Philip Anthony Esposito is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, coach and executive, and current broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Lightning. A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, he played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Chicago Black Hawks, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers, winning two Stanley Cups with Boston.
Esposito in 2012
Esposito with the Boston Bruins in 1969.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. They play their home games at Amalie Arena in Downtown Tampa.
Phil Esposito fronted an ownership group that was later awarded an NHL franchise in 1992.
The Lightning moved to their present home, the Ice Palace (now Amalie Arena), during the 1996 off-season.
During the 2006–07 season, Vincent Lecavalier broke the then franchise record for most points, and goals in a single season.
Vaclav Prospal with the Lightning in 2007. Prior to the 2007 NHL trade deadline, the Lightning traded Prospal to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Alexandre Picard and a conditional draft pick.