Divisional Clash Launches the 2025-26 Season
The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to kick off their 2025-26 NHL season with a highly anticipated matchup against the Ottawa Senators. This opening night event is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, at 7 p.m. ET at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Match Information
- Date: Thursday, October 9
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
- TV Coverage: The Spot – Tampa Bay 66
- Radio Coverage: 102.5 MHz-FM, Lightning Radio 24/7
- Streaming: Available at TampaBayLightning.com/Stream
Teams Overview
The Lightning will face the Senators for the first of three meetings this season. Historically, Tampa Bay holds a record of 52 wins, 57 losses, and 11 overtime losses against Ottawa, with a home record of 30-24-6. Their past season concluded with a split performance, where they went 2-2-0 against the Senators, scoring a total of 14 goals while allowing 11.
Key Player Stats
Last season, Nikita Kucherov led the Lightning with five points against Ottawa, tallying two goals and three assists over four games. He is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer against the Senators, totaling 53 points in 39 matches. Other noteworthy players include:
- Brandon Hagel: 4 points
- Ryan McDonagh: 4 points
- Brayden Point: 4 points
Defensively, Victor Hedman is also a major contributor, ranking fourth in franchise history with 41 points in 52 games against Ottawa.
Goaltending Analysis
Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy played all four games against the Senators last season, securing a record of 2-2-0. His statistics included an .893 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.81. In his NHL career against Ottawa, he holds a record of 12 wins and 8 losses with an .895 save percentage. Backup goalie Jonas Johansson has also faced the Senators, achieving a victory with an .857 save percentage.
Game Memorabilia
To celebrate this season’s opening night, fans can purchase a Limited Edition collector’s puck available online and in-store at Tampa Bay Sports, while supplies last.
Upcoming Matches
Following the game against Ottawa, the Lightning will continue their season with the following games:
- Saturday, October 11 vs. New Jersey Devils
- Monday, October 13 at Boston Bruins
- Tuesday, October 14 at Washington Capitals
Excitement builds as the Lightning prepare for a new season, aiming for a successful start against the Senators in this divisional clash opening the 2025-26 season.
