Tampa Bay Lightning Open Season at Carolina

The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to open their 2024-'25 NHL season tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, North Carolina, amid the aftermath of Hurricane Milton in Tampa Bay. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper emphasized the team's commitment to community support during this difficult time, recognizing the significant changes the area has faced. Both teams are aware of the broader context of their matchup, with Hurricanes players also affected by the recent hurricanes. The game was initially part of a home-and-home series, but the Saturday matchup in Tampa has been postponed due to the ongoing storm preparations. Last season, Carolina finished with a strong 52-23-7 record, while Tampa Bay ended with a 45-29-8 record. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM at the Lenovo Center.