It actually happened.
The Columbus Blue Jackets made franchise history when they won their very first Stanley Cup playoff series. Within the great state of Ohio's borders, nothing will top that milestone.
If you go beyond those confines, though, the lasting memory of this series will be the Blue Jackets making league history. Until tonight, a President's Trophy winner had never been swept in the first round of the playoffs.
THE EMOTION ON EVERYONE. HOLY BOOMER!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/YurhtDNqQN
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 17, 2019
Tampa's no typical President's Trophy winner, either. Their 62 wins are historic for the cap era. Coming into these playoffs, they hadn't lost three games in a row all season. Then, Columbus sent them home in four.
That outcome seemed impossible after the series' first 20 minutes, as the Lightning jumped out to a 3-0 lead. For the rest of the series, though, Columbus utterly dominated, outscoring Tampa 19-5 in the last 11 periods of the series.
The players stuck around after the handshake line to salute the crowd, one of the best environments youll see for a while. Electric. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/WVYVnPzVYa
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 17, 2019
Not a bad way to finally get to the second round, huh?
