On February 1, 2026, the Lightning will take center stage at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Buccaneers, as they host the NHL’s Stadium Series [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-to-host-2026-nhl-stadium-series-vs-bruins]against division rival Boston Bruins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins]. The event will be a rare opportunity to showcase outdoor hockey in Florida, with all eyes on Tampa Bay. With the Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers] clinching their second consecutive championship back in June, you could say the Stanley Cup officially runs through the state of Florida. Over the past six seasons, the state’s two hockey teams have combined for four Cup wins, two of them coming from Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021. Adding to the growth of hockey in Florida, the state will host not one, but two outdoor NHL games next season. [https://www.nhl.com/panthers/info/winterclassic] Last week, the NHL released the schedule for the 2025–26 season. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/nhl-2025-26-schedule-release-lightning-key-dates]The first showdown between the Lightning and Panthers is set for November 15, roughly five weeks into the season, giving both teams time to settle in before reigniting one of the league’s fiercest rivalries. On Saturday, December 27, the Lightning will make their second trip of the season down to Sunrise. It’s safe to say there’s no love lost between these two teams. After the way things ended in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last spring, the Lightning will be on the hunt for redemption. But the action won’t be limited to the ice. Florida sports fans will get a true doubleheader that weekend, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers [https://www.buccaneers.com/schedule/] head south to take on the Miami Dolphins Sunday, December 28. Similar to the Lightning, the Buccaneers are looking to take their season to the next level. They won the NFC South last year, but their playoff run was short-lived, ultimately falling to the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card Round by just three points. Photo Credit: © Kim Klement-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/b682e125-8ad1-4f1d-9b58-ac97fc6db3ba.jpeg] Photo Credit: © Kim Klement-Imagn Images It wasn’t long ago that both Tampa Bay teams dominated the sports world. In 2021, the city embraced the nickname “Champa Bay,” becoming a true championship hub. The Bucs lifted the Lombardi Trophy, the Lightning secured their second straight Stanley Cup, and both teams celebrated with their signature boat parades. Who could forget? Now, as the 2025–26 season nears, the Lightning and Buccaneers both find themselves chasing that familiar spark, hungry to reclaim their place at the top. The road back to contention is rarely smooth, but the foundation is there for both teams heading into the new season. Photo Credit: © Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
