TAMPA, Fla. – Victor Hedman said the obvious costume theme would have been a nod to Gasparilla weekend and perhaps a pirate-themed outfit. With the game at Raymond James Stadium, the Bolts opted to acknowledge the Bucs. So, the creamsicle look won out.
“We get to use to their stadium, so we wanted to return the favor,” said Hedman, who is returning to the lineup for Sunday’s Stadium Series game (6:30 ESPN) against the Bruins after missing game 22 games due to an elbow injury, a couple of hours before puck drop. “It was great having Tristan and Baker lead us out, so it was pretty cool.”
Buccaneers offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs and quarterback Baker Mayfield returned the favor as well by wearing Lightning Stadium Series jerseys and leading the team past a couple of thousand fans and into Raymond James.
READ: Frosty The Iceman To Invade Stadium Series In Tampa On Gasparilla?
“We support each other and this is such a great sports town with all of the teams supporting each other,” said Ryan McDonagh, who made his way back into the lineup Thursday night against Winnipeg following a lengthy absence.
Hedman looked like a tight end walking through the tunnel in his NFL gear. That was all part of the fun for a franchise playing its first outdoor game in its home city four years after playing its only previous game outside in Nashville.
“We are trying to soak it all in,” said McDonagh. “These fans have been wanting this for a long time and it’s finally here. It’s been incredible to be a part of.”
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