Well, this doesn't look good. Earlier today, the NHL announced that it has cancelled all regular season league games until October 24. This means the Tampa Bay Times Forum will remain empty as the Lightning will miss, at least, the first four games of their 2012-13 season, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The NHL player lockout became a reality last month as team owners officially refused to come to terms with league players on a new collective bargaining agreement between the two parties. Now, prospects for reconciliation are looking all the more grim as 82 regular season games throughout the league will be axed as a result.
Furthermore, the two parties have still yet to reach any agreement as of Tuesday afternoon meaning October 24 could easily turn into a much later date.
For now, cancelled Tampa Bay Lightning games include their opening away game against the Florida Panthers on October 13 and three home games at the Tampa Bay Times Forum; October 16 against the Islanders, October 19 against the Panthers, and October 23 against the Rangers. The new, tentative opening game for the Lightning will be away against the Clagary Flames on October 25.
Tampa Bay Lightning season ticket holders can call 813-301-6800 or go to tampabaylightning.com/STM for refunds.
