{"id":542434,"date":"2026-04-05T17:49:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T17:49:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/542434\/"},"modified":"2026-04-05T17:49:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T17:49:23","slug":"tampa-bay-lightning-salute-unlikely-stars-franchise-record-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/542434\/","title":{"rendered":"Tampa Bay Lightning salute unlikely star’s franchise record"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Saturday, April 4, the Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> clinched an NHL<\/a> playoff berth for the ninth consecutive season.<\/p>\n

Because of the Detroit Red Wings\u2019 loss earlier in the day, Tampa Bay knew it was in the postseason before taking the ice against the Boston Bruins<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But that didn\u2019t prevent the Lightning from making history of another type during the 3-1 victory.<\/p>\n

Late in the third period, undrafted free agent Darren Raddysh knocked the game-winning goal through the underarm of Boston goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman.<\/p>\n

MORE: Buffalo Sabres\u2019 turnaround ends NHL\u2019s longest playoff drought<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Consequently, the franchise celebrated<\/a> the accomplishment on X.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Nearing the end of a two-year, $1.95 million contract<\/a>, Raddysh has yet to earn $1 million in a season. Undoubtedly that will change this offseason when Raddysh becomes an unrestricted free agent.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fortunate to play with a lot of good players and be put in this position,\u201d Raddysh said, per NHL.com<\/a>. \u201cI\u2019m thankful for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bleacher Report Open Ice shared video of Saturday\u2019s goal while commenting on Raddysh\u2019s shocking rise.<\/p>\n

Just like we all predicted before the season, DARREN RADDYSH HAS SET THE LIGHTNING’S SINGLE SEASON DEFENSEMAN GOAL RECORD AT 21!!!!! \ud83d\udea8\ud83d\udc4f pic.twitter.com\/bSmDboDVzd<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 B\/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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