Breaking down 3 turning points that led to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s downfall in 2024–25

The Tampa Bay Lightning had a terrific 2024-25 regular season but their postseason hopes ended in another first round exit. The Lightning had a great outing against the Florida Panthers but couldn't get the best out of the defending Stanley Cup champions. 

Despite having a talented roster at their disposal, the Lightning were unable to prolong their playoff run. That situation left the fans wondering what went wrong in their quest for another Stanley Cup. 

Here are the three turning points in Tampa Bay Lightning’s downfall in 2024–25

1. Not winning the Atlantic Division

The Tampa Bay Lightning saw themselves fighting it out for the Atlantic Division with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs ultimately took the top spot that left the Lightning in second place. Due to that, the Lightning had to face the Florida Panthers. 

If the Lightning would have won the Atlantic Division, then the franchise would have had a better chance against the Ottawa Senators instead of the Panthers. But, that wasn't the case as the Lightning fell short to the Panthers. 

2. Kucherov silenced by the Panthers

Nikita Kucherov had a great season and one to remember. He took home the Art Ross Trophy and earned a Hart Trophy nomination. He was the best offensive player in the league once again in 2024-2025.

But, for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Kucherov couldn't replicate his regular season performances into the playoff wins. He ended the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs with just four assists to his name in five games. 

Three of his assists came in the Lightning's lone win in Game 3 against the Panthers. Kucherov managed just another assists in the four games. His inability to get through the Panthers' defense was the biggest turning point in their offense. If he had managed to get through their wall, he could have single handedly turned the series on it's head.

3. Facing Florida Panthers in first round

The Lightning, Panthers and Maple Leafs spent the bulk of the regular season jockeying for position. In the end, the Lightning went up against the Panthers. For the Lightning, it was a second year in the row that they had lost to the Florida Panthers in the first round in five games. 

Had the Lightning faced anyone else in the first round, they would have had a better chance of advancing. But, that's not going to be the case as the Lightning will not face the Florida Panthers again in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.