TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they will open their 2014-15 home schedule against the Florida Panthers on October 9 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum at 7:30 p.m.

The Bolts defeated the Panthers, 7-2, in their home opener last season on October 10. Steven Stamkos recorded a hat trick in the victory, scoring a shorthanded, power-play and even-strength goal. The Lightning’s seven goals in the game were the most registered in a single game all season.

Tampa Bay owns an all-time record of 11-7-1 with two ties in home openers. The Lightning have won three of their past four home openers. The Bolts were a perfect 4-0-0 against Florida in 2013-14, including one win by shootout. They outscored the Panthers by a total of 21-10 last season.

The Lightning’s full 2014-15 regular season schedule will be announced tomorrow.