- 1992
- 1993
- 2004
- 2020
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Tampa Bay Lightning Team Formation
According to former NHL president Gil Stein, another factor was that the Karmanos/Rutherford group wanted to pay only $29 million before starting play, while the Esposito group was one of the few willing to pay the entire $50 million expansion fee upfront. After being awarded the franchise, the team’s management brought in star power before they had any players. Phil ... -
Thunderdome
The following season saw the Lightning shift to the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division, as well as move into the Florida Suncoast Dome a building originally designed for baseball in St. Petersburg, which was reconfigured for hockey and renamed “the Thunderdome”. The stadium, built originally as the Florida Suncoast Dome, was first used in an attempt to entice the Chicago White ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 2004
The 2004 Stanley Cup playoffs for the National Hockey League began on April 7, 2004, following the 2003 – 2004 regular season. The playoffs ended with the Tampa Bay Lightning winning the Stanley Cup with a seven-game series win over the Calgary Flames on June 7. It was Tampa Bay’s first Stanley Cup victory. It was the Flames’ third final ... -
Stanley Cup Winners 2020
The 2020 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) 2019–20 season and the culmination of the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs. The series was contested between the Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lightning and the Western Conference champion Dallas Stars. The Lightning won the best-of-seven series, four games to two, for their second championship in ...
History of the Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning has a long and storied history in the National Hockey League. The team was founded in 1992 as an expansion franchise, and it quickly became one of the most successful franchises in NHL history. Led by star players like Martin St Louis, Vincent Lecavalier, and Steven Stamkos, the Lightning has won two Stanley Cups (2004 & 2020) and eight division championships since their inception. They are also known for having some of the most passionate fans; every home game is sold out at Amalie Arena!
In addition to their on-ice success over the years, off-the-ice achievements include being named Sports Business Journal's "Sports Team of The Year" twice (2003 & 2018). This award recognizes teams who demonstrate excellence on and off the field through innovative business practices that set them apart from other organizations. Furthermore, ownership has made significant investments into community initiatives such as youth hockey programs throughout Tampa Bay area schools which help promote healthy living habits among kids while teaching them teamwork skills through sports activities.
Overall it’s clear that there’s no denying how much this organization means to its city: they provide world-class entertainment and continue to give back locally, making it one of the best places for hockey fans everywhere! With new leadership under Steve Yzerman taking charge last year, we can expect even more great things from this team in the future – so keep your eyes peeled because you never know what might happen next when it comes to these Bolts!
Established
1992
City
Tampa Bay
League History
1992 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1992 – Present / Tampa Bay Lightning
Nickname
Lightning – The Tampa Bay Lightning has been a part of the National Hockey League (NHL) since 1992 and has quickly become one of the most popular teams in the league. The team’s name has an interesting origin story from its founding days.
When it was announced that Tampa Bay would be getting an NHL franchise, there was much excitement from local hockey fans who wanted to show their support for their new team. During this time, lightning storms were frequent occurrences in Florida. Those same fans incorporated this natural phenomenon into their new team's identity by calling them “Tampa Bay Lightning” – a nod to nature and electricity!
Since then, the nickname has stuck with generations of hockey lovers throughout Florida who continue to cheer on their beloved Bolts every season. With two Stanley Cup championships under its belt already, it is clear why so many people are passionate about supporting this iconic franchise! Not only does it represent success on the ice, but it also embodies a sense of pride within our community here in Tampa Bay as well as throughout all of Florida - something we can all rally behind together no matter what colors or logos you choose to wear while watching games at Amalie Arena or when tuning into broadcasts around the world!
Championship
Stanley Cup 3
2021, 2020, 2004
Arena
2014 – Present / Amalie Arena
2012 – 2014 / Tampa Bay Times Forum
2002 – 2012 / St. Pete Times Forum
1996 – 2002 / Ice Palace
1993 – 1996 / Tropicana Field
1992 – 1993 / Expo Hall
Owner
2010 – Present / Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment
2007 – 2010 / Oren Koules and Len Barrie
1999 – 2007 / William Davidson
1998 – 1999 / Arthur L. Williams, Jr.
1992 – 1998 / Kokusai Green
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Retired Number
4 / Vincent Lecavalier
26 / Martin St. Louis
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history