Two overtime victories
(4-1 in playoff OT history)

5 on 3 overtime game winning goal
(only 2nd time in NHL playoff history)

First ever franchise quarterfinals series win
(overcame 0-2 home deficit, only 15th time in playoff history)

3 straight game winning goals for Martin St. Louis
(first NHL player since the 1991 season)

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Vinnie Prospal crashes the net and beats Olie the Goalie

Marty St. Louis' series-winning goal sails past
 Olie the Goalie in the third OT of game six 

Dan Boyle, Vinnie P. and  Vinnie L. join St. Marty
after his third consecutive game-winning goal 

The victorious Lightning leave the ice under the wrath of Capital fans

Eastern Conference Semifinals

Yes, The Better Team Won, But. . . .
Tom McEwen -  tbl.commentator

Perhaps forgotten in the fury of the hectic final game, was the remembrance
that the Bolts of Tampa Bay were not picked to be even close to the playoffs
but were indeed forecast by some (Sports Illustrated) to finish last in the
entire league. New Jersey was looked upon before the playing year began with
much, more favor and grander expectations, than Tampa Bay.

Notably, importantly, plenty in the Bolt camp will wonder about what was
perceived by them to be an uncommon number of officials' decisions favoring
New Jersey Friday night in Jersey and in truth, that challenge in the mind
is O.K. It certainly is advantageous that the Devils were not called once in
the three overtimes for rule infractions. Isn't it? Moreover, when it
appeared Tampa had taken a 2-1 lead in the second period, that apparent
Tampa goal was taken off the board. A referee asked for a replay of the
"goal." The replay officials ruled Fredrik Modin kicked the puck past
goaltender Brodeur. In truth, the replay did appear to support the
officials' decision against Modin, but, did he intentionally kick the puck
forward? That was important. That was key.

But what was deserved and did not happen was at least one more game at home
to put another $1 million in the depleted treasury and to give the Bolt
boosters one more chance to light up the Forum, one more time to beat those
sticks and their chests, to be proud of their great attendance record that
of this team that performed far beyond what could have expected.
 They'd earned another hurrah, at home.

A couple of things are for sure. Hockey works in Tampa Bay, and Sports
Illustrated isn't likely to pick the Lightning to finish last next year.

Don't worry, be Habby!