Preseason schedule

Bet you can't wait to get your tickets to these (the first three games are at the St. Pete Times Forum):

Sept. 19: Stars

Sept. 22: Capitals

Sept. 24: Red Wings

Sept. 27: at Red Wings

Sept. 29: at Stars

Comments

[Tim A]

At least we get to see Dallas and Detroit. Why the Caps again? We only get to look at them 9 times next season and if you ask me, its 5 times too many. Why can't the league ascertain from the fans about who we want to see before they put these ridiculous schedules out.
Last year, because of my work schedule and the way that the Bolt's schedule worked out, I was privileged to see every stinking Panther and Caps game that came to town. I wish the league would either realign the divisions every two years or make it where every team in the league plays each other every year like it used to be. I get tired of watching Caps, Cats and Trashers every other game. Now we even get them in the lousy preseason...go figure. With that note, it's been fun this weekend griping with everyone...please remember those who are serving in our Military in both the U.S. and Canada. This weekend wouldn't be possible if some hadn't given their all for us.
Semper Fi and God Bless...Tim A.

[Joe]

One often chooses to attend the pre-season games because of hockey starvation over the endless summer; yet, in these exhibitions, the guys ordinarily play without passion while working into playing shape and avoiding injury. Any excitement experienced is generally self-induced by the audiences of these meaningless scrimages. Typically, the most talented players are given a diminutive amount of ice time, and marginal players are given a last look before being relegated to fourth lines or given assignments elsewhere.

One almost wonders how the NHL teams have the temerity to charge for tickets to events of this kind; however, the average fan has the option of buying tix or not - the Lightning management requires that the season ticket holders purchase them as part of the package. That practice is found to be annoying to many of their subscribers.

[Bolts Canucks Fan]

I agree with Joe's remarks and the Bolts organization should consider making these tickets cheaper, due to the stars taking their time to fully hit the ice. I also agree with Tim A on the reason what logic was used in us facing the Caps. I love going to Caps games when they come to Tampa. It is always an intense game and to see Ovechkin is always worth the price of the ticket. But, it would be nice to see teams we don't normally see, like Calgary, San Jose, Edmonton, and yes, Vancouver. With the change up in teams, at least it would make preseason hockey more interesting. One drawback: I don't think teams want to travel across the US just to make it interesting for the fans.

Game 2 tonight. I like Ottawa to respond and win 3-2. Their first line must score some points. Great opening game to the Finals. Hope the hockey fans around Tampa make a effort to watch these games. Should be some exciting, hard hitting hockey. GO SENS!!!

[James]

What's even worse about the ticket prices for preseason is that they are MORE expensive than the regular season games! The team aggressively promotes ticket sales throughout the year with 50% off, etc, but the preseason games are ignored. That's why 5,000 people show up - because everyone else besides STHs have to pay list price for a practice game....

[Another Joe]

I have half season tickets and get a pre season game for free. Sometimes I go sometimes I dont but its free!!!!

[Jessica]

How do you get tickets to see them practice? My dad is a big Detroit Fan and I'm a big Tampa Bay fan and I thought that we would have a lot of fun there. But don't worry I'm changing my dad into a Lightning fan!!!