"Every single one of your cup is fake": NHL fans write off Tampa Bay Lightning's back-to-back Stanley Cup wins on third anniversary

The Tampa Bay Lightning have won three Stanley Cups in their franchise history. Two of those titles came back-to-back in 2020 and 2021 when they beat the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens in the two finals.

The Bolts compiled a celebratory post marking three years of their back-to-back title win on their official X account on Sunday.

“Three years ago today we became back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions 🏆,” tweeted Tampa Bay Lightning’s X handle.

Some fans believed the titles won during the COVID-19 pandemic shouldn’t count as the full regular season was not played that year. Following are some fan reactions from X/Twitter:

“Every single one of your cups are fake.”

“Does not count unfortunately,” quipped another fan.

“Don’t count. Not full playoff or regular season. Huge * on those. Try winning a full playoff after 82 games, thanks,” wrote one fan.

Some fans claimed that the Stanley Cup won in the COVID and post-COVID seasons do not hold as much weight. Some fans were also unhappy with the team for letting Steven Stamkos go to Nashville.

“Covid cups don’t count lmao.”

“Covid and Mickie mouse cups 😂 lololol,” wrote one fan.

“And now the team is being destroyed with mindless trades and contract dealings. Stamkos is in Nashville, what channel can we watch the Predators on?”, commented one user.

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Tampa Bay Lightning’s seven-year contract for Jake Guentzel has a no-trade clause

The Bolts moved on from their captain and brought Jake Guentzel from the Carolina Hurricanes. The former Canes forward has been widely regarded as one of the best wingers in the league over the years.

The Lightning offered a long-term contract to Guentzel worth a total of $63,000,000 for seven years. However, the mega contract comes with a no-trade clause for the first four seasons which could be a gamble for the Bay Area team.

There is a ‘modified’ no-trade clause for the final three seasons as the Bolts have offered a long-term deal to a player who will hit 30 in October. Nevertheless, it all comes down to how he will handle the pressure once he takes the ice for Tampa Bay.