The Tampa Bay Lightning staged a historic comeback from a four-goal deficit to defeat the Boston Bruins 6-5 in a shootout at the 2026 NHL Stadium Series, setting a record for the largest comeback in outdoor game history and featuring the first goalie fight in such an event.
In a thrilling display of outdoor hockey, the Tampa Bay Lightning hosted their first NHL Stadium Series game at Raymond James Stadium on a cold February night, with temperatures dipping into the high 30s Fahrenheit. Over 64,600 fans braved the uncharacteristic chill for Florida, witnessing a game that would become instant folklore in NHL history, highlighting the unique challenges and excitement of bringing hockey to a southern locale.
The action started explosively with Lightning forward Brandon Hagel scoring just 11 seconds into the game, the fastest goal ever in an outdoor NHL contest. However, the Boston Bruins quickly seized control, netting five consecutive goals to establish a commanding 5-1 lead by the second period, with Morgan Geekie contributing two goals and an assist, while Charlie McAvoy added two assists to fuel the Bruins’ dominance early on.
The momentum shifted dramatically after a second-period scrum that escalated into a historic goalie fight between Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy and Boston’s Jeremy Swayman, the first such altercation in an outdoor game. Energized by the clash, the Lightning mounted a furious rally, scoring four unanswered goals. Oliver Bjorkstrand, Darren Raddysh, Nick Paul, and Nikita Kucherov found the net, with two goals coming in a 23-second span during a 5-on-3 power play, tying the game at 5-5 and stunning the Bruins with their resilience.
Kucherov was instrumental in the comeback, finishing with a goal and three assists, while Vasilevskiy made 29 saves and remained unbeaten in regulation over his last 15 starts. The game proceeded to a shootout, where Jake Guentzel scored the decisive goal, securing a 6-5 victory for Tampa Bay and capping the largest comeback ever in an NHL outdoor game, a feat that players described as unforgettable and a testament to team spirit.
This Stadium Series marked the southernmost location in the event’s history since its inception in 2014, bringing outdoor hockey to Florida for the first time. The NHL managed the ice conditions with heaters to combat the mild but chilly weather, creating a unique atmosphere that blended hockey tradition with Sunshine State flair, and the pregame festivities included themed outfits and a pirate-themed field design to honor Tampa’s Buccaneers heritage.
The loss extended the Bruins’ point streak to six games but left them ruing a missed opportunity, as coach Marco Sturm cited a loss of composure and David Pastrnak expressed frustration over a nullified overtime goal. For the Lightning, the win was their third straight and 17th in 19 games, solidifying their position atop the Atlantic Division and showcasing their resilience under pressure, with coach Jon Cooper praising the team’s ability to adapt and thrive in adverse conditions.
Overall, the 2026 Stadium Series delivered a memorable spectacle, combining record-breaking performances, dramatic turns, and iconic moments that highlighted the appeal of outdoor hockey. Players and fans alike celebrated an unforgettable night that will be cherished in NHL lore, setting a high bar for future outdoor contests and underscoring the league’s ability to innovate and entertain on a grand stage.
