Lightning gets criticized for publishing strange post following shocking elimination

The Tampa Bay Lightning ended up getting swept in the first round of the playoffs after one of the best regular seasons ever.

However, we often say the playoffs are an entirely new season. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets capped a stunning sweep of the Presidents’ Trophy winners with a 7-3 victory Tuesday night. 

Tampa Bay became the first team in the expansion era to be swept in the first round of the playoffs after leading the league in points during the regular season.

Maybe it explains why the social media manager of the team decided to post this message right after the game: 

“We don’t have any words and we know you don’t want to hear them.
We understand your anger, your frustration, your sadness. Everything you’re feeling – we get it.
This isn’t the ending we imagined, and certainly not the one we wanted. Thank you for being there the entire way.”

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman wondered if it was necessary on the air of Sportsnet late last night. 

“I don’t know how I feel about that though, right after the game. Maybe that could have waited till tomorrow. I don’t know if you have to apologize for anything. They played hard, they lost. And I think of Washington: how many times did they lose and stuck with their big guns year and year and if I was Tampa, I don’t know how much I’d do differently.” 

Friedman also pointed out the message the Pittsburgh Penguins put up on their Twitter account after their elimination in four games at the hands of the New York Islanders. 

“Thank you fans for the passion, energy, and belief.
You were there every step of the way and your support means everything.
We will regroup this offseason and look forward to a fresh start next season.”

I guess we all deal with grief differently…