Ryan McDonagh (© Eric Canha-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/fc4fa1b8-6ceb-4162-8717-1719d93939b0.jpeg] Ryan McDonagh (© Eric Canha-Imagn Images) The Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/] made several moves this past off-season after a quick playoff exit. One of their most notable moves was reacquiring defenseman Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick and a 2024 seventh-round pick. The Lightning [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwruDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen]'s decision to bring back McDonagh was an easy one to understand. It was no secret that they missed the 35-year-old’s steady defensive play on their blueline when he was with the Predators. Thus, it makes sense that they worked hard to get him, and it’s move that has, without a doubt, benefited the Lightning greatly since. McDonagh once again proved to be an incredible part of the Lightning’s top four and penalty kill this regular-season. In 82 games with the Bolts on the year, he recorded four goals, 27 assists, 31 points, and an NHL-best plus-43 rating. With numbers like these, McDonagh was not only remarkably dependable defensively but also chipped in a decent amount of offense in the process. With all of this, McDonagh played a major role in the Lightning finishing the season with a solid 47-27-8 record and securing the second-place spot in the Atlantic Division standings. They also did not need to pay a significant price to get him back to Tampa, so it is hard not to love this move for the Bolts. McDonagh will now look to carry over his impressive regular-season play over to the post-season from here. If he continues to play so well during the playoffs, it will certainly help the Lightning’s chances of going on a big run this spring. We will need to wait and see what happens on that front from here. Recent Lightning News Lightning Surging Rookies Could Be Game-Changers In Playoffs [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/798fbf19-e031-4b8c-a132-62fe7563b2c2.jpeg] Lightning Surging Rookies Could Be Game-Changers In Playoffs The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> kick off their playoff series against the Florida Panthers on April 22. It will be a series for fans to watch, as both teams have plenty of stars and skill. They also have a very deep rivalry, which makes the games even more entertaining when they play each other. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-surging-rookies-could-be-game-changers-in-playoffs] Ex-Lightning Tough Guy Out For Beginning Of Playoffs [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5849c266-7cda-4f63-9e45-a577c31ed1a2.jpeg] Ex-Lightning Tough Guy Out For Beginning Of Playoffs During this past off-season, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> traded forward Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick. The move was understandable, as the <a href="https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwruDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen">Lightning</a> needed more cap space, and Jeannot struggled to find his fit with Tampa Bay.<br> [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/ex-lightning-tough-guy-out-for-beginning-of-playoffs] Lightning Star Hit Brand New Level This Season [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5bf85d2a-e083-413d-b0c6-d16aec2d9f4b.jpeg] Lightning Star Hit Brand New Level This Season The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> are back in the playoffs after a strong 2024-25 regular-season. The Lightning finished the season with a 47-27-8 record and secured the second-place spot in the Atlantic Division standings. Overall, it was a successful year for the <a href="https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwruDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen">Lightning</a>, and they will now look to knock out the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the first round from here. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-star-hit-brand-new-level-this-season] 3 Lightning Players Who Need To Carry Team In Playoffs [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/c1c8ad3c-172b-4b8a-b007-7d5672865130.jpeg] 3 Lightning Players Who Need To Carry Team In Playoffs The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> finished the 2024-25 season with a strong 47-27-8 record and are in the playoffs for the eighth straight year because of it. They now have the opportunity to get revenge against the Florida Panthers in the first round after being knocked out by them last year. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/3-lightning-players-who-need-to-carry-team-in-playoffs]
