The Tampa Bay Lightning opened their 2025–26 campaign with plenty of offensive firepower but came up just short, falling 5-4 to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night at the recently rebranded Benchmark International Arena.

The Lightning wasted no time igniting the scoreboard, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the opening period. Newly acquired Oliver Bjorkstrand made an instant impact, finishing a slick feed from Jake Guentzel for the first goal of the season. Brayden Point followed up just 90 seconds later to give Tampa Bay early control.

Ottawa clawed back, however, fueled by a two-goal effort from Shane Pinto — including the game-winner in the closing minutes. Pinto capitalized on a Jake Sanderson takeaway and banged home the go-ahead goal with 1:47 left in regulation to seal the Senators’ comeback.

Kucherov looked in midseason form with two goals, while Point added a goal and two helpers. Still, defensive lapses and late puck management issues doomed Tampa Bay after a strong start.

Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, making his first full start after limited preseason action, recorded 29 saves but couldn’t stop Ottawa’s late surge. Linus Ullmark earned the win for the Senators with 21 saves, while Brady Tkachuk set the tone with three assists.

Despite the loss, Tampa Bay’s power play looked dangerous, converting twice in the first period. The challenge now shifts to consistency — something head coach Jon Cooper will no doubt emphasize heading into Saturday’s home matchup with the New Jersey Devils.

The Lightning are 21-10-2 all-time in season openers, but this one will sting — not for lack of offense, but for letting one slip away late.