Tampa Bay Lightning: 50 Greatest Moments In Franchise History

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Lightning have had many fantastic moments during it’s 23-year existence. Today, we count down the top 50 moments in franchise history.

Moments are the best parts of sports. They can be cemented in out minds for decades, and these breathtaking plays are what makes sports one of the greatest inventions in human history. Moments are the reasons why we love sports, and today, we will be counting down the 50 greatest moments in Tampa Bay Lightning history.

When Phil Esposito founded the Tampa Bay Lightning back in 1992, he expected nothing but greatness. It was a growing process like it is for most things that are just starting to come off the ground, but it has turned into something great. From Phil Esposito, to Art Williams, to Bill Davidson, to Oren Koules and Len Barrie (ew), to present day owner Jeff Vinik, the Tampa Bay Lightning organization has developed into one of the greatest sports organizations in the NHL, if not the world.

You’ve had so many great players walk through those locker room doors at Expo Hall, the Thunder Dome, the Ice Palace, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa Bay Times Forum and finally Amalie Arena. Some of these players have turned out to be future Hall of Famers that have left their mark on the National Hockey League for many years to come. You have also seen the greatest trophy in sports, the Stanley Cup, being handed to captain Dave Andreychuk 11 season ago and the constant roars and cutting of newspaper that made the streets so white you may have thought it snowed.

50 moments. 50 moments that captured the hearts of Tampa Bay Lightning fans and hockey fans around the world. 50 moments that morphed us into the passionate fans we are today. 50 moments that help make us Tampa Bay Lightning fans forever. Lets get started.

* Additional Editorial Contribution By Tasha St. Pierre

Next: Chief Out, Engblom In

Jun 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Fans hold up blue glow sticks before game two of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

49. The Lightning’s Home Gets An Upgrade

Date: 2012-Current

It’s amazing what one man can do to change an entire franchise around. That man is Mr. Jeffrey Vinik, who purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 3rd, 2010 and from day one has pledged his support to the team to turn the organization into one of the best in the entire world. Boy, has he done one heck of a job at doing that.

On the ice, the team continues to improve, even reaching the Stanley Cup Finals during Vinik’s tenure. The biggest thing Vinik has done as Lightning owner is make upgrades to what was already a fantastic venue, pledging more than $62 million in improvements that have clearly revolutionized the industry and making this arena the premier entertainment venue in the state of Florida.

Here is the list of some of the improvements Vinik has made to the Lightning’s home arena over the years.

• Digital Pipe Organ – The new digital pipe organ features five keyboards and 42 ranks of sounds, with a sound system comprised of 260 dedicated speakers.
• New Views – The Bud Light Outdoor Party Deck located on the 300 level/Terrace level offers 10,000 square feet of gorgeous, unobstructed views of downtown Tampa. In addition to the views, the deck has five new concession stands and beverage bars with 10 new points of sale available to all arena guests.
• Sealed and Secure – Over 75,000 square feet covering the arena’s concourses, Promenade and Terrace level have been resurfaced and sealed.
• Lights Please! – Two hundred forty-two new sport lights have been installed to increase our game night lighting by doubling our foot-candle levels, exceeding all NHL standards and enhancing HD broadcasts for all events.
• Lets Eat! – The Amalie Arena main restaurants have been transformed into one grand 9,000-square-foot dining experience called The Firestick Grill. The kitchen was replaced with four ovens, one broiler, 10 prep stations, three refrigerators and a 320-square-foot freezer.

That is only some of the many improvements that has been made to Amalie Arena. Pretty amazing that we as fans have the greatest arena in hockey to watch our favorite team play.

Next: We Stand Together, Forever

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

48. Tampa Bay Lightning Honor 2004 Stanley Cup Championship Team

Date: March 17, 2014

The 2003-04 season was a special one for the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. The team would finish the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference, defeat the the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and finally the Calgary Flames to win the organization’s first ever Stanley Cup championship. It was a gruelling road for the team, but capping it all off with the greatest trophy in all of sports sure made all the bumps and bruises worth it.

The Tampa Bay Lightning organization would honor the 2004 Stanley Cup winning team on March 17th, 2014 when a tribute video was played before the game and members of that historic team would skate out onto the ice while being cheered on by Lightning faithful at the renamed Amalie Arena.

From Nolan Pratt, to Freddy Modin, to Pavel Kubina, and finally the captain Dave Andreychuk, members of the 2004 team staked onto the Amalie Arena ice to join their fellow coaches and staff members that were in attendance to make this beautiful celebration. To cap it all off, as they have said a million times before, the group would come together and take one last family picture and will always walk together, forever.

Next: Lightning Draft 'The Hammer'

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

47. Tampa Bay Lightning Drafts Roman Hamrlik

Date: June 1992

“With the first overall pick of the 1992 NHL draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning select, Roman Hamrlik, defenseman from ZPS Zlin in the Czech Republic.” Those were the words that were said on that faithful day in 1992 when Roman Hamrlik became the first draft pick in Tampa Bay Lightning history.

Hamrlik played in parts of six seasons for the Lightning, scoring 52 goals in his time on the Lightning blue line. From making the jump from European style of play directly to the NHL, Hamrlik struggled early in his NHL like most defenseman do, but quickly used his skill set to adjust to the game and become one of the better offensive-defenseman in the NHL.

During the 1995-96 season, Hamrlik scored 16 goals and 65 points from the blue line. Those numbers would not be heard of again from a Lightning defenseman until the time Dan Boyle would wear a Lightning sweater. However, Boyle will not make this list while Hamrlik comes in at number 17.

‘The Hammer”, known for his physical play on the blue line, is still one of the best defenseman in Tampa Bay Lightning history. The first “powerplay quarterback” in franchise history helped the young Lightning team compete in their inaugural years before he was shipped off to Edmonton to play for the Oilers. To this day, Hamrlik will always be remembered for the offensive game and physical presence he provided for the Lightning blue line in his time in Tampa Bay.

Next: Rollin Rollin Rollin Rollin

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

46. Tampa Bay Lightning Trades For Dwayne Roloson

Date: January 1, 2011

When you think of the goaltending struggles the Tampa Bay Lightning have had over the years, you can trace it back to the 2010-11 season where the goaltending tandem of Dan Ellis and Mike Smith was not doing well and there was a need for a new face in the net for the team that had been doing very well offensively.

The talented duo of Marty St. Louis and Steven Stamkos was carrying the team and supporting cast of Vinny Lecavalier and Teddy Purcell helped the offense chug forward.

On New Year’s day of 2011, while most of us are celebrating with our families, General Manager Steve Yzerman picked up the phone and made a trade for goaltender Dwayne Roloson of the New York Islanders for defenseman Ty Wishart. Though he was an older goaltender, Roloson continued to put up great numbers for the Islanders, with a stellar 2.34 GAA and .916 SV% at the time of the trade.

In two seasons with Tampa Bay, Roloson finished with a 3.31 GAA and .899 SV%, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2010-11 season where all the team needed was an upgrade in net and Roloson was that upgrade. 

Next: The Ice Palace Is Born

Jun 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Hockey fans arrive before game two of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

45. The Tampa Bay Lightning Move To The Ice Palace

Date: September 1996

After playing their inaugural season at Expo Hall and their second season at the ‘Thunderdome’, now Tropicana Field and the home of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team, the Tampa Bay Lightning knew that they needed a permanent home to play NHL games. Expo Hall was too small and the Thunderdome was too far away. There was a need for an Arena to be built in the Downtown Tampa area. Thus, the Ice Palace was born.

The city of Tampa paid $86 million and the Tampa Bay Lightning paid $53 million for the venue’s construction and infrastructure. It opened in 1996 and the team’s first game was against the New York Rangers, which the Lightning won by a score of 5–2.

Since it’s opening, the arena has seen many name changes. The naming rights were sold to the St. Pete Times, the local newspaper in the area, and was called the St. Pete Times Forum. From there, the Tampa Bay Times Forum became the new name after the company changed it’s name.

On September 3, 2014, Lightning owner Jeff Vinik announced the renaming of the Forum to Amalie Arena after coming to an agreement with Amalie Oil Company, an oil company based in Tampa. That is the current name of this great arena as we all know today.

Amalie Arena is one of the busiest and great arena’s in all of North America, and we as fans are lucky enough to experience a hockey game in this great venue.

Next: Kuuuuuuuuch

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

44. Tampa Bay Lightning Drafts Nikita Kucherov

Date: June 2011

Nikita Kucherov was selected with the 58th overall pick in the second round of the 2011 NHL Draft. High on skill and talent, Kucherov was passed by many teams due to the dreaded “Russian Factor” where players could stay and play in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Not to mention the issue scouts had with his play his the defensive third. Seen as a player that would never develop a complete two-way game, teams again went against drafting the talented Russian.

The Lightning took a chance on Kucherov and in September on 2012 the team inked a 3-year entry level contract with the Russian star, and later helped him with the move to North America.

Kucherov played with the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He later played for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and scored 53 points in 27 games in his one season with the team before making the transition to the teams AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.

He wasn’t there long, as the injuries kept piling up at the NHL level, and the team called up Kucherov. Since then, Kucherov has impressed in all three zones, and has become one of the leagues brightest young stars since he began playing in Tampa Bay.

The 21 year old Kucherov is one piece of the “Triplet” line that has been one of the most feared lines in the NHL. His ability to pass to his line mates while also finishing is own opportunities makes him one of the more feared players on the ice.

The sky is the limit for Kucherov, and the rest of the NHL will have to deal with him for the next several years. Oh, and lets not forget about all the nightmares he is giving scouts knowing they passed on one of the most talented young players in the NHL.

Next: The Lightning Make A League First Happen

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

43. Manon Rheaume becomes first woman to play in NHL exhibition game

Date: September 23, 1992

Not everyday does a first happen in the long standing history of the National Hockey League. For the Tampa Bay Lightning in their inaugural season in the year 1992, they were able to do just that when the team signed female goaltender Manon Rheaume and started her in a NHL exhibition game

The Lac-Beauport, Quebec native signed with the Lightning as a free agent before the start of the 1992-93 season after she attended a tryout. She was the first woman to be signed by an NHL team and began to create waves around the Tampa area even before she stepped out onto the ice for the first time.

On the night of September 23, 1992, Manon Rheaume led the Tampa Bay Lightning onto the ice to make her first career NHL start while making history in the process. The 5’7 130 lb goaltender saw a period of action in her first professional start, allowing two goals in twenty minutes of play.

Though that game in which being the first woman to play in an NHL game was special enough, Rheaume’s short stint with the Lightning would have everlasting effects on the game that are still felt to this very day.

Girls around North America saw what Rheaume was doing, and she became a role model for the next generation of woman who dream of playing the great game of hockey. The young girls that never once heard of hockey or thought playing was impossible realized that was far from the truth.

Her fame also helped create the Manon Rheaume Foundation, which provides scholarships to college-bound female athletes. To this day, woman’s hockey has continued to grow, and the game played by Rheaume has made a lasting impression on the woman’s side of the game.

Next: Celebration Time For Marty/Vinny

Mar 1, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Martin St. Louis (26) watches his team take on the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. St. Louis scores two goals in the game. The Lightning defeated the Stars 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

42. Tampa Bay Lightning Celebrate 1000th NHL Game For Marty St. Louis/Vinny Lecavalier

Dates: January 26, 2013/November 25, 2013

Not many times do you have two of the greatest players in franchise history celebrate playing their 1000th career NHL game in the same calendar year. Well, that is exactly what happened to the Tampa Bay Lightning when the team celebrated the milestone achieved by Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis.

Starting with the Captain Vinny Lecavalier, the former number one overall pick in the 1998 NHL draft became the first player selected first overall to play all 1000 career games with the same team. Before their game against the Ottawa Senators, the organization celebrated Lecavalier’s accomplishment by presenting him with a custom watch courtesy of owner Jeff Vinik and a silver stick presented by General Manager Steve Yzerman.

Later in the year, teammate Marty St. Louis would join Vinny in the 1000 NHL games played club in a ceremony that took place before their game against the New York Rangers. Though Lecavalier’s ceremony was nice and celebrated the captain’s accomplishments, St. Louis’ ceremony seemed to have a little more excitement to it.

Just like Lecavalier, St. Louis would receive a custom watch from Vinik and was presented a silver stick by General Manager Steve Yzerman. However, St. Louis was also presented a timeline that celebrates the major accomplishments during his fantastic career. What made it more special was that the timeline was presented by former captain Dave Andreychuk and former teammate Brad Richards, who was playing for the New York Rangers at the time of the celebration.

Both of these celebrations were great and really helped celebrate what these two players have done during their NHL careers. Both played a majority of their careers with the Lightning organization and rank as two of the greatest players in Lightning history.

Next: Lightning Draft Cornerstone Defenseman

Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

41. Tampa Bay Lightning Drafts Victor Hedman

Date: June 2009

After selecting Steven Stamkos with the number one overall selection of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning would once again find themselves toward the top of the NHL Draft board again, this time at the number two spot behind only the New York Islanders.

There were many great prospects in this draft class, including John Tavares, Victor Hedman, Evander Kane, and Matt Duchene, and after the Islanders selected Tavares with the number one overall selection, the Tampa Bay Lightning quickly scooped up Victor Hedman, a 6’6 232 lb mobile Swedish defenseman who they hoped would be the cornerstone of the blue line for many years to come.

Here was the scouting report of Chris Ralph of The Hockey Writers during Hedman’s draft year.

A fast and smooth skating defenseman, offensively and defensively sound and is 6’6” 220lbs and only recently turned 18?!? Is he genetically engineered? Nope! It’s one Victor Hedman who’s a shoe in to go second overall in June, with more than a few GMs considering him at first overall. Iwas, in fact, contemplating ranking him at numero uno, given the rarity of such a combination in a defenseman of size, skill and skating ability. In the end, I had to give Tavares the slight edge.

Hedman has done nothing but impress during his seven NHL seasons with the Lightning, and continues to gain notoriety as one of the top blue liners in the league. His name has even been thrown in the Norris Trophy race a few times, an award that goes to the league’s top defenseman.

Next: Lightning Add Sydor To The Blue Line

Feb 6, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild assistant coach Darryl Sydor talks to forward Zach Parise (11) and forward Mikael Granlund (64) against the Nashville Predators at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Predators 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

40. Tampa Bay Lightning Trades For Darryl Sydor

Date: January 27, 2004

Now, he is coaching in the National Hockey League as an assistant for the Minnesota Wild. Back in 2004, he was a key cog in the run for the Stanley Cup, and his addition during the year may have made the blue line just strong enough to win the cup that year.

Sydor was dealt to the Lightning along with a 4th round pick for Alexander Svitov and a 3rd round pick. The deal was made with the Dallas Stars, and the veteran would quickly make an impact on the young Lightning blue line.

Already a Stanley Cup Champion with the Stars back in 1999, Sydor brought that experience to the Lightning locker room and quickly became one of the team’s leaders. The top-four defenseman that the team desperately needed, Sydor was the last ingredient the Lightning needed on what already was a very talented team.

If it were not for the addition of Sydor to the Lightning defense group, who knows what would have happened. It enabled players like Nolan Pratt and Jasen Cullimore to play better down the stretch with reduced ice time and give young defenseman Pavel Kubina a partner on the ice. Though he will always be remembered for his time with the Dallas Stars, the Darryl Sydore addition to the Lightning roster back in 2004 remains one of the most underrated moves in team history.

Next: Lightning Trade For Boyle

Nov 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle (22) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

39. Tampa Bay Lightning Trade For Dan Boyle

Date: January 7, 2002

Dan Boyle became a key piece of many Lightning team’s during his tenure, and stealing him away from a rival made it even better.

Boyle was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Panthers during the 1998 season. He started his pro career with the organization’s American Hockey League affiliate Kentucky Thoroughblades, but quickly showed some promise as he earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team.

Two seasons later, Boyle earned a full-time roster spot on the Panthers roster and scored 22 points in 69 games.

On January 7th, 2002 the Panthers sent Boyle to the Tampa Bay Lightning. In return, the Bolts sent back a 5th round pick in the 2005 NHL Draft. Boyle quickly made an impact on the Tampa Bay blue line during that season scoring 20 points in 41 games. The team later re-signed Boyle to a one-year contract on August 6th.

Over Dan Boyle’s six-year tenure with the Lightning, he became one of the top offensive defenseman in the league. He scored 253 points in 400 games played, and was a keep piece of the 2004 Stanley Cup winning team. Playing top pair minutes and contributing offensively made Boyle one of the most important pieces on that championship roster.

As for the player the Panthers selected with the pick given to them in the Boyle deal, Martin Tuma spent his entire North American hockey career in the teams farm system before moving back to his native Czech Republic to continue his hockey career. He never made it to the NHL. Give that win to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Next: Lecavalier and Iginla Drop The Mits

Mar 23, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche right wing Jarome Iginla (12) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

38. Vinny Lecavalier And Jermone Iginla Drop Gloves During Stanley Cup Finals

Date: May 29, 2004

You see photos and videos of this iconic moment in Tampa Bay Lightning history as two of the leagues brightest stars would square off in a battle that will always be in the minds of fans that were lucky enough to witness it.

On May 29th, 2004 after an intense battle in the corner, the two superstars decided it was time to drop the gloves and go toe-to-toe. Fighting was something Iginla was known for, but for Lecavalier, the budding superstar was ready to take on the Flames forward and held his own pretty well.

It arguably could be the greatest fight in Tampa Bay Lightning history and it gave the team a jolt of energy during the game three tilt with the Calgary Flames in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Next: Trade For The Ages

Jan 25, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Vincent Lecavalier (40) against the Boston Bruins during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

37. Tampa Bay Lightning Trade For Top Pick Of 1998 NHL Draft

Date: June 1998

As most Tampa Bay Lightning and NHL fans know, forward Vincent Lecavalier was drafted with the first overall selection of the 1998 NHL draft. However, if you ask those same fans how the team got the draft pick, they would not be able to tell you that the team actually traded for the top pick in the draft that year even though the previous season the Lightning finished with the worst record in the entire league.

The trade was a clever one made by the team. Knowing they would finish with the worst record in the league by a wide margin, the only thing standing between them and the number one selection in that year’s draft was the draft lottery. The San Jose Sharks owned the Florida Panthers first round draft selection, and the Panthers ended up with the number one selection in the draft.

However, the Lightning agreed to send Bryan Marchment, David Shaw, and their conditional 1st round pick in exchange for Andrei Nazarov and the Sharks conditional 1st round draft pick. This caused the Lightning to jump to the top overall selection in the draft and select Lecavalier while the Sharks moved down to number two (later trading the pick to the Nashville Predators).

If they did not hit on that pick, who knows, Art Williams may not have bought the team. The team may not have a Stanley Cup either. However, that is not the case and the 1998 NHL draft trade to get Vinny Lecavalier turned out to be one of the best trades in team history.

Next: Baseball Goal

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

36. Steven Stamkos Knocks One Out of the Park

Date: March 24, 2014

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos may be one of the best goal scorers the Lightning has ever had in their arsenal. Over the course of his still very young career, Stamkos has played in 527 games scoring 290 goals and 233 assists for a total of 523 points. These are pretty impressive numbers for someone who is only just 25 years of age and has the potential of playing over another decade in the National Hockey League.

There is no denying that Steven Stamkos quickly became the sniper of the team. At times, it seems as if Steven Stamkos can score a goal from just about any position on the ice, but there was one particular scenario where one single goal brought an entire arena to their feet in sheer amazement.

The Tampa Bay Lightning were taking on the Ottawa Senators at the then-Tampa Bay Times Forum. As the Lightning head into the Third Period of play, the Ottawa Senators would lead the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2. The Lightning knew if they had any hopes of bringing home the two points in this encounter, they had to make their move, and it had to be soon.

It may never become known what was said in the Lightning Locker Room during the second intermission, but whatever it was seemed to light a fire in the souls of the Lightning players.

At 5:33 in the Third Period, the Tampa Bay Lightning would find themselves on the Power Play as Senators defenseman Jared Cowen would stamp his one-way ticket to the sin bin for Tripping Lightning right wing J.T. Brown. This would open the door for the Lightning to capitalize on the man advantage and tie things up for the Bolts.

Speaking of capitalizing on their opportunities, in just about 11 seconds the Tampa Bay Lightning would make their move. While any goal by your favorite team is worth celebrating, there was something different about this goal that would make it stand out among the rest.

The Tampa Bay Lightning were battling for possession in front of the Senators’ net. Tampa Bay Lightning center Valtteri Filppula would pass the puck back behind the net to the awaiting stick of Lightning right wing Ryan Callahan. Callahan would center the puck in front of the net by handing off the puck to Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat, who was waiting in front of the net for his opportunity to take the shot on goal.

Ondrej Palat would take the shot, but it would ultimately be deflected by Senators netminder Robin Lehner and sent high on the right side. Just when you think the offensive push was about to come to an end, here comes Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos.

Stamkos stood waiting by the side of the net, with his eyes locked in on the puck like the laser scope on a rifle. As the puck descended back to the ice and to a playable height, Stamkos clinched onto his stick like a member of the Tampa Bay Rays ready to knock a home run out of the park, took a swing at the puck, and sent it flying right past an unsuspecting Lehner.

Initially, the referee would waive the goal off, but after conferring with the other referees and taking a closer look at the shot, they had no other choice but to award the goal to Steven Stamkos and tie the game up for the Bolts. As one of the many fans who were in the stands that night, we remember quite clearly the energy that filled the building after that amazing goal. Even while the referees were conferring on whether or not the goal would ultimately be allowed, fans stood with their jaws open in amazement that the shot went right in the back of the net.

While we’re sure Steven Stamkos will have many more of these kinds of moments as he navigates his way through the National Hockey League over the course of the next decade or so, but this goal will always be one of the most memorable for those of us here in the Bolts Nation.

Next: The Latvian Goaltender Makes His Mark On The Worldwide Level

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

35. Kristers Gudlevskis Kills It At the 2014 Winter Olympic Games

Date: February 19, 2014

The Tampa Bay Lightning has a long history of having issues in one particular area of the game, the space between the goal posts. In the 2012-13 season the Tampa Bay Lightning made a bold move by trading one of their best rookie players, Cory Conacher, along with fourth round draft pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for goaltender Ben Bishop.

While we may have questioned this trade initially, Ben Bishop has proved us wrong on so many levels and proved the Tampa Bay Lightning most definitely for the more advantageous side of this trade. Now, the Tampa Bay Lightning has just one more task in front of them; the Bolts needed to find a goaltender who could serve side by side with Bishop in the net.

In the 2012 NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. For the next two seasons, Vasilevskiy played in the Kontinental Hockey League with the Salavat Yulayev and the Tolpar UFA Jr. In the 2014-15 season Vasilevskiy would make the jump to North America and play with the Tampa Bay Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.

With Vasilevskiy fast tracked to be the Lightning’s next big thing in the net, it was on Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman to make the necessary moves to secure the Tampa Bay Lightning’s future between the pipes. This is where Kristers Gudlevskis comes into play.

Kristers Gudlevskis was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Fifth Round (124^th Overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. The very next season, Gudlevskis would make his way to the Syracuse Crunch. Ironically enough, this was just one of the many steps he would take in order to make history in his first season as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In the 2013-14 season, Gudlevskis became one of the first goaltenders in franchise history to play for the Lightning’s ECHL affiliate, the Florida Everblades, the Lightning’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, and the Lightning’s main roster in the first season. Little did Gudlevskis know, this was just the first step he would take to being recognized on a much larger scale.

Every four years, a little thing called the Winter Olympic Games comes along. It just so happens that 2014 was that year. This meant athletes from all manner of sports would make their way to Sochi, Russia to represent their countries in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

One of the many players on the Lightning’s roster who would be making their way to Sochi was goaltender Kristers Gudlevskis. Gudlevskis would represent his native Latvia in the games. While we initially had our reservations about Gudlevskis when we first laid our eyes on him, Gudlevskis definitely went above and beyond to prove he more than belonged here in the Bolts Nation.

In the Quarter Final Round, Team Latvia would come up against a pretty tough opponent, Sidney Crosby and Gold Medal hopefuls Team Canada. The Latvians knew it was going to be a tough game, but there was one player on the team that truly kept the Latvians in the game.

While Team Canada may have walked away with the win, Gudlevskis put on one of the most amazing performances we have ever seen. Gudlevskis definitely had to work for every single advantage in this game. Kristers Gudlevskis faced a total of 57 shots in this encounter. This is almost double the amount of shots your average goaltender in the National Hockey League faces on any given night.

Out of those 57 shots Gudlevskis faced, only two of those made their way into the back of the net. This means Gudlevskis earned himself a Save Percentage of .965 against one of the highest powered offenses in the world. Kristers Gudlevskis definitely made a statement with his performance.

While it may be a little while before we see Gudlevskis here on the main roster long-term, he has definitely proven he has what it takes to get the job done when his time comes. This defining moment in his career helped solidify this in the minds and hearts of everyone in the Bolts Nation.

Next: Hedman Uses The Lockout To His Advantage

Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

34. Victor Hedman Amps Up His Game After The NHL Lockout

Date: 2012-13 Season

In any sport, contracts are a fickle thing. They can be on the right track one moment and as soon as you close your eyes for just a split second, things take a turn for the worse and are completely derailed. This is especially truthful when it comes to a league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Since Gary Bettman became the Commissioner of the National Hockey League in 1993, there has been not one, not two, but three lockouts in the NHL. Two of those lockouts have caused the loss of at least half of the games in the season, and the third caused the loss of the entire 2004-05 season; the season following the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Stanley Cup victory.

The last of the aforementioned lockouts began on September 15, 2012 and forced the NHL to shorten the 2012-13 season to just 48 games. Some of the players who remain at home to fight the good fight, or to simply relax and prepare themselves for the eventual start of the new season. At the same time, others would look to their National Teams or European Leagues to keep themselves on top of their game and prevent any rust from building up.

One of those players who looked to the other leagues around the world for an opportunity to play during the NHL Lockout is Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman. While Hedman has always been considered one of the Lightning’s top defenseman since making his debut on the team in the 2009-10 season, Victor Hedman was never your stereotypical offensively minded defenseman.

During the Lockout, Victor Hedman chose to expand his horizons and spend some time in the KHL. Hedman would find himself with a spot on Barys Astana based in in Astana, Kazakhstan. In the 26 games he would play with Barys Astana before the NHL Lockout met its end and players began making their way back home, Hedman was able to net one goal and 21 assists for a total of 22 points.

While this seems impressive enough in itself, it would pale in comparison to what we would see back here in the Bolts Nation when the players would finally make their way back home after the NHL Lockout. After returning, Hedman would be far more aggressive with the puck, his puck handling skills had gotten better, and he was taking many more opportunities heading towards the net.

The six foot six inch tall Swedish defenseman would play in 44 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Lockout-stained 2012-13 season. In that amount of time, he would score four goals and 16 assists for a total of 20 points. While this may not seem all that impressive, just wait…there’s more.

The very next season, Victor Hedman would come back with a vengeance. In the 2013-14 season, Victor Hedman would play in 75 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning. This season sparked a whole new version of Victor Hedman, one that still thrives today.

In the 75 games he played in that season, Hedman would set a new career-high in all manners scoring with 13 goals and 42 assists for a total of 55 points. Victor Hedman led all Lightning defensemen in points in the 2013-14 season. He also ranked Fourth Overall in points on the team, being preceded by Martin St. Louis, Ondrej Palat, and Valtteri Filppula.

Today, Victor Hedman continues to be one of the best defensemen on the team, and in some cases in the National Hockey League. Victor Hedman has certainly come a long way since his Tampa Bay Lightning debut, and it seems to have kicked into high gear after his return from the NHL Lockout.

Who would have thought that the NHL Lockout could have been the best thing to ever happen to a player?

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning Pull Out The Brooms For The Capitals

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

33. Lightning Sweeps the Washington Capitals in Post Season

Date: May 4, 2011

As the 2010-11 season quickly approached, the Tampa Bay Lightning was entering the first year of their rebuilding phase. Keeping this into consideration, Tampa Bay Lightning fans came into this season with mild expectations. Little did they know, the Tampa Bay Lightning had something much bigger in store for them.

The 2010-11 season turned out to be one of the most successful seasons for the Tampa Bay Lightning since they won the Stanley Cup in the 2003-04 season. When the buzzer sounded for the final time during the regular season, the Tampa Bay Lightning had gone 46-22-8-6.

After the first round of the playoffs was set in stone, the Lightning’s detractors almost immediately came out and began saying the Tampa Bay Lightning would never make it through the first round. The Tampa Bay Lightning was preparing to take on Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Unfortunately for the Penguins, when the Lightning came to town, they would not only be without Crosby, but they would be without Evgeni Malkin as well.

The Pittsburgh Penguins would push the Tampa Bay Lightning to a Game Seven in the opening series, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Dwayne Roloson would help backstop the Lightning to a 1-0 shutout and a one-way ticket to the next round of the post season. The Tampa Bay Lightning would now be tasked with taking on the Russian sensation Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

Once again, the Lightning’s detractors seemed to make their way out of the woodwork and doubt the Lightning’s chances of moving on. How could a team like the Tampa Bay Lightning take on a scoring powerhouse like Ovechkin and make it through to the next round? Well, the Tampa Bay Lightning had an answer for this very question.

The first game in the series would play out at the Verizon Center in the Nation’s Capital. The Tampa Bay Lightning would set the pace early in the game. Just 2:12 into the First Period, Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Sean Bergenheim would make his way past Capitals goaltender Michal Neuvirth and strike first blood for the Bolts. After a 60 minute battle, the Lightning would defeat the Capitals 4-2 in the opening game of the series.

The Capitals would head back into the Verizon Center for Game Two determined to make some ground on the Lightning. While the Caps were able to force the Lightning into an overtime period, a goal from Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier would push the Lightning over the top to a Game 2 victory.

Next, the Bolts and the Caps would be headed back to the Sunshine State for the next two games of the series. The first of these two games took place on May 3, 2011 at the then-St. Pete Times Forum. It would take a little time for the Tampa Bay Lightning to rev their engines in Game Three, but at the end of the day it would once again be the Tampa Bay Lightning who drew first blood and set the pace in the game.

Over the course of the next two periods, the Capitals were able to mount some offense of their own with three mostly-unanswered goals. Despite the offensive pressure from the Capitals in the second period, the Tampa Bay Lightning would push back, and hard, in the Third Period. It would be future Lightning captain Steven Stamkos who would tie the game up for the Bolts, but it was a goal from Lightning left wing Ryan Malone that would secure a Game Three victory for the Bolts.

The moment of truth would finally come for the Washington Capitals on May 4, 2011, just one day after dropping Game Three to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the St. Pete Times Forum. This time, it would be Ryan Malone who would open the door for the Tampa Bay Lightning and allow them to set the pace just past the halfway point in the First Period.

Before the buzzer would sound to end the First Period of play between these two team, the Capitals would answer with a goal from left wing Marco Sturm on the Power Play. The Bolts knew this was never going to be allowed to stand if they were going to bring home the victory and complete a sweep of the Capitals in front of their hometown crowd.

When the Lightning would take the ice for the Second Period, they were ready to get down to business. It would be post season standout Sean Bergenheim who would bring home not one, but two goals for the Bolts in the first 12:34 seconds of the Second Period.

The Washington Capitals would do everything within their power to battle back and push this series back to Washington, but it was simply not meant to be. The Tampa Bay Lightning would defeat the Washington Capitals 5-3 and complete the sweep of the Capitals and make their way to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Unfortunately, after battling the Boston Bruins in a Seven Game series, the Tampa Bay Lightning would fall just one game short of becoming the Eastern Conference Champions and playing for the Stanley Cup. While the season may not have ended in the fashion the Tampa Bay Lightning would have ultimately hoped for, there were so many positives that came out of their post season run.

This season served as the platform in which the Tampa Bay Lightning would use to elevate their game to the next level and prepare themselves for the opportunities they would find themselves open to in the future. As someone who was there for all the action in the 2010-11 post season, despite not going all the way, we wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything in the world…except maybe the Stanley Cup.

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning Trades Captain for Captain

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

32. Tampa Bay Lightning Trades Martin St. Louis To New York Rangers

Date: March 5, 2014

It’s nothing new for various rumors to start circulating the internet, especially as the hockey world nears what is known as the NHL Trade Deadline. Unfortunately, for every hundred rumors that make their way around the World Wide Web, there is at least one of them that bears some sort of truth.

On March 5, 2014, one of those such rumors would turn the tears of joy they cried over current Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos’ return to the ice after missing months due to a broken tibia acquired earlier in the season into tears of sadness (and eventually anger for some Lightning fans) as longtime right wing (and then-captain) Martin St. Louis would be traded to the New York Rangers.

While there was much discord here in the Bolts Nation over the manner in which this whole ordeal went down, this is not the point we are trying to make here. Rather, we would like to focus on the positives that came from this move.

One of the biggest positives is who we acquired in exchange for St. Louis. Of course, a team like the Tampa Bay Lightning is not going to give away a player like St. Louis, who brought tons of veteran experience to the ice, without proper compensation.

In exchange for Martin St. Louis, the Tampa Bay Lightning would receive then-Rangers captain Ryan Callahan as well as a 2015 First Round Draft Pick and a conditional 2014 second round pick and a conditional 2015 second round pick. While the Lightning would not actually use any of these picks themselves, they would be traded by Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman in exchange for other considerations.

The key component of this trade was the Tampa Bay Lightning’s acquisition of right wing Ryan Callahan. Callahan didn’t waste any time making an impact here in the Bolts Nation. After putting up some decent numbers in the partial season he played with the Lightning in the 2013-14 season, Callahan would sign a six-year extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning that will see Callahan in Lightning Blue until the conclusion of the 2019-20 season.

Before the next season would even begin, Ryan Callahan would be making moves that would greatly impact the future of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Callahan would play an instrumental role in bringing players like Lightning center Brian Boyle and defenseman Anton Stralman to the Lightning in the Free Agency period from his former team.

In the 2015-16 season, Ryan Callahan was named an alternate captain by the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. Given his experience as captain of the New York Rangers and the success he saw in the Big Apple, Callahan was an obvious choice for the job.

While fans like us here at Bolts By The Bay wanted to see former Tampa Bay Lightning captain Martin St. Louis retire as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning, we must say that at the end of the day the Tampa Bay Lightning got an incredible deal and are most certainly a better team thanks in no small part to this trade.

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning Rebuilding The Russian Connection

Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

31. Tampa Bay Lightning Drafts Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy

Date: June 22, 2012

As many people here in the Bolts Nation are painfully aware, the Tampa Bay Lightning has spent many seasons in need of a goaltender who could provide the kind of consistency needed between the pipes to help lead the Lightning to the highest reaches of the National Hockey League. The good news is, in more than one way, the Tampa Bay Lightning found a solution to this problem before the start of the 2012-13 season.

Thanks to a series of trades earlier in the year that saw former Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Steve Downie head to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Kyle Quincey. Ironically enough, Quincey’s stay here in the Bolts Nation would be incredibly short lived. Moments later, Yzerman would trade Quincey to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for defenseman Sebastian Piche and a First Round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft.

This brings us to, you guessed it, the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft. The Tampa Bay Lightning would select Slater Koekkoek with their first pick, which was 10^th overall. Just nine picks later, the Tampa Bay Lightning would use the pick they acquired from Detroit, the Bolts would select goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Vasilevskiy would spend his first two seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization with Salavat Yulayev and the Tolpar UFA Jr. It wasn’t until the 2014-15 season when Vasilevskiy would finally make the jump to North America. Vasilevskiy would report to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.

Vasilevskiy would play in 25 games with the Crunch that season, where he built a 14-6-5 record. In that time, Vasy would maintain a Goals Allowed Average of 2.45 and a Save Percentage of .917. The then-20 year old Russian netminder would make his Lightning debut on December 16, 2014 as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1.

In the 16 goals Vasilevskiy would play with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2014-15 season, Vasy would maintain a 2.36 Goals Allowed Average and a Save Percentage of .918. The Tampa Bay Lightning definitely took notice of Vasilevskiy’s play in the 2014-15 season. When the 2015-16 season kicked off, Vasilevskiy would find himself on the Lightning’s main roster playing alongside Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop.

It didn’t take very long for Vasilevskiy to make an impact here in the Bolts Nation. From the moment Lightning fans laid eyes on him for the very first time, they knew Vasilevskiy was destined for great things. Each and every day, the 21 year old netminder reminds us why he has a long and successful career ahead of him in the National Hockey League.

Next: Steve Yzerman Finally Gets The Credit He Deserves

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

30. Steve Yzerman Wins General Manager of the Year

Date: June 24, 2015

The Tampa Bay Lightning has been through their fair share of ups and downs over the course of their 23 year history, but there is no denying one of the greatest moments in Tampa Bay Lightning history is when former Detroit Red Wings center and Vice President Steve Yzerman was named Vice President and General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Throughout the course of his time here in the Bolts Nation, Yzerman has worked tirelessly with his staff in order to cultivate a winning hockey franchise who will be sustainable for many years to come. While we wouldn’t always know exactly what Yzerman was playing at when he would make some of his decisions, it always seemed to turn out for the best.

This has led the Tampa Bay Lightning to have one of the best developmental systems in the National Hockey League. The Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, is jam-packed with players who are ready and willing to make the jump to the Lightning’s main roster at a moment’s notice and keep the Lightning headed in the right direction.

As some of fans in the Bolts Nation are painfully aware, this is something that is being put to the test in the 2015-16 season with the ridiculous amount of injuries the Lightning are dealing with in their offensive structure.

Last season, the Tampa Bay Lightning did what some people thought was impossible. The Lightning proved all of their critics wrong and proved they were capable of playing on hockey’s highest level as they defeated the New York Rangers to become the Eastern Conference Champions and face off with the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals.

The Lightning’s success in both the regular and post season would lead to Steve Yzerman being named a finalist for General Manager of the Year at the 2015 NHL Awards. The General Manager of the Year is a category which is voted on by the 30 NHL General Managers, a panel of NHL Executives, and the print and broadcast media at the conclusion of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

After the playoffs had come to a conclusion, the National Hockey League would hold the 2015 NHL Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 24^th. As Gary Bettman would take the stage with a young lady named Jordan to announce the winner, the name Jordan would read off the card would be that of Steve Yzerman. This would be his first General Manager of the Year Award.

Anyone who has been a fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning since Yzerman came to town knows all-too-well how valuable he is to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. Yzerman’s current contract will see him in his current position until the conclusion of the 2018-19 season. Hopefully, we will see him continue on at the helm of the Tampa Bay Lightning for many more seasons to come.

Next: Bench Boss Torts

Dec 10, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella reacts during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

29. John Tortorella Becomes Lightning Bench Boss

Date: January 2001

The Tampa Bay Lightning organization was in shambles on and off the ice. The team was at the bottom of the league every year and was known as one of the worst franchises in North America between the years of 1997-2001. In steps Head Coach John Tortorella, whose coaching style, though unique, completely morphed the Tampa Bay Lightning from the bottom feeders of the NHL to one on the league’s elite teams.

Tortorella took over the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2000–01 as a mid-season replacement. The team won only 12 of its last 43 games under his watch, finishing last in the division. The following season, the team finished well out of playoff contention despite finishing third in the Southeast Division.

Torts finally began to morph the team to his liking. The team gradually got better on the ice and finally began to believe in themselves as they began to buy into their Head Coach’s philosophy. The 2002-03 season saw the Lightning win their first Southeast Division title in franchise history and make it to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs before being bounced by the New Jersey Devils.

It was just a warm up for the unforgettable 2003-04 campaign that saw the Tampa Bay Lightning become the crown jewel of the sport and win their first ever Stanley Cup. This moment ranks as one of the greatest feats in Tampa Bay Lightning history and John Tortorella was the mastermind behind all of it.

John Torterella helped turn a team of losers that were not going anywhere fast into the best hockey team in the NHL during the 2003-04 season. Just like Nikolai Khabibulin and many other members of that team, without coach Tortorella, the organization may still be looking for it’s first Stanley Cup.

Next: Stammer Nets His 60th

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

28. Steven Stamkos Hits 60 Goals

Date: April 7, 2012

It is pretty safe to say Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is one of the most prolific goal scorers the Lightning has seen in quite some time. Ever since the moment he debuted with the Lightning, which was the very first season after being drafted by the Bolts in the First Round (First Overall) of the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft, Steven Stamkos has consistently posted 40 plus point seasons.

While the 25 year old forward has had some pretty memorable seasons, there is one season in particular that will have Tampa Bay Lightning fans talking for many years to come. In the 2011-12 season, Stamkos’ fourth season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Steven Stamkos would set the bar to new heights when it came to goal scoring.

The season started out a little slow for the Lightning sniper. Stamkos would be held scoreless for the first three games of the season, but as soon as he was able to break the ice and get the mojo flowing all bets were off. Steven Stamkos would score his first goal of the 2011-12 season on October 13^th. Unfortunately, that would be the only goal the Lightning would score that night as the Bolts were routed 5-1 by the New York Islanders.

By the beginning of November, Stamkos had already scored his first hat trick of the season. On November 4^th, the Tampa Bay Lightning would take on the Chicago Blackhawks at the then-St. Pete Times Forum. The first period would come and go with neither team being able to find the back of the net. Thankfully, Steven Stamkos made quick work of breaking the ice with a goal just 15 seconds into the second period.

Stamkos would score his final two goals of the game, completing the hat trick, during the second period. The last of those goals happened to make its way into existence on the Power Play. Ultimately, it would take on overtime period, but the Tampa Bay Lightning would defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 5-4.

Steven Stamkos would register 14 multi-goal games over the course of the 2011-12 season, but none of the other would result in a hat trick for the Lightning sniper.

As the end of the regular season quickly approached, Steven Stamkos found himself well ahead of other goal scorers in the National Hockey League. Being completely honest, he was pretty much a shoe-in to win his second Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy at the conclusion of the season, but Stamkos didn’t let his lead stop him from doing what he does best.

On April 7, 2012 the Tampa Bay Lightning ventured to the MTS Centre to do battle with the Winnipeg Jets in the final game of the regular season. Former Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Teddy Purcell was lighting things up for the Lightning, having already scored two goals in the first 22 minutes of the game. The one thing Lightning fans had yet to see was a goal from Steven Stamkos.

Then…it happened.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Brian Lee would play the puck along the boards in the Jets’ zone. Overburdened by the offensive pressure, Lee passed the puck up the ice to Martin St. Louis, who would play the puck just behind the Jets’ net.

Steven Stamkos casually made his way to the front of the net, and before Winnipeg Jets goaltender Ondrej Pavelec even knew what happened, the puck was in the back of the net and Steven Stamkos would score his 60^th goal of the season. Stamkos would become the 20^th player in NHL history to mark this achievement. The last player prior to Stamkos to achieve this goal was Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin in the 2007-08 season.

The amazing thing is, after Stamkos scored his 60^th goal of the season, the Jets fans in the crowd – who had been booing and antagonizing Stamkos all game long – were actually cheering for him. This was a great sign of respect from the fans up there in Winnipeg.

Unfortunately, Steven Stamkos has not seen a season like this one ever since. On the bright side, at just 25 years of age, Steven Stamkos has many years ahead of him in the National Hockey League to reclaim some of his former glory and maybe even net himself another “Rocket” Richard Trophy. Who knows…he may even earn himself a Stanley Cup in the process.

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning Draft A Future Triplet

Oct 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

27. Tampa Bay Lightning Draft Ondrej Palat

Date: June 2011

The second half of that 2-run home run the 7th round of the 2011 NHL Draft (along with fellow forward Matthew Peca) would be forward Ondrej Palat. Selected 208th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Czech Republic native has always played a chip on his shoulder, and even more so since his selection in 2011.

Although the sturdy forward tied the Drummondville Voltigeurs in scoring with 96 points with future Philadelphia Flyers 1st round draft pick Sean Couturier and recorded 11 points for his native Czech Republic in the World Junior U-20 Championships, Palat plummeted for the 7th round.

His ability to create plays in the offensive zone and have a nose for the net while also playing well in his own defensive third cemented Palat a permanent place on the NHL roster. Even today, he continues to prove why he deserved to go higher in the draft, and has been an essential piece in the Lightning’s success.

There is no doubt that without a player like Palat who is willing to go into high traffic areas and win the puck away from opposing defenders and set up his linemates, the teams may not be where it is today. That is how large of an impact Ondrej Palat makes on a game.

Next: Lightning Sign Future Stanley Cup Winning Captain

Mar 17, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; former Tampa Bay Lightning former left wing Dave Andreychuk (5) is introduced before the game as they honor the 2004 Standley Cub champions against the Vancouver Canucks at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

26. Tampa Bay Lightning Sign Dave Andreychuk

Date:July 17, 2001

After playing 22-years in the NHL at a high level, Dave Andreychuk still had not won a Stanley Cup. He had spent parts of 22-season with the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, and Boston Bruins before becoming a free agent following the 2000-01 season.

In a shocking turn of events, the veteran forward decided to sign with with the retooling Tampa Bay Lightning, a young team full of young talented players but also one that didn’t seem ready to win a cup in the short time Andreychuk had left in the tank. Well, the move turned out to be the right one in the long run as the captain Dave helped the Lightning win it’s first ever Stanley Cup title.

During his first season, the team continued to struggle and refused all offers to be dealt to a contender and sited that he still had work to do in Tampa Bay. Andreychuk continued as a key contributor for the Lightning offense, reaching 20 goals for the third consecutive year with the team. Qualifying for the playoffs for a second consecutive year, Andreychuk helped the Lightning defeat the Calgary Flames in seven games to win the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history

It took 22-years for the Lightning captain to finally lift Lord Stanley’s cup over his head, but when he finally did, it seemed like that massive cup weighed less than a feather.

Next: Stammer Scores His First Hatty

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

25. Steven Stamkos Scores His First Career Hat Trick

Date: February 17, 2009

The Tampa Bay Lightning knew when they drafted now-Lightning captain Steven Stamkos in the First Round (First Overall) in the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft that the young Ontario native would be destined for great things. What they didn’t know is that he would start his journey to said great things in his very first season in the National Hockey League.

Steven Stamkos made his National Hockey League debut on October 4, 2008 as the Tampa Bay Lightning took on the New York Rangers. Unfortunately, the Lightning would not be able to pull out a win in Stamkos’ debut, but the young forward didn’t let this get him down.

It would take eight games before Steven Stamkos would find his way onto the score sheet for the first time in his career. On October 28, 2008 Steven Stamkos would earn an assist on the game winning goal scored by then-Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier early in the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Just one game later, as the Lightning took on the Buffalo Sabres at the then-HSBC Arena (which is now known as the First Niagara Center) in Buffalo, Steven Stamkos would score not just one, but two goals and an assist in the Lightning’s 5-2 win over the Sabres.

Slowly, but surely, Stamkos was falling into his groove as one of the few really high-powered scorers on the Tampa Bay Lightning. As the Tampa Bay Lightning quickly made it past the halfway point in the season, things would really start to kick into gear for the six foot one inch tall center.

On February 17^th as the Tampa Bay Lightning took on the Chicago Blackhawks at the then-St. Pete Times Forum (now known as the Amalie Arena), Steven Stamkos would reach the first of many milestones in his career. Starting with a goal just past the halfway point in the first period of play, Steven Stamkos would score his first career hat trick.

Not only did Stamkos score his first career hat trick, but it would be a natural hat trick at that. Stamkos two remaining goals would be scored on the Power Play as Blackhawks right wing Craig Adams sat in the box on a double minor for High Sticking Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier.

Stamkos would go on to score 23 goals and 23 assists for a total of 46 points in the 79 games he would play with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2008-09 season. As we mentioned before, this would be the first of many milestones achieved by the current Tampa Bay Lightning captain. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for the young, talented forward.

Next: Nikita Kucherov Makes History In His First Shift

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

24. Nikita Kucherov Scores His First NHL Goal

Date: November 25, 2013

When someone mentions the Tampa Bay Lightning and their offensive core, one of the first names that comes to mind is almost always Lightning captain Steven Stamkos. However, the winds of change seem to be coming to the Bolts Nation. Over the past couple of seasons, a new player has forged their way into being one of the most integral parts of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s offense.

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov is part of a trio Lightning fans have come to know as the Triplets. Paired on the Lightning’s second line with his partners-in-crime Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat, Nikita Kucherov has started to not only build a strong foundation for what is sure to be a stellar NHL career, but he has really forged a path leading right to the forefront of the Lightning’s offense.

Last season, the Triplets accounted for just over one third of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s total offense. Nikita Kucherov played in 52 games with the Lightning. In that amount of time, the five foot eleven inch tall winger scored nine goals and nine assists for a total of 18 points. The most interesting part of this season was the manner in which he scored his very first goal.

Kucherov made his debut, as most people in the Lightning’s developmental system do, due to a number of injuries on the Lightning’s main roster. On November 25, 2013, a then-20 year old Nikita Kucherov took the ice at the then-Tampa Bay Times Forum to face off with the New York Rangers. Amazingly enough, Kucherov wasted no time at all in making his mark here in the Bolts Nation.

At just 2:12 seconds into the First Period, something amazing out happen. Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Eric Brewer would take a shot at the net, which was directed wide by Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist. Lightning right wing Teddy Purcell would chase the puck behind the Rangers’ net and pass the puck forward to Nikita Kucherov, who was waiting patiently in the slot. Then…it happened.

Kucherov would pull back his stick and send the puck flying towards the net. Lundqvist would get a piece of the puck, but despite his best efforts the puck would still find its way to the back of the net. How many people do you know who made their National Hockey League debut and scored their first NHL goal on their first shot in their first shift of their first NHL game? Just saying it sounds completely insane, but ridiculously amazing.

Judging by the performance Nikita Kucherov has consistently put on season after season, he will certainly be an asset the Tampa Bay Lightning will want in their arsenal for many years to come.

Much like some of the other key pieces of the Tampa Bay Lightning offense, Nikita Kucherov is set to be a Restricted Free Agent at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season. Some tough choices are going to have to be made, but that is another story for another day.

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning Buyout Contract of Vincent Lecavalier

Sep 16, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Vincent Lecavalier (40) during warmups before preseason game against the Washington Capitals at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

23. Tampa Bay Lightning Buyout Contract Of Vincent Lecavalier

Date: June 27, 2013

Whenever you have a long tenured player like Vincent Lecavalier on your roster and they are not producing, sometimes it is hard to cut ties. When you are paying this player $7.7 million dollars per season and he is the captain of your hockey team, the decision is even tougher. On June 27th, 2013, Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman announced the Lightning will exercise the use of a compliance buyout on Captain Vincent Lecavalier.

The Lightning would pay Lecavalier two-thirds of the value of his contract over the This means that the Lightning would owe Lecavalier approximately $2.14 million dollars annually for the next 14 years for a total of just under $30 million.

It was a tough day for all of Lightning nation as they said goodbye to their captain. Lecavalier was the number one overall selection of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft and was the face of the franchise over the last 13 seasons in a Lightning uniform. Though it was sad to see him go, the benefits of clearing up $7.7 million dollars of cap space has made the Tampa Bay Lightning into the team they are today. With the ability to sign players like Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, and Ben BishopTyler Johnson to contract extension was because of the money the team saved when they cut ties with Lecavalier.

Though we will never forget what Lecavalier did for the Tampa Bay Lightning, the buyout of his contact helped form the winning team that the team puts onto the ice each and every night.

Next: Winning The Trade By A Landslide

Oct 3, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) makes a save in the third period of a game against the Florida Panthers at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

22. Tampa Bay Lightning Trade For Ben Bishop

Date: February 26, 2012

Not everyday is an elite level goaltender is traded away. However, that is exactly what the Lightning got in return when the team made a trade with the Ottawa Senators that would send the 6’7 Ben Bishop to Tampa Bay in exchange for forward Cory Conacher and a 2013 4th round pick.

With goaltending continuing to be an issue for the team, Yzerman understood that he needed to make a move in order to sure up that position. In order to do that, he had to find a team willing to trade away a goaltender without giving up the farm. What he found was a star in the making battling for playing time with an organization that had a healthy supply of goaltending available.

Back in Ottawa, the team was riding with Craig Anderson and Bishop as the team’s NHL goalie tandem with Robin Lehner also knocking on the door. The organization felt that Bishop was someone they could afford to move from a position that also had Andrew Hammond and Chris Driedger as potential NHL level prospects. Senators general manager Bryan Murray would pull the trigger on the deal hoping that Conacher would provide some depth scoring on a team that desperately needed help putting the puck in the back of the net as the team ranked 27th in the league in goals scored per game.

Bishop has a career 2.24 GAA and .920 SV% in his time with the Lightning (including playoffs) and has solidified a position that was once a weakness for the organization. With Bishop, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Kristers Gudlevskis, Adam Wilcox and recent 2015 draft pick Kristian Oldham now making up the organizations goaltending depth, the position should be a strength in the organization for many years to come.

The Lightning won this deal by a landslide, and are hoping Bishop has the ability to bring home the team’s second ever Stanley Cup title.

Next: Captain Stammer

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

21. Steven Stamkos Returns From Injury As New Captain

Date: March 6, 2014

The Tampa Bay Lightning has definitely seen their fair share of injuries over the course of their 23 year history. In fact, the limits of the Lightning’s capabilities are being tested this season as there are currently six players on the injured list with a variety of ailments.

Unfortunately, no amount of experience could possibly prepare the Tampa Bay Lightning for what was about to happen to them. The Tampa Bay Lightning were paying a visit to the TD Garden in Boston to go one-on-one with captain Zdeno Chara and the Boston Bruins. In the second period, both teams would remain scoreless.

There was just over seven minutes and 11 seconds left in the second period when one of the worst things you could possibly imagine would come to pass. Lightning center Steven Stamkos was racing into the defensive zone in the hopes of putting the breaks on the Bruins’ offense.

Unfortunately, as Stamkos would come charging into the zone, his skate edge would come out from under him and he would go crashing into the net, causing it to fly across the ice as it was dislodged. Just watching the video reminds us of the feeling we had when we witness Stamkos slam into the goal post for the first time. We just knew something was terribly wrong.

Stamkos would make an effort to get back to his feet and make it off the ice, but as soon as he put weight on the leg he knew it was just not going to happen. Stamkos fell to the ice once again and began pounding on the ice in what one could only imagine was a terrible amount of pain.

Tampa Bay Lightning Head Athletic Trainer Tom Mulligan would rush out to attend to Stamkos. Unfortunately, the young Lightning center would need to be assisted off the ice on a stretcher. A little later in the day, the Tampa Bay Lightning would confirm the worst. Lightning center Steven Stamkos had broken his tibia and would be out indefinitely.

It turns out, Stamkos would require surgery to repair his broken tibia and the Tampa Bay Lightning would offer up no timetable for Stamkos’ return to the ice. While a broken leg may not be the worst thing in the world that could happen to a person, something like this could be career ending for a hockey player who depends on their speed to keep them on top.

In addition to the obvious implications this would have on the Tampa Bay Lightning, this would also potentially destroy any chance Steven Stamkos would have in representing his native Canada in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. Stamkos would attempt an aggressive rehab, and while Stamkos may not have been able to compete in the Olympics, there was something rather spectacular that came out of this.

Just 14 days after laying out on the ice at the TD Garden in a level of pain we would never want to experience, Steven Stamkos actually walked into his press conference. That’s right…walked. What’s more, he walked into the press conference without the assistance of a boot or any sort of crutches.

Unfortunately, while Stamkos’ aggressive rehab would get him up and walking within two weeks, it would not get him ready in time to play in the Olympics, dashing his Olympic dreams for another four years. Instead, his teammate Martin St. Louis would head to Sochi as a member of Team Canada.

While Team Canada would once again get the job done in Sochi and bring home the Gold Medal, things were not so bright on the home front for then-Lightning captain Martin St. Louis. Without reopening some finally-healed wounds, this story ended with Martin St. Louis being traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for Ryan Callahan and a couple of draft picks. The trade left the Lightning with a hole that needed filling, a hole only a captain could fill.

On March 6, 2014, the waiting was over. The Tampa Bay Lightning had chosen a new captain, and his name was Steven Stamkos. Stamkos would become the 10^th captain in Tampa Bay Lightning history.

On that night, Stamkos would take the ice for the very first time since breaking his tibia at the TD Garden. A new era in Tampa Bay Lightning history began that night, and it all started with Steven Stamkos’ return.

Next: Ben Bishop Joins An Elite Group

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

20. Ben Bishop Sets New Franchise Post Season Record

Date: May 29, 2015

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop has become no stranger to setting franchise records for the Tampa Bay Lightning ever since making his way to the team in the later part of the 2012-13 season.

As we previously mentioned, Ben Bishop had already set one record in the 2014-15 season. Bishop would record his 40^th win that season with a 3-2 shootout victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning’s longtime Atlantic Division rival, the Boston Bruins. This would surpass the previous record of 37 wins, which was set by Bishop himself in the 2013-14 season.

Fortunately for the Tampa Bay Lightning, this is not where Bishop’s contributions, and record setting ways, would end for the season. As the Tampa Bay Lightning made their way deep into the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Lightning found themselves face to face with former Lightning captain Martin St. Louis and the New York Rangers.

The Rangers would most certainly test the limits of Ben Bishop’s skill, pushing the Eastern Conference Finals to a seven game series. Unfortunately for the Rangers, it would be a different shade of blue that would be battling the Chicago Blackhawks for the Stanley Cup.

In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Ben Bishop would stop a total of 22 shots on goal from the New York Rangers to backstop the Tampa Bay Lightning to their second Eastern Conference Championship. Not only was this a tremendous achievement for the team as a whole, but it was also an amazing personal achievement for the young Lightning netminder.

With Bishop’s Game 7 shutout of the New York Rangers, Ben Bishop would become one of just three goaltenders in National Hockey League history to ever earn two Game 7 shutouts in a single postseason. Bishop would share this honor with former Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas and former Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy.

At just 29 years of age, Ben Bishop has many years ahead of him in the National Hockey League. Some may find it hard to believe that Bishop could ever top his current achievements given the fact Bishop has already set the bar so high, but if there is anything we here at Bolts By The Bay knows for sure it is to never underestimate one Ben Bishop. We can’t wait to see what he has in store for us next.

Next: Steven Stamkos Brings Home His First Hardware

Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

19. Steven Stamkos Wins His First “Rocket” Richard Trophy

Date: April 11, 2010

The Tampa Bay Lightning drafted a young man by the name of Steven Stamkos in the First Round (First Overall) selection in the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft. The very next season Stamkos would start making his mark on the Lightning and the National Hockey League.

In his inaugural season, Stamkos would play in 79 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that amount of time, the rookie center would bring home 23 goals and 23 assists for a total of 46 points. While these are not the show stopping numbers we have become accustomed to from Stamkos, they are definitely good numbers for a 19 year old looking to make an impact in the NHL.

The next season, things would really kick into high gear for the young Steven Stamkos. It took a couple of games for things to kick into gear, but once they did it was almost like a one-way ticket to stardom.

As the season began to come to a close, Steven Stamkos found himself in the chase for the top spot in the National Hockey League in goal scoring. Unfortunately, Stamkos had plenty of competition for the honor. Just a few steps ahead of Steven Stamkos was Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.

Finally, the moment of truth was finally upon them. The final game of the National Hockey League season was imminent. The Penguins captain would score two goals in the Penguins’ final game of the season against the New York Islanders. This means Crosby would be just one goal ahead of Stamkos.

Meanwhile, back here in the Sunshine State, the Tampa Bay Lightning were facing off with their in-state rivals, the Florida Panthers. Heading into the third period, the Lightning led the Panthers 2-1. The final seconds were ticking off the clock. Tampa Bay Lightning fans were on the edge of their seats riddled with anticipation.

Then…it happened. Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier would win the faceoff in the Lightning’s defensive zone. The puck is sent flying towards the Panthers empty net. All of a sudden, Stamkos would find himself in a race with Panthers defenseman Dmitri Kulikov towards the net.

In a desperate attempt to keep his team in the game and prevent Stamkos from hitting the empty net, Panthers center Stephen Weiss would sacrifice his body, and even send his stick flying across the ice in an attempt to stop Stamkos’ charge, but it was all for not. Steven Stamkos utilized his tremendous speed to bring one home for the Tampa Bay Lightning and put the final nail in the coffin for the Florida Panthers.

Oh…and tie Sidney Crosby for the most goals in the National Hockey League.

On June 23, 2010, after the post season had come to a close, the National Hockey League held the NHL Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada. Steven Stamkos would defy the stereotypical “sophomore slump” and be awarded the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy alongside Sidney Crosby.

This was definitely the first of many stepping stones in what is sure to be a star-studded career for one Steven Stamkos. At just 25 years old, at the current time, Steven Stamkos has plenty of years ahead of him in the NHL. It will certainly be interesting to see what amazing feats the young center has in store for us in the future.

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning Sign Tyler Johnson

Nov 1, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Tyler Johnson (9) looks on during the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

18. Tampa Bay Lightning Sign Tyler Johnson As Undrafted Free Agent

Date: March 2011

After being passed over by all 30 teams and going undrafted, Tyler Johnson signed a 3-year entry level contract in March of 2011.

During his rookie season, Johnson once again proved that size isn’t all that matters, as he finished with 50 points in 82 games, and was a nominee for the Calder trophy, which is given to the league’s best rookie.

The next year, Johnson continued to improve as he finished with 72 point and 77 games, and was selected to his first all-star game.

He is now one of the team’s most important players, and plays a type of game that when he is not in the lineup you miss the speed, scoring ability, and willingness to play a complete 200-foot game that make him one of the best young players in the NHL. Not bad for an undrafted free agent who everybody believed was too small to succeed in the NHL.

Next: Bish Makes History

17. Ben Bishop Sets New Franchise Record For Career Wins

Date: October 17, 2015

If there was any position the Tampa Bay Lightning has struggled to find any sort of consistency in over the course of far too many season, that position would be goaltender. Try as they might, the Tampa Bay Lightning simply could not find a goaltender who could adequately defend the pipes from their opponent and give the Lightning the security in net they needed.

That is…until Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop came on the scene.

Ben Bishop, who has become known as “Big Ben” to those of us here in the Bolts Nation, has been one of the most solid netminders the Tampa Bay Lightning has ever had in their arsenal since the days of former Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who helped backstop the Tampa Bay Lightning to their first-ever Stanley Cup victory back in 2004.

It is no coincidence these two names be mentioned in the same sentence. On October 17^th, these two names would forever live in the Tampa Bay Lightning record books as two of the greatest goaltenders in Lightning history. It was on that fine day in October that Ben Bishop would surpass Nikolai Khabibulin as the winningest goaltender in Tampa Bay Lightning history.

On that day, the Tampa Bay Lightning would charge into the Amalie Arena to take on captain Brian Gionta and the Buffalo Sabres. In that encounter, Ben Bishop would face a total of 26 shots on goal. Bishop would only allow one of those shots to find the back of the net. This would give Bishop a Save Percentage of .969.

Ultimately, Ben Bishop would hold strong and the Tampa Bay Lightning would defeat the Buffalo Sabres 2-1. As the season continues on, every single game Bishop successfully wins will add to his legacy and set the bar that much higher for any future Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender who should succeed him.

If this isn’t cause to go down as one of the greatest moments in Tampa Bay Lightning history, well…we don’t know what is.

Next: A Third Round Steal

Dec 20, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Brad Richards (17) skates with the puck in the first period against the Calgary Flames at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

16. Tampa Bay Lightning Drafts Brad Richards

Date: June 1998

Not many times do you find a franchise player in the third round of the draft. The Tampa Bay Lightning had already struck gold after drafting Vincent Lecavalier with the number one overall pick, but finding another great player in Brad Richards just a couple of round later helped make this franchise what it is today.

Richards was drafted in the third round, 64th overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, having recorded 82 assists and 115 points in his draft year. Richards was actually teammates with Lecavalier during Canadian Junior and was known for being a deadly playmaker. The organization decided that Richards needed some more time to get ready before making the leap to the NHL, but once he did, Richards became an impact player right away.

Richards never totaled less than 60 points during his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, and was a key cog of the 2004 Stanley Cup winning team in which he won the Conn Smythe trophy as the most valuable player of the postseason.

Brad Richards remains as one of the greatest players in Tampa Bay Lightning history, and that third round selection during the 1998 NHL Entry Draft helps make that class the best in team history.

Next: Fedotenko Scores Twice In Game 7

Oct 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning helmet lays on the ice against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in 3-3 overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

15. Ruslan Fedotenko Scores Two Goals To Win Stanley Cup

Date: June 7, 2004

Wow, are there any other clutch goals that match up with these twos? Martin St. Louis‘ game six overtime winner to force a game seven comes close, but you have to score goals to win a hockey game. Without these two goals by Ruslan Fedotenko, the Tampa Bay Lightning may not have won the Stanley Cup on that warm summer evening.

The twenty-five year old left-winger put the scoring on his shoulders, and with the help teammates Brad Richards and Freddy Modin, the Lightning forward would score the only two goals of the game for the Lightning on route to a 2-1 win over the Calgary Flames.

If these were not the two biggest goals of Ruslan Fedotenko’s NHL career, then I don’t know that were. In every way, these two goals were the reason why the Tampa Bay Lightning won the game that night. It was a back and forth affair with both teams getting chance after chance to swing the score in their favor.

Thanks to Ruslan Fedotenko and Nikolai Khabibulin, along with the rest of the team, the Lightning were able to win the game and raise Lord Stanley’s Cup over their heads.

Next: Kontos Starts The New Franchise With A Bang In First Game

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

14. Chris Kontos Scores Four Goals In Tampa Bay Lightning’s Inaugural Game

Date: October 7, 1992

The National Hockey League underwent a lot of changes prior to the start of the 1992-93 season. On December 6, 1990, then-NHL President John Ziegler announced that the National Hockey League was awarding a conditional franchise to Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Esposito and the Tampa Bay Hockey Group.

A few weeks, and $50 million later, the National Hockey League Board of Governors would vote to turn that conditional franchise into a new team that would be forever known as the Tampa Bay Lightning. This is where things would get really interesting for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the people here in the Sunshine State.

On October 7, 1990, the Tampa Bay Lightning would take the ice for the very first time as an official franchise of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning would call the hallowed halls of the Expo Hall – otherwise known as “the barn” – at the Florida State Fairgrounds their home for their first season in the NHL.

Phil Esposito and his team had to face a number of challenges in order to get the franchise off the ground, but the task that laid in front of the team taking the ice on the fateful day would seem much more difficult than kick starting a new franchise. The Bolts would come face to face with one of the “Original Six” teams in the NHL, the Chicago Blackhawks.

After facing opposition from their detractors from the word go, the Tampa Bay Lightning would soon prove that not only did they have what it takes to compete in the National Hockey League, but they had what it takes to compete at the highest level in the game.

There is one player who would stand out above the rest in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s inaugural game. That player was named Chris Kontos. Chris Kontos was the player who scored the first-ever Tampa Bay Lightning goal. Little did hockey fans here in the Tampa Bay area know, this would not be the only time on that amazing October night Chris Kontos would find the back of the net.

Being completely honest, it was a beautiful goal that was perfectly engineered between Lightning left wing Rob Zamuner and center Chris Kontos.

Not long after his first goal hit the back of the net, Kontos would be at it once again making Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Ed Belfour work for his money. Once again on the Power Play, Kontos would plant himself in front of the net, just off the glove side of Belfour. Right wing John Tucker would get his stick on the puck and see a wide open Kontos just waiting for his moment.

Tucker would pass the puck to Kontos and before Belfour had any idea what was going on, the puck was in the back of the net and the Tampa Bay Lightning would pull ahead 2-0; both goals being scored on a Lightning Power Play. As crazy as it sounds, we almost feel like the present-day Lightning should re-watch this game and take notes on how to score on the Power Play.

The Tampa Bay Lightning were already up on the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1 when a certain player would Kick Ice once again. The more and more we watch footage from this game, the more obvious it becomes that Chris Kontos felt right at home in front of the net. As you can imagine, this is right where he would be when his third goal of the night would find its way past Belfour and into the net to put the Lightning up 6-1 over the Hawks.

As the final seconds ticked off the clock in the second period of play, the Tampa Bay Lightning were up on the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2. Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, the Lightning were not quite done with them. The Lightning would play the puck in the offensive zone when defenseman Joe Reekie would shoot the puck up the ice and just wide of the net.

Just when you thought the shot would miss the mark, Kontos was ready and waiting on Belfour’s stick side. Kontos took control of the puck, and sent it top side over the glove side shoulder of Belfour for his fourth goal of the night.

Over the course of the season, Kontos would play in 66 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that amount of time, Kontos would net a career-high 27 goals and 24 assists for a total of 51 points. Unfortunately, this would be the final season Kontos would play in the National Hockey League.

After playing for the Canadian National Team in the 1993-94 season and helping his native Canada capture the Silver Medal at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, Kontos would play for quite a few teams in the IHL before heading to the Revier Lowen Oberhausen in Germany for one final season before deciding to hang up his skates forever.

While the Tampa Bay Lightning may have been Chris Kontos’ last stop in his NHL career, there is no doubting it is the most memorable. Kontos gave Tampa Bay Lightning fans an experience they will never forget and helped lay the foundation for many successful Lightning seasons to come.

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning Play First-Ever Game At Expo Hall

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

13. Tampa Bay Lightning Play First-Ever NHL Game At Expo Hall

Date: October 7, 1992

It had been almost two years since history had been made in the National Hockey League. On December 6, 1990 then-NHL President John Ziegler would address the hockey world and announce that a conditional franchise had been awarded to former New York Rangers captain and Hall of Fame player Phil Esposito and the Tampa Bay Hockey Group. This team would come to be known as the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Just a couple of weeks later, on December 20, 1990, the National Hockey League Board of Governors would vote to award the Lightning a permanent franchise, which would be set to debut in the 1992-93 season. A dream had been fulfilled, and a place better known for its sunshine and beaches would make their way into a sport that was built upon snow covered hills and frozen ponds.

The hard part had been completed, the Tampa Bay Lightning were officially in business. Now, all that was left to do was put together a team of players and get out on the ice. That sounds simple enough, right? Well, as most of you know by now, Phil Esposito did just that. He got the job done, and on October 7, 1992 the Tampa Bay Lightning would take the ice for the very first time.

Unfortunately for this young franchise, they did not have a fancy arena like some other teams in the league, but as they always say “where there is a will, there is a way.” The Tampa Bay Lightning would call the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds their home for their first season, before relocating to Tropicana Field the very next season.

When the Tampa Bay Lightning took the ice on October 7^th to kick off the 1992-93 season, they had a real challenge in front of them. The Bolts would be taking on one of the “Original Six” teams, the Chicago Blackhawks. Prior to taking on the Lightning, the Blackhawks already had three Stanley Cup Championships under their belts. Needless to say, they knew their way around the ice.

Fortunately for the Tampa Bay Lightning, you would never know it by the way they played against the Lightning that night. When all was said and done that night, the Tampa Bay Lightning would defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 7-3. Tampa Bay Lightning forward Chris Kontos would be responsible for four of the Lightning’s goals, registering the first-ever Tampa Bay Lightning hat trick.

Also recording goals in the Lightning’s inaugural game was Lightning defenseman Marc Bergevin and forwards Anatoli Semenov and Ken Hodge. Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Wendell Young would end the evening making 23 saves on 26 shots on goal, giving the Nova Scotia native a Save Percentage of .885.

The Tampa Bay Lightning has been through a lot of ups and downs since their first game as a member of the National Hockey League. As has been said many times before, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This decisive win over the Chicago Blackhawks would be that very step, of which would pave the way for the team the Tampa Bay Lightning are today.

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning Builds The Bulin Wall

Sep 28, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin (39) during the first period against the Washington Capitals at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

12. Tampa Bay Lightning Trade For Nikolai Khabibulin

Date: March 5, 2001

Contract disputes happen all the time in professional sports. Sometimes players hold out, whine and cry, and take their problems to the internet in the form of social. Usually a deal ends up getting done, but in the case of Nikolai Khabibulin and the Phoenix (now Arizona) Coyotes, that was not the case.

The deal was made up of five players and a draft pick exchanging hands. The Lightning would receive defenseman Stanislav Neckar and Khabibulin in exchange for defenseman Paul Mara, forward Ruslan Zainullin, forward Mike Johnson, and a 2001 2nd round draft pick (player selected was defenseman Matthew Spiller)

Khabibulin would have many fantastic seasons in Tampa Bay with the 2003-04 season being his best. He posted an impressive 2.33 GAA and .910 SV% in a regular season that saw the team finish with the year with 106 points and the second best record in the NHL behind only the Detroit Red Wings.

Khabibulin would take his play to a new level in the playoffs posting a 1.71 GAA and .933 SV% to go along with five shutouts. He would help the team defeat the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadians, Philadelphia Flyers, and Calgary Flames on the way to the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Though the NHL lockout would cause Khabibulin to come home from playing in his native Russia and sign with the Chicago Blackhawks, there is no doubt that this trade brought us one of the most important pieces to that Stanley Cup winning team. Without him, the organization could still be searching for its first cup.

Next: Seen Stamkos?

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

11. Tampa Bay Lightning Draft Steven Stamkos

Date: June 20, 2008

For all of the draft picks in Tampa Bay Lightning history, this ranks toward the top of the list in terms of most important. The selection of Steven Stamkos with the first overall draft pick of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft has helped turn around a franchise that experienced many dark years before his time.

Stamkos was one of the most dominant players in Canadian Junior since the first day he stepped onto the ice. He would spend his junior hockey career playing for the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League, a team that could catapult up the playoff standings after the arrival of Stamkos. In his rookie season, he recorded 92 points (42 goals and 50 assists) and was named to the OHL’s second-team. His next season, he upped his production to 105 points and was selected to the Canadian Hockey League’s first-team during his draft year.

Stamkos was named the top draft prospect by many scouting agencies around North America and was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning with the top selection of the 2008 draft. From the day he was selected, whether it was the “Seen Stamkos” slogan seen around town or the excitement from fans knowing that the Lightning may have just selected a future great, Lightning fever spread around town. Stamkos would not disappoint.

So far in his 527 NHL games as a Lightning player, Stamkos has racked up an impressive 543 points (290 goals and 233 assists) and has established himself as one of the most feared offensive players in the game. Now the Lightning captain, Stamkos continues to lead the organization on and off the ice as the team is now one of the most feared groups in the league under his leadership.

Next: Mighty Marty

Nov 25, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Martin St. Louis (26) against the New York Rangers during the second period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

10. Tampa Bay Lightning Sign Marty St. Louis

Date: July 31, 2000

He has helped so many different players careers during his time in the league, and has become an inspiration for some of the leagues bright young players who looked up to him when they were growing up. His name is Martin St. Louis, and signing him as an unrestricted free agent was one of the best moves in franchise history.

The Lightning signed St.Louis before the 2000 season, and though things didn’t click right away due to both inconstancy and injury, St.Louis openly adopted changes to his game knowing his career was at the crossroads.

Two seasons later, St.Louis had his breakout season scoring 70 points and becoming an NHL All-Star for the first time. That same year, the team won it’s first ever playoff series against the Washington Capitals. This became the stepping stone to a magical season that would follow in 2004.

The 2003-2004 was a magical season for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team finished with the top record in the Eastern Conference and St.Louis finished the regular season with 94 points. Marty helped lead the team through the playoffs with wins against the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadians, Philadelphia Flyers, and finally the Calgary Flames to capture the organizations first ever Stanley Cup title.

Though his time in Tampa Bay ended with a bitter taste, Marty St. Louis is one of the original players that helped put Lightning hockey on the map, and was a key cog in bringing the Stanley Cup to the city of Tampa.

Next: The Triplets Are Born

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

9. The Triplets Are Born

Date: October 24, 2014

In the past, the Tampa Bay Lightning would generally have a handful of players on their roster who would do a majority of the heavy lifting when it comes to scoring goals and setting records. In the 2014-15 season, an interesting question would be posed to the Tampa Bay Lightning. What would happen if there was a trio willing to take on the job head first?

In the beginning of the 2014-15 season, center Tyler Johnson and left wing Ondrej Palat were already playing together on the same line. These two were a part of a trio, which at one point consisted of Johnson, Palat, and right wing Richard Panik, known as the “Top Gun Line.”

Unfortunately, Johnson and Palat would go through a few linemates after Richard Panik was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Eventually, Tampa Bay Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper would start pairing Johnson and Palat with Brett Connolly.

Unfortunately, on October 24^th, just eight games into the season, Brett Connolly was injured in the first period of the game and would not return. Coach Cooper was faced with a difficult decision. Who would Cooper pair up with Johnson and Palat now? This is where it all begins.

Coach Cooper elected to pair Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat with fellow Syracuse Crunch alumni Nikita Kucherov. Absolutely no one knew it at the time, but these three players would come to be one of the most valuable assets the Tampa Bay Lightning had in their roster.

The chemistry between these three players borders on uncanny. There are times when fans watching from their seats in Amalie Arena would swear the trio could read each other’s’ minds and know exactly where they were on the ice and what they were doing at the moment.

This is where things get really interesting. In the 82 games they played that season, the Tampa Bay Lightning as a whole would score a total of 259 goals and 440 assists for a total of 699 points. Of those points, 74 goals and 126 assist for a grand total of 200 points, would belong to the line that would become known as The Triplets. This means the Triplets accounted for just over a third of the team’s overall offense.

Who would have thought on that fateful day in October when Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, and Nikita Kucherov were all placed on the same line, that they would soon become one of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s offensive powerhouses? Hopefully, these three will remain in Tampa Bay Lightning sweaters for many years to come.

Next: Hanging With Mr. Cooper

Nov 1, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper looks on from the bench against the Carolina Hurricanes during the 1st period at PNC Arena. The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

8. Jon Cooper Becomes The Eighth Coach In Franchise History

Date: March 25, 2013

The Tampa Bay Lightning has undergone a lot of changes over the course of its 23 years as a member of the National Hockey League. Each season, whether they like it or not, some players find themselves in search of a new home. The same can be said for coaches.

The life and death of a coach in the National Hockey League is almost solely determined by their team’s success on the ice. If a team continues to win and put forth a valiant effort towards achieving their goals, then a coach could have a very long tenure with a team.

At the same time, if a team becomes stagnant and loses their ability to get the job done in one or more aspects of the game, a coach may find themselves looking for a new home as well. As we said, it all depends on how the coach’s leadership translates to the team’s on-ice performance.

In the 2010-11 National Hockey League season, the Tampa Bay Lightning put on one of the best performances since capturing the Stanley Cup in the 2003-04 season. Having gone 46-25-11 in the regular season, the Tampa Bay Lightning found themselves within one game of becoming the 2011 Eastern Conference Champions and playing for the Stanley Cup.

Unfortunately, the next two seasons would only go downhill. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s struggles on the ice became too much for Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman to handle, and on March 24, 2013 Yzerman elected to fire Tampa Bay Lightning Head Coach Guy Boucher and quickly locate a new coach who could take the reins and help the Lightning finish out what turned into a dismal season.

In all honesty, if you need someone who can step in rather quickly, you are going to need someone who not only has the skills necessary to lead their team to greatness, but someone who already knows the system and the players. What better place to find said person than your own backyard. Keeping this in mind, on March 25, 2013 Yzerman named Jon Cooper as the eighth Head Coach in Tampa Bay Lightning history.

As most of you know by now, Jon Cooper was currently serving as the Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. It made perfect sense to bring Cooper on as the new Head Coach. Not only did he already have a relationship built with many of the young Lightning players who had been called up to the main roster that season, but he had found success at every level he’s coached at. You simply cannot argue with results.

Jon Cooper has done a fantastic job coaching the Tampa Bay Lightning since he took over the team. The Tampa Bay Lightning has made it to the post season in the last two seasons of play. Last season, the Lightning battled against (and defeated) the New York Rangers to become the Eastern Conference Champions and battle the Chicago Blackhawks for the Stanley Cup.

This season, the Bolts have seen their fair share of issues. Unfortunately, having eight forwards on the injured list is not helping things any. On the bright side, if there is any coach in the National Hockey League that can manufacture a way to get the Tampa Bay Lightning back in the game, it is most certainly Jon Cooper.

Next: Steve Yzerman Comes To Town

Jun 2, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman talks with media during media day the day before the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

7. Steve Yzerman Comes To Tampa Bay

Date: May 25, 2010

The Tampa Bay Lightning has had a number of people take the reins as General Manager since the Lightning inception in 1992, but any fan who still follows the franchise today knows that one of the greatest people to ever take up the role of Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager is the one we have right now, Steve Yzerman.

After purchasing the team just a few months earlier, Tampa Bay Lightning Chairman and Governor Jeff Vinik had a lot of work to do. One of those things was finding a new General Manager for the team. Vinik knew there was only one man for the job, Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman.

After spending 22 years in the National Hockey League as a member of the Detroit Red Wings, Yzerman would announce his retirement from the on-ice portion of his career on July 3^, 2006. In addition to his tremendous on-ice contributions, Yzerman served as captain of the Red Wings since 1986.

At first, Yzerman would not venture very far from home. Yzerman was soon named the Vice President of the Detroit Red Wings organization. Fortunately for those of us here in Tampa Bay, Yzerman’s front office career with the Red Wings would not be as extensive as his on-ice career.

Yzerman’s experience in the front office of the Detroit Red Wings is one of many reasons Vinik chose Yzerman for the job, and since taking over he has continually proven that he was the right man for the job. One of Yzerman’s greatest contributions to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization is what he has been able to do with the Lightning’s developmental system.

Yzerman has worked his magic, what some people refer to as the Yzer-Plan, and created a vast amount of depth for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Yzerman is responsible for bringing players like Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, Nikita Kucherov, and a number of the Lightning’s other top players into the organization.

In fact, just one season after taking over the team, the Tampa Bay Lightning would find themselves in a deep playoff run, which took the Tampa Bay Lightning within one game of becoming the 2011 Eastern Conference Champions and playing for the Stanley Cup. This was the best post season run the Lightning had experienced since winning the Stanley Cup in 2004.

After a short rebuilding phase, the Tampa Bay Lightning would once again find themselves in a position to fight for the Stanley Cup. Last season, the Tampa Bay Lightning defied all the non-believers and defeated the New York Rangers to become the 2015 Eastern Conference Champions and play the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Finals.

It was at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season when the rest of the National Hockey League would finally take notice of Yzerman’s skills as General Manager. After the Lightning’s long Stanley Cup Playoffs run, the Lightning General Manager would be named 2015 NHL General Manager of the Year at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas.

Those same skills Yzerman has employed during his time here with the Tampa Bay Lightning would be greatly put to the test in the 2015-16 season. As most of you are painfully aware by now, the Tampa Bay Lightning has suffered a ridiculous amount of injuries to some of the key players in the Lightning’s offense. It is those players Yzerman so skillfully cultivated that has allowed the Tampa Bay Lightning to forge on and continue to fight and claw for an eventual spot in the post season.

Having won the Stanley Cup four times with the Detroit Red Wings over the course of his career, Yzerman knows what it takes to win at the highest level in the game of hockey. This is why it makes us here at Bolts By The Bay overflow with joy that Yzerman will remain under contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning until the conclusion of the 2018-19 season. Hopefully at that point he will be poised for a long-term extension.

Next: New Owner, New Tampa Bay Lightning

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

6. Jeff Vinik Purchases The Tampa Bay Lightning

Date: March 3, 2010

The Tampa Bay Lightning has gone passed through the hands of quite a few people since the team’s inception all the way back in 1992. Some of them have been good, others…not so much.

When Phil Esposito first had the dream of bringing the sport of hockey to a place like Tampa Bay where there is sunshine and beaches in lieu of snow-covered hills and frozen ponds, the Lightning did not have the financial backing of some of the other teams in the National Hockey League, but at the end of the day they made it work with what they have and built an organization that would stand the test of time.

Unfortunately, all of the positivity that had been cultivated from the previous ownership slowly faded into darkness when movie and television producer Oren Koules and former NHL Player Len Barrie partnered to purchase the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008. There were all kinds of financial issues from the word go. Combine this with the partners fighting amongst themselves over just about anything, and you get a recipe for trouble.

In what went down as one of the worst trades in Tampa Bay Lightning history, the new Lightning owners basically threatened former Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle to waive his no-movement clause. This led to Boyle bring traded to the San Jose Sharks. Unfortunately, another player who would be in search of a new home would be Stanley Cup Champion and Conn Smythe winner Brad Richards.

Despite the negativity, which was abundant in a time when a certain duo was in charge, the Tampa Bay Lightning has finally found someone who can help turn the team into the first class organization it is today. After the National Hockey League interjected themselves into the circus side show that had become the Tampa Bay Lightning back office, the Lightning finally found a brilliant man by the name of Jeff Vinik.

Jeff Vinik purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 3, 2010. Maybe we’re a little sentimental, but this was the breath of fresh air the Lightning organization needed. Not only has Vinik made stunning improvements to the Amalie Arena both inside and out, but he has really made an impact on the Tampa Bay community as well.

One of the many ways Vinik has contributed to the Tampa Bay area is through the Lightning Community Heroes Program. As most of you know by now, at each and every Tampa Bay Lightning home game, Vinik and the Lightning organization donate $50,000 to the charity of choice of a deserving member of the Tampa Bay Community.

In addition to the Community Heroes Program, the Tampa Bay Lightning has started a new program called Build the Thunder. One of the many aspects of the initiative will be to properly equip third through fifth graders and help teach them more about the game of hockey. They also pledged to help teach these children necessary life skills. The only way to guarantee the future of our community is to put in the work today.

The Tampa Bay Lightning has undergone quite a few changes on the ice as well. Bringing in a new Vice President and General Manager like Steve Yzerman and a new Head Coach like Jon Cooper has given the Tampa Bay Lightning two of the key pieces the organization needs to be successful.

It would be incredibly easy to go one about the many things Jeff Vinik and his family has done for the Lightning organization and the Tampa Bay community as a whole. We don’t know about you, but we are incredibly happy Jeff Vinik has come to Tampa and we hope he’ll be here for many years to come.

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning Drafts Vincent Lecavalier

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tampa Bay Lightning Drafts Vincent Lecavalier

Date: June 27, 1998

In the 1997-98 season, the Tampa Bay Lightning has plenty of talent; however, they lacked a consistent 20 goal scorer. Under normal circumstances, you don’t draft what you need, you draft to build the future of a team. Unfortunately, when you are in a situation like the one the Tampa Bay Lightning found themselves in, you do what you have to do.

This brings us to the 1998 National Hockey League Entry Draft. In the 1997-98 season, the Tampa Bay Lightning had one of the most horrific seasons in franchise history. The Tampa Bay Lightning ended the season in dead last place in the National Hockey League, having gone 17-55-10 for a whopping 44 points. After a little moving and shaking, the Tampa Bay Lightning would end up with the first pick in the draft.

There was a lot of talent on the docket in the 1998 NHL Draft, but there was one particular player the Tampa Bay Lightning had in mind. This player would be a then-18 year old future Tampa Bay Lightning captain by the name of Vincent Lecavalier.

The young, Quebec native spent his very first season with the Tampa Bay Lightning on the main roster. Needless to say, Lecavalier wasted no time in making an impact on both the team and the National Hockey League. In his first season with the Bolts, Lecavalier would play in all 82 games, scoring 13 goals and 15 assists for a total of 28 points. While this would place in him just fourth place on the team in points, it is definitely a good start for an 18 year old looking to navigate his career in the National Hockey League.

The very next season, Lecavalier would almost double his numbers from the previous season. Playing in 80 games with the Lightning, Lecavalier would score 25 goals and 42 assists for a total of 67 points. Towards the end of the season, Lecavalier was named the youngest captain in Tampa Bay Lightning history. Unfortunately, this would last just one season before he was stripped of the C. This is when now-former Tampa Bay Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk came into play.

Lecavalier really stretched the boundaries of what a young player in the National Hockey League could accomplish at the onset of the 2003-04 season. During the regular season, Vinny would score 32 goals and 34 assists for a total of 66 points. Fortunately for the Lightning, Lecavalier’s contributions would not end with the regular season.

In the post season, Lecavalier would bring home nine goals and seven assists for a total of 16 points. This is the year Lecavalier would forever cement his legacy with the Tampa Bay Lightning when the Bolts defeated the Calgary Flames to become the Stanley Cup Champions.

In the 2006-07 season, Vincent Lecavalier would set the bar even higher in what could easily be seen as his best season ever. Playing in all 82 games that season, Vincent Lecavalier would score 52 goals and 56 assists for a total of 108 points. Not only would Lecavalier lead the Lightning in points, but he would lead the entire National Hockey League in goals scored. These numbers would earn Lecavalier his first-ever Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy.

Prior to the 2008-09 season, Vincent Lecavalier would once again be named captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Lecavalier would spent 14 seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but with the salary cap weighing heavily on the Lightning, Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman would elect to buyout the contract of the Lightning captain. Just one week later, Lecavalier would sign a five-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.

While Vincent Lecavalier may not have received his wish of retiring as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning, there is no denying his impact was felt here in the Bolts Nation. No matter which team in the National Hockey League Lecavalier may be a member of when he decides to hang his skates up once and for all, Vinny Lecavalier will always be a member of the Lightning in the hearts of Bolts fans.

Next: Phil Esposito's Dream Becomes Reality

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4. Phil Esposito Awarded NHL Franchise, Tampa Bay Lightning Are Born

Date: December 6, 1990

The National Hockey League came into existence all the way back in 1917 with only a handful of teams participating. Once the Great Depression pretty much leveled many of the teams in the league, it would be restructured. By the time the 1942-43 season rolled around there would be just six teams competing for the Stanley Cup. These are the teams who would come to be known as the Original Six.

Hockey has come a long way since those days. Now, there are 30 teams in the National Hockey League vying for the greatest trophy in all of sports, the Stanley Cup. However, there was a day back in 1990 where things would change in the National Hockey League, and even more specifically, right here in the Sunshine State.

In the 1989-90 season, there were just 21 teams in the National Hockey League; however, the winds were about to change and three more teams would be added to the league over the course of the next two seasons.

On December 6, 1990 things would change in Tampa Bay forever. Former New York Rangers captain and prolific goal scorer Phil Esposito had put in a bid to the National Hockey League to be granted a franchise that would call the Tampa Bay area home.

While there were many who doubted hockey would survive in a place that is better known for its sunshine and beaches than snow and frozen ponds could ever survive in the National Hockey League, there were people like Esposito who believed. On December 6, 1990 then-NHL President John Ziegler would stand up in front of the world and announce that Phil Esposito and the Tampa Bay Hockey Group had been awarded the Tampa Bay Lightning.

A few weeks later, on December 20, 1990, the NHL Board of Governors awarded Tampa Bay a permanent franchise, who would make their debut in the 1992-93 hockey season.

Even after the franchise was awarded, there were still some people who believed hockey didn’t belong in a place like Florida. The good news is the Tampa Bay Lightning were determined to prove their detractors wrong, and in the 1995-96 season the Bolts would make their first post season appearance. In the 2003-04 season, the Lightning would achieve what some thought impossible and fulfill their dreams of winning the Stanley Cup.

It has been 25 years since Phil Esposito would be awarded the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise, and 23 years since the Lightning took the ice at Expo Hall for the very first time, but as they say…the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Without the determination and skill of Phil Esposito, the Tampa Bay Lightning would not be the team they are today.

It is because of this grit and determination that a statue of the Lightning’s first Owner and President Phil Esposito now resides right outside the grand staircase of the Amalie Arena for all to gaze upon and pay tribute to the man, who without the Tampa Bay Lightning would not exist.

Next: A Tense Double Overtime Saves The Day

Nov 12, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Calgary Flames center Sam Bennett (93) and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Braydon Coburn (55) fight to control the pcuk during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Calgary Flames 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. Tampa Bay Lightning Defeat Calgary Flames In Game 6

Date: June 5, 2004

After the Tampa Bay Lightning’s successful first season in the National Hockey League, the Lightning ran into some trouble finding consistency. The Tampa Bay Lightning would go through some pretty stressful, and less-than-successful seasons before finding their true path and becoming the champions Tampa Bay Lightning founder Phil Esposito knew in his heart they could be.

Things started to turn around for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2002-03 season. The Bolts would bring home a record of 36-25-16 in the 02-03 season. Unfortunately, after just 11 games into the postseason the Lightning would find themselves on the losing end of the stick and on their way back home.

The good news is, this is not the last time the National Hockey League would see the Lightning in the post season. In fact, the Tampa Bay Lightning would make another trip to the postseason in the very next season.

In the 2003-04 season, the Tampa Bay Lightning would set a new franchise record for wins and points. The Lightning would maintain a record of 46-22-8-6 for a total of 106 points. This is in no small part to the trio who would come to be known as the franchise three; Martin St. Louis, Brad Richards, and Vincent Lecavalier.

Martin St. Louis would lead the way for the Lightning with 38 goals and 56 assists for a total of 94 points. Brad Richards would wind up in third place on the team in points with 26 goals and 53 assists for a total of 79 points, and Vincent Lecavalier would have a banner season with 32 goals and 34 assists for a total of 66 points.

The Tampa Bay Lightning would face a lot of tough opponents in the Post Season, but it would be the team the Lightning would play in the Stanley Cup Finals who would really test the limits of their capabilities. As Game Six quickly approached, the Tampa Bay Lightning found themselves with their backs against the wall. If the Lightning won, they would force a Game Seven and still be in contention for the Stanley Cup; lose and their stellar season would come to an anti-climactic end.

The Lightning would give it everything they could when they hit the ice, but neither the Lightning nor the Flames could find the back of the net in the First Period of play. When the second period kicked off, both teams were ready to get down to business.

Just over four minutes into the period, the Tampa Bay Lightning would strike first blood with a power play goal from Lightning center Brad Richards. The assists on the Richards goal would go to right wing Martin St. Louis and left wing Ruslan Fedotenko.

Unfortunately, the Flames would respond with a goal of their own from Flames right wing Chris Clark. Just under two minutes later, the Tampa Bay Lightning would answer with another goal of their own. Once again, it would be Brad Richards on the power play who would bring one home for the Bolts.

As the final minutes were ticking off the clock, the Calgary Flames would once again answer with a goal. This time it would be Flames left wing Marcus Nilson who would tie things up for the Flames.

Much like the first period of play, neither team would be able to put the puck into the back of the net and tip the scales for their respective team. Just as quickly as this game started, the Lightning and the Flames would be headed to overtime.

Surprisingly enough, one overtime would not be enough to decide a winner between these two teams longing to hold Lord Stanley’s Cup high above their heads. If Calgary would be able to pull out the win, they would win the Stanley Cup in front of their hometown crowd. If not, the series would head back to the Sunshine State for Game Seven.

The Tampa Bay Lightning knew if they were going to make their move, they were going to have to do it now. Both teams were beginning to feel not only the weight of the situation bearing down on them, but they were beginning to run out of gas. And then…it happened.

Just 33 seconds into the second overtime period, a then-29 year old Martin St. Louis would redirect a shot from Brad Richards and the puck would sail right past Flames netminder Miikka Kiprusoff and into the back of the net. The Tampa Bay Lightning had done it. With their win over the Calgary Flames, the Tampa Bay Lightning would bring this series back to Tampa Bay and give the Lightning one more opportunity to take fate by the hand and achieve their destiny.

The fans in Calgary sat in stunned silence while the fans back here in the Sunshine State were cheering until they were blue in the face. Thanks to one simple goal from Martin St. Louis, the Lightning’s future would be forever changed. What more could you ask for from one of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 50 Greatest Moments in Franchise History?

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning Earn A New Banner

Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

2. Lightning Defeat The New York Rangers, Become Eastern Conference Champions

Date: May 29, 2015

When the 2014-15 season began, the Tampa Bay Lightning knew they had gotten off to a pretty good start. At the same time, no one would have ever imagined the kind of season the Lightning would really have. In the first month of play, the Lightning would bring home victories in seven of their first 11 games.

By the time the regular season had come to an end, the Tampa Bay Lightning would be able to boast a record of 50-24-8 for a total of 108 points. These numbers would not only place the Tampa Bay Lightning in second place in the Atlantic Division and Third Place in the Eastern Conference, but this would set a new franchise record for wins and points in a single season.

For some teams in the National Hockey League, this was the end of their season; however, for the Tampa Bay Lightning, this was only the beginning. The Tampa Bay Lightning would face many tough opponents in the postseason. The first team on the Lightning’s list was the Detroit Red Wings. It would take seven games, but the Tampa Bay Lightning would ultimately come out on top and move on to the next round.

Next up, the Tampa Bay Lightning would come face-to-face with a very familiar foe. The Lightning would have to face off with their Atlantic Division rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. The Tampa Bay Lightning had a pretty big axe to grind with the Montreal Canadiens.

In the 2013-14 playoffs, the Montreal Canadiens unceremoniously ushered the Lightning out of the post season in the first round. The Tampa Bay Lightning would not be able to sweep the Canadiens in the same manner they did the Lightning in the 2013-14 season, but the Tampa Bay Lightning was able to overcome the onslaught of the Canadiens and defeat the Habs in six games.

This is where things would get really interesting for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Following the trade heard around the world that would send former Lightning captain Martin St. Louis to the New York Rangers in exchange for Rangers captain Ryan Callahan, tensions were high here in the Bolts Nation. This made the Eastern Conference Finals all that much more important for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The New York Rangers were arguably one of the toughest opponents the Tampa Bay Lightning would play in the postseason. The Lightning and Rangers would go back and forth throughout the series, but on May 29, 2015 the Tampa Bay Lightning would do what some called the impossible and defeat the New York Rangers and become the 2015 Eastern Conference Champions.

Defeating the New York Rangers was no easy task. Each and every game, the Rangers would push the Lightning to their limits. Playing against a goaltender on the level of Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is no easy task. He didn’t earn the nickname King Henry by sitting back on his heels and just allowing pucks to hit the back of the net, after all.

This was definitely a defining moment for the Tampa Bay Lightning. While the Lightning may have been thousands of miles away at Madison Square Garden, people lined the streets all through the Channelside District to watch their Tampa Bay Lightning play in one of the most crucial games of their postseason. When the final buzzer sounded, the Channelside District erupted with cheers for the Bolts.

The Tampa Bay Lightning may not have ended their postseason the way they would have hoped, but the feeling of electricity here in the Bolts Nation is something we will have with them forever. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s journey to the Stanley Cup Finals is something the players, coaches, and fans will remember forever and this is the reason the Lightning’s Eastern Conference Finals victory is one of the 50 Greatest Moments in Lightning history.

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning Become Stanley Cup Champions

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Tampa Bay Lightning Defeat the Calgary Flames To Become Stanley Cup Champions

Date: June 7, 2004

As many Tampa Bay Lightning fans know by now, the Tampa Bay Lightning had a long and arduous journey on their way to the Stanley Cup. The Lightning would have to defeat three other teams before they would even have the opportunity to hold Lord Stanley’s Cup high above their heads.

Unfortunately for the Tampa Bay Lightning, it would be their final opponent who would give them the most trouble. The Tampa Bay Lightning were able to force a Game Seven with a 3-2 double overtime victory thanks to a goal from Lightning right wing Martin St. Louis. Now the pressure was on. The Tampa Bay Lightning now had an opportunity to bring home their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, and making matters even more amazing, they had an opportunity to do it in front of their home town fans.

The Tampa Bay Lightning took the ice in the first period like a team on a mission. This was the end of the line, either win tonight or have their Stanley Cup dreams dashed for another consecutive season. Needless to say, the Lightning were ready to bring the thunder.

Just over the 12 minute mark in the First Period, the Tampa Bay Lightning would find themselves heading to the Power Play as Flames left wing Oleg Saprykin would find himself headed to the box for two minutes for Tripping. Just over a minute and a half into the Power Play and Lightning left wing Ruslan Fedotenko would strike first blood for the Bolts.

As the remaining time in the first period continued to tick off the clock, neither the Lightning nor the Flames would be able to pierce the others’ veil and put the puck into the back of the net. When the Lightning made their way back out on the ice for the second period, they were prepared to keep the momentum on their side and do whatever it would take in order to keep the Flames held at bay.

At 14:38 in the second period, it would once again be Ruslan Fedotenko who would beat Flames netminder Miikka Kiprusoff and put the puck in the back of the net. Fedotenko would receive a pass from Vincent Lecavalier and without hesitation take the shot from the slot and put it in the back of the net. This would extend the Lightning’s lead over the Flames to two.

In the third period, the Calgary Flames could feel the Stanley Cup slowly slipping through their fingers. The Flames would put 10 shots on goal in the third period. This was more than their first two periods of play combined. Eventually, the Flames would catch the break they had been waiting for.

The Flames found themselves on the Power Play as Lightning defenseman Nolan Pratt would head to the box for two minutes for Interference. Just under one minute into the Power Play and the Flames would cut the Lightning’s lead to one lone goal with a goal from Flames center Craig Conroy.

Unfortunately for the Flames, their surge of offense in the Third Period would not be good enough to best Lightning netminder Nikolai Khabibulin for a second time. Ultimately, the Tampa Bay Lightning would bring home their first Stanley Cup victory in franchise history.

Thanks to his stellar performance in the postseason, Lightning center Brad Richards would be awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for the Most Valuable Player of the Playoffs. More importantly, Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk would get to do something he had been waiting 22 years to accomplish. Andreychuk would be able to hold Lord Stanley’s Cup high above his head; he had finally reached the top of the mountain.

As you can see, the fans who jam-packed the then-St. Pete Times Forum continued to scream at the top of their lungs for their Tampa Bay Lightning. The true believers who always knew the Lightning had what it takes to get the job done were finally proved right and the cheers simply erupted from the crowd.

No matter what happens and what waits for the Tampa Bay Lightning as they continue on their journey, this moment will forever be engrained on the hearts of Tampa Bay Lightning fans everywhere and most definitely belongs on the list of the 50 Greatest Moments in Tampa Bay Lightning History.

Next: 30 Best Draft Picks In Tampa Bay Lightning History

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