First all-Black forward starting line showcases Lightning, NHL's focus on diversity
Evan Axelbank reports
TAMPA, Fla. - The first faceoff Monday night between the Lightning and Panthers was also the first of its kind.
"An historic starting lineup," said Lightning play-by-play announcer Dave Randorf. "There's another look at Daniel Wolcott playing with Mathieu Joseph and Gemel Smith."
It was the first time a full line of forward players who are Black started an NHL game.
"Maybe it is a story today, but as the league gets more diverse, you hope it is not going to be a story anymore and it is just going to be the norm," said head coach Jon Cooper.