2008-2009 Lightning Schedule Released

The National Hockey League released the 2008-2009 season schedules for all 30 teams today, and Tampa's schedule can be found here. The Lightning begin the season playing back-to-back games against the New York Rangers on October 4-5 in Prague, CZE. Following the season opener in Prague, the Lightning return to the St. Pete Times Forum to host a 5 game home stand culminating in the return of Dan Boyle and the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, Oct 25th.

Two West Coast trips with stops in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Colorado, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Jose, and Anaheim highlight the main Lightning extended road trips. Multiple extended home stands of 5 games in October, 4 in November, 5 in January, 6 in February, and 4 in March help offset the European and West Coast trips.

The reigning Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings come to town on November 13, and Brad Richards makes his return to the Forum with his Dallas Stars on January 19. The defending Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh Penguins make two visits to Tampa in March, while the Lightning finish the season with 6 of its last 9 games on the road.