The air is getting cooler, the ice is being prepped, and the Tampa Bay Lightning are gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal season. The pre-season schedule is set, and while it’s a chance to see the new lines and get back into the rhythm of the game, for the Bolts, it’s more than just a warm-up. It’s a chance to start answering the two massive questions that are looming over this team like a Zamboni in the tunnel.
First and foremost, how do they stack up against the Florida Panthers? The Sunshine State rivalry has become one of the most electric in the league, but let’s be honest, the Panthers have had the upper hand. The Lightning will be looking to send a message early on that this year will be different. Secondly, can they maintain their blistering offensive pace? With their top scorers returning, the Bolts are poised to continue their high-octane attack, but can they keep up that record-setting pace? The pre-season will give us our first glimpse into the answers.
The Burning Questions Facing the Bolts
The Florida Factor
Let’s not beat around the bush: the road to the Stanley Cup in the East runs through Florida. The Panthers are the two-time defending champions, and they’ve had the Lightning’s number in the playoffs. While the regular season is a marathon, not a sprint, every single game against the Panthers will be a measuring stick. The Bolts need to prove, not just to the league, but to themselves, that they can hang with the big cats.
Offensive Firepower
Leading the league in goals is no small feat, but repeating that success is even harder. With Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel both hitting the 40-goal mark and Nikita Kucherov once again leading the league in scoring, the Lightning’s offense was a force to be reckoned with. But can they do it again? With the return of their top 11 scorers, plus the additions of Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde, the pieces are in place. The pre-season will be our first look at the chemistry of the new lines and whether they can continue to light the lamp at an incredible rate.
Tampa Bay Lightning 2025-26 Pre-Season Schedule
Here is the complete pre-season schedule for the Tampa Bay Lightning:
- Monday, September 22: Lightning at Carolina Hurricanes, 7:00 PM EST – Lenovo Center, Raleigh
- Tuesday, September 23: Lightning at Nashville Predators, 8:00 PM EST – Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
- Friday, September 26: Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 7:00 PM EST – Benchmark International Arena, Tampa
- Saturday, September 27: Lightning vs. Nashville Predators, 7:00 PM EST – Benchmark International Arena, Tampa
- Tuesday, September 30: Lightning vs. Florida Panthers, 7:00 PM EST – Kia Center, Orlando
- Thursday, October 2: Lightning vs. Florida Panthers, 7:00 PM EST – Benchmark International Arena, Tampa
- Saturday, October 4: Lightning at Florida Panthers, 7:00 PM EST – Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise
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The post Tampa Bay Lightning: 2 Big Questions and the 2025-26 Pre-Season Schedule appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
