Bruins Take Center Ice in Tampa for Stadium Series Showdown
It’s not every day you see hockey played under palm trees, but that’s exactly what’s happening as the Boston Bruins hit the ice outdoors in Tampa, Florida, for their seventh outdoor game in franchise history. This time, it’s part of the 2026 NHL Stadium Series, with the Bruins squaring off against the Lightning at Raymond James Stadium - better known as the home of the Bucs, but today, it’s all about the blades, not the pigskin.
Boston enters the game with a strong 4-1-0 record in outdoor matchups, their most recent win coming against the Penguins back in January 2023. And while the setting may be unconventional, the stakes are real.
The Bruins are riding high after a dominant January that saw them go 11-2-1 overall and a perfect 9-0-0 at home. That’s a massive turnaround from the six-game skid they stumbled through to close out 2025.
Their resurgence has been fueled by a few key factors: the power play has found its rhythm, the offense is clicking, and a 21-year-old forward is starting to look like the real deal. It’s the kind of internal growth that contenders need to sustain success deep into the season.
Raymond James Practice & Lohrei’s Stadium Series Thoughts
The Bruins got a feel for the outdoor setup with a Saturday skate under the tent at Raymond James. After practice, defenseman Mason Lohrei caught up with Bruins multimedia producer Belle Fraser to talk about the atmosphere, the significance of the game, and - in a fun twist - who he thinks would be the Bruins’ QB1 if the team ever traded sticks for helmets.
Lohrei also teased what he called an “all-time great” walk-in outfit for the big game. If there’s one thing hockey players love nearly as much as playoff beards, it’s making a statement with their pregame fits.
Poitras in the Spotlight?
One storyline worth watching: the role of prospect Matthew Poitras. With injuries thinning out Boston’s center depth, Poitras is expected to center the third line.
That’s a big opportunity - not just for the team to evaluate his NHL readiness, but possibly for other teams to get a look as well. Elliotte Friedman noted on The FAN Hockey Show that there may be some tension between the two sides, though he stopped short of calling this a showcase.
Still, it’s a situation to keep an eye on as the trade deadline creeps closer.
Prospect Watch: Bruins’ Future Shows Up in Battle of Comm. Ave
Speaking of young talent, Bruins fans had plenty to smile about in the latest edition of the Battle of Comm. Ave.
No. 13 Boston College rolled into Agganis Arena and knocked off Boston University 4-1 on Friday night.
It was the 299th meeting between the two programs, and Bruins prospects made their presence felt in a big way.
Andre Gasseau, James Hagens, and Dean Letourneau all posted multi-point nights (1 goal, 1 assist each), giving the Bruins front office even more reason to be excited about the pipeline. These are the kind of performances that don’t just light up the box score - they tell you a player is rising to the occasion in big moments.
Around the NHL: Trade Rumors, Returns & Milestones
Elsewhere around the league, there’s plenty of movement - and emotion - heading into February.
In St. Louis, Robert Thomas is set to miss time through the Olympic break after undergoing a minor leg procedure.
He’s been the Blues’ top scorer this season and has recently been the subject of trade speculation. With three years into an eight-year deal, Thomas remains a key piece of the Blues’ core, but this injury could impact any potential talks.
In Ottawa, a familiar face returned to action. Former Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark suited up for the Senators for the first time since December and made an immediate impact.
He turned aside 26 shots in a 4-1 win, earning MVP praise from Brady Tkachuk, who had a three-point night. Ullmark even got a tribute video from the Sens - a classy move for a goalie who clearly still has some gas in the tank.
In New Jersey, the Devils continue to reshape their roster. After dealing Ondrej Palat to the Islanders, GM Tom Fitzgerald is reportedly eyeing a top-six forward to bolster the lineup. The Devils’ front office is actively evaluating their assets, categorizing players into different trade-value tiers as they look to stay competitive in a tight Eastern Conference race.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, emotions ran high as the Penguins honored the 10-year anniversary of their 2016 Stanley Cup team. Sidney Crosby fought back tears during the pregame ceremony - a reminder of just how special that run was.
The Penguins then went out and edged the Rangers 6-5 in a wild one, continuing their post-holiday surge (13-2-2 since the break). It’s been a renaissance stretch for a team that looked like it might be fading earlier this season.
College Hockey Takes the Spotlight in Beaver Stadium
And finally, college hockey had its own outdoor showcase this weekend. No.
5 Penn State hosted No. 2 Michigan State at Beaver Stadium - home of the Nittany Lions football team - in a game that delivered on the hype.
Michigan State came out on top in overtime, 5-4, with Charlie Stramel netting the game-winner. It was a high-octane clash between two of the top programs in the country, and the kind of spectacle that reminds us how strong the college game is right now.
Final Thoughts
So while the Patriots are still a week away from their Super Bowl moment, Boston sports fans have plenty to cheer for in the meantime. The Bruins are skating under the Florida sky, their young talent is making waves at both the NHL and NCAA levels, and the team is finding its groove at just the right time. Whether it’s at Raymond James or Agganis Arena, the Black and Gold are giving fans a reason to believe again.