Tampa Bay Lightning Erik Cernak (81) battles for the puck with Chicago Blackhawks Brandon Saad (20) in National Hockey League (NHL) action at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on Friday, November 23, 2018. Tampa Bay won 4-2. Nikon D500/70-200VRII, 1/1000s, f/4, ISO 1100, EV +0.6, 200mm Focal Length, Cropped.

With the assistance of the Syracuse Crunch and Tampa Bay Lightning, I was able to photograph another Original Six National Hockey League (NHL) team play in Amalie Arena against the Lightning. This time it was the Chicago Blackhawks who still wear their classic jersey from the 1960’s.

Chicago Blackhawks Duncan Keith (2) skating with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in National Hockey League (NHL) action at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on Friday, November 23, 2018. Tampa Bay won 4-2. Nikon D500/70-200VRII, 1/1000s, f/4, ISO 1100, EV +1.0, 200mm Focal Length, Cropped.

The Chicago Blackhawks won Stanley Cups in 2010 breaking a long dry spell since 1961, 2013 and 2015 by defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Finals. After a run like that it is hard in the salary capped NHL to afford to keep such a team together.  Yet, I wanted to get photographs of the remaining core from those teams still playing for the Blackhawks.

Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) in net against the Tampa Bay Lightning in National Hockey League (NHL) action at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on Friday, November 23, 2018. Tampa Bay won 4-2. Nikon D500/70-200VRII, 1/1000s, f/4, ISO 1400, EV +1.0, 70mm Focal Length. Cropped.

Those Stanley Cup teams were lead by Captain Jonathan Toews (19), Brandon Saad (20), Duncan Keith (2) and backstopped by goalie Corey Crawford (50). Though the last season and so far this season has shown the effects of health, salary, late drafting and player turn over, I was still thrilled to see this team and those players on the ice.

Chicago Blackhawks Jonathan Toews (19) breaks in on Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Louis Domingue (70) in National Hockey League (NHL) action at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on Friday, November 23, 2018. Tampa Bay won 4-2. Nikon D500/70-200VRII, 1/1000s, f/4, ISO 800, EV +1.0, 70mm Focal Length.

I was also glad to see the Tampa Bay Lightning get the win!