Tampa Bay Lightning salute unlikely star’s franchise record

On Saturday, April 4, the Tampa Bay Lightning clinched an NHL playoff berth for the ninth consecutive season. Because of the Detroit Red Wings’ loss earlier in the day, Tampa Bay knew it was in the postseason before taking the ice against the Boston Bruins . But that didn’t prevent the Lightning from making history of another type during the 3-1 victory.

Late in the third period, undrafted free agent Darren Raddysh knocked the game-winning goal through the underarm of Boston goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman. MORE: Buffalo Sabres’ turnaround ends NHL’s longest playoff drought That shot sent the Lightning into sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division. Also, it set a franchise record for Raddysh.

His 21st goal of the season lifted him past current captain Victor Hedman and former player Dan Boyle for most goals ever by a Tampa Bay defenseman. Consequently, the franchise celebrated the accomplishment on X. Overall, it is fair to characterize the 30-year-old Raddysh an unlikely team record-holder.

To illustrate, entering the 2025-26 campaign, Raddysh owned career totals of 13 goals and 73 points in 176 games. In 69 games this year, Raddysh collected the 21 goals and 67 points. Nearing the end of a two-year, $1.