Eastern Conference. The season was shortened to 48 games because of the 1994–95 NHL lockout. The NHL added 4 expansion teams prior to the 1998–99 season and split the Eastern Conference into three divisions: Northeast, Atlantic, and Southeast. Tampa Bay was moved into the new Southeast division. Beginning with the 1999–2000 season, teams received one point for losing a regular season game in overtime. The season was canceled because of the 2004–05 NHL lockout. Before the 2005–06 season, the NHL instituted a penalty shootout for regular season games that remained tied after a five-minute overtime period, which prevented ties. The season was shortened to 48 games because of the 2012–13 NHL lockout. The NHL realigned prior to the 2013–14 season. Tampa Bay was placed in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. The regular season was cut short, and the playoffs were modified as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The season was shortened to 56 games because of the COVID-19 pandemic. References External links Tampa Bay Lightning official website Tampa Bay Lightning seasons