The unprecedented 2019-20 season has finally come to an end almost an entire year after it began. The Tampa Bay Lightning have won the Stanley Cup.
The Dallas Stars took game five in a thrilling victory, but couldn’t take the Lightning to game seven. Tampa Bay struck first with a goal from Brayden point in the first period. The game’s opening goal proved also to be the game winner. Tampa Bay’s next goal would come in the middle of the second period when left-winger Blake Coleman scored a one-timer against his hometown team. He did so off a great pass from Cedrick Paquette.
The Stars had trouble getting pucks on net in the first two periods with only eight, but started to pick things up with 14 in the third. Despite them heating up in the final frame, it simply wouldn’t be enough time.
Andrei Vasilevsky recorded his first postseason shutout, stopping all 22 shots he faced. Vasilevsky played every game for the Lightning over the course of the playoffs and proved to be a key reason why Tampa Bay won their second Stanley Cup and their first since 2004.
The Conn Smythe Trophy, which is handed out to the most valuable player of the playoffs, was awarded to Victor Hedman. Hedman led all defensemen with 10 goals and was tied for fifth in league scoring with 22 points.
In a heartwarming display, Gary Bettman called on Lightning captain Steven Stamkos to receive the cup first.