TAMPA — After clinching a playoff spot, the Lightning returned from their recent road trip with five games left in the regular season.

They are currently holding the first wild-card position in the Eastern Conference and their standing is relatively stable, trailing the third-place Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division by four points as of Monday. However, with a regular-season finale against the Maple Leafs on April 17, there is a chance for the Lightning to climb up in the standings.

The game against the Blue Jackets at Amalie Arena on Tuesday marks the beginning of the final stretch, with four out of the five remaining games being played at home. Among the upcoming opponents, only the Leafs are currently in a playoff position, although the Capitals are also contending for the second wild-card spot.

“We find ourselves in a situation where there isn’t much room for movement, but the important thing is that we have secured a position, and the team is enthusiastic about it,” expressed head coach Jon Cooper. “Our goal as a coaching staff is to maintain the team’s momentum. It can be mentally challenging once a playoff spot is secured, but eventually, the realization sets in that we have earned our place. “Now, the focus shifts to what actions will best position us for success once the playoffs commence. It’s a challenging but positive situation to be in. Our hope is to navigate through these upcoming games, maintain our performance level, and remain injury-free.”

As the regular season winds down and the team gears up for the playoffs, this final stretch holds significant importance. Here are five areas the Lightning must address as they conclude the regular season and get ready for the postseason.

The force of a moving object; the impetus or drive gained by a series of events or actions

The Lightning have been on a hot streak recently, showcasing their strongest performance of the season with a record of 10-2-1 since March 9. Looking ahead, they are cautious about peaking too soon. The majority of their upcoming games are against teams they are expected to defeat, with even the Maple Leafs playing the night after a game in Sunrise.

Captain Steven Stamkos highlighted the importance of heading into the playoffs in a positive state, stating, “It’s always ideal to enter the playoffs feeling confident. Regardless of the outcomes, it has been rewarding to witness this team coming together at a critical juncture and demonstrating our potential when we execute our game plan effectively.