media, ) is the annual championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL). The winner is awarded the Stanley Cup, North America's oldest professional spo ...

for the second consecutive season. Tampa Bay would then repeat as champions in five games against the

Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...

Off-season

September

The Lightning's off-season began after the team captured its second

in franchise history in a 4–2 series win over the

Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas. The Stars compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The Stars ...

October

On October 7, 2020, the Lightning re-signed forwards

Mitchell Stephens Mitchell Stephens may refer to: *Mitchell Stephens (academic) Mitchell Stephens (born August 16, 1949) is an American professor of journalism and mass communications at New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. He is also a re ...

and Gemel Smith to contract extensions. Stepehens was signed to a two-year extension after being part of the 2020 Stanley Cup championship roster. Smith signed a one-year deal after appearing in three regular season games for the Lightning and spending the majority of the season with the Lightning's

American Hockey League The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America that serves as the primary developmental league of the National Hockey League (NHL). The league comprises 32 teams, with 26 in the United States and 6 in Cana ...

(AHL) affiliate, the

Syracuse Crunch The Syracuse Crunch are a professional ice hockey team based in Syracuse, New York. They are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the National Hockey League's Tampa Bay Lightning. They play in they home games at the Upstate Medical Univer ...

. At the 2020 NHL entry draft, the Lightning selected Jack Finley, Gage Goncalves, Maxim Groshev, Jack Thompson, Eamon Powell, Jaydon Dureau, Nick Capone, Amir Miftakhov and Declan McDonnell. Later in the evening, the Lightning announced that it had issued qualifying offers to

Anthony Cirelli Anthony Cirelli (, ; born July 15, 1997) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who is currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Lightning in the third round (72nd overall) of t ...

, Erik Cernak,

Ross Colton Ross Colton (born September 11, 1996) is an American professional ice hockey center for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). Growing up in New Jersey, Colton played at Princeton Day School for two seasons before transferr ...

Mathieu Joseph Mathieu Joseph (born February 9, 1997) is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the fourth round, 120th overall, of the 2015 NHL entr ...

, Dominik Masin, Mikhail Sergachev, Ben Thomas and Alex Volkov. The team did not issue qualifying offers to Devante Stephens,

Carter Verhaeghe Carter Verhaeghe ( ; born August 14, 1995) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the third round, 82nd overall in the 2013 NHL entry draft by the Toronto Mapl ...

and Dennis Yan. On October 9, 2020, the Lightning placed Tyler Johnson on waivers after being unable to trade him prior to free agency. Johnson has a $5 million cap hit with four years remaining on his current contract with the Lightning. Johnson cleared waivers the following day after going unclaimed by another team. That same day, the Lightning announced that it had signed forward

Patrick Maroon Patrick Maroon (born April 23, 1988) is an American former professional ice hockey Winger (ice hockey), left winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "Big Rig", Maroon played for the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, New Je ...

to a two-year contract extension. Maroon skated in all of the Lightning's playoff games on their way to winning their second Stanley Cup in franchise history. Around the same time, the Lightning re-signed defenseman

Luke Schenn Luke Schenn (born November 2, 1989) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Schenn played junior hockey with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL). In his final ...

to a one-year contract extension. Scheen appeared in 25 regular season games and 11 playoff games during the Lightning's championship run the prior season. Schenn's contract counted for $800,000 against the salary cap. The Lightning also made a series of depth signings that day. The Lightning signed defenseman Andreas Borgman and goaltender and

Christopher Gibson Christopher Gibson (born 27 December 1992) is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for HC Nové Zámky of the Slovak Extraliga. He most recently played for Lukko of the Finnish Liiga. Gibson was selected by the Los Ange ...

. The Lightning also re-signed Spencer Martin to a one-year contract extension. Martin had spent the previous season with the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL. Borgman played in 53 games this past season for the AHL's

San Antonio Rampage The San Antonio Rampage were a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League based in San Antonio, Texas. The Rampage was primarily owned by Spurs Sports & Entertainment throughout the team's existence. In 2020, the franchise was so ...

. Gibson appeared in net in 25 games for the AHL's

Bridgeport Sound Tigers The Bridgeport Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Bridgeport, Connecticut. They are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the National Hockey League's New York Islanders, who own the franchise. The team started in 200 ...

during the prior season. On October 12, 2020, the Lightning announced the re-signing of defensemen prospect Ben Thomas. Thomas had been playing for the Syracuse Crunch for the past four seasons, during which time he appeared in over 200 career games. Thomas was originally drafted by Lightning in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL entry draft. On October 14, 2020, the Lightning announced that it had re-signed forward prospect Ross Colton. Colton had spent the last two years playing for the AHL's Syracuse Crunch. Colton was drafted by the Lightning in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL entry draft. On October 23, 2020, it was announced that assistant coach Todd Richards was leaving the Lightning to take an assistant coaching job with the

Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Divisio ...

. Richards spent the past four seasons with the Lightning and helped the team capture its second Stanley Cup.

November

On November 25, 2020, the Lightning announced the re-signing of defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to a three-year contract extension. The contract carried a $4.8 million cap hit. Since coming over to the Lightning via trade, Sergachev produced three straight seasons of more than 30 points and helped the franchise to its second Stanley Cup.

December

On December 7, 2020, the Lightning announced the hiring of assistant coach Rob Zettler. Zettler was previously an assistant of Lightning head coach Jon Cooper when he was the head coach of the AHL's Syracuse Crunch. Zettler took over as head coach of the Crunch after Cooper was promoted to be the Lightning's head coach. Zettler was released by the team after three seasons. Zettler went on to spend two seasons as an assistant coach with the

San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. The Sharks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Con ...

and a season of prospect coaching for

Adam Oates Adam Robert Oates (born August 27, 1962) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, former co-head coach for the New Jersey Devils and former head coach for the Washington Capitals. He played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League (N ...

and the Oates Sports Group. Zettler filled the vacancy left by the departure of Todd Richards. Richards worked with the Lightning defensemen and handled the team's penalty kill. On December 12, 2020, the Lightning announced the signing of 2020 NHL draft pick Jack Finley. Finley spent the past three seasons with the

Spokane Chiefs The Spokane Chiefs are an American major junior ice hockey team based in Spokane, Washington. The Chiefs play in the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League's Western Conference, playing home games at Spokane Arena. The Chiefs are two-time M ...

of the

Western Hockey League The Western Hockey League (WHL) is a junior ice hockey league based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The WHL is one of three leagues that constitutes the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) as the highest level of junior hocke ...

(WHL), where he has skated in 131 career WHL games and recorded 28 goals and 77 points. On December 13, 2020, the Lightning announced the signing of another 2020 NHL draft pick, center Gage Goncalves, to a three-year entry-level contract. Goncalves was previously an undrafted camp invite by the WHL's

Everett Silvertips The Everett Silvertips are an American major junior ice hockey team based in Everett, Washington. The team plays in the U.S. Division of the Western Conference of the Western Hockey League (WHL), and hosts games at Angel of the Winds Arena. Th ...

before being drafted by the Lightning. Gonclaves appeared in 128 career WHL games, recording 34 goals, 52 assists and 86 points. On December 22, 2020, the Lightning announced the re-signing of defenseman Erik Cernak to a three-year contract extension. Cernak played in 67 games last season and lead the team in hits with 172. In the Lightning's championship run, Cernak appeared in all 25 games, during which he averaged over 20 minutes of ice time per game, fourth-highest amongst Lightning defensemen. On December 23, 2020, the Lightning announced the re-signing of forwards Mathieu Joseph and Alexander Volkov. Joseph was signed to a two-year extension and Volkov was signed to a one-year extension. Both forwards split the season between the Lightning and the Syracuse Crunch. Joseph played in 37 regular season games with the Lightning, scoring four goals and three assists. Volkov appeared in nine regular season games, recording one assist. Volkov also drew into the Lightning's Stanley Cup-clinching game win over the Dallas Stars. The Lightning also announced the re-signing of defenseman Jan Rutta to a two-year extension. Rutta played in 33 regular season games, recording a goal and six assists. Rutta also plated in six playoff games, recording a lone assist during the Lightning's Stanley Cup run. Rutta was originally acquired by the Lightning via trade from the

Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...

in 2019. On December 24, 2020, the Lightning announced the re-signing of forward Anthony Cirelli to a three-year contract extension. Cirelli had 16 goals and 28 assists over 68 games in the regular season. Cirelli also recorded six assists in the Lightning's 25 playoff games. Along with winning the Stanley Cup, Cirelli finished the past season fourth in Frank J. Selke Trophy voting, which trophy is awarded to the NHL's best defensive forward. On December 27, 2020, the Lightning announced that it had traded

Braydon Coburn Braydon Coburn (born February 27, 1985) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. Coburn was originally selected in the first round, eighth overall, by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, beginning his NHL career wi ...

Cedric Paquette Cedric () is a given name invented by Walter Scott in the 1819 novel ''Ivanhoe''. Etymology The invented name is based on ''Cerdic'', the name of a 6th-century Anglo-Saxon king (itself from Brittonic '' Coroticus''). Popularity The name was ...

and their

2021 Like the year 2020, 2021 was also heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the emergence of multiple Variants of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 variants. The major global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, which began at the end of 2020, continued ...

second-round draft pick to the

Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...

in exchange for Anders Nilsson and

Marian Gaborik Marian may refer to: People * Marian (given name), a list of people with the given name * Marian (surname), a list of people so named Places *Marian, Iran (disambiguation) * Marian, Queensland, a town in Australia * Marian, a village in toe comm ...

. Both Nilsson and Gaborik were immediately placed on long-term injured reserve for additional salary cap space to allow the Lightning to become salary cap compliant for the upcoming season.

Training camp

January

On January 1, 2021, the Lightning announced its training camp roster for the 2020–21 season, which consisted of 25 forwards, 14 defensemen and 4 goaltenders. The notable absence from the roster was forward

Nikita Kucherov Nikita Igorevich Kucherov (; born 17 June 1993) is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger and alternate captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). Regarded as one of the best players in the world, Kucherov ...

, who was to miss at least all of the regular season after having hip surgery, with optimism that he would return to action in the playoffs. The forward roster consists of Alex Barre-Boulet, Anthony Cirelli, Ross Colton, Blake Coleman, Jack Finley, Gage Goncalves,

Barclay Goodrow Barclay Goodrow (born February 26, 1993) is a Canadian professional ice hockey Forward (ice hockey), forward and Captain (ice hockey)#Alternate captains, alternate captain for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Goodrow play ...

Yanni Gourde Yanni Gourde (born December 15, 1991) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). An undrafted player, Gourde signed with the Lightning as a free agent in 2014, and won back-to- ...

, Jimmy Huntington, Tyler Johnson, Mathieu Joseph,

Boris Katchouk Boris Katchouk (born June 18, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL). Katchouk was selected by Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL) in th ...

, Alex Killorn, Ryan Lohin,

Boo Nieves Cristoval "Boo" Nieves (born January 23, 1994) is an American former professional ice hockey forward. He played his entire NHL career with the New York Rangers, who drafted him 59th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Playing career As a youth ...

Ondrej Palat Ondrej is a Slovak male given name, equivalent to Andrew. Notable people with the name include: * Ondrej Duda (born 1994), Slovak football player * Ondrej Otčenáš (born 1987), Slovak ice hockey player * Ondrej Nepela (1951–1989), Slovak figure ...

Brayden Point Brayden Point (born March 13, 1996) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Lightning selected Point in the third round, 79th overall in the 2014 NHL entry draft. ...

Taylor Raddysh Taylor Raddysh (born February 18, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Raddysh was drafted in the 2016 NHL entry draft in the second round (58th) by the Tampa Bay Li ...

, Gemel Smith,

Steven Stamkos Steven Stamkos (born February 7, 1990) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Stamkos was selected first overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sta ...

, Alexander Volkov and Daniel Walcott. The defensemen group consisted of Andreas Borgman, Erik Cernak,

Sean Day Sean Day (born January 9, 1998) is a professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He formerly played for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). Day was selected by the ...

, Cal Foote, Alex Green,

Victor Hedman Victor Erik Olof Hedman (; born 18 December 1990) is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman and Captain (ice hockey), captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). Hedman was selected second overall by the Lightni ...

Ryan McDonagh Ryan Patrick McDonagh (born June 13, 1989) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted in the first round, 12th overall, by the Montreal Canadie ...

Jan Rutta, Luke Schenn, Dmitry Semykin, Mikhail Sergachev, Devante Stephens, Ben Thomas and Luke Witkowski. The goaltending group consisted of Christopher Gibson, Spencer Martin,

Curtis McElhinney Robert Curtis McElhinney (born May 23, 1983) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He previously played in the NHL with the Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators, Phoenix Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple L ...

and

Andrei Vasilevskiy Andrei Andreyevich Vasilevskiy (; born 25 July 1994) is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the first round, 19th overall, by the Lightning at the 2012 ...

. On January 8, 2021, the Lightning announced its first roster cuts for the upcoming season. The team assigned Ryan Lohin and Devante Stephens to

Orlando Solar Bears The Orlando Solar Bears are a professional ice hockey team that plays their home games at Kia Center (formerly Amway Center) in Orlando, Florida. They play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference and are affiliated with the Tampa ...

of the

ECHL The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a minor professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams across the United States and Canada. Competitively, it is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL). The ...

. There were 41 players remaining after the first round of roster cuts. On January 11, 2021, the Lightning announced the final round of roster moves for the start of the season. The Lightning assigned Alex Barre-Boulet, Ross Colton, Sean Day, Jack Finley, Gage Goncalves, Alex Green, Jimmy Huntington, Boris Katchouk, Taylor Raddysh and Dmitry Semykin to the Syracuse Crunch. The Lightning placed Spencer Martin, Daniel Walcott and Luke Witkowski on waivers for purposes of assignment to Syracuse. The Lightning also announced that it had placed Andreas Borgman, Christopher Gibson, Tyler Johnson, Luke Schenn, Gemel Smith and Ben Thomas on waivers. If the players cleared waivers, they were to likely be destined for the team's

taxi squad In gridiron football, the practice squad, also called the taxi squad or practice roster, is a group of players signed by a team but not part of their main roster. They serve as extra players during the team's practices, often as part of the scout ...

, which roster group the NHL created for teams' predicted roster challenges during the season due to the ongoing

. The following day, all the players that were placed on waivers the previous day had cleared without being claimed by another team. Those not destined for Syracuse were set to be assigned to the taxi squad on opening night the following day. Latter that day the Lightning also announced that it had signed forward Boo Nieves to a one-year contract after joining the team on a PTO contract for training camp. Nieves had previously played in the

New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...

system for the past four seasons. After completing these moves, the team set-up its opening night roster: forwards Anthony Cirelli, Blake Coleman, Barclay Goodrow, Yanni Gourde, Mathieu Joseph, Alex Killorn, Patrick Maroon, Ondrej Palat, Brayden Point, Steven Stamkos, Mitchell Stephens and Alexander Volkov; defensemen Erik Cernak, Cal Foote, Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, Jan Rutta and Mikhail Sergachev; and goaltenders Andrei Vasilevskiy and Curtis McElhinney. The taxi squad roster consisted of Tyler Johnson (C), Gemel Smith (C), Luke Schenn (RD), Andreas Borgman (LD), Ben Thomas (RD) and Christopher Gibson (G). Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois stated that Johnson would be added to the active roster after the first game due to cap reasons. Due to the timing of his signing, Boo Nieves was unable to be assigned to the taxi squad until after the first game.

Standings

Schedule and results

Regular season

, - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 1 , , January 13 , ,

, , 5–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

Amalie Arena Amalie Arena (officially stylized as AMALIE Arena) is a multipurpose arena in Tampa, Florida, United States, that has been used for ice hockey, basketball, arena football, concerts, and other events. It is mainly used as the home for the Tamp ...

, , Held without fans , , 1–0–0 , , 2 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 2 , , January 15 , , Chicago Blackhawks , , 5–2 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , Held without fans , , 2–0–0 , , 4 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="cccccc" , — , , January 17 , ,

, , colspan=8, Postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests of Dallas Stars players and staff. Makeup date: May 5. , - align="center" bgcolor="cccccc" , — , , January 19 , , Dallas Stars , , colspan=8, Postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests of Dallas Stars players and staff. Makeup date: May 7. , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 3 , , January 21 , , @

Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets (often simply referred to as the Jackets) are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern C ...

, , 3–2 , , OT , , Vasilevskiy , ,

Nationwide Arena Nationwide Arena is a multi-purpose arena in the Arena District of Columbus, Ohio, United States. Since completion in 2000, the arena has served as the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). It is one of two faci ...

, , Held without fans , , 3–0–0 , , 6 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 4 , , January 23 , , @ Columbus Blue Jackets , , 2–5 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Nationwide Arena , , Held without fans , , 3–1–0 , , 6 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="cccccc" , — , , January 26 , , @

, , colspan=8, Postponed due to multiple Carolina Hurricanes players placed in COVID-19 protocol. Makeup date: February 22. , - align="center" bgcolor="B0C4DE" , 5 , , January 28 , , @ Carolina Hurricanes , , 0–1 , , OT , , Vasilevskiy , ,

PNC Arena Lenovo Center (originally Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena and formerly RBC Center and PNC Arena) is an list of indoor arenas, indoor arena located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. The arena seats 18,700 for ice hockey and 19,500 ...

, , Held without fans , , 3–1–1 , , 7 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 6 , , January 30 , ,

, , 4–3 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , Held without fans , , 4–1–1 , , 9 , , , - , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 7 , , February 1 , ,

, , 5–2 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , Held without fans , , 5–1–1 , , 11 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 8 , , February 3 , ,

Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...

, , 5–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , Held without fans , , 6–1–1 , , 13 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 9 , , February 5 , , Detroit Red Wings , , 3–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , Held without fans , , 7–1–1 , , 15 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 10 , , February 8 , , @

, , 4–1 , , , ,

McElhinney McElhinney is a surname of Irish origin. It may refer to: * Andrew Repasky McElhinney (born 1979), American film producer born in Philadelphia *Curtis McElhinney (born 1983), Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender * Gerry McElhinney (born 1956 ...

, ,

Bridgestone Arena Bridgestone Arena (originally Nashville Arena, and formerly Gaylord Entertainment Center and Sommet Center) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Completed in 1996, it is the home of the Nashville Predat ...

, , Not reported , , 8–1–1 , , 17 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 11 , , February 9 , , @ Nashville Predators , , 6–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Bridgestone Arena , , Not reported , , 9–1–1 , , 19 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 12 , , February 11 , , @

, , 2–5 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

BB&T Center Amerant Bank Arena (previously known as the National Car Rental Center, Office Depot Center, BankAtlantic Center, BB&T Center, and FLA Live Arena) is an indoor arena in Sunrise, Florida, United States. It is the home venue for the Florida Panth ...

, , 3,808 , , 9–2–1 , , 19 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 13 , , February 13 , , @ Florida Panthers , , 6–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , BB&T Center , , 4,509 , , 10–2–1 , , 21 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 14 , , February 15 , , Florida Panthers , , 4–6 , , , , McElhinney , , Amalie Arena , , 100 , , 10–3–1 , , 21 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="cccccc" , — , , February 18 , , @

, , colspan=8, Postponed due to

winter storm A winter storm (also known as snow storm) is an event in which wind coincides with varieties of precipitation that only occur at freezing temperatures, such as snow, mixed snow and rain, or freezing rain. In temperate continental and subarct ...

affecting the area. Makeup date: March 2. , - align="center" bgcolor="cccccc" , — , , February 20 , , @ Dallas Stars , , colspan=8, Postponed due to

affecting the area. Makeup date: March 16. , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 15 , , February 20 , , @

, , 0–4 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , Held without fans , , 10–4–1 , , 21 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 16 , , February 22 , , @ Carolina Hurricanes , , 4–2 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , PNC Arena , , Held without fans , , 11–4–1 , , 23 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 17 , , February 24 , , Carolina Hurricanes , , 3–0 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 500 , , 12–4–1 , , 25 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 18 , , February 25 , , Carolina Hurricanes , , 3–1 , , , , McElhinney , , Amalie Arena , , 536 , , 13–4–1 , , 27 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 19 , , February 27 , , Dallas Stars , , 5–0 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 537 , , 14–4–1 , , 29 , , , - , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 20 , , March 2 , , @

, , 2–0 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

American Airlines Center The American Airlines Center (AAC) is a multi-purpose List of indoor arenas, indoor arena located in the Victory Park, Dallas, Victory Park neighborhood in downtown Dallas, Texas. The arena serves as the home of the Dallas Stars of the National ...

, , 4,067 , , 15–4–1 , , 31 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 21 , , March 4 , , @

, , 3–2 , , OT , , Vasilevskiy , ,

United Center The United Center is an indoor arena on the Near West Side, Chicago, Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois. It is home to the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) ...

, , Held without fans , , 16–4–1 , , 33 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="B0C4DE" , 22 , , March 5 , , @ Chicago Blackhawks , , 3–4 , , SO , ,

, , United Center , , Held without fans , , 16–4–2 , , 34 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 23 , , March 7 , , @ Chicago Blackhawks , , 6–3 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , United Center , , Held without fans , , 17–4–2 , , 36 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 24 , , March 9 , , @

, , 4–3 , , OT , , Vasilevskiy , ,

Little Caesars Arena Little Caesars Arena is a multi-purpose arena in Midtown Detroit. Opening on September 5, 2017, the arena, which cost $862.9 million to construct, replaced Joe Louis Arena and The Palace of Auburn Hills as the home of the Detroit Red Wings of t ...

, , Held without fans , , 18–4–2 , , 38 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 25 , , March 11 , , @ Detroit Red Wings , , 4–6 , , , , McElhinney , , Little Caesars Arena , , Held without fans , , 18–5–2 , , 38 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 26 , , March 13 , ,

, , 6–3 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 3,800 , , 19–5–2 , , 40 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 27 , , March 15 , , Nashville Predators , , 1–4 , , , , McElhinney , , Amalie Arena , , 3,800 , , 19–6–2 , , 40 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 28 , , March 16 , , @ Dallas Stars , , 4–3 , , SO , , Vasilevskiy , , American Airlines Center , , 4,057 , , 20–6–2 , , 42 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 29 , , March 18 , , Chicago Blackhawks , , 4–2 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 3,800 , , 21–6–2 , , 44 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 30 , , March 20 , , Chicago Blackhawks , , 4–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 3,800 , , 22–6–2 , , 46 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 31 , , March 21 , ,

, , 5–3 , , , , McElhinney , , Amalie Arena , , 3,800 , , 23–6–2 , , 48 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 32 , , March 23 , , @ Dallas Stars , , 2–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , American Airlines Center , , 4,103 , , 24–6–2 , , 50 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 33 , , March 25 , , @ Dallas Stars , , 3–4 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , American Airlines Center , , 4,187 , , 24–7–2 , , 50 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 34 , , March 27 , , @

, , 3–4 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , 4,433 , , 24–8–2 , , 50 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 35 , , March 30 , ,

, , 1–3 , , , , McElhinney , , Amalie Arena , , 3,800 , , 24–9–2 , , 50 , , , - , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 36 , , April 1 , ,

, , 3–2 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , 3,800 , , 25–9–2 , , 52 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 37 , , April 3 , ,

, , 2–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 3,800 , , 26–9–2 , , 54 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 38 , , April 4 , , Detroit Red Wings , , 1–5 , , , , Gibson , , Amalie Arena , , 3,800 , , 26–10–2 , , 54 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 39 , , April 6 , , @ Columbus Blue Jackets , , 2–4 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , 4,080 , , 26–11–2 , , 54 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 40 , , April 8 , , @ Columbus Blue Jackets , , 6–4 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Nationwide Arena , , 4,143 , , 27–11–2 , , 56 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 41 , , April 10 , , @

, , 3–0 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , Not reported , , 28–11–2 , , 58 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 42 , , April 13 , , @ Nashville Predators , , 2–7 , , , ,

, , Bridgestone Arena , , Not reported , , 28–12–2 , , 58 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 43 , , April 15 , ,

, , 3–2 , , OT , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 3,800 , , 29–12–2 , , 60 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 44 , , April 17 , , Florida Panthers , , 3–5 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 3,800 , , 29–13–2 , , 60 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 45 , , April 19 , ,

, , 3–2 , , OT , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 3,800 , , 30–13–2 , , 62 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 46 , , April 20 , , Carolina Hurricanes , , 1–4 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 3,800 , , 30–14–2 , , 62 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 47 , , April 22 , , Columbus Blue Jackets , , 3–1 , , , , McElhinney , , Amalie Arena , , 4,200 , , 31–14–2 , , 64 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 48 , , April 25 , , Columbus Blue Jackets , , 4–3 , , OT , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 4,200 , , 32–14–2 , , 66 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 49 , , April 27 , , @

, , 7–4 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , Held without fans , , 33–14–2 , , 68 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 50 , , April 29 , ,

, , 3–0 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 4,200 , , 34–14–2 , , 70 , , , - , - align="center" bgcolor="B0C4DE" , 51 , , May 1 , , @

, , 0–1 , , SO , ,

, ,

, , Not reported , , 34–14–3 , , 71 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 52 , , May 2 , , @ Detroit Red Wings , , 2–1 , , , , Gibson , , Little Caesars Arena , , Not reported , , 35–14–3 , , 73 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 53 , , May 5 , ,

, , 6–2 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , 4,200 , , 36–14–3 , , 75 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 54 , , May 7 , , Dallas Stars , , 2–5 , , , , McElhinney , , Amalie Arena , , 4,200 , , 36–15–3 , , 75 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 55 , , May 8 , , @

, , 1–5 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , 5,040 , , 36–16–3 , , 75 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 56 , , May 10 , , @ Florida Panthers , , 0–4 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , BB&T Center , , 5,040 , , 36–17–3 , , 75 , , , - , - , Lightning score listed first;

Playoffs

, - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 1 , , May 16 , , @

, , 5–4 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , 9,646 , , 1–0 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 2 , , May 18 , , @ Florida Panthers , , 3–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , BB&T Center , , 9,646 , , 2–0 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 3 , , May 20 , , Florida Panthers , , 5–6 , , OT , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , 9,508 , , 2–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 4 , , May 22 , , Florida Panthers , , 6–2 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 9,762 , , 3–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 5 , , May 24 , , @ Florida Panthers , , 1–4 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , BB&T Center , , 11,551 , , 3–2 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 6 , , May 26 , , Florida Panthers , , 4–0 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 10,092 , , 4–2 , , , - , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 1 , , May 30 , , @

, , 2–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , 16,299 , , 1–0 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 2 , , June 1 , , @ Carolina Hurricanes , , 2–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , PNC Arena , , 16,299 , , 2–0 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 3 , , June 3 , , Carolina Hurricanes , , 2–3 , , OT , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , 13,544 , , 2–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 4 , , June 5 , , Carolina Hurricanes , , 6–4 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 13,773 , , 3–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 5 , , June 8 , , @ Carolina Hurricanes , , 2–0 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , PNC Arena , , 16,299 , , 4–1 , , , - , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 1 , , June 13 , ,

, , 1–2 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , 14,513 , , 0–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 2 , , June 15 , , New York Islanders , , 4–2 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 14,771 , , 1–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 3 , , June 17 , , @ New York Islanders , , 2–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

Nassau Coliseum Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (or simply the Nassau Coliseum) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Uniondale, New York, on Long Island. The venue is situated approximately east of the eastern limits of the Borough (New York City), borough of Q ...

, , 12,978 , , 2–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 4 , , June 19 , , @ New York Islanders , , 2–3 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Nassau Coliseum , , 12,978 , , 2–2 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 5 , , June 21 , , New York Islanders , , 8–0 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 14,791 , , 3–2 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 6 , , June 23 , , @ New York Islanders , , 2–3 , , OT , , Vasilevskiy , , Nassau Coliseum , , 12,978 , , 3–3 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 7 , , June 25 , , New York Islanders , , 1–0 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 14,805 , , 4–3 , , , - , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 1 , , June 28 , ,

, , 5–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

, , 15,911 , , 1–0 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 2 , , June 30 , , Montreal Canadiens , , 3–1 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 17,166 , , 2–0 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 3 , , July 2 , , @ Montreal Canadiens , , 6–3 , , , , Vasilevskiy , ,

Bell Centre Bell Centre (French: ''Centre Bell)'', formerly known as Molson Centre, is a multi-purpose arena located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Opened on March 16, 1996, it is the home arena of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL), ...

, , 3,500 , , 3–0 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ffcccc" , 4 , , July 5 , , @ Montreal Canadiens , , 2–3 , , OT , , Vasilevskiy , , Bell Centre , , 3,500 , , 3–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="ccffcc" , 5 , , July 7 , , Montreal Canadiens , , 1–0 , , , , Vasilevskiy , , Amalie Arena , , 18,110 , , 4–1 , , , - , - , Lightning score listed first;

Player stats

Final

Skaters

Goaltenders

^†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Tampa Bay. Stats reflect time with Tampa Bay only.
^‡Traded from Tampa Bay mid-season.
Bold/italics denotes franchise record

Suspensions/fines

Awards and honors

Awards

Milestones

Transactions

The Lightning have been involved in the following transactions during the 2020–21 season.

Trades

Free agents

Waivers

Contract terminations

Retirement

Signings

Draft picks

Below are the Tampa Bay Lightning's selections at the 2020 NHL entry draft, which was held on October 6 and 7, 2020, via

video conference call Videotelephony (also known as videoconferencing or video calling) is the use of audio signal, audio and video for simultaneous two-way communication. Today, videotelephony is widespread. There are many terms to refer to videotelephony. ''Vide ...

due to the

. Notes: # The

St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis. The Blues compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

' second-round pick went to the

Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...

as the result of a trade on October 7, 2020, that sent a fourth-round pick in 2020 (124th overall) and a second-round pick in

to Montreal in exchange for this pick. #:Montreal previously acquired this pick as the result of a trade on February 18, 2020, that sent

Marco Scandella Marco Scandella (born February 23, 1990) is an Italian-Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and St. Louis Blues. ...

to St. Louis in exchange for a conditional fourth-round pick in

and this pick. # The

Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...

' third-round pick went to the

as the result of a trade on February 24, 2020, that sent

Anthony Greco Anthony Greco (born September 30, 1993) is an American professional ice hockey Forward (ice hockey), forward for EHC Biel of the National League (ice hockey), National League (NL). Early life The second son of three boys, Greco was born on Septe ...

and a first-round pick in 2020 to San Jose in exchange for

and this pick. #:San Jose previously acquired this pick as the result of a trade on June 18, 2019, that sent Justin Braun to Philadelphia in exchange for a second-round pick in

2019 This was the year in which the first known human case of COVID-19 was documented, preceding COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic which was declared by the World Health Organization the following year. Up to that point, 2019 had been described as ...

and this pick. # The

' forth and fifth-round pick went to the

as the result of a trade on October 7, 2020, that sent Detroit's fourth-round pick in 2020 (94th overall) to Philadelphia in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2020 (116th overall) and fifth-round pick in 2020 (147th overall) for this pick. # The

's fifth-round pick will go to the

as the result of a trade on July 30, 2019, that sent Mike Condon and a sixth-round pick in 2020 to Tampa Bay in exchange for

Ryan Callahan Ryan Callahan (born March 21, 1985) is an American former professional ice hockey right winger who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. He currently serves as a studio and ...

and this pick.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:2020-21 Tampa Bay Lightning Season Tampa Bay Lightning seasons

2020s in Tampa, Florida

Tampa Tampa ( ) is a city on the Gulf Coast of the United States, Gulf Coast of the U.S. state of Florida. Tampa's borders include the north shore of Tampa Bay and the east shore of Old Tampa Bay. Tampa is the largest city in the Tampa Bay area and t ...

Stanley Cup championship seasons