(Tampa) It was Game 2 of the Lightning-Panthers series on Thursday night. The Florida Derby in the second round of the NHL playoffs. A context conducive to a real craze in Tampa’s resto-sports bars, one might think.
Posted at 5:00 a.m.
In Montreal, you would have to arrive a few hours early to make sure you have a table in an establishment that would broadcast such a confrontation.
It wasn’t quite the case in Tampa on Thursday. Minutes into the first half, strolling down 7th Avenue in historic Ybor, you were spoiled for choice. Restaurants and tables.
Which isn’t to say there isn’t a Lightning craze in Tampa. Large signs that say “Go Bolts” hang over a few stretches of the freeway on the way from the airport to our hotel. Self-service bicycles have the same slogan displayed on the front basket. People wear the team’s blue and white colors in the street.
The foundation, you might say, for a two-year Stanley Cup winning team.
But the fact remains that Floridians are not recognized for their unwavering passion for the sport.
You had to see the fans of the Miami Heat leave the bleachers massively in the middle of the fourth quarter, Thursday evening, during the thaw suffered at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the East final, to remember it.
If we had no trouble finding a place to sip a drink, eat and watch a hockey game, that does not mean that the establishments which broadcast the Lightning game were empty. The gathered supporters were attentive. Serene, too, despite the 1-1 score which held until the end. As usual to see their team win.
PHOTO REINHOLD MATAY, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Ross Colton
When Ross Colton came on to score the game-winning goal with less than four seconds remaining, the bar erupted in delight. But no more. No surge. No joyous parades of relieved supporters coming out into the streets.
Maybe it will be different when the Lightning play at home this Saturday night. Maybe they are waiting for a third parade in a row before getting excited.
Or maybe hockey in Tampa is just another entertainment option in a state that already has plenty of it.