TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Lightning Can't Avoid Conflict With Rays' Game

ADVERTISEMENT

By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 8, 2008

TAMPA - The Lightning will keep the starting time for Saturday's home opener against Carolina at 7:30 p.m.

Tampa Bay asked Hurricanes officials if they would be willing to change the start time so Saturday's game would not conflict with the Rays hosting Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against the Red Sox at Tropicana Field, with first pitch scheduled for 8:07.

NHL rules prevent a team from having to play two games in less than a 24-hour span unless both teams agree to the change. Carolina hosts Florida on Friday night.

Hurricanes officials told Lightning officials they were not willing to alter their plans. Through a team spokesman, Lightning vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said Tampa Bay understands the difficulties of such a quick turnaround and accepts Carolina's reason for declining the request.

Two time changes were announced on Tuesday, however, as the Nov. 16 game at Carolina will start at 3 p.m., and the Dec. 11 game at Montreal will begin at 7 p.m.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT