The NHL Stadium Series is a time-honored tradition, with hockey teams spurning their usual settings in favor of the elements.
In 2026, that responsibility fell upon Bruins and the Lightning, who took over uncharted lands — at least as far as the hockey world is concerned.
Boston and Tampa Bay traded blows at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Buccaneers. As such, they were required to make their mark.
With their pregame outfits, they did just that. Here’s what you need to know.
NHL Stadium Series outfits, explained
The Bruins and Lightning embraced the spotlight during their 2026 Stadium Series fixture. When arriving on the scene at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, both Boston and Tampa Bay paid tribute to sides from a different playing surface.
For Boston, that meant rocking furs eerily similar to those of the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other 18th-century colonists. The threads, marked by farmer’s frocks, stirrups and cowhide kicks featuring a single latchet, appeared to pay homage to the New England Patriots, who will take part in Super Bowl 60 next weekend.
SOME PATRIOTS HAVE ARRIVED pic.twitter.com/DEG7T2YbHN
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 1, 2026
Not to be outdone, the Lightning responded in style. Tampa Bay felt a sense of piety towards the host of its latest endeavors, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So it was only right that as Tampa’s players spilled out of the team bus, they did so in Bucs gear.
Accompanied by gridiron stars Baker Mayfield and Tristan Wirfs, the Lightning traipsed onto the site of their matchup. They did so decked in orange-and-cream, sporting the Buccaneers’ iconic creamiscle kits from 1976.
The Lightning pulled up to Stadium Series in full Buccaneer creamsicle uniforms 😱
Baker Mayfield and Tristan Wirfs lead the way! pic.twitter.com/Cmu4XyF9ce
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2026
The Bruins and Lightning aren’t the first sides to dress to the nines ahead of their Stadium Series bouts. In 2023, Boston and the Penguins took to Fenway Park in Red Sox and Pirates jerseys, respectively.
The Oilers draped themselves in attire befitting of their name ahead of their Heritage Classic clash with the Flames in 2023.
The Oilers are dressed to impress at the Heritage Classic!
🎥: @BR_OpenIce
— BarDown (@BarDown) October 29, 2023
All of that is to say, the Stadium Series is increasingly serving a catwalk for NHL sides. Sunday’s exploits added to that reputation.
