The Tampa Bay Lightning were forced to postpone their home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes due to the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the NHL announced. The powerful storm, reaching Category 5 status before making landfall as a Category 3, wreaked havoc in the Tampa Bay area, causing significant damage and leaving many without power.
Coach Jon Cooper expressed concern for his team and the community, acknowledging the challenges they face in the wake of the hurricane. The players are dealing with personal issues related to the storm, such as damage to their homes and the uncertainty of when power will be restored.
The Lightning’s focus has shifted to their upcoming game in Carolina, as they continue to monitor the situation back home. The rescheduled home opener against the Vancouver Canucks is now set for Tuesday, with additional games against the Vegas Golden Knights on the horizon.
The team’s preseason finale against the Nashville Predators was also called off due to Hurricane Milton, adding to the uncertainty and disruption caused by the back-to-back storms hitting the Gulf Coast. The impact of these natural disasters is felt not only in Florida but across the entire region, with tributes paid to those affected in other NHL games.
As the Lightning navigate through these challenging times, their resilience and determination to support their community shine through. The postponement of games is a reminder of the greater forces at play and the need for unity and solidarity in the face of adversity. The team remains hopeful for a return to normalcy and looks forward to the opportunity to contribute to the recovery efforts in their home state.