Tampa Bay Lightning 2011-2012 Season Preview:
Although the Tampa Bay Lightning have only been a part of the National Hockey League since 1992, they have quickly made a name for themselves as one of the most dominating franchises in the Eastern Conference. The team has won two division championships and one conference championship since entering the league, as well as one Stanley Cup in 2004.
This season, expect Tampa Bay to be a threat once again in the east. A number of veteran players will be returning to the squad, including Martin St. Louis, Ryan Malone and Vincent Lecavalier. In the 2010-11 season, St. Louis won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for the best sportsmanlike conduct in the league.
Last year, the Lightning nabbed the fifth seed in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Although they made it to the conference finals, they were defeated by the 2010-11 champion Boston Bruins. This season, Tampa Bay isn't expected to go away as easily. Fans are anticipating that head coach Guy Boucher and his crew will be playing aggressively as they attempt to make a serious run at the Cup. Pittsburgh will open the regular season against the Vancouver Canucks on October 6.
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING EXPERIENCE:
Founded: 1992
Location: Tampa, Florida
Stadium: Tampa Bay Times Forum
Conference: Eastern Conference
Division: Southeast Division
Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Titles: 1: 2003-04
Tampa Bay Lightning Conference Championships: 1
Notable Players: Roman Hamrlik, Vincent Lecavalier, Nikita Alexeev, & Alexander Svitov
Tampa Bay Lightning plays hockey in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Tampa Bay Lightning first began playing hockey in 1992 as part of that year's NHL expansion. He team began with some success for an expansion franchise, but it would be short-lived, and by the end of the 1990's the team was at the bottom of the league. A rebuild and the acquisition of young talent worked beyond Lightning fans' wildest dreams. The team made the conference semis in 2003 and then roared to the Stanley Cup and won in 2004. After the lockout of 2004/2005, the Tampa Bay Lightning would struggle to make the playoffs, but with some off-season tweaks, hopes are high again for success.
The Tampa Bay Lightning play their home games at the Tampa Bay Times Forum (formerly nicknamed the Ice Palace, and St. Pete Times Forum). The arena holds 19,500 spectators for hockey games. Entering the glittery glass building, you'll see a large mural celebrating the 2004 Stanley Cup win. Buy Tampa Bay Lightning tickets and see if the team can repeat history this season!
See Also:
Tampa Bay Lightning Playoff tickets
Tampa Bay Lightning Season Preview History
Tampa Bay Lightning Ticket Information:
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