Fri Oct 11 22:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Lightning Kick Off Season with Carolina Clash

**Raleigh, NC** – The Tampa Bay Lightning will start their 2024-25 NHL season with a highly anticipated clash against the Carolina Hurricanes this Friday at the Lenovo Center. The game, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on ESPN+/Hulu and on the radio at 102.5 MHz-FM and Lightning Radio 24/7.

Both teams enter the season with high expectations. The Hurricanes, who finished second in the Eastern Conference last year with 111 points, will be looking to build on their impressive performance. The Lightning, on the other hand, will be seeking to regain their championship form after a less-than-stellar 2023-24 season.

The opening game is the first of a three-game series between the teams, with the Lightning hosting the Hurricanes on Saturday, October 12th. The series wraps up on March 11th at the Lenovo Center.

The Lightning have a strong historical record against Carolina, boasting a 71-52-21 record in 144 games. While the Hurricanes have given up more goals to the Bolts than any other team except the Florida Panthers, Nikita Kucherov has proven to be a formidable force against them, scoring 7 points in two games last season. He leads active Lightning players in career points (35) against the ‘Canes, followed by Victor Hedman (30) and Brayden Point (28).

The Bolts finished the 2023-24 season series against the Hurricanes with a 2-1 record, giving them a slight edge heading into Friday’s matchup. The opening game promises to be an intense and exciting battle, setting the tone for what is sure to be an intriguing season for both teams.

The Lightning will then travel to Vancouver to face the Canucks on Tuesday, October 15th, before returning home to play the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, October 17th. Their road trip continues with a game against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, October 19th.

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