The Tampa Bay Lightning have made the playoffs (again). This is the 5th straight season they reached the playoffs. But where is the best place to watch a game if you’re not willing to travel to Tampa for watch parties or the usual spots like Hattricks or American Social? With round 1 starting on Sunday at 12:30pm, we did some research for you!
It was a rollercoaster season for the Bolts. We were without star goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy for the first 20 games. Then we had a few lost a few forwards to injuries. There’s still no word if defenseman Mikhail Sergachev will be available for the playoffs after breaking his leg during a game against the New York Rangers in February. Sergachev and the team have posted videos of him skating and practicing with the team, but no official update yet.
On the other hand, Nikita Kucherov enters the postseason after a historic year. Kuuuuuuch ended the season with 100 assists and 44 goals. The only other players to ever finish a season with 100 assists and over 40 goals were Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. That’s some pretty legendary company for Kucherov.
Official Watch Party Details
The Bolts will be hosting official Lightning Watch Parties at Sparkman Wharf on Sunday for the first game of Round 1, and MidTown Tampa for Game 2. There will be giveaways, concession specials and more. To celebrate the Playoffs, the Tampa Bay Lightning will be at various partner restaurant locations from April 22nd – April 25th providing Lightning fans with surprises each day.
We get it, gas, game tickets, parking, and arena beers are so expensive, so we reviewed the best sports bars in Pinellas County according to Visit St.Pete/Clearwater and narrowed down our favorites to go watch a hockey game. You won’t be finding Buffalo Wild Wings or Hooters on this list!
Best Bars In Pinellas To Watch Playoff Hockey
