By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Bolting from Tampa
About 500 fans showed up Sunday at Tampa International Airport to form a human lightning bolt the players could see from the sky as their charter plane took off for Boston.
"I think that's great," coach Guy Boucher said. "Every effort that's directed toward everybody feeling that they're part of it is amazing."
"It was crazy," W Ryan Malone said. "That wasn't happening three years ago. It was impressive."
Keeping tabs
Lightning C Nate Thompson, right, who was drafted by the Bruins and came up in their system, stayed at the house of Boston LW Shawn Thornton during training camp in 2008.
"I remembered him being a slob and cleaning up after him," Thornton said, smiling.
Joking aside, Thornton said he's happy it has worked out well for Thompson since the Bruins put him on waivers that season.
"His work ethic speaks for itself, but everyone notices that," Thornton said. "He's probably got a little bit better skill set than people give him credit for; great penalty killer. It's one of those unfortunate things that he got moved out of here. But I'm very glad he's found a niche for himself in Tampa and seems to be doing really well."
Watch party
The Lightning will host one for tonight's Game 5 beginning at 6:30 on the west plaza and in Shots restaurant at the St. Pete Times Forum. Food and drinks will be available, and fans are permitted to bring their own (excluding alcohol). Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted. Parking is free in the Forum West and VIP East lots.
Tickets
Wednesday's Game 6 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa is sold out. Unused team tickets might be released that day. Check with the box office at (813) 301-6600 and Ticketmaster (outlets, ticketmaster.com, toll-free 1-800-745-3000).
Quote to note
"I've always had doubters. I wasn't strong enough, wasn't fast enough, wasn't physical enough. I guess it's always nice to prove those guys wrong. But I've always believed in myself."
Lightning RW Teddy Purcell on how being undrafted has been "motivation my whole life."
Number of the day
10 Turnovers coach Guy Boucher said the Lightning committed during the first period of Game 4, a season high for a period.
The series Tied 2-2
Game 1, Lightning 5, Bruins 2: Three goals in 1:25 of the first spark Lightning.
Game 2, Bruins 6, Lightning 5: Bruins score five in the second.
Game 3, Bruins 2, Lightning 0: Bruins prevail in tight defensive game.
Game 4, Lightning 5, Bruins 3: Lightning scores five unanswered goals.
Tonight: at Boston, 8, Versus, 970-AM
Wednesday: at Tampa, 8, Versus, 620-AM
Friday: at Boston, 8, Versus, 970-AM *
* If necessary