Lightning activity surged to an eight-year high by the end of 2025, with new regional hot spots emerging as the new “lightning capitals.”

Bettman explained how the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins in the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1 (6:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS), showing an animated video of the League constructing an air-conditioned tent on the field to make the ice and removing the tent before the game.

The Great Plains, including parts of Texas, has become an epicenter for severe storm activity, according to a new report. Environmental insight firm AEM just released its annual lightning report, which uses detection technology that recorded nearly 430 million lightning pulses within 88.

Florida has long been regarded as the lightning capital of the United States — but it may have competition. A new report by environmental consulting firm AEM found that Oklahoma was the nation’s lightning hot spot last year, with approximately 73 flashes per square mile, while Florida was bumped down to second place.

The Tampa Bay Lightning continue their road trip with their first matchup of the season against the New York Rangers at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. San Jose Sharks NHL game from January 3, 2026 on ESPN.

A woman living abroad in Australia surprised her best friend in the best way at the Tampa Bay Lightning's home game two weeks ago.

Welcome to the Stanley Cup Playoffs Buzz, a daily in-depth look at the 2021 NHL postseason. There is one playoff game scheduled for Thursday and there was one Wednesday.