Lightning clinches berth in playoffs

But the players say they're focused on winning the division.

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published April 6, 2007

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Lightning players said they feel pretty good after clinching a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive season - but not too good.

"We're happy," center Vinny Lecavalier said Thursday night. "But our goal at the beginning of the season wasn't just to make the playoffs, it was to win the division."

Tampa Bay was assured of a playoff spot when the Maple Leafs fell 5-2 to the Islanders. Now the team can concentrate on winning the Southeast. A victory or an overtime loss tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum over the Panthers ensures a first-place showdown Saturday with the Thrashers in Atlanta.

"Now that we're in, you move on, and the next step is, 'Where do you want to be?' " defenseman Dan Boyle said. "We'd much rather start the playoffs at home with a No. 3 seed."

First comes Florida, which has beaten Tampa Bay two straight and four of seven.

"It's the perfect team to play," Boyle said. "They've been a pain in our (butt) all year. We have to beat them."

Said coach John Tortorella: "We just need to go about our business."

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com.