Tampa Bay Lightning

Can we finally retire the tired line that “hockey does not belong in Florida”? That argument has always leaned on geography and temperature, as if latitude alone determines legitimacy. But the past decade of NHL history tells a very different story, one written in sold-out buildings, championship banners, and a fan base that shows up when the lights are brightest.

There was a lot of buzz as Tampa Bay and their Lightning set out to host their first ever outdoor game. The hope was that the contest would deliver in kind. It did so and then some, quite honestly setting the bar for outdoor games in terms of sheer entertainment value. The Bolts, taking on the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium, charged back from being down 5-1, winning a 6-5 shootout battle.

Outdoor NHL hockey is here, and Raymond James Stadium will be center stage tonight in a nationally-brodcast event.

Graphic Credit: Mike Smith | Thunderstruck Sports By Ernie Norquist | Thunderstruck Sports For generations, hockey began outdoors. Long before climate-controlled arenas and high-definition scoreboards, the game lived on frozen ponds, backyard rinks, and winding rivers. Makeshift nets marked the goals. Snowbanks doubled as boards. Players stayed until numb toes or fading daylight forced them home. For many around the world, that version of hockey still exists, simple, raw, an

Yanni Gourde and Darren Raddysh both scored and added two assists on Thursday night as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Winnipeg Jets, 4-1.

Darren Raddysh and Anthony Cirelli both scored as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Utah Mammoth Monday night, 2-0.

For about a month now, it seems almost everything has been going the Tampa Bay Lightning's way. They have boasted an incredible record over that span. However, their 15-game point streak finally came to an end Saturday night in Columbus. Nikita Kucherov posted another multi-point effort. It was Mason Marchment and his Blue Jackets, though, who overshadowed 'Kuch' in this one, posting eight goals in a wild one. Columbus took the contest 8-5.