When the Tampa Bay Lightning took the ice against the Washington Capitals last night, it must of felt like a road game. It wasn't because the 18,135 in attendance were clad in Caps Red—in fact they were solidly pro-Lightning. No, the Lightning feel like a road team in their own arena because it's been awhile since they've been there.
Tampa Bay has played a league-high 26 road games this season, including seven of their last 10 games. That's about to change. Last night began a string of 15 of the next 18 games that will be played at the St. Pete Times Forum.
Ironically the three road games are up front, as Tampa Bay has a home game against New Jersey Friday, then jets out to Carolina the next night.
The Lightning come home for a game against Columbus before heading on the road for two Southeast Division games against Atlanta and Florida.
After that, Tampa Bay has nearly the entire month of February on home ice with a 12-game home stand.
The well traveled road certainly has been a concern for head coach Guy Boucher.
"This is probably the first time where I feel our players are tired,'' he told the Tampa Tr ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by JC De La Torre
Tampa Bay Lightning: For the Team, There’s No Place Like Home
January 13th, 2011 by JC De La Torre Leave a reply »
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