Tampa Bay Lightning bench defender Erik Cernak for breaking team rule

The Tampa Bay Lightning are still working hard to secure a playoff spot. While it is unlikely they miss the playoffs, they still have an opportunity to catch the Toronto Maple Leafs for third in the division. This would allow the Lightning a much more favorable matchup heading into the first round.

However, the Lightning have always prided themselves on building a winning culture. That includes ensuring that every player abides by the rules set out by the franchise. Even with a playoff race in full swing, the Lightning are keeping to that culture.

Ahead of tonight's game against the New York Islanders the Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that defender Erik Cernak will be a healthy scratch after missing a team meeting. Cernak is a key contributor on the Lightning's blue line and a real loss for tonight's game, More than anything, the team wants to instill a winning culture in everyone in the organization.





It is accountability like this that have led Tampa Bay to being one of the league's most successful teams over the last decade. If the team is going to make one final push to win another Stanley Cup, it will be due to their winning culture and accountability to one another.