Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Dorofeyev both scored early Thursday night to set the tone as the New York Rangers downed the Tampa Bay Lightning, 5-1. The Lightning failed to build momentum at Madison Square Garden as they struggled to find a rhythm.

The Tampa Bay Lightning open the regular season tonight on a mission: to overcome past mistakes and build on their experiences. Considered one of the favorites to win a competitive Atlantic Division, the Bolts know time is precious. As the team opens with a visit to New York to face the Rangers, hope and excitement certainly wear Tampa Bay blue and white.

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced the club’s season-opening roster for the 2026-27 NHL season today. Tampa Bay’s roster includes 15 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goaltenders. Bolts Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois also announced that forward Benjamin Rautiainen has been loaned to Tappara of the Finnish Liiga.

Ilya Mikheyev scored early, and Conor Geekie added the game-winning goal as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Nashville Predators, 2-1, Sunday night in a preseason matchup at Benchmark International Arena. The game wrapped up a fast-paced opening weekend of training camp for the Bolts and featured a mix of team veterans and prospects looking to fill out the final roster.

After six hours of speculation, deals, and trades, the night looked to be over for the Tampa Bay Lightning on the first day of free agency on Wednesday. Then, literally at the twelfth hour, as the clock neared midnight and many fans had gone to bed, the Bolts secured one last move: Signing veteran defenseman John Carlson to a two-year, $17 million deal. A deal that can be the difference as the team looks for a deep playoff run next season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning had an active first day of free agency as the 2026-27 season got underway on Wednesday, right up until the clock struck midnight. The Bolts signed two forwards, one huge late-night signing in defenseman John Carlson, and a new backup goalie.