History on Ice: Lightning and Bruins Set to Clash Outdoors in Tampa Bay
There’s something special brewing in Tampa Bay this weekend-and it’s not just the Gasparilla festivities. The Lightning are about to make NHL history, hosting the Boston Bruins in the league’s first-ever outdoor Stadium Series game at Raymond James Stadium. It’s a matchup that blends spectacle with stakes, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most memorable nights of the season.
This isn’t just a novelty event under the stars-it’s a critical Atlantic Division showdown between two teams that have been red-hot over the past two months. The Bruins roll into Tampa with a 32-20-3 record, having won 12 of their last 15 games. That surge has them clinging to the second wild card spot in the East, and they’re not looking to give it up anytime soon.
The Lightning, meanwhile, have been on an absolute tear. Winners of 16 of their last 18, they sit atop the Atlantic Division at 34-14-4.
With just over two months left in the regular season, every point matters-and this one carries more than just playoff implications. It’s a chance for Tampa Bay to defend home ice in front of a massive crowd, under the open sky, and during one of the city’s biggest weekends of the year.
Key Matchups: Stars on Both Sides
To keep the Bruins from crashing the party, the Lightning will need to lock in defensively-starting with Boston’s top offensive threats. David Pastrnak continues to be a force on the wing.
The 29-year-old has played in all 50 of Boston’s games this season, racking up 69 points on 20 goals and 47 assists. He’s been especially sharp lately, tallying nine points in his last five games, including seven assists and two goals.
Down the middle, Morgan Geekie has been equally dangerous. The 27-year-old center has posted 30 goals and 20 assists in 54 games, and he’s heating up at just the right time.
Geekie has seven points in his last five outings-four goals and three assists-including a two-goal performance against Montreal on January 24. And yes, there’s a family subplot here: Morgan’s younger brother, Conor Geekie, is a center for the Lightning.
That sibling rivalry adds a little extra spice to an already fiery matchup.
Kucherov’s MVP-Caliber Run
For Tampa Bay, the offense continues to run through captain Nikita Kucherov, who’s been nothing short of electric. In the Lightning’s last five games, Kucherov has piled up 12 points-three goals and nine assists.
On the season, he’s sitting at 27 goals, 55 assists, and a league-leading 82 points through 48 games. His plus-27 rating tells you everything about the kind of two-way impact he’s having.
If the Lightning are going to shine on this historic night, Kucherov will need to be front and center again. He’s been the engine of this offense all year, and under the bright lights of Raymond James, expect him to be in the thick of it.
Blue Line Boost: Hedman Returns
Tampa Bay is also getting a major piece back on the blue line. Victor Hedman is set to return from injury after missing several weeks.
Before going down, the veteran defenseman had 12 assists in 18 games-and his return couldn’t come at a better time. His ability to stabilize the back end and spark transition play will be crucial against a Bruins team that can turn defense into offense in a flash.
Round Two
This will be the second meeting of the season between these two squads. The Lightning edged out the Bruins 4-3 back on October 13, and while that game was indoors and early in the year, it set the tone for what’s become a tight divisional race.
Now, the stakes are higher. The setting is bigger. And the moment is historic.
Puck drops at 6:30 PM on Sunday night. The weather may be mild, but the intensity on the ice? Expect it to be anything but.