The Tampa Bay Lightning had a successful 2024-25 regular-season. They finished the campaign with a 47-27-8 record and secured the second-spot in the Atlantic Division standings because of it. Now, they are set to face off against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the first round.
The Lightning will look to get their revenge this year, as the Panthers knocked them out in the first round last post-season in just five games. When looking at how well the Lightning played this season, they certainly have a shot of defeating the Cats this time around.
The Lightning have several players with plenty of playoff experience, including Victor Hedman, Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, and Ryan McDonagh. However, they also have some players who are set to make their NHL playoff debuts, too. Let's discuss each player now.
Zemgus Girgensons
After 770 career games and 10 NHL seasons, Girgensons will finally make his NHL playoff debut. The 31-year-old forward began his career with the Buffalo Sabres before joining the Bolts, so he never had the chance to play post-season hockey. Now, he will change that with the Lightning.
J.J. Moser
After playing the first three seasons of his career with the Arizona Coyotes, Moser is ready to get into his first NHL playoff action. The 24-year-old will undoubtedly have plenty of responsibilities, too, as he plays on the Lightning's top pairing with Victor Hedman.
Conor Geekie
Geekie should get the opportunity to play in his first post-season game this year. The 20-year-old rookie has been solid since his late-season call-up, scoring two goals in his last three games. The 2022 first-round pick's physicality should make him a useful player for the Bolts against the gritty Panthers.
Gage Goncalves
Goncalve has become a nice part of the Lightning's forward group this season, posting eight goals, 20 points, and a plus-7 rating in 60 contests. Now, he is gearing up for his first playoff action at the NHL level because of it.
