2003 Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay joined the NHL as an expansion team in 1992, with Hockey Hall of Fame member Phil Esposito serving as the team's first general manager. The club placed last in its division in its first two seasons and second to last in its third year. Center Brian Bradley, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs, emerged as the Lightning's top scorer.

In the 1995-96 season Tampa Bay qualified for the playoffs for the first time. Important players included defenseman Roman Hamrlik and goalie Daren Puppa, whose save percentage and goals-against average each ranked in the NHL's top five. The Lightning lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in the opening round of the playoffs.

In 2002, the Lightning were off to their best start in years. Young guns Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards team up with the Nikolai Khabibulin between the pipes to compete for the Southeast Division title. Veterean Dave Andreychuk continues his quest for 600 goals as his career comes to a close. Tampa Bay has been swept up with hockey fever as the Lightning continue to strike the competition night after night. The Lightning play their home games at St. Pete Times Forum, also known as the Ice Palace, which also hosts special events and concerts.

Previous players include: Chris Kontos, Brian Bradley, Petr Klima, Denis Savard, Chris Gratton, Dino Ciccarelli, Mikael Renberg, Karl Dykhuis, Steve Kelly, Jason Bonsignore, Paul Ysebaert, Mike Sillinger, and Nikolai Khabibulin. Previous coaches include Terry Crisp, Rick Paterson, Jacques Demers, Steve Ludzik, John Tortorella.