A long-awaited rematch between the Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning kicks off Friday, marking the first of two regular-season showdowns this season. The teams will clash in Colorado before meeting again in Tampa in February, adding stakes to their early-season battle. With both squads aiming for playoff contention, this series could set the tone for their playoff push. Fans can expect high-energy hockey as two of the league’s top teams collide.

The Avalanche returns home to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday. This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams in 2026-27, as they’ll play in Tampa on February 13th.