Florida hockey has never been hotter, but after a long reign at the top, it’s no longer the Tampa Bay Lightning holding court in the Atlantic — and the league — but rather their in-state neighbours down in Sunrise setting the standard for what it takes to win it all.

The changing of the guard has brought a few questions for the Lightning. Since falling just shy of the elusive Stanley Cup three-peat three years ago, the Lightning have failed to advance beyond the first round of the post-season. Instead, it’s their Floridian foes who’ve taken over the top spot as back-to-back champs.

Suddenly, the Battle of Florida is no longer just about neighbourly bragging rights — it’s about keeping pace with the league’s best, and that applies to both sides. Because even though the Lightning have been

See Full Page