So Halford and I arrived in Tampa yesterday. Within hours of our arrival, we learned about Florida thunderstorms:
Lesson learned. Take taxis everywhere.
Anyway, today is Media Day. Both teams will be available for interviews in the concourse area of Amalie Arena.
Among the themes that will probably be pursued by the throng of reporters:
--- How the Blackhawks would cement their dynasty status with a victory, making it three Stanley Cups in six years. A pretty tough thing to do in the salary-cap era.
--- How the Blackhawks, whether they win or lose, will face a number of tough choices this offseason.
--- Is Duncan Keith tired yet? No? ........ OK, how about now?
--- How the Lightning have achieved so much with such a young roster. According to the NHL’s media website, Tampa Bay’s average age is 25.6 (compared to Chicago at 28.0).
--- How the Lightning will have their own tough choices to make over the next few years. Steven Stamkos can become an unrestricted free agent next summer, Victor Hedman the summer after that. Can they sign those two and keep the “Triplets” too?