After being isolated from the families for over sixty days in a bubble, competing their asses off for the hardest trophy to win in sports, and ultimately redeeming themselves for one of the biggest upsets in hockey history, it’s no wonder the 2019-20 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning would go on an ABSOLUTE BENDER to celebrate their accomplishment.
For me, nothing is more entertaining than watching a bunch of professional athletes let loose and act like children. It normalizes them, makes them more relatable, and lets me live vicariously through them (like you, I’ve never won a Cup).
So, without further ado, I give you the most legendary moments of the 48 hour celebation following the Lightning’s Stanley Cup victory.
https://twitter.com/TBLightning/status/1310777941387812864
https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1310932030327320577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1310932030327320577%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fsports%2F2020%2F09%2F29%2Fnhl-stanley-cup-bubble-ends%2F
Lightning Captain Steven Stamkos was the first player to hoist the Cup.
As players, I can’t even imagine the feeling of celebrating in the locker room with your teammates after winning. Drinking champagne and bud lights from the Cup, cigars, hugs, tears, relief, elation.
https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1310973965490417666?s=20
Legendary. pic.twitter.com/QrRiL1cjJa
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) September 29, 2020
Thank You, NHL for Successfully Completing the 2019-20 Season
ICONIC @patmaroon pic.twitter.com/upWPGja037
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) September 29, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFuOQrKAIxd/
From the locker room to the hotel rooftop in Edmonton. The boys were buzzin’.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFuOTIKgFVD/
There are some crazy stories about the Stanley Cup, but I’m pretty sure no one has ever dropped it off of a roof. Good save here by Sergachev.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFuQbw1A2eB/
Time to go back home to Tampa. Only this time, they’re coming back 35 pounds heavier.
https://twitter.com/BarSouthNCelly/status/1311474233747349505
“It takes a lot to be in a bubble for 80 days or whatever long it was,” Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman said. “But it’s all worth it now: We’re coming home with the Cup.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFvrhZ7hM27/
Get your kleenex out because this next part might make you feel some emotions. The players, coaches and staff were finally reunited with their family 65 days after entering the NHL bubble on July 26th.
https://twitter.com/TBLightning/status/1311146248481710083
From here, players and staff then boarded open-air trolleys that brought them to Amalie Arena for a Stanley Cup Champions On-Ice Celebration.
One of my favorite moments happened at Amalie Arena when Jimmy Fallon interviewed Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Victor Hedman while players glided past in the background drinking beers.
https://twitter.com/FallonTonight/status/1311522914827722759
The real action took place the following day (Wednesday, September 30th) as the team celebrated with the fans, which consisted of a boat parade on the Hillsborough River followed by a celebration ceremony at Raymond James Stadium.
Scenes from the Stanley Cup boat parade in Tampa from hockey
https://twitter.com/TheReplayGuy/status/1311449116388593664
Does it get any better than this?
As a matter of fact, it does. If peeing your pants is cool, consider Pat Maroon Miles Davis.
Pat Maroon pissed his pants he was so drunk during the Lightning’s boat parade. Legend. @spittinchiclets pic.twitter.com/5AnwObJjDc
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 1, 2020
What a legend.
Almost 48 hours after winning the cup, very little sleep, and probably a thousand bud lights later, the players made their way to Raymond James Stadium to celebrate with fans at Raymond James Stadium.
— Here's Your Replay ⬇️ (@TheReplayGuy) October 1, 2020
Ray Jay was rockin’ for the boys.
Ray Jay is rocking even with a limited number of Bolts fans as they await the arrival of the 2020 champion Lightning and the #StanleyCup https://t.co/flJwuwl3dj @WFLA pic.twitter.com/Orh9dOHJMm
— Justin Schecker (@WFLAJustin) September 30, 2020
As you can tell, at this point in the festivities the players are very sober.
The Big Rig has entered the chat.@patmaroon | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/tOLIR42EoU
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 1, 2020
#GoBolts pic.twitter.com/Q7VXuumqlZ
— Here's Your Replay ⬇️ (@TheReplayGuy) October 1, 2020
#TBLightning's Alex Killorn gives a shoutout to @GovRonDeSantis:
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) October 1, 2020
"I want to thank the Governor for opening the bars just in time for the boys. THANK YOU!" #GoBolts @Akillorn19 pic.twitter.com/2WlkJov3df
Never seen Nikita Kucherov happier than he is right now. #Bolts #StanleyCupChampions pic.twitter.com/rorldXJ70z
— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) October 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/TBLightning/status/1311514387618967552?s=20
Looks like the Lightning had a terrible time after winning the Cup…I kid, I kid. What an epic celebration and deservedly so. As the saying goes, to the victor go the spoils. Enjoy it, boys!
