The Tampa Bay Lightning's home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes, set for October 12, has been postponed due to Hurricane Milton. This marks the second postponement caused by a hurricane, as Hurricane Helene previously affected a pre-season game against the Nashville Predators. Milton has wreaked havoc across Florida, causing significant destruction and leaving numerous residents without power. The NHL will announce a rescheduled game date once logistics are sorted out.

By the Numbers
  • Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm, resulting in 12 fatalities.
  • Over 3.4 million people in Florida are currently without power due to hurricane damage.
Yes, But

While the Lightning faced postponements, the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium suffered severe roof damage, highlighting the broader impact of Hurricane Milton on local sports teams.

State of Play
  • NHL is working on logistics for rescheduling the postponed home opener.
  • No details on ticket refunds or honors for the postponed game have been provided yet.
What's Next

As communities begin to recover from Hurricane Milton's devastation, fans and teams alike hope for a quick resolution and the announcement of a new game date. The focus will remain on safety and restoring normalcy for affected families.

Bottom Line

The impact of Hurricane Milton extends beyond sports, emphasizing the importance of community resilience and recovery efforts during challenging times.