Lightning Kick Off Season Against Senators at Home on Thursday

TAMPA, FL – The Tampa Bay Lightning will open their 2025-26 NHL regular season on Thursday, October 9, against the Ottawa Senators. The game is set for 7 p.m. ET at Benchmark International Arena.

This matchup is significant for both teams, as Tampa Bay has a historical record of 52-57-11 against Ottawa, including a home record of 30-24-6. It’s the first of three games between these Atlantic Division rivals this season, with the next two scheduled for March 28 at home and April 8 at the Canadian Tire Centre.

Last season, the Lightning had a split record of 2-2-0 against the Senators, outscoring them 14-11. Nikita Kucherov was the standout player for Tampa Bay, boasting 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) against Ottawa, making him the franchise’s all-time leading scorer against them.

Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy faced Ottawa in all four games last season, earning a 2-2-0 record with an .893 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.81. He has a career record of 12-8-0 against the Senators. Jonas Johansson will also be available as a backup.

The Lightning have also made efforts to increase accessibility for fans to watch the games this season. In collaboration with Scripps Sports, they are expanding broadcast options across the Bay Area, including digital streaming via the Tampa Bay Lightning app.

Fans attending the season opener can expect various festivities, including a Blue Carpet Walk featuring current and past players prior to the game. There will be food and drink specials throughout Ford Thunder Alley, along with various entertainment options in the Kids Zone.

As the team gears up for the new season, all eyes will be on the ice as they look to build on their successes from last year.