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Tampa Bay Lightning 2017-18 schedule: Stanley Cup champion Penguins, expansion Golden Knights among the coming attractions

 
The two-time defending champion Penguins make two early trips to Tampa. [AP photo]
The two-time defending champion Penguins make two early trips to Tampa. [AP photo]
Published June 22, 2017

The Lightning's season schedule was released Thursday afternoon, and there are plenty of must-see matchups coming to Amalie Arena. Here are the home games with the most intriguing storylines:

The champs (Oct. 12, Oct. 21)

The Penguins make two trips to Tampa in the first nine games. The Lightning travels to play Sidney Crosby & Co. Nov. 25 for the third and final meeting.

Vegas, baby (Jan. 18)

The Lightning visits Sin City Dec. 19 before the expansion Vegas Golden Knights come to town.

Drouin returns (Dec. 28)

The Lightning welcomes back wing Jonathan Drouin, traded to Montreal last week, three days after Christmas for the first of four meetings with the former No. 3-overall pick.

Bish, please (Nov. 16)

Ben Bishop, who along with Nikolai Khabibulin might be the greatest goalie in franchise history, returns for the first time since the trade deadline deal to Los Angeles. Bishop signed a long-term deal with the Dallas Stars this summer.

All-Star Game (Jan. 27-28)

The Lightning hosts the NHL All-Star Weekend at Amalie Arena, the first time the game has been in town since 1999. There will be a skills competition that Saturday, the same day as Gasparilla.

McDavid mania (March 18)

Oilers superstar and Hart Trophy winner Connor McDavid makes his only visit to Tampa, well, other than the All Star Game.

Tampa Bay Lightning 2017-18 schedule

OCTOBER_cokwr_cpzh4_cre1l_chk2m
DayDateOpponentTimeW/L
FridayOct. 6Florida7:30 p.m._________
SaturdayOct. 7at Florida7 p.m._________
MondayOct. 9Washington7:30 p.m._________
ThursdayOct. 12Pittsburgh7:30 p.m._________
SaturdayOct. 14St. Louis7 p.m._________
MondayOct. 16at Detroit7:30 p.m._________
TuesdayOct. 17at New Jersey7 p.m._________
ThursdayOct. 19at Columbus7 p.m._________
Saturday