League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Lightning open 2026-27 season against Rangers on October 1

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 3, 2026, 12:45 AM

Last updated Aug 3, 2026

Lightning open 2026-27 season against Rangers on October 1

Summary

The Tampa Bay Lightning will kick off their 2026-27 season at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers on October 1. They then host the Washington Capitals for their home opener on October 3 at Benchmark International Arena. The team faces a challenging schedule, starting with an Atlantic Division matchup versus the Detroit Red Wings on November 3. December features 15 games, the most in any month for the Lightning, including a playoff rematch with the Montreal Canadiens. The NHL All-Star Weekend is scheduled for February 5-6, with an eight-day midseason break from February 4-11.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Lightning host Capitals on October 3 after season opener against Rangers.
•December includes a season-high 15 games, seven against division rivals.
•Team faces 13 sets of back-to-back games, tied for third-most in the NHL.
•Lightning's midseason break shorter this year, only eight days.
•Single-game tickets for the season go on sale August 14.

Latest Updates

12:45 AMYahoo Sports — Lightning 2026-27 Schedule Breakdown: Key Dates, Homestands and Challenges

What they're saying

"
The road to the 2027 Stanley Cup will begin at Madison Square Garden for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who will open the 2026-27 regular season against the New York Rangers on October 1. They’ll return to Tampa for their home opener against the Washington Capitals on October 3 at Benchmark International Arena.
— Yahoo Sports

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