The Lightning still have four games before they play under the lights at Raymond James. Before traveling to Chicago to open a road back-to-back, they practiced across town at the TGH Ice Plex in Brandon, where a notable name was back on the ice.

The Tampa Bay Lightning returned to Benchmark International Arena for a quick one-game homestand on Tuesday night, as they hosted the San Jose Sharks in a battle of two surging teams.

In the race to win the Atlantic Division, the Detroit Red Wings are trying their best to give the Tampa Bay Lightning a run for their money.

After the Sharks pulled Askarov for an extra attacker, Hagel finished the scoring with an empty-netter. Kucherov helped set up the goal by using his skate to direct the puck from the neutral zone ahead to Hagel, who had only Guentzel with him in the offensive zone. They exchanged passes before Hagel finished the shot into the vacated net.

On Tuesday, the NHL was inside Raymond James Stadium to begin the rink installation for the 2026 Stadium Series. The installation will take part over the next week and include a removable tent that will shield the ice from the elements. The Stadium Series will pit the Lightning against the Boston Bruins on Sunday, Feb. 1.

The road has been wonderful to Jon Cooper’s team, which is 17-4-4 away from Tampa and has not lost in regulation since a 2-0 setback at Toronto on December 8.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are staying in Tampa for the long haul after Hillsborough County commissioners signed off on a new lease extension agreement.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Brandon Hagel scored two goals to reach 25 for the season and surpass Nikita Kucherov for the team lead as the Tampa Bay Lightning continued their surge with a 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night.

Lightning star defenseman Victor Hedman continues to recover following an elbow procedure -- and he could be back on the ice soon.

Raymond James Stadium is set to host the NHL Stadium Series against the Boston Bruins on Feb. 1, and the game could make history in more ways than one.

Hillsborough County approved a $250 million renovation plan for Benchmark International Arena on Wednesday, extending the Tampa Bay Lightning’s lease through 2043.