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By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 6, 2000
You have to go to opening night. Sure, it's the Islanders, but the perpetually awful New Yorkers, like the Lightning, are at least trying to get better. And it's kind of cool cheering for your team when, at least for a day, it is tied for the best record in the league.
There are really good games sprinkled throughout the season, but for the connoiseur, these five should absolutely be on your list.
RED WINGS, DEC. 2: Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, Niklas Lidstrom, Sergei Fedorov make for a formidable foe, and with so many Red Wings fans in the Tampa Bay area, the Ice Palace will be rockin'.
PENGUINS, DEC. 21: It's always special to watch Jaromir Jagr, whom many consider the best player on the planet. The Lightning usually does well against him, holding him to one goal, one assist in four games last season.
DEVILS, DEC. 23: The defending Stanley Cup champions make their first appearance in Tampa Bay with Plant City resident Larry Robinson behind the bench, playoff MVP Scott Stevens on defense and Martin Brodeur in goal.
MAPLE LEAFS, DEC. 31: Not only do you see a quality opponent, but it's on New Year's Eve. The game starts at 6 p.m., so you can make your party in plenty of time, or you can party at the Ice Palace.
STARS, JAN. 14: Not many teams match the star power Dallas generates with right wing Brett Hull, center Mike Modano, bruising defenseman Derian Hatcher and goaltender Ed Belfour.
Here are a few other games to consider: Oct. 27 vs. the Senators (welcome back Alexei); Nov. 10 vs the Canadiens (there is much to be said for tradition); Nov. 24 vs. the Panthers (let's get ready to rumble); Dec. 8 vs. the Avalanche (could be the NHL's best team); Feb. 1 vs. the Sabres (Hasek).
If at that point the Lightning is still within striking distance of the playoffs, every game becomes a must-see.