WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam H. Putnam (FL-12) made the following statement on the Floor of the House of Representatives honoring the 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning:

“Today I pay tribute to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, coach John Tortorella, general manager Jay Feaster, owner Bill Davidson and the entire team on their victory in the Stanley Cup Finals. They all deserve credit for this remarkable achievement.

“The Stanley Cup is North America's oldest professional trophy, but this year's final belonged to the NHL's youngest generation. The Tampa Bay Lightning had won just one playoff series before this season and is the first of the eight franchises added since 1991 to win the Cup.

“The Tampa Bay Lightning entered the National Hockey League in 1992 and twelve years later, through hard work, class, a strong work ethic and determination, they are Stanley Cup Champions.

“Two years ago, few could have imagined the Lightning making the playoffs, much less winning the Cup. Before last season, Sports Illustrated rated Tampa Bay as the worst of the NHL's 30 teams.

“Defying the experts, the Lightning went on to win the Southeast division and accumulated the second most regular season points in the NHL. Now the Lightning has proved itself to be the best team in all of hockey.

“Many deserve credit for this remarkable achievement and for turning this team into world champions: Coach Jon Tortorella for his brilliant leadership and ensuring the team remained focused, motivated and prepared; owner Bill Davidson for having invested in the resources necessary to put a winner on the ice; Captain Dave Andreychuk who at the age of 40 had played the most games in the NHL without winning the Stanley Cup; Brad Richards, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs' most valuable player; Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin also known as the Bulin Wall, for his countless saves; Martin St. Louis for winning the Hart Trophy as the League's Most Valuable Player; and all the Tampa Bay Lightning players and personnel who worked tirelessly on and off the ice all year to make their dreams become a reality. Most importantly, I congratulate the fans who have given so much to this team. Through years of suffering, the Lightning fan’s determination and patience has finally paid off. This is a victory for the fans.

“I commend the champion Tampa Bay Lightning for a wonderful and magical run this year and for all their achievements this season. The people of Florida and the entire Tampa Bay region are proud of you. You have all demonstrated that hard work, perseverance and unity are the foundation of success.”

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