Defending champs embrace underdog role

The Tampa Bay Lightning are undaunted by being a heavy underdog to Ottawa in the first round of the NHL playoffs.

The reigning Stanley Cup champions begin defense of their title against the top seed in the Eastern Conference on Friday night. The Senators won all four meetings between the teams during the regular season and are 17-2-1 against their former expansion mates over the past five years.

"They've got history on their side with us. ...

• Defending champs embrace underdog role