Photo story: Capturing Lightning and their fans at the home opener
DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times
Tampa Bay Lightning fans stream past a statue of Dave Andreychuk, who played with the team from 2001 to 2006, during the Lightning's season home opener on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings at Amalie Arena in Tampa.
Oct. 14, 2016
Can’t beat the excitement of a Lightning game
After re-signing its core players from a squad that advanced to the Stanley Cup final two seasons ago and fell a game short of returning last year, the Tampa Bay Lightning are positioned for future success like few NHL teams.
And for Tampa Bay sports fans, few events are as exciting — or as well attended — as a game at Amalie Arena. Outside of the playoffs, no game is more anticipated than opening night.
With photojournalists Dirk Shadd, Douglas Clifford, Andres Leiva and Chris Urso on scene, the Tampa Bay Times was singularly positioned to capture the excitement on and off the ice, as you’ll see in this special photo gallery.
Want further proof? Check out this behind-the-scenes video in which Dirk walks you through our one-of-a-kind photo shoot with Ben Bishop, Tyler Johnson, Victor Hedman and Steven Stamkos, who reenact the Beatles’ famous Abbey Road album cover.
DIRK SHADD | Times
Lightning center Steven Stamkos, left, and center Tyler Johnson watch as a soccer ball is kicked their way while warming up before facing the Red Wings.
Never too early to start those Stanley Cup dreams
DIRK SHADD | Times
Vincent Wood, 11, of Tampa, and his 8-year-old sister Leah lean over the railing to look around the hockey sticks while waiting for the Lightning players to come out of the tunnel for the pregame warm-ups on Thursday evening at Amalie Arena.
DIRK SHADD | Times
Goalie Ben Bishop leads his teammates down the tunnel and onto the ice for the pregame warm-ups before meeting the Detroit Red Wings for the season opener at Amalie Arena.
ANDRES LEIVA | Times
Lightning fans stand during pregame introductions of the players for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings at Amalie Arena on Thursday.
DIRK SHADD | Times
Lightning center Tyler Johnson falls during the opening face-off with Detroit Red Wings center Darren Helm on Thursday.
DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times
Bishop fends off Detroit Red Wings left wing Tomas Tatar with the help of Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman during the third period Thursday at Amalie Arena in Tampa.
DIRK SHADD | Times
Center Tyler Johnson is toppled while battling for the puck against the Red Wings during the first period of the season opener Thursday.
DIRK SHADD | Times
Bishop looks on after giving up the second goal of the game, both scored by Detroit left wing Thomas Vanek, during the first period.
DIRK SHADD | Times
Lightning defenseman Andrej Sustr drops his gloves and fights Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith during the second period.
DIRK SHADD | Times
Goalie Ben Bishop gathers the puck from inside the net as Red Wings players celebrate Frans Nielsen's second period goal.
DIRK SHADD | Times
Tyler Johnson celebrates beating goalie Petr Mrazek for the go-ahead goal during third-period action of the season opener at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Thursday.
ANDRES LEIVA | Times
Fans cheer after Lightning center Tyler Johnson scores in the third period. The Lightning beat the Red Wings 6-4.
DIRK SHADD | Times
Bishop raises his stick along with his team to celebrate the Lightning's defeat of the Detroit Red Wings 6-4 Thursday night at Amalie Arena. Bishop is the Lightning franchise leader for all-time saves. He now has 4,963, passing Daren Puppa.
