A return to play by Lightning forward Brayden Point could be a game-changer if the Tampa Bay team plays in the next Stanley Cup final.

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Point, who remained a doubt for Game 6 of the series between the Lightning and the New York Rangers on Saturday night, suffered a lower-body injury in Game 7 of the first round against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Reflecting on his past performances, during the Lightning's two recent Stanley Cup victories, it is clear that Point could potentially make the difference, if the opportunity arises, against the Colorado Avalanche.

The most loyal fans of the Montreal Canadiens will remember that Point had collected three assists, on June 28, 2021, during the first game of the most recent Stanley Cup final. He had thus helped the Lightning to win easily by the score of 5 to 1. We remember the rest...

Winning goal against the Stars

However, it was in 2020, in a final won against the Dallas Stars, that Point stood out more with five goals and three assists in six games.

The Lightning striker was also the author of the winning goal in the sixth game. He took advantage of a numerical superiority in the first period to lodge the puck behind goalkeeper Anton Khudobin. In a 2-0 victory, Blake Coleman had been the other scorer in this quest for a second consecutive cup.

In the 2020 playoffs, Point had 14 goals in 23 games. His performance was the same as last year. Of these 28 goals, it is possible to list six winning nets.

Memories of May 12

Still in 2022, before getting injured, Point had added a seventh career playoff goal. On May 12, the player ended Game 6 of the series against the Maple Leafs by scoring in overtime. The Lightning then won 4-3 to the delight of the Amalie Arena crowd.

The Lightning were to take Game 7 honors two days later in Toronto.