The Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET in a matchup at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Fans can catch the action on television via FDSNOH or on the radio at 93.3 FM.
Both teams are looking to improve their standings in the Atlantic Division as the Lightning sit at 1-2-2 with four points, placing them 7th in the division and 12th in the Eastern Conference, while the Blue Jackets hold a record of 1-3-0, earning just two points and also sitting 7th in the Atlantic, but lower in the conference at 14th.
A player to watch for Columbus is Adam Fantilli. Despite a slow start to the season with only one goal and one assist, he will play alongside Boone Jenner and Kent Johnson, a line combination that showed promise late last season. Jenner’s defensive play and presence around the net, paired with Johnson’s playmaking abilities, could help Fantilli find his offensive rhythm.
In terms of team updates, the Blue Jackets will be without Erik Gudbranson and Miles Wood. Jet Greaves will take the net, continuing the team’s goaltending rotation. Additionally, Denton Mateychuk will be paired with Zach Werenski, forming a quick and agile defensive duo. The game will also pay tribute to the inaugural 2000-01 team by honoring key figures including former head coach Dave King and notable players like Ron Tugnutt and Kevin Dineen.
The Lightning, having struggled with only one win thus far, will seek to regain their momentum after an overtime loss to Detroit the night before. Nikita Kucherov missed the previous game due to illness and his status is uncertain.
Statistically, both teams are facing challenges, including underwhelming power play and penalty kill percentages. However, Columbus boasts the performance of Kirill Marchenko, leading the team with five points so far this season. The line of Jenner, Werenski, and Ivan Provorov will also be integral to the Jackets’ efforts in turning the season around.
As the teams clash, both will be eager to secure crucial points in a tightly contested division, making for an exciting matchup on Saturday night.