Nothing like playoff hockey.

There's really nothing like playoff hockey. It's an adrenaline rush just to be in the crowd. If you've got some time and energy, may I suggest a trip to Tampa on the east coast to see the Lightning and the Islanders play in this next round. 

If you fly to Tampa (TPA) you'll enjoy a whole entertainment district in the Amalie arena area. Make sure to allow a couple hours to enjoy the pregame festivities. Tampa definitely knows how to host a hockey party. 

I was last there in 2011 when the Lightning played the Bruins in the eastern final. We enjoyed pre-game concerts and games, plus were just dazzled in general by the major sports network tv sets ups.  Hockey is not just a Canadian game. They not only embrace it, but celebrate it in Tampa (and Anaheim too). 

Tickets to the game can be easily picked up on Stubhub.com. Tickets are delivered to you electronically and are guaranteed by Stubhub to be valid. In the two dozen or times I've used them I've never had a problem with their services. 

Make sure you get to the arena a few hours early. Especially for game 5 on Saturday, it will be an all-day event you'll never forget. 

Currently airline prices are about $600 (tax included). The best flights I found are with United and connecting through Chicago. Leaving May 2nd and returning on May 5th. That just takes in game 5. If you'd like to stay a few days see the beach or Busch Gardens, and hang around incase it goes to game 7, you'll need to stay until Mother's Day, May 8th. 

Delta also flies pretty conveniently on this route. To find the best flight times and prices, I suggest using an APP like 'On The Fly."