TAMPA — The Prince of Wales Trophy on display outside Amalie Arena was a reminder of what the Tampa Bay Lightning accomplished last season. The pre-game buzz on the plaza served notice of what lies ahead.
The Lightning rekindled their love affair with an adoring public Thursday before the puck dropped on their season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers. The number of out-of-town jerseys was dwarfed by Lightning colors as the defending Eastern Conference champions relived a stirring chapter in franchise history before turning the page.
“I bought two tickets for tonight’s game on the very first day they became available, five weeks ago,’’ said John Debrabander of Englewood, accompanied by his wife, Kathie.