Lightning and Jets Face Off in NHL Matchup

Details on how to watch the March 5 game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Winnipeg Jets

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Tampa Bay Lightning, second in the Eastern Conference with 80 points, will take on the Winnipeg Jets, 12th in the Western Conference with 58 points, in an NHL matchup on Thursday, March 5. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and played at Canada Life Centre, starting at 8 p.m. ET.

Why it matters

This game features two teams heading in different directions in the NHL standings, with the Lightning firmly in playoff position and the Jets struggling to stay in the hunt. The outcome could impact the playoff race in both conferences.

The details

The Lightning will be without several key players due to injuries, including Max Crozier (abdomen), Nicholas Paul (undisclosed), and Gage Goncalves (lower body). The Jets will also be missing multiple injured players, including Joshua Morrissey (upper body), Neal Pionk (lower body), Nino Niederreiter (lower body), and Vladislav Namestnikov (lower body).

  • The game will be played on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET.

The players

Tampa Bay Lightning

An NHL team that ranks second in the Eastern Conference with 80 points.

Winnipeg Jets

An NHL team that ranks 12th in the Western Conference with 58 points.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This game between the Lightning and Jets features two teams heading in opposite directions in the NHL standings, with the Lightning firmly in playoff position and the Jets struggling to stay in the hunt. The outcome could have significant implications for the playoff race in both conferences.