With a three-match winning streak in hand, the Tampa Bay Lightning look determined to claw their way into the playoffs. And sitting in third place in the Atlantic Division, they might just make it. Their chances look even brighter thanks to the fresh energy injected into the team by left winger Dylan Duke. With the help of the 21-year-old, the Lightning ended the Detroit Red Wings’ 7-game win streak by a hefty margin of 6-3. But that wasn’t the only memorable thing to happen at the Little Caesars Arena that night.

Nine-time NCAA champs, the Michigan Wolverines are a force to be reckoned with in the collegiate ice hockey circuit. Duke, a former Wolverine himself, had a memorable night as he scored his first ever NHL goal. But that was just the first of two highlights for him. His delight was only amplified thanks to his alma mater, just hours later.

Tampa Bay Lightning debutant shows his worth, but isn’t the only one from the family to do so

A post by Buccigross on X described the incredible scenes that unfolded at the arena the same night. “On the day his brother, Dylan Duke, scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game earlier today for the @TBLightning, Tyler Duke scores in the same rink a few hours later for Michigan,” read the quote tweet, as it shared a snippet from Michigan’s clash against their in-state rivals.

The Wolverines locked horns against arch-rivals, Michigan State in the same arena just hours after the high-stakes NHL match-up between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings. Although the Wolverines lost the match 6-1, the highlight of their night was Tyler Duke’s goal right after the halfway point of the game.

Naturally, Dylan Duke becoming the 120th University of Michigan athlete to debut in the NHL and his brother scoring for the program on the same day was a monumental day for the Duke family. The X user ended the post with the heartfelt note, “Dream come true for Mom and Dad and Family.” Truly! But while the night was definitely a noteworthy one, both the Michigan Wolverines and the Tampa Bay Lightning have towering tasks ahead.

The two brothers eye an emphatic end to the season

The University of Michigan hockey team won its last NCAA championship in 1998. The Wolverines are undergoing a long trophy drought, but can they finally end it? This season, they boast a 16-12-2 overall record, with wins over heavyweight teams like Penn State, Boston University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Furthermore, in their four matches against Michigan State this season, the Wolverines have won two. Will Brandon Naurato’s team show that the defeat at the hands of MSU was just a blip in the road to their first national title in 27 years?

On the other hand, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been but a shadow of their true selves. Back-to-back Stanley Cup winners in 2020 and 2021, the team’s season has been rocky with a 30-20-4 record.

Ex-Lightning star Patrick Moore recently reacted with amazement as to how the front office failed to negotiate Steven Stamkos‘ contract extension. “I just didn’t see why it didn’t happen. It’s unfortunate because, like, to me, I think a lot of those guys in that locker room wanted him back,” Moore told Spittin’ Chiclets. On paper, it does seem like a huge mistake to let the man that captained the team to 2 Stanley Cups walk.

Regardless, the deed is now done, and the Lightning will have to simply continue adapting to a post-Stamkos reality. Do you think the Tampa Bay Lightning regret their decision to let go of Stamkos? Can Dylan Duke and the team make it to the playoffs this year? Tell us your NHL playoff predictions below!