Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Violence widens ahead of Greek austerity vote

Tampa Tribune apologizes for big mistake

Newspaper accidentally ran story that Lightning lost

TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Tribune apologized to its readers and the Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday after mistakenly running an editorial saying the hockey team had lost Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals.

Publisher Gil Thelen said it was unclear how the mistake was made Monday night as the newspaper rushed to press following the Lightning’s 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames in Game 7.

The Tribune had prepared two editorials — one for a win and one for a loss. But despite placing the correct editorial in its computerized page-making system, the one prepared for a loss appeared in the newspaper’s 275,000 copies.

Thelen and Tribune Editor Frank Denton said the newspaper was investigating the error to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Editorial Page Editor Rosemary Goudreau issued a statement on the newspaper’s affiliated Web site, TBO.com, telling readers “We took a puck in the gut this morning.”

The incorrect editorial that appeared in the paper opened, “The Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t win the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup last night. But the team had a championship season nevertheless.”

The correct editorial, which didn’t get in the paper, lauded the Lightning and credited the team for generating pride and excitement in the community.

A similar mistake happened to the New York Post last October when early editions of the paper carried an editorial bemoaning the Yankees’ loss to the Boston Red Sox in the American League playoffs. But the Yankees had staged a late rally to tie Game 7 and then won in extra innings.

© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

advertisement
More news
Washington Capitals v New York Rangers
NHLI via Getty Images
Rangers extend lead in East

Ryan Callahan scored for the fifth time in four days and defenseman Ryan McDonagh snapped a second-period tie to lift the New York Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday.

Washington Capitals v New York Rangers
NBC Sports
Highlights: Capitals - Rangers

    Check out highlights from the Rangers 3-2 win over the Capitals.

Video: NHL from NBC Sports
Washington Capitals v New York Rangers
NHLI via Getty Images
Highlights: Capitals - Rangers
Check out highlights from the Rangers 3-2 win over the Capitals.

Slideshow
Image: Chicago Blackhawks Marian Hossa of Team Chara celebrates his goal with New York Rangers Marion Gaborik during the NHL All-Star hockey game in Ottawa
  NHL All-Stars
Take a look at the players who competed in Team Chara's 12-9 victory over Team Alfredsson.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Stanley Cup Finals - Pittsburgh Penguins v Detroit Red Wings - Game Seven
  Sid the Kid
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has gone from phenom to Stanley Cup champion.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Washington Capitals Ovechkin celebrates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens during Game 5 in Washington
  Alexander the Great
Take a look at Capitals star and two-time MVP Alexander Ovechkin

more photos

Slideshow
Pamela Anderson
  Celebrity fans
Some of Hollywood's hottest celebrities take in NHL games.
Slideshow
Colorado Avalanche v Anaheim Ducks
  Icy Hot
Check out the ice girls from around the National Hockey League.

more photos