2015–16 Tampa Bay Lightning season

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2015–16 Tampa Bay Lightning
Division2nd Atlantic
Conference6th Eastern
2015–16 record46–31–5
Home record25–13–3
Road record21–18–2
Goals for227
Goals against201
Team information
General managerSteve Yzerman
CoachJon Cooper
CaptainSteven Stamkos
Alternate captainsRyan Callahan
Rotating
ArenaAmalie Arena
Average attendance19,092 (100%)[1]
Minor league affiliate(s)Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
Team leaders
GoalsSteven Stamkos (36)
AssistsVictor Hedman (37)
PointsNikita Kucherov (66)
Penalty minutesJ. T. Brown (59)
Plus/minusVictor Hedman (+21)
WinsBen Bishop (35)
Goals against averageBen Bishop (2.06)

The 2015–16 Tampa Bay Lightning season was the 24th season for the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise that was established on December 16, 1991.[2] The Lightning entered the season as the defending Eastern Conference champions.

The regular season began on October 8, 2015 against the Philadelphia Flyers with a 3–2 victory, with Jason Garrison scoring the first 3-on-3 overtime goal in NHL history.[3]

Off-season

June

The off season for the Lightning began on June 15, 2015, when the Lightning lost in the Stanley Cup Finals in six games to the Chicago Blackhawks.[4] On June 17, 2015, during exit interviews, Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman stated that his number one priority was to sign Steven Stamkos to a long term contract. Stamkos also expressed his desire to remain with the team when stated that "I've said it all along, I want to win a championship with this group. It's been a great ride this year. I know we'll have some talks, whether it's in the next day or weeks, I don't know. But we'll definitely be getting something worked out hopefully shortly." Yzerman expressed that Stamkos had done everything that the team asked of him and that Stamkos played through an injury during the playoffs.[5] The nature and the extent of the injury were not revealed during exit interviews. Yzerman also addressed the teams goaltending and expected roster changes in his interview. Yzerman stated that he would be really comfortable with Ben Bishop and Andrei Vasilevskiy as the goalies heading into the season. Yzerman also added that he was not looking to move either goalies, and that he'd like to enjoy the tandem for another year or two. When answering questions on the roster, Yzerman said that he did not expect a lot of roster changes by pointing out that Vladislav Namestnikov, Jonathan Drouin, and Nikita Nesterov will get more opportunities with the team in the coming season.[6] On the injury front, Lightning center Tyler Johnson revealed that he was not sure if his broken right wrist would require surgery in the off season. He said that he got hurt in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals when he landed on it after getting checked at mid-ice by Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook.[6] Goalie Ben Bishop said that his groin tear suffered in the final will not require surgery, just rest in the off season.[7]

On June 22, 2015, the Lightning released its preseason schedule for the

Slap Shot.[9] Later in the same day, assistant coach George Gwozdecky announced that he was leaving the team to pursue other opportunities. Gwozdecky said that he felt this decision coming for "a while," and that after his two-year deal expired, he and the team mutually agreed to part ways. He also stated that "I have nothing but great memories, great things to say about the team, about the organization," and that "it was a great learning experience. In his phone interview, Gwozdecky said he does not have anything lined up, other than some rest and relaxation. George will be attending this week's NHL draft with the Lightning, and taking part in the coaches association meetings before making his annual drive back home to Denver.[10]

On June 23, 2015, the Lightning announced that they will continue their partnership with the Lyon Hockey Club Lions for the 2015–16 season. The affiliation will last the entire season, which includes business and marketing elements for the clubs. The key component is that the Lightning's AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, will hold training camp and play preseason games versus the Utica Comets in Lyon, France. The games will take place at Charlemagne Skating Rink, which has been home to the Lions since 1967.[11]

On June 24, 2015, the National Hockey League held its annual awards ceremony in Las Vegas. The lone member of the team nominated for an award was General Manager Steve Yzerman. Yzerman was voted the winner of the award, and became the first Lightning General Manager to win the award in team history. In Yzerman's first season as general manager, the team reach the Conference finals in 2010-11. From there Yzerman oversaw the rebuild of the roster that reached the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals, with only two holdovers from the 2011 team (Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman). Yzerman bolstered the roster with draft acquisitions (Nikita Kucherov, Ondrej Palat), free agency (Brian Boyle, Valtteri Filppula, Tyler Johnson, Anton Stralman), and trades (Ben Bishop, Ryan Callahan, Braydon Coburn, Jason Garrison). This resulted in the Lightning setting franchise records with 50 wins and 108 points during the regular season. The Lightning led the league with 262 goals and 32 home wins. In the playoffs the Lightning captured their second Prince of Wales Trophy in franchise history, which earned them a berth in their second Stanley Cup Finals.[12]

The Lightning are set to host a four team rookie tournament at

Germain Arena in Estero, Florida, which takes place from September 12–15. The arena is the home of the Lightning's ECHL affiliate, the Florida Everblades. The teams participating will be the Nashville Predators, the Florida Panthers and the Washington Capitals. This is the first time in franchise history that the Lightning has hosted a rookie tournament. As with previous tournaments the team participated in, the tournament will feature some of the top young talent the respective teams have to offer.[13]

On June 28, 2015, the Lightning announced the signing of forward Jonathan Marchessault to a one-year, two way contract. Marchessault appeared in two Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Lightning this past postseason. He also appeared in two games during the regular season, recording one goal. This was first career goal, which was scored on April 11, 2015. In addition, Marchessault played in 68 AHL games with the Syracuse Crunch last season, ranking sixth in the league in assists(43).[14] The Lightning also announced the signing of Brian Hart to a three-year, two-way contract. Hart appeared in 37 games with the Harvard Crimson during the 2014-15 season, recording seven goals and 17 points. Hart has played in 98 career games with Harvard over three seasons, recording 18 goals and 50 points.[14]

On June 29, 2015, the Lightning announced the signing of forward Mike Blunden to a one-year, two-way contract. Blunden appeared in two regular season games with the Lightning last season, recording two penalty minutes. He also played in 33 games with the Syracuse Crunch, recording 13 goals and 22 points. Over his professional career, Blunden has appeared in 104 NHL games with the Lightning, the Montreal Canadiens, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks. Blunden has also appeared in 412 career AHL games, posting 96 goals and 209 points.[15]

On June 30, 2015, the Lightning re-signed Andrej Sustr to a two-year, one-way contract. Sustr played in 72 regular season games, recording 13 assists and 34 penalty minutes. These were all career highs for Sustr. Sustr also appeared in 26 Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Lightning, registering one goal and two points. Sustr has played in 117 career NHL games, all with Tampa over the past three seasons, collecting one goal and 21 points. Sustr was fourth in blocked shots on the team (84), and he set the Lightning franchise record for the best plus/minus (+7) in a playoff series in the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Detroit Red Wings.[16] The team also announced the re-signing of Syracuse Crunch captain, Mike Angelidis, to a one-year contract. Angelidis appeared in three games with the Lightning last season, recording 12 penalty minutes. He also played in 64 games for the Crunch in 2014-15, recording 20 goals and 38 points.[17]

July

On July 1, 2015, the Lightning signed free agent forward

2006 NHL Draft in the 7th round. Condra had 9 goals and 14 assists in 68 games. Condra is known for his strong work on the penalty kill, which could make Condra a key third/fourth-line player and penalty killer for the Lightning. Condra also has ties to Lightning head coach Jon Cooper, who played for him while Cooper was coach of Texarkana of the USHL. The signing of Condra likely means that Brenden Morrow's tenure with the team is coming to an end.[18] Later in the day, the Lightning announced the signing of free agent defensemen Matt Taormina to a one-year, two-way contract. Taormina played 76 games with the Worcester Sharks of the AHL, notching 11 goals and 38 points. This will be Taromina's second stint with the organization, having previously played with both the Lightning and the Crunch over two seasons.[19]

On July 5, 2015, the Lightning signed forward

Swiss-A league, registering five goals and 13 points. He also played in 20 games with Vaxjo Lakers in the Swedish Hockey League, recording six goals and nine points.[20]

On July 8, 2015, the Lightning re-signed Philippe Paradis to a one-year, two-way contract. Paradis skated in 34 games with the Syracuse Crunch during the 2014-15 season, posting 8 goals and 15 points to go along with 49 penalty minutes. Paradis missed the final three months of the season due to an injury. Despite missing three months, he recorded a career best in goals.[21]

On July 17, 2015, the Lightning announced the re-signing of forward Vladislav Namestnikov and defenseman Luke Witkowski one-year, two-way contract. Namestnikov skated in 43 games with the Lightning during the 2014-15 NHL season, posting nine goals and 16 points (9-7-16), which were all career highs. Namestnikov appeared in 12 Stanley Cup playoff games in 2015, recording one assist. In addition, he played in 34 games with the Syracuse Crunch during the 2014-15 season, registering 14 goals and 35 points. Namestnikov represented the Crunch at the 2015 AHL All-Star Classic. Witkowski played in 16 games with the Lightning during the 2014015 season, recording 15 penalty minutes. He had 37 hits and blocked 20 shots during his sixteen-game stint with the team. Witkowski skated in 50 games with the Crunch last season, collecting two goals and eight points along with 91 penalty minutes. He also skated in three Calder Cup Playoff games with Syracuse in 2015, posting one assist and four penalty minutes.[22]

On July 21, 2015, the Lightning announced the signing of forward Tye McGinn to a one-year, two-way contract. McGinn skated in 51 games in the NHL last season, between the San Jose Sharks and the Arizona Coyotes, posting two goals and seven points. McGinn has appeared in 87 career NHL games over three seasons, recording nine goals and 17 points to go along with 44 penalty minutes. McGinn has also skated in 163 career AHL games over three seasons, collecting 46 goals and 79 points.[23]

On July 24, 2015, the Lightning announced that Chief Executive Officer Tod Leiweke had resigned to become Chief Operating Officer of the National Football League. Effective immediately, Lightning President Steve Griggs has been named as the orgization's Chief Executive Officer.[24]

On July 29, 2015, the ECHL league owners voted unanimously to have single affiliation with NHL teams. Tampa's ECHL affiliate the Florida Everblades are now solely affiliated with the Carolina Hurricanes. Everblades President and general manager Craig Bursh said the owners wanted the 28 teams in the league to have an affiliation opportunity.[25]

August

On August 6, 2015, the Lightning announced their 23-man roster that will represent the team at the 2015 Prospect Tournament, which the team is hosting for the first time in franchise history. The Lightning team consists of all draft picks with the exception of one,

2015 NHL Entry Draft will be participating in the tournament, including top pick Mitchell Stephens, and fellow forwards Anthony Cirelli, Boko Imama, Mathiue Joseph, Dennis Yan, as well as defenseman Matthew Spencer.[26]

On August 11, 2015,

1975 NHL Entry Draft. He won three Stanley cups with the Canadiens (1978–1979). Engblom played for five different teams in his career: the Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, Buffalo Sabres, and Calgary Flames. He retired as a player in 1987.[27]

On August 18, 2015, the Lightning announced the hiring of Brad Lauer as an assistant coach, which fills the vacancy left by the departure of George Gwozdecky at the end of the season. Lauer indicated that he will primarily work with the forwards, and collaborate with Cooper on the power play.[28] Lauer spent the previous four seasons with the Anaheim Ducks as an assistant coach. As a player, he was drafted by the New York Islanders. He played in 323 NHL games with the Islanders, Senators, Blackhawks, and Penguins, recording 44 goals and 111 points.[29]

September

On September 4, 2015, the Lightning announced that

NHL goalie to compete for the backup goalie position.[30]

On September 8, 2015, the Lightning announced that they brought in veteran goalie Ray Emery and center Ryan Martindale on a training camp tryouts. Emery, 32, has played nine NHL seasons, the last two with the Flyers. Emery is expected to get a look at being the potential backup goalie, while Vasilevskiy recovers from his medical procedure.[31]

On September 17, 2015, the Lightning announced the signing of defenseman Daniel Walcott to a three-year, two-way contract. Walcott, skated in 54 games last season with

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, recording 7 goals and 41 points. He was first on the team among defensemen in goals, assists and points. He also appeared in six playoff games, recording a goal and four points. In his QMJHL career, he has appeared in 121 games, all with the Armada, collecting 17 goals and 80 points. He made his professional debut last season with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League on an ATO.[32]

Training camp

September

On September 23, 2015, the Lightning announced their first training camp roster cuts. The team reduced its training camp roster by ten players, which reducing the camp roster to 53 players. Goalie Philippe Cadorette and defenseman Kevin Gibson were released from their professional tryout agreements. Anthony Cirelli, Cristiano Digiacinto, Bokondji Imama, Mathieu Joseph, Matthew Spencer, Mitchell Stephens, Ben Thomas, and Dennis Yan were assigned to their respective junior hockey clubs.[33]

On September 24, 2015, the Lightning announced that defenseman Dominik Masin had been reassigned to the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League, which reduces the training camp roster to 53. Masin is expected to get a larger role playing for the Petes this season than he would have with the crowded blue line in Syracuse.[34]

On September 27, 2015, the Lightning announced a series of roster cuts that reduced their training camp roster to 29 players. The Lightning prospects cut from that list are Blujus,

Kristers Gudlevskis for the temporary backup role behind starter Ben Bishop while Andrei Vasilevskiy recovers from his injury. Poulin, 25, has played in 50 NHL games, going 18-25 with a 3.07 goals against average.[36]

On September 28, 2015, it was announced that all five Syracuse Crunch player that the Lightning put on waivers Sunday afternoon cleared NHL waivers today, allowing them to join the AHL team. The five veterans will be part of the roster that travels to Lyon, France today for a three-game tournament. Potential Syracuse assignment players still with Tampa that would require waivers to skate with Crunch are Syracuse team captain Mike Angelidis and Jonathan Marchessault.[37]

October

On October 1, 2015, the Lightning announced that Brayden Point had been reassigned to the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League. Point played in two games for the Lightning this preseason, recording three shots. Point also skated in all three of the team's prospect tournament games in Estero last month, recording a goal and three points. He was tied for third on the Bolts for points during the tournament.[38]

On October 5, 2015, the Lightning announced that forwards Mike Angelidis and Jonathan Marchessault had been placed on waivers for the purpose of assigning them to the Syracuse Crunch. Both forwards will have to go unclaimed on waivers for twenty four hours before they are officially assigned the Crunch. The Lightning also provided an update on injured backup goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. Today Vasilevskiy did an on ice work out goalie coach Frantz Jean, facing shots from close range. He is still on blood thinners, which is restricting him from facing shots in the left shoulder area. He has an appointment on October 21, which will hopefully clear him for a return to full practice. Vasilevskiy stated that he thinks he will need a few games in Syracuse on a conditioning assignment before he is ready to return to the lineup.[39]

On October 6, the Lightning announced that goalie

Kristers Gudlevskis and defenseman Luke Witkowski had been assigned to the Syracuse Crunch. With Gudlevskis assigned, it appears that Kevin Poulin will serve as the temporary backup behind Ben Bishop. Defensemen Slater Koekkoek and Nikita Nesterov are still with the team, though things may change since the team has indicated that it wants to carry seven defensemen.[40]

On October 7, 2015, the Lightning assigned Slater Koekkoek to the Syracuse Crunch. Yzerman said that both Koekkoek and Witkowski impressed during training camp and are expected to help the Lightning during the season when needed. Yzerman also said, "If we wanted to we could have kept them on this team. They're better off playing a lot of minutes in the American Hockey League." On the same day, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper announced that Ryan Callahan will wear a permanent "A" as an alternate captain this season. Cooper said the other "A" will be rotated among a group of players for the season.[41]

Standings

Atlantic Division
Pos Team
 GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 y – Florida Panthers 82 47 26 9 40 239 203 +36 103
2 x – Tampa Bay Lightning 82 46 31 5 43 227 201 +26 97
3 x – Detroit Red Wings 82 41 30 11 39 211 224 −13 93
4 Boston Bruins 82 42 31 9 38 240 230 +10 93
5 Ottawa Senators 82 38 35 9 32 236 247 −11 85
6 Montreal Canadiens 82 38 38 6 33 221 236 −15 82
7 Buffalo Sabres 82 35 36 11 33 201 222 −21 81
8 Toronto Maple Leafs 82 29 42 11 23 198 246 −48 69
Source: National Hockey League[42]
x – Clinched playoff spot; y – Clinched division

Schedule and results

Preseason

2015 Preseason game log: 3–3–1 (home: 2–0–1; road: 1–2–0; Neutral: 0–1–0)[43]
Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Recap
1 September 22 Nashville Predators 2–3 OT Wilcox Amalie Arena 14,324 0–0–1 [44]
2 September 23 @ Nashville Predators 2–5 Wilcox Bridgestone Arena 14,186 0–1–1 [45]
3 September 25 Florida Panthers 4–1 Bishop Amalie Arena 16,226 1–1–1 [46]
4 September 26 @ Dallas Stars 3–6 Emery American Airlines Center 14,676 1–2–1 [47]
5[a] September 29 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins 2–4 Poulin Cambria County War Memorial Arena –– 1–3–1 [48]
6 October 1 Dallas Stars 3–2 Bishop Amalie Arena 14,226 2–3–1 [49]
7 October 3 @ Florida Panthers 3–2 Bishop
BB&T Center
 7,634 3–3–1 [50]
Lightning score listed first;

  Win   Loss   Overtime/shootout loss
a Kraft Hockeyville game

Regular season

2015–16 Game Log[51]
October: 5–5–2, 12 Points (home: 2–3–0; road: 3–2–2)
Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap
1 October 8 Philadelphia Flyers 3–2 OT Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 1–0–0 2 [3]
2 October 10 @ Buffalo Sabres 4–1 Bishop
First Niagara Center
 17,739 2–0–0 4 [52]
3 October 12 @ Boston Bruins 6–3 Bishop TD Garden 17,565 3–0–0 6 [53]
4 October 13 @ Detroit Red Wings 1–3 Bishop Joe Louis Arena 20,027 3–1–0 6 [54]
5 October 15 Dallas Stars 3–5 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 3–2–0 6 [55]
6 October 17 Buffalo Sabres 2–1 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 4–2–0 8 [56]
7 October 20 @ Nashville Predators 4–5 SO Bishop Bridgestone Arena 17,113 4–2–1 9 [57]
8 October 23 @ Winnipeg Jets 4–3 OT Bishop
MTS Centre
 15,294 5–2–1 11 [58]
9 October 24 @ Chicago Blackhawks 0–1 OT Gudlevskis United Center 21,822 5–2–2 12 [59]
10 October 27 @ St. Louis Blues 0–2 Bishop
Scottrade Center
 19,184 5–3–2 12 [60]
11 October 29 Colorado Avalanche 1–2 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 5–4–2 12 [61]
12 October 31 Boston Bruins 1–3 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 5–5–2 12 [62]
November: 6–6–1, 13 Points (home: 4–2–1; road: 2–4–0)
Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap
13 November 1 @ Carolina Hurricanes 4–3 Vasilevskiy PNC Arena 9,081 6–5–2 14 [63]
14 November 3 @ Detroit Red Wings 1–2 Bishop Joe Louis Arena 20,027 6–6–2 14 [64]
15 November 5 @ Buffalo Sabres 4–1 Vasilevskiy
First Niagara Center
 18,161 7–6–2 16 [65]
16 November 7 @ Minnesota Wild 0–1 Bishop Xcel Energy Center 19,066 7–7–2 16 [66]
17 November 10 Buffalo Sabres 1–4 Vasilevskiy Amalie Arena 19,092 7–8–2 16 [67]
18 November 12 Calgary Flames 3–1 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 8–8–2 18 [68]
19 November 14 Florida Panthers 4–5 SO Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 8–8–3 19 [69]
20 November 16 @ Florida Panthers 0–1 Vasilevskiy
BB&T Center
 12,067 8–9–3 19 [70]
21 November 19 New York Rangers 2–1 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 9–9–3 21 [71]
22 November 21 Anaheim Ducks 5–0 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 10–9–3 23 [72]
23 November 25 Los Angeles Kings 2–1 SO Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 11–9–3 25 [73]
24 November 27 @ Washington Capitals 2–4 Vasilevskiy Verizon Center 18,506 11–10–3 25 [74]
25 November 28 New York Islanders 2–3 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 11–11–3 25 [75]
December: 7–5–1, 15 Points (home: 3–3–1; road: 4–2–0)
Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap
26 December 2 @ Anaheim Ducks 2–1 Bishop Honda Center 14,741 12–11–3 27 [76]
27 December 5 @ San Jose Sharks 4–3 Bishop SAP Center 16,089 13–11–3 29 [77]
28 December 6 @ Los Angeles Kings 1–3 Vasilevskiy
Staples Center
 18,230 13–12–3 29 [78]
29 December 10 Ottawa Senators 4–1 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 14–12–3 31 [79]
30 December 12 Washington Capitals 1–2 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 14–13–3 31 [80]
31 December 14 @ Columbus Blue Jackets 2–1 Bishop Nationwide Arena 12,494 15–13–3 33 [81]
32 December 15 @ Toronto Maple Leafs 5–4 OT Vasilevskiy
Air Canada Centre
 18,989 16–13–3 35 [82]
33 December 18 @ Washington Capitals 3–5 Bishop Verizon Center 18,506 16–14–3 35 [83]
34 December 20 Ottawa Senators 5–2 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 17–14–3 37 [84]
35 December 22 Vancouver Canucks 1–2 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 17–15–3 37 [85]
36 December 26 Columbus Blue Jackets 5–2 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 18–15–3 39 [86]
37 December 28 Montreal Canadiens 3–4 SO Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 18–15–4 40 [87]
38 December 30 New York Rangers 2–5 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 18–16–4 40 [88]
January: 9–2–0, 18 Points (home: 6–0–0; road: 3–2–0)
Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap
39 January 2 Minnesota Wild 3–2 SO Vasilevskiy Amalie Arena 19,092 19–16–4 42 [89]
40 January 5 @ Calgary Flames 1–3 Bishop Scotiabank Saddledome 18,966 19–17–4 42 [90]
41 January 8 @ Edmonton Oilers 3–2 Bishop
Rexall Place
 16,839 20–17–4 44 [91]
42 January 9 @ Vancouver Canucks 3–2 OT Vasilevskiy Rogers Arena 18,335 21–17–4 46 [92]
43 January 12 @ Colorado Avalanche 4–0 Bishop
Pepsi Center
 14,227 22–17–4 48 [93]
44 January 15 Pittsburgh Penguins 5–4 OT Vasilevskiy Amalie Arena 19,092 23–17–4 50 [94]
45 January 17 Florida Panthers 3–1 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 24–17–4 52 [95]
46 January 19 Edmonton Oilers 6–4 Vasilevskiy Amalie Arena 19,092 25–17–4 54 [96]
47 January 21 Chicago Blackhawks 2–1 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 26–17–4 56 [97]
48 January 23 @ Florida Panthers 2–5 Bishop
BB&T Center
 19,626 26–18–4 56 [98]
49 January 27 Toronto Maple Leafs 1–0 Vasilevskiy Amalie Arena 19,092 27–18–4 58 [99]
All-Star Break
(January 28–February 1)
February: 10–4–0, 20 Points (home: 5–2–0; road: 5–2–0)
Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap
50 February 3 Detroit Red Wings 3–1 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 28–18–4 60 [100]
51 February 5 Pittsburgh Penguins 6–3 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 29–18–4 62 [101]
52 February 8 @ Ottawa Senators 1–5 Vasilevskiy Canadian Tire Centre 17,078 29–19–4 62 [102]
53 February 9 @ Montreal Canadiens 2–4 Bishop Bell Centre 21,288 29–20–4 62 [103]
54 February 12 Nashville Predators 4–3 OT Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 30–20–4 64 [104]
55 February 14 St. Louis Blues 1–2 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 30–21–4 64 [105]
56 February 16 San Jose Sharks 2–4 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 30–22–4 64 [106]
57 February 18 Winnipeg Jets 6–5 SO Vasilevskiy Amalie Arena 19,092 31–22–4 66 [107]
58 February 20 @ Pittsburgh Penguins 4–2 Bishop
Consol Energy Center
 18,643 32–22–4 68 [108]
59 February 21 @ Carolina Hurricanes 4–2 Bishop PNC Arena 10,422 33–22–4 70 [109]
60 February 23 Arizona Coyotes 2–1 Vasilevskiy Amalie Arena 19,092 34–22–4 72 [110]
61 February 26 @ New Jersey Devils 4–0 Bishop Prudential Center 15,968 35–22–4 74 [111]
62 February 28 @ Boston Bruins 4–1 Bishop TD Garden 17,565 36–22–4 76 [112]
63 February 29 @ Toronto Maple Leafs 2–1 Vasilevskiy
Air Canada Centre
 18,933 37–22–4 78 [113]
March: 7–6–1, 15 Points (home: 4–3–1; road: 3–3–0)
Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap
64 March 3 @ Ottawa Senators 4–1 Bishop
Canadian Tire Center
 17,943 38–22–4 80 [114]
65 March 5 Carolina Hurricanes 4–3 OT Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 39–22–4 82 [115]
66 March 7 @ Philadelphia Flyers 2–4 Vasilevskiy Wells Fargo Center 17,906 39–23–4 82 [116]
67 March 8 Boston Bruins 0–1 OT Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 39–23–5 83 [117]
68 March 11 Philadelphia Flyers 1–3 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 39–24–5 83 [118]
69 March 13 @ Columbus Blue Jackets 4–0 Bishop Nationwide Arena 14,701 40–24–5 85 [119]
70 March 15 @ Toronto Maple Leafs 1–4 Vasilevskiy
Air Canada Centre
 18,874 40–25–5 85 [120]
71 March 17 @ Dallas Stars 3–4 Bishop American Airlines Center 18,532 40–26–5 85 [121]
72 March 19 @ Arizona Coyotes 2–0 Bishop
Gila River Arena
 14,183 41–26–5 87 [122]
73 March 22 Detroit Red Wings 6–2 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 42–26–5 89 [123]
74 March 25 New York Islanders 7–4 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 43–26–5 91 [124]
75 March 26 Florida Panthers 2–5 Vasilevskiy Amalie Arena 19,092 43–27–5 91 [125]
76 March 28 Toronto Maple Leafs 3–0 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 44–27–5 93 [126]
77 March 31 Montreal Canadiens 0–3 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 44–28–5 93 [127]
April: 2–3–0, 4 Points (home: 1–0–0; road: 1–3–0)
Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap
78 April 2 New Jersey Devils 3–1 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 45–28–5 95 [128]
79 April 4 @ New York Islanders 2–5 Bishop Barclays Center 13,106 45–29–5 95 [129]
80 April 5 @ New York Rangers 2–3 Vasilevskiy Madison Square Garden 18,006 45–30–5 95 [130]
81 April 7 @ New Jersey Devils 4–2 Bishop Prudential Center 15,536 46–30–5 97 [131]
82 April 9 @ Montreal Canadiens 2–5 Vasilevskiy Bell Centre 21,288 46–31–5 97 [132]
Lightning score listed first;

  Win (2 Points)   Loss (0 points)   Overtime/shootout loss (1 point)

Playoffs

2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Eastern Conference First Round vs. Detroit Red Wings (A3) - Tampa Bay won series 4–1
Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Series Recap
1 April 13 Detroit Red Wings 3–2 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 1–0 [133]
2 April 15 Detroit Red Wings 5–2 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 2–0 [134]
3 April 17 @ Detroit Red Wings 0–2 Bishop Joe Louis Arena 20,027 2–1 [135]
4 April 19 @ Detroit Red Wings 3–2 Bishop Joe Louis Arena 20,027 3–1 [136]
5 April 21 Detroit Red Wings 1–0 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 4–1 [137]
Eastern Conference Second Round vs. New York Islanders (WC1) - Tampa Bay won series 4–1
Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Series Recap
1 April 27 New York Islanders 3–5 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 0–1 [138]
2 April 30 New York Islanders 4–1 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 1–1 [139]
3 May 3 @ New York Islanders 5–4 OT Bishop Barclays Center 15,795 2–1 [140]
4 May 6 @ New York Islanders 2–1 OT Bishop Barclays Center 15,795 3–1 [141]
5 May 8 New York Islanders 4–0 Bishop Amalie Arena 19,092 4–1 [142]
Eastern Conference Finals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (M2) - Pittsburgh won series 4–3
Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Series Recap
1 May 13 @ Pittsburgh Penguins 3–1 Vasilevskiy
Consol Energy Center
 18,554 1–0 [143]
2 May 16 @ Pittsburgh Penguins 2–3 OT Vasilevskiy
Consol Energy Center
 18,534 1–1 [144]
3 May 18 Pittsburgh Penguins 2–4 Vasilevskiy Amalie Arena 19,092 1–2 [145]
4 May 20 Pittsburgh Penguins 4–3 Vasilevskiy Amalie Arena 19,092 2–2 [146]
5 May 22 @ Pittsburgh Penguins 4–3 OT Vasilevskiy
Consol Energy Center
 18,648 3–2 [147]
6 May 24 Pittsburgh Penguins 2–5 Vasilevskiy Amalie Arena 19,092 3–3 [148]
7 May 26 @ Pittsburgh Penguins 1–2 Vasilevskiy
Consol Energy Center
 18,638 3–4 [149]
Lightning score listed first;

  Win   Loss   If necessary

Player stats

Final stats

Skaters

Goaltenders

Regular Season[151]
Player GP GS TOI W L OT GA GAA SA SV% SO G A PIM
Ben Bishop 61 60 3585 35 21 4 123 2.06 1672 .926 6 0 1 4
Andrei Vasilevskiy 24 21 1259 11 10 0 58 2.76 646 .910 1 0 0 0
Kristers Gudlevskis 1 1 60 0 0 1 1 1.00 32 .969 0 0 0 0
Playoffs
Player GP GS TOI W L GA GAA SA SV% SO G A PIM
Ben Bishop 11 11 582 8 2 18 1.86 297 .939 2 0 0 0
Andrei Vasilevskiy 8 6 434 3 4 20 2.76 267 .925 0 0 0 0

†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

Player Explanation Length Salary Date issued
Nikita Nesterov Boarding Dallas Stars forward Curtis McKenzie during NHL Game No. 54 in Tampa Bay on Thursday, October 15, 2015, at 15:56 of the second period. 2 games $7,983.88 October 16, 2015[152]

Awards and honours

Awards

Milestones

Transactions

The Lightning have been involved in the following transactions during the 2015–16 season.

Trades

Date Details Ref
June 26, 2015 (2015-06-26) To
2015
 To
2015
 [156]
June 26, 2015 (2015-06-26) To
2015
 To
2016
 [157]
November 12, 2015 (2015-11-12) To Calgary Flames
Kevin Poulin 		To Tampa Bay Lightning
Future Considerations 		[158]
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