ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – That was quite an extended sports weekend for Tampa Bay, wasn’t it? It started Thursday afternoon when the Rays blanked the Tigers to open the 2023 season.
Following a day off Friday, the Rays took care of Detroit on Saturday and Sunday for a three-game, series-opening sweep.
Meanwhile, the Bolts defeated the Capitals, 5-1, on Thursday evening and shut out the Islanders on Saturday night, 5-0, to extend their win streak to three. It may have been a forgone conclusion, but the victory over the Isles clinched a sixth straight playoff berth for the Lightning.
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“The fact that this group keeps finding ways to get in is pretty remarkable,” said coach Jon Cooper, whose team blanked Carolina, 4-0, on Tuesday with goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy recording two shutouts in three games. “I look around the league and I really tip my hat to a team like Pittsburgh that has done it year in and year out. But the goal is to win Stanley Cups and you can’t do it unless you punch your ticket. Once again, they have done it. Really proud of the players.”
While the Penguins are seeking to make the cut for the 18th straight year, the Lightning have thrilled their fans with three straight Stanley Cup final appearances and winning the coveted chalice in 2020 and 2021.
The Lightning, who have five games remaining with two at home, will open the postseason for a second straight year against the Maple Leafs. The only question is where the series will open, though Toronto has a four-point lead with two games in hand.
The Bolts are back on the road with a three-game trip beginning Wednesday evening at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers. Then, it’s a quick jaunt to Long Island to play the Islanders on Thursday night. The trip concludes Saturday night at Ottawa.
In the news: Rays Open 2023 Season With More New Coaches Than Players
As for the Rays, what a sweep it was as they thoroughly dominated while outscoring the Tigers 21-3. Jeffrey Springs added the explanation point with six no-hit innings Sunday before being lifted in a 5-1 win. Springs, who began last season in the bullpen before joining the rotation in May, struck out a career high 12. Manager Kevin Cash lifted the lefty after 81 pitches.
“When he says I’m done, I’m not going to question him whatsoever,” said Springs. “That’s his job, to manage, and my job is just to pitch. I’m good with it. Hopefully, there’s another opportunity that I can talk my way into it. Maybe next time.”
The Rays begin a three-game series at Washington on Monday night. A day off Thursday will be followed by a seven-game homestand with three against Oakland and four versus Boston.
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