The Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins are set to clash in the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Sunday. Both Atlantic Division rivals are riding hot streaks, with crucial points on the line in a tight race. The outdoor game promises excitement amid cool Florida weather and player anticipation.
Tampa Bay (34-14-4) enters the game first in the Atlantic Division after a 16-1-1 run in their past 18 contests, holding the league's second-best record behind the Colorado Avalanche (36-8-9). Boston (32-20-3), five points back, has gone 10-1-1 over their last 12 games. The matchup, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET and broadcast on ESPN, SN and TVAS, underscores the division's competitiveness, where every two points matter.
Lightning forward Brandon Hagel emphasized the focus once play begins: "But once the game starts, these are big points. In our conference, it's super tight." Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman echoed the stakes: "That's the biggest goal is leaving here with two points. And playing a really high-quality game." The teams practiced Saturday inside a covered structure protecting the ice, with the tent set for early removal. Cool temperatures in the 30s, unusual for Tampa, are aiding preparations, as noted by Lightning coach Jon Cooper: "This game is meant to be played in the cold weather."
Boston forward Tanner Jeannot, facing his former team after stints with Tampa Bay from 2022-24, brings added intrigue. Traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 2024 and signing with the Bruins as a free agent on July 1, Jeannot scored the opening goal in a 2022 outdoor loss to the Lightning while with Nashville. This season, he has 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 51 games, leading Boston with 159 hits. "Every point is super important in our division right now," Jeannot said.
The Bruins boast a 4-1-0 outdoor record, while the Lightning are 1-0-0, winning 3-2 against Nashville in 2022. However, Boston forwards Elias Lindholm and Pavel Zacha are expected to miss the game with upper-body injuries but are day to day and unaffected for the upcoming Olympics starting Feb. 11. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy looks forward to the atmosphere: "I'm looking forward to taking a second tomorrow to take it all in."
The Lightning's next games before the Olympic break are against division foes Boston, Buffalo and Florida, heightening the Sunday showdown's importance.
