The Bruins have had success in outdoor games, going 4-1-0. The Lightning won their only previous outdoor game, 3-2 against the Nashville Predators in the 2022 Stadium Series at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
“I think just enjoy it,” said Bruins forward Sean Kuraly, who will be playing in his fourth outdoor game. “I’ve been lucky to have some success as team (in the games) and I think it’s always better when you win, so focusing on the game is … It’s not another game, but once the puck drops, you know what to do. We do this every other day, so [it’s] kind of old habit by then.”
The Lightning’s next three games leading into the break for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are against division opponents — the Bruins, Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers — and they know what’s at stake Sunday. And though the rink has been covered by a large, air-conditioned structure to ensure the ice is ready for the game and was in place when the teams practiced on Saturday, they did step onto the field to get a glimpse of what Sunday will be like.
“These are the fun ones to play and it is huge for us to get going early, get ready for the puck drop,” Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli said. “Just warmups, get out there and get a feel for what is going on. I think with the tent today, it was a little different, a unique experience, but I think it will make it more cool. Walking down that alleyway to get to the rink in front of the fans, get a nice warmup in and be good to go.”
The weather also should be typical of an outdoor game, although not typical of Tampa, with the temperatures possibly dipping into the 30s.
