Everything you need to know ahead of the Lightning’s matchup against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday:
When: Sunday, March 25 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Benchmark International Arena – Tampa, FL
TV Coverage: The Spot – Tampa Bay 66 (check local listings)
Radio coverage: 102.5 MHz-FM, Lightning Radio 24/7
Stream: TampaBayLightning.com/StreamNow
Lines from Sunday’s game (subject to change)
Forwards
Brandon Hagel – Anthony Cirelli – Nikita Kucherov
Gage Goncalves – Brayden Point- Jake Guentzel
Zemgus Girgensons – Yanni Gourde – Pontus Holmberg
Corey Perry – Nick Paul – Oliver Bjorkstrand
Defensemen
JJ Moser – Darren Raddysh
Ryan McDonagh – Erik Cernak
Charle-Edouard D’Astous – Emil Lilleberg
Goaltenders
Jonas Johansson
Andrei Vasilevskiy
After a demanding series of road games, the return home offers a valuable opportunity to regroup and capitalize on familiar surroundings. Teams often use homestands to gain momentum, and this opener against the Wild presents both a test and a chance to make a statement.
The Wild come into the matchup known for their disciplined defense and balanced offensive attack. Their ability to control the pace of play and create scoring opportunities makes them a formidable opponent. The home side will need to match that intensity, focusing on strong puck possession and capitalizing on key chances.
Special teams could play a decisive role in the contest. Power plays and penalty kills often shift momentum, and both teams will be looking to gain an edge in these critical moments. Goaltending will also be under the spotlight, as timely saves can turn the tide of a tightly contested game.
For the home team, fan support could prove to be a significant advantage. A packed arena and energetic crowd often provide the boost needed to elevate performance, especially in high-stakes matchups like this one.
As the homestand begins, consistency and execution will be key. A strong start not only builds confidence but also lays the foundation for success in the games ahead. Facing the Wild is no easy task, but it’s the kind of challenge that can define a team’s season
Tuesday’s Matchup
The Tampa Bay Lightning will put a bow on their 2025-26 season series against the Minnesota Wild when the latter visits Benchmark International Arena on Tuesday…The Wild took the first game of the season series by a 5-1 score, a game that saw Nikita Kucherov score the lone Lightning goal…Tampa Bay is 13-20-4 all-time against Minnesota, a record that includes a 10-6-2 pace on home ice…Kucherov is the franchise’s career scoring leader versus the Wild, scoring 10-10—20 in 20 career games against the team…Steven Stamkos ranks second with 6-9—15 in 23 games, while Victor Hedman is the next active Bolt with 4-8—12 in 24 games…Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is 6-7-2 over his NHL career against Minnesota along with a .909 save percentage, 2.60 goals against average and one shutout….Lightning goalie Jonas Johansson is looking for his first start against the Wild over his NHL career.
The Road Ahead
Thursday, March 26 vs. Seattle Kraken
Saturday, March 28 vs. Ottawa Senators
Sunday, March 29 vs. Nashville Predators
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