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Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New Jersey Devils: What you need to know ahead of Game 1

The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET Thursday for Game 1 of the first-round series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and New Jersey Devils.
Credit: Mike Carlson, USA TODAY Sports
A general view of fans entering Amalie Arena for the season-opening game between the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct.13, 2016.

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning host the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night at Amalie Arena in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets are still available, and Fox Sports Sun will broadcast the game on television.

Related: Tampa Bay Lightning first-round playoff tickets now on sale

Here’s what fans need to know ahead of Thursday’s game:

Parking

Amalie Arena does not control parking in downtown Tampa, but there are several parking locations nearby. The team recommends parking at the South Regional Parking Garage, which is operated by the city of Tampa. It is located at the corner of Channelside Drive and Florida Avenue.

The Lightning’s website links to ParkingPanda.com under the “parking” tab.

Fans can also contact Amalie Arena at (813)301-6500 for more information on parking.

Related: Tampa Bay Lighting A-Z guide, including prohibited items

Lightning events for the first round of the playoffs

Thursday: The puck drops for Game 1 against the Devils. Fans wearing Lightning merchandise can get a free Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit until 10:30 a.m.

Friday: The team will partner with PODS for the Lightning Playoff Pop Up Shop at the Sail Pavilion from 6-9 p.m.

Saturday: Several events will happen along the Tampa Riverwalk, including Curtis Hixon Park.

Related: 'Boltsborough' turns out to support Lightning's Stanley Cup run

Previous: Get a free Lightning flag or yard sign

More: Beards shaved for Bolts' playoffs

How did the teams fare against one another during the regular season?

Tampa Bay finished as the top team in the Eastern Conference, but New Jersey went 3-0-0 against them during the regular season.

Will Lightning center Steven Stamkos play?

The Lightning captain practiced this week in preparation for Thursday’s game against the Devils. Stamkos missed the final three games of the regular season and four of the last seven with a lower-body injury.

Lightning vs. Devils schedule

Game 1 - Devils at Lightning, Thursday, April 12, 7 p.m.

Game 2 - Devils at Lightning, Saturday, April 14, 3 p.m.

Game 3 - Lightning at Devils, Monday, April 16, 7:30 p.m.

Game 4 - Lightning at Devils, Wednesday, April 18, 7:30 p.m.

Game 5* - Devils at Lightning, Saturday, April 21, TBD

Game 6* - Lightning at Devils, Monday, April 23, TBD

Game 7* - Devils at Lightning, Wednesday, April 25, TBD

(Asterisk* indicates if the game is necessary)

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