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erlendsson
From Center Ice - Erik Erlendsson

Will Lightning change home opener? Should they?


I’ve asked this question a few times in the past couple of days - and many more times with my brother - about what the Lightning would do for their home opener should the Rays make it to the American League Championship Series.

Well, the Rays did advance and sure enough they will host Game 2 of the ALCS on Saturday with a first pitch scheduled 8:07 p.m.. The Lightning home opener, of course, is also scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and as of now the two will overlap.

In my opinion, this can’t happen. If I’m sitting over at Channelside Drive this morning/afternoon I’m already making plans to shift the start time for Saturday’s game so the fans of Tampa Bay can catch both events - either in person or on television. This should be a no-brainer.

But there is one issue that might tie things up - Carolina plays at home at Friday night and the league doesn’t like teams to have to play games within 24 hourse of each other. It’s not unprecendented, however, to move the start times for games and I’ve seen the Lightning have to play a game at home one day and play the next day, less than 24 hours before the previous game started. So, I don’t think it would be an issue if Tampa Bay asked permisison to move the game to a 5 p.m. start.

The response I got from the team on Monday was that everything was status quo and they planned to start the game as normal. Today, however, it might be a different story. I’ll ask around and see if their plans have changed.

Send Us Your Comments

Posted by  Mark, Lutz on 10/07  at  11:47 AM

The Bolts have always been my favorite Tampa Bay sports team with the Rays coming in second. I can’t afford to go to either game this year but luckily I can flip back and forth. I think people are over-reacting to the Bolts first 2 losses, its not like they got blown out of the building. A few plays made here or there would maybe result in a different outcome, Melrose will fix that. As for the Rays, what more can you say about a great team being established in baseball for years to come. Again, no matter what the color of the Sox are, the Rays aren’t scared!! Go Rays and Bolts


Posted by  BOLTS RULE !!!!, tampa on 10/07  at  11:40 AM

Guess there will be more seats available at the hockey game. Interesting problem, but since hurricanes are playing the night prior, I doubt they will change anything. Carolina plays Monday night at home so moving to Sunday doesnt help anything for them.


Posted by  Patrick, St. Pete on 10/07  at  11:39 AM

With the way the Lightning are playing (and trading), it shouldn’t be that difficult of a choice to make.

I hope the Lightning don’t change the time/date.


Posted by  hockeyWA,  on 10/07  at  10:56 AM

I say…absolutely NOT.  Keep the same scheduled time for saturday.


Posted by  Cookie, Valrico on 10/07  at  10:15 AM

Erik,it would be a class act to even ask the league for a change. I don’t think that will happen. In spite of being a fanatic Bolts fan, I will be at the Trop.


Posted by  Bill Thornton, Out of Town on 10/07  at  10:10 AM

Come on… a Championship game vs. the worst team in hockey last season… The Bolts would expect the reverse to occur if we ever get back into being a good team


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