The Columbus Blue Jackets blast the Lightning to win their playoff series in four straight
The Tampa Bay Lightning ended up on the wrong side of NHL history, getting swept in the first round of the playoffs after one of the best regular seasons ever.
The Columbus Blue Jackets capped a stunning sweep of the Presidents Trophy winners with a 7-3 victory Tuesday night.
Tampa Bay became the first team in the expansion era, which began in 1967-68, to go winless in the first round of the playoffs after leading the league in points during the regular season.
Tampa Bay tied the NHL record for wins with 62 and amassed 128 points, fourth in NHL history.
The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, didn't clinch the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot until the 81st game.
Columbus advances to play the winner of the Boston-Toronto series, which the Maple Leafs lead 2-1.
In other NHL playoff action on Tuesday, the New York Islanders completed a four game sweep of Pittsburgh with a 3-1 win in Game 4.
The Winnipeg Jets defeated the St. Louis Blues 2-1 in overtime to even the best-of-seven series at 2.
The Vegas Golden Knights also shut out San Jose 5-0 to take a commanding 3-1 lead in that series.