The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to take the ice tonight for an exciting NHL hockey game. As a Lightning fan, you likely want to watch the game but may not know the best way to tune in. There are several different options to catch all the action, depending on whether you want to watch at home, at a bar, or on the go. This guide will provide an overview of the various ways to watch the Lightning game tonight so you don’t miss a minute of the action.
Watching at Home
One of the most popular ways to watch Lightning games is from the comfort of your own home. Here are some of the main options for catching the game at home tonight:
Television
The Lightning game will be televised locally on Sun Sports channel. So if you have a cable or satellite package that includes Sun Sports, just turn your TV to that channel before puck drop to watch the game. The coverage will likely include pre-game and post-game shows as well.
Live Streaming
If you don’t have access to Sun Sports through your TV provider, there are also live streaming options to watch online:
- NHL TV – This paid streaming service carries all out-of-market NHL games. So you can stream the Lightning game as long as you are not in the Tampa area.
- ESPN+ – This paid streaming platform will also provide a live stream of the Lightning game tonight to subscribers.
- Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV – These live TV streaming services include Sun Sports in certain packages, allowing you to stream the Lightning game.
Be sure to check the package details to confirm Sun Sports is included before purchasing any of these streaming subscriptions.
Listen on Radio
If you can’t watch the game on TV or streaming, you can always listen live on the radio:
- Lightning Power Play Station (970 AM) – This is the flagship station for Lightning radio broadcasts.
- SiriusXM NHL Network – Available on satellite radio to listen to the Lightning feed.
So turn on your radio to one of these stations to follow along with all the play-by-play action.
Watching at a Bar
Heading out to watch the Lightning game at a local sports bar or restaurant is always a fun option. Here are some things to know if you want to catch the game at a bar tonight:
- Call ahead to make sure they are showing the game. Many bars will advertise Lightning watch parties or have the game on most TVs.
- Arrive early to grab a good seat. Space fills up quick for big games.
- Expect cheer, drinks and a rowdy crowd. Feed off the energy to have a blast.
- Bring cash for drinks, food and tipping. Bars may be cash only or have ATM fees.
Some of the most popular spots to catch the Lightning game in Tampa include:
- Fergs Sports Bar
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Hattricks
- Ducky’s Sports Lounge
- The Press Box Bar & Grill
Streaming on Mobile Devices
Don’t want to be stuck at home or in a bar? You can take the Lightning game on the go and stream all the action right on your mobile device:
- NHL App – Stream the game live with a paid subscription to the NHL app.
- ESPN App – Authenticate with your TV provider to stream the game through the ESPN app.
- TuneIn Radio – Listen to the radio broadcast on your phone with the TuneIn app.
As long as you have a good data or WiFi connection, you can enjoy the Lightning game on your smartphone or tablet on the go.
TV and Streaming Options Comparison
To help summarize the various watching options, here is a quick comparison table:
Option | Required Package | Cost |
---|---|---|
Cable/Satellite with Sun Sports | TV package with Sun Sports | Varies by provider |
NHL TV | NHL TV streaming package | $24.99/month |
ESPN+ | ESPN+ subscription | $9.99/month |
Hulu Live TV | Hulu + Live TV plan | $69.99/month |
YouTube TV | YouTube TV membership | $64.99/month |
Sling TV | Sling Orange/Blue package | $35-$50/month |
As you can see, there are several options at different price points depending on your budget and preferences. NHL TV or ESPN+ provide the cheapest streaming-only options.
Ways to Save Money
Watching the NHL season can get expensive with cable/satellite bills and streaming service fees. Here are some tips to watch the Lightning at the lowest cost:
Cancel Cable, Go Streaming-Only
Ditch your bloated cable package and go streaming-only with services like ESPN+ and NHL TV. You’ll just pay for the specific content you want.
Seek Free Trial Offers
Many streaming services offer free trials for new users so you can try them out. Sign up to catch the game for free!
Split Costs with Friends
Go in on streaming packages with other hockey fans and share logins to save. NHL TV allows simultaneous streams.
Visit a Bar for Big Games
When the Lightning are on national TV or in the playoffs, head to a bar and skip streaming fees.
Find Free Streams Online
Search Reddit or other sites for free, unofficial streams of the game. Quality varies but it’s completely free.
How to Never Miss a Game
As a devoted Lightning fan, you obviously don’t want to miss any of the exciting hockey action all season long. Here are some tips to ensure you can catch every game:
Invest in NHL TV
Get a subscription to NHL TV for access to every out-of-market Lightning game. It’s the best way not to miss any game all season.
Follow the Schedule
Keep up with the Lightning schedule and make sure to free up time for each game night.
Set Recordings
Use your DVR to record games you may miss live so you can watch later commercial-free.
Listen on the Radio
Tune into radio broadcasts when you can’t watch for any reason. Still experience the thrill of the game.
Watch Replays Online
The NHL website and app provide full game replays to stream on-demand so you can catch up.
With the right preparation, you can be sure to never miss a minute of Tampa Bay Lightning hockey action this season. Let’s go Bolts!
Conclusion
Whether watching from home, at a bar or on your mobile device, there are many excellent viewing options to catch tonight’s Lightning game. NHL TV and ESPN+ provide affordable streaming access to catch all the action. As a devoted Bolts fan, invest in the ideal viewing package for your needs so you can support the team all season long on their quest for another championship. Go Bolts!