The NHL dropped the full schedule for the first round including the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. the Florida Panthers. We already knew that Game One would be on Sunday, and it looks like the rest of the series is what one suspect, unless they make it to Game Seven.
Game One – Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers, Sunday April 21, 12:30 PM
Game Two – Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers, Tuesday April 23, 7:30 PM
Game Three – Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning, Thursday April 25, 7:00 PM
Game Four – Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning , Saturday April 27, 5:00 PM
Game Five* – Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers, Monday April 29, TBD
Game Six* – Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning, Wednesday May 1, TBD
Game Seven* – Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers, Saturday May 4, TBB
* if necessary
As you can see, the teams will have the standard one day off between games unless it goes a full seven, and then they will get an extra day to rest up. As of right now, we like that. It gives the players a little extra time to gear up for what would be an electric final game. Of course, if the Bolts win Games Five and Six to tie the series up, we reserve the right to complain about the league screwing up their momentum.
The schedule also gives the Bolts a Saturday home game which is always fun. It’s not quite prime time, but it’s also not another noon-thirty game, either.
Mark your calendars and get excited. Playoff hockey is almost here!
