The two teams met just three times during the first 17 years of Tampa Bay 's franchise existence .
The two teams have since paired up 15 more times in 21 years , or 19 times if one includes the postseason get - togethers of 1999 and 2005 .
The two teams met just three times during the first 17 years of Tampa Bay 's franchise existence , but have since paired up 15 more times in 21 years , or 19 times if one includes the postseason get - togethers of 1999 and 2005 .