If you’re scrambling to figure out what time is lightning game tonight, you’ve probably noticed the schedule looks a bit different than your typical Tuesday night puck drop. We’re deep into the 2025-26 NHL season, and the Tampa Bay Lightning are currently holding onto the top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 29-13-4 record.
But tonight isn't a home game. They aren't at the newly renamed Benchmark International Arena (formerly Amalie Arena). Instead, they’re in the heart of Texas.
What time is lightning game tonight?
The puck drops at 2:00 PM ET today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Since the game is being played at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, that’s a 1:00 PM local start for the fans in the building. It’s a classic Sunday matinee. If you were planning on waiting until 7:00 PM to flip on the TV, you’d be looking at post-game highlights rather than live action.
Honestly, these afternoon games are always a bit of a gamble for the players’ routines. Goalies like Andrei Vasilevskiy usually have a very specific nap-and-meal schedule, and a 2:00 PM start throws all of that out the window.
Broadcast and streaming details
You aren't going to find this one on the usual local channels in the same way you might expect.
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- National TV: NHL Network
- Local (Dallas): Victory+
- Streaming: Fubo (if you have the NHL Network add-on) or ESPN+ for out-of-market viewers
If you’re in Tampa, the "The Spot" (the local broadcast home) should carry the feed, but because it’s a national broadcast on NHL Network, blackout rules can sometimes get wonky depending on your provider. Basically, check your guide now so you aren't clicking through channels at 2:05 PM while Nikita Kucherov is already threading a pass through three defenders.
Why this matchup against Dallas matters
This isn't just another game on the calendar. We are talking about two of the best teams in hockey right now. The Dallas Stars are sitting at 27-12-9, which puts them right at the top of the Western Conference.
It’s a potential Stanley Cup Final preview. Seriously.
Tampa Bay is coming off a tough 3-2 loss to the Blues on Friday. They’ve been on a tear lately, going 9-0-1 in their last ten games before that slip-up. Dallas, on the other hand, is a bit of a weird team this year. They have 13 overtime losses. They’re great at getting points, but they struggle to close games out in the extra frame.
Players to watch
Nikita Kucherov is playing like a man possessed. He’s sitting on 69 points through 42 games. That is a 1.5-points-per-game pace. If he keeps this up, we’re looking at another Hart Trophy conversation.
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On the Dallas side, Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen (who joined the Stars in a massive move) are the primary threats. Rantanen has 63 points and is shooting 17%. You cannot give him space in the circle.
Then there is the battle in the crease. Vasilevskiy vs. Jake Oettinger. "The Big Cat" has a .915 save percentage right now, which is 6th best in the league. Oettinger is no slouch either, with 17 wins on the season. In a matinee game, whichever goalie wakes up faster usually decides the outcome.
Tactical breakdown: Special teams and power plays
If you look at the stats, Tampa Bay's power play has been lethal over the last month. During their recent 10-game stretch, they’ve converted at a 32.3% clip. That’s essentially scoring once every three tries.
Dallas has one of the best penalty kills in the league, but they’ve also been known to take "lazy" penalties when they get tired in the second period.
- Tampa Bay PP: 20.41% (Season Avg)
- Dallas PK: 79.74% (Season Avg)
Interestingly, the Lightning have been much better defensively than people give them credit for. They are 2nd in the league in goals allowed. That’s a huge shift from a few years ago when they were just out-scoring their problems. Now, they actually defend.
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Looking ahead at the schedule
After the final whistle in Dallas, the Lightning have a quick turnaround. They head back home to Tampa to face the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, January 20th.
If you are planning to go to a home game soon, keep in mind the Benchmark International Arena schedule is packed. They have a massive Stadium Series game coming up on February 1st at Raymond James Stadium against the Boston Bruins. That’s going to be the ticket of the year.
For now, focus on today. Set an alarm for 1:55 PM ET.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check your NHL Network access or log into your Fubo/ESPN+ account to ensure your subscription is active.
- If you're betting, the line is currently tight with the Stars at -111 and the Lightning at -108. The over/under is set at 5.5 goals.
- Follow the live boxscore on the NHL app if you're stuck at a family Sunday dinner and can't watch the screen.