TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa Bay is awash in a sea of Bolts blue.
The Tampa Bay Lightning left its massive mark on Joe Chillura Courthouse Square on Monday, celebrating its playoff kick-off with a downtown party that included blue-water dye in the fountains and a massive Lightning logo painted on the park’s grass.
“There’s nothing like it. Fantastic. It’s the best hockey,” said Bolts fan David Ferguson.
Michell Maitlen couldn’t agree more.
“I get goosebumps when I hear thunderstruck. It’s fantastic,” she said.
The Lighting won their division and home ice advantage through the playoffs when the Florida Panthers beat the Boston Bruins Sunday night.
“Oh, it’s awesome. Especially when in Atlantic division. That’s even better,” said Lightning Fan Brian Craig.
Rob Truden attended the pep-rally with his young daughter.
“I think it’s great," he said. "Good for the community and everything."
Signs of Lightning loyalty are already popping up everywhere.
Light posts already reflect the 2018 playoffs.
A massive banner was also unfurled Monday afternoon alongside Tampa City Hall. Lightning legend Dave Andreychuck and Mayor Bob Buckhorn did the honors.
“We love them very we wish them the best,” Mayor Bob Buckhorn said. “This town will be wearing blue for the next couple of weeks. And we could not be prouder of them.”
Fans who remember the Lightning’s past playoff runs say one of their favorite things is what all of this does for the community.
“There are too many things that divide us,” said Lightning season ticket holder Cathy James,” Things like this are a great thing.”
The Bolt’s “Lightning Bug” also ceremoniously watched over a fundraiser for the National Pediatric Cancer foundation. Several men sat down to have their beards trimmed off, vowing to grow them back for as long as the team can keep skating toward the Stanley Cup.
PHOTOS - Beards shared for Bolts' playoffs
“It was only about three months,” said Jim Mannino while watching his beard reduced to stubble. “So, after the playoffs it’ll be back.”
Lots of other events are scheduled leading up to Thursday’s first playoff game against the New Jersey Devils.
Excitement is building across the region as Tampa Bay is one again - thunderstruck.
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