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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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, $1.95 million contract, Raddysh has yet to earn $1 million in a season. Undoubtedly that will change this offseason when Raddysh becomes an unrestricted free agent.

“I’m fortunate to play with a lot of good players and be put in this position,” Raddysh said, per NHL.com. “I’m thankful for that.”

Bleacher Report Open Ice shared video of Saturday’s goal while commenting on Raddysh’s shocking rise.

Advertisement

Raddysh, who boasts a powerful slap shot, emerged amid early-season injuries to veteran Tampa Bay defensemen Hedman, Erik Cernak and Ryan McDonagh. Raddysh paired with J.J. Moser on the top line and earned a spot on the top power-play unit. When the veterans returned to action, Raddysh retained his prominent position.

On Jan. 3 in a 7-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks, Raddysh became the third Tampa Bay defenseman to record a hat trick.

The Lightning lead the Buffalo Sabres by two points for the Atlantic Division lead. The teams square off at 7 p.m. ET Monday, April 6, in Buffalo.