Tampa is known for having a strong Cuban community. Ybor City, in Tampa, is one of the first major Cuban hubs in the United States, dating back to the late 1800s.
The Lightning arrived at the stadium wearing full Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniforms earlier in the afternoon, paying homage to the NFL team that calls Raymond James Stadium home. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield and tackle Tristan Wirfs walked in with the Lightning.
“It meant the world to us that those guys wanted to lead us in,” Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh said. “Everyone loves the creamsicle (jersey). It’s so fun to play here, live here and support each team throughout our season so this is just our way to pay our respects to them.”
On the other end, the Bruins arrived dressed as Revolutionary War-era soldiers, as not just a nod to history but also to their NFL counterparts, the New England Patriots.
NHL.com staff writers David Satriano and Anna Kulesa contributed to this report