A general view of an NHL hockey puck. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Stadium Series: 2024 game could take place in Florida

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 2/8/23

The 2023 NHL Stadium Series game between the host Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals is still over a week away, but that hasn't stopped anyone from beginning to plan where the next February outdoor game will take place.

NHL media member Kevin Weekes reported on Wednesday via Twitter that there is talk of Florida being the next destination for the Stadium Series, and that it could feature resident clubs the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

As has been reported re a potential Stadium Series Game In Florida next year; I’m told could be the Battle Of The Sunshine State w @FlaPanthers and @TBLightning at Raymond James Stadium ️. Situation is fluid, lots of factors. @espn @NHL @NHLNetwork @TSNHockey #HockeyTwitter
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) February 8, 2023

Not surprisingly, fans have already responded with a wide range of reactions to the news. Of course, Florida fans are excited about the proposed inner-state rivalry game. Fans of teams living in colder climates are angry their team isn't getting to be in an outdoor game first. And there are those who just don't buy that it will be cold enough at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa for the ice to stay solid.

The situation is as fluid as the ice will be in a Florida outdoor game
— The Bratt Pack (@TheBrattPack63) February 8, 2023

Should a Battle of the Sunshine State come to fruition, it will be the Panthers' first-ever outdoor game appearance. The Arizona Coyotes and the Columbus Blue Jackets have still never been selected for an NHL outdoor game. The Lightning played in the 2022 Stadium Series game against the Predators in Nashville, but have yet to host an outdoor game.

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