TAMPA, Fla., June 9 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrated their Stanley Cup triumph with a parade Wednesday through downtown Tampa.
Captain Dave Andreychuk, one of the two most prolific scoring left wings in NHL history who became a checking forward and won his first career Stanley Cup during a 22-year career, was the last player in the motorcade.
He lifted the Cup as thousands of fans lining the streets erupted in cheers.
The Lightning won the first Stanley Cup in their 12-year history with a 2-1 victory over Calgary Monday night.
Just three years ago, Tampa Bay was last overall in the league.
"To do it in three years, to get where we're at today, who is kidding who?" said John Tortorella, who is the third American-born coach to win the Cup.
Brad Richards won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff Most Valuable Player for scoring 12 goals in the playoffs. He carried his trophy during the motorcade.
