EDMONTON — It's been 61 days since the Lightning left for Toronto. Their playoff journey led them to Edmonton, and now they're two wins away from winning the Stanley Cup.
Being away from family, friends and fans isn't easy, but the players say they don't feel too far away from Tampa thanks to some reminders from home.
"We’ve surrounded ourselves here in the bubble with a lot of different mementos from Tampa Bay," defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk said. "They’re letting us know that the fans are following us, which we knew, but it’s great to have that constant reminder every day."
The Bolts are doing their best to stay loose during the playoffs, but Shattenkirk said it's been all business in the bubble with regard to hockey.
"We’ve been playing a lot of hockey in a short amount of time. For the most part, we’re just getting ourselves ready for the next game," he said. "There’s not too much else to do. We’re trying to stay focused, play cards, read some books, take your mind off the game for days in between and make sure your body’s ready when it’s time to go."
The puck drops for game four between the Lightning and Stars just after 8 p.m. tonight. The Lightning lead the series 2-1.
Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper said captain Steven Stamkos (lower-body injury) will not play tonight. He scored a goal during limited ice time in game three. It was his first game since February 25.
