Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, success for the Tampa Bay Lightning feels a little different in 2020. While a socially distant boat parade and rally happen today for fans, it’s unclear if the team will be able to embark on a traditional cup tour. So, let’s take a look back at what the victory was like for the players the last time the Lightning triumphed.
On the night of June 7, 2004, the Lightning won the Stanley Cup with a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames in Game 7 at the then-St. Pete Times Forum. Times Lightning photographer Dirk Shadd recalled the confetti-saturated moment immediately following victory.
“Champagne was everywhere," he said. “I remember licking the back of my champagne-soaked camera in between frames. As the players drank from the Cup, I felt as if if did, too. That was just the beginning of a Cup-crazy summer.”
Shadd followed the Stanley Cup tour that summer as 25 players took turns spending 24 hours with the trophy. He traversed the Tampa Bay region, Canada, the Czech Republic and more.
“Kuby was the first player I contacted to ask about visiting during his Cup day," he said. "‘You come to Czech Republic, Kuby take care of you,’ he said. That was the only invite needed.”
Here are some of the shots he took.
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