Twenty-three years ago today, at the Florida Expo Hall on the Florida State Fairgrounds outside of Tampa, Florida, Tampa Bay Lightning was born. Tampa Bay Lightning victory was birthed as well. Chris Kontos had his epic four-goal game and the Bolts took down the Chicago Blackhawks 7-3.
(note: if anyone can find a more complete game clip - please post a link in comments)
As a hockey market, Tampa Bay has come a long way since that faithful first-night - from watching games in a barn, to a baseball park in waiting, to suffering and celebrating on the banks of the Garrison Channel in downtown Tampa in the Ice Palace now known as Amalie Arena.