WATCH Blackhawks vs. Lightning Live Stream Online [Listen]: NHL Rivals 2016, Playoff Updates

Hockey's back for the official 2015-2016 NHL season, so get ready, MstarsNews readers!

The Chicago Blackhawks battle it out on the ice against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Week 15 of the regular season on Thursday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m. EST from the Amalie Arena in Florida. Read on to see where fans can watch and listen to a live stream of the highly-anticipated Thursday evening hockey game online and catch up-to-date feeds and coverage on highlight plays and scores.

Now heading into mid-season, both Chicago and Tampa Bay maintain impressive top spots in Scott Burnside's official NHL power rankings for ESPN.com (out of a total 30 teams):

Lightning (6): "Never mind the off-ice issues surrounding Jonathan Drouin and Steven Stamkos -- the Lightning are catching fire. They've won five in a row, including a victory in Sunday's all-Florida tilt, and are now third in the Atlantic."

Record: 25-17-4 (2nd in Atlantic Division)

Blackhawks (1): "The Hawks have won 11 in a row, overtaking the sideways Stars for top spot in the West. Congrats to coach Joel Quenneville for reaching No. 2 on the all-time wins list. Patrick Kane continues to make a mockery of the scoring race with a goal and an assist Sunday and leads Jamie Benn by 13 points. Kane also leads the league in goals with 29."

Record: 32-13-4 (1st in Central Division).

Tonight's monumental game will be broadcasted live on local sports channels TVA, SunS, and CSNC.

For fans who want to try out a free live stream (which may mean downloading a torrent), click here. Also try this or another option.

For a one-time fee, fans can access a NHL Gamecenter Live pass.

ESPN, ESPN Scoreboard, and NHL.com  are both good sources for up-to-date game coverage and feeds.

More radio listening options for Blackhawks and Lightning.

Official NHL team websites: Blackhawks and Lightning.

Enjoy the exciting hockey game from the South this evening, and always stick with MstarsNews for additional NHL gameday coverage this week. Which top division rival will snag the big win tonight?