How to watch Lightning vs. Blue Jackets first round playoff series

Game 5 update: The Lightning won 5-4 in overtime after Brayden Point scored the series-clincher. Tampa blew a 2-0 lead then came back from a 4-2 third period deficit.

Game 4 update: The Lightning won 2-1 on goals by Yanni Gourde and Barclay Goodrow, while Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 28 of 29 shots.

Game 3 update: The Lightning won 3-2 on goals by Alex Killorn, Brayden Point, and Victor Hedman.

Game 2 update: The Blue Jackets won 3-1 behind 36 saves from Joonas Korpisalo.

Game 1 update: The Lightning won 3-2 when Brayden Point scored the game-winner in the fifth overtime.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs have arrived! The puck drops for the first round of the playoffs on August 12th, and while it might be four months later than expected, it’s better than nothing!

The NHL wrapped up the qualifying round over the weekend and we have the bracket set for the playoffs. The Tampa Bay Lightning claimed the second seed in the Eastern Conference in round robin play, while the Columbus Blue Jackets edged out the Toronto Maple Leafs in five games in the qualifying round to claim the No. 7 seed.

The Lightning finished second in the Atlantic Division in the shortened regular season and ranked second entering round robin play. Tampa Bay won its first two round robin games, but lost 4-1 to the Flyers in the third game to drop to No. 2. Andrei Vasilevskiy was solid in goal the first two games, but then gave up three goals in the team’s lone round robin loss.

The Blue Jackets were the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference qualifying round. They were four games under .500 when play was suspended in March and facing the 8th seeded Maple Leafs. The two teams exchanged wins in the only qualifying round series to go the full five games. Columbus had to replace goalie Elvis Merzlikins due to injury. Joonas Korpisalo impressed in the fifth game, posting a shutout to secure a playoff bid.

Below is a full rundown of the Lightning-Blue Jackets series and how to watch it. The NBC games are all available at NBCSports.com/live. The Lightning win the series 4-1.

Lightning vs. Blue Jackets series info

Game 1: Lightning 3, Blue Jackets 2 (5OT)
Game 2: Blue Jackets 3, Lightning 1
Game 3: Lightning 3, Blue Jackets 2
Game 4: Lightning 2, Blue Jackets 1
Game 5: Lightning, Blue Jackets 4 (OT)