The Boston Bruins will play the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2026 NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium. This marks the Bruins' sixth outdoor game, showcasing their strong history in such events. The matchup is part of a month-long celebration of hockey in Florida, highlighting the sport's growth in the region.
The Boston Bruins are gearing up for an exciting outdoor matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning as part of the 2026 NHL Stadium Series. Scheduled for February 1, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, this game marks the Bruins' sixth outdoor appearance. Known for their strong performance in outdoor games, the Bruins hold a 4-1 record in such events. This upcoming match promises to be a thrilling addition to the NHL's marquee events, celebrated by both teams and their fans.
The Boston Bruins have a rich history of participating in outdoor NHL games, having played in five previous matchups with a record of 4-1. Their outdoor journey began with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against the Philadelphia Flyers at Fenway Park in 2010. Since then, the Bruins have faced off against top teams in various iconic venues, including Notre Dame Stadium and Lake Tahoe. Their most recent outdoor appearance was a 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2023 Winter Classic at Fenway Park. Bruins President Cam Neely expressed pride in the team's selection for the 2026 Stadium Series, highlighting the significance of showcasing hockey on a grand scale [1] [3].
For the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 2026 Stadium Series will mark their first-ever outdoor game. The event is part of a broader celebration of hockey in Florida, which includes the 2026 Winter Classic hosted by the Florida Panthers. Tampa Bay's CEO Steve Griggs expressed excitement about the event, calling it a long-awaited dream for the community. The Lightning have been instrumental in the growth of hockey in Florida, with significant increases in youth participation and community engagement. The Stadium Series game against the Bruins will be a highlight of this ongoing development, showcasing the sport's popularity in the Sunshine State [5].
The Bruins and Lightning have a storied rivalry, having faced each other in numerous regular-season and playoff games. In their 118 regular-season encounters, the Bruins have maintained a dominant record of 72-32-9-5. The teams have also clashed in three playoff series, with Tampa Bay winning the last two. This upcoming outdoor game adds a new chapter to their rivalry, offering fans an exciting spectacle. Key players such as Bruins' Brad Marchand and Lightning's Victor Hedman have historically performed well in these matchups, adding to the anticipation for the Stadium Series game [1] [5].
The 2026 NHL Stadium Series game between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning is set to be a landmark event, celebrating the growth of hockey in Florida and the rich outdoor game tradition of the Bruins. With both teams eager to showcase their talents on such a grand stage, fans can expect an exhilarating matchup. As the date approaches, excitement continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable experience at Raymond James Stadium.
"The Bruins organization takes pride in being selected to participate in one of the National Hockey League’s marquee events." - Cam Neely
"We couldn’t be more excited for this landmark event to finally arrive for Bolts Nation and the Tampa Bay community." - Steve Griggs
"Hosting an NHL Stadium Series game at Raymond James Stadium has been our ‘white whale’ as a community for the last decade." - Rob Higgins