Bolts euphoria good while it lasts

Downtown Tampa put its full support behind the Tampa Bay Lightning during its month-and-a-half National Hockey League playoff run, which ended May 27 with a Western Conference finals loss to the Boston Bruins.

Window signs were displayed in storefront windows and a giant GO BOLTS banner was emblazoned over the Tampa Street skybridge. The top of the SunTrust Financial Centre office tower was also lit in blue and white, recognizing the team's colors.

In exchange, the Lightning brought eight extra soldout home games to the 20,000-seat St. Pete Times Forum, bringing immeasurable business to nearby restaurants and bars.