TORONTO — The Lightning arrived in Toronto in the middle of the night.
The circus had to wait, and this particular three-ring show was all about a solo act — Steven Stamkos.
The Lightning and their captain swept into town on a quiet note after Tampa Bay played in Columbus on Monday night, a 2-1 victory. They took their option and chose not to hold a morning skate at the Air Canada Centre, instead remaining back at the team hotel to get ready for Tuesday’s game against Toronto.
They wound up avoiding the horde of media members anxiously awaiting Stamkos’ arrival, instead delaying that madness until after the game.