Lightning Power Lunch

The Tampa Bay Lightning begin their first back-to-back of the season tonight against the Colorado Avalanche, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli discuss the latest lineup news, including **Anthony Cirelli missing practice and potentially being unavailable against Colorado. If Cirelli can't go, it could create a major opportunity for Dominic James , who skated alongside Brandon Hagel and Nikita Kucherov during practice. The guys preview tonight's matchup against the Avalanche, examining Colorado's surprising 5-4-1 start despite strong offensive numbers, a plus-11 goal differential and another elite season from Nathan MacKinnon . They discuss why the Avalanche may be a dangerous opponent coming off back-to-back losses and what challenges await the Lightning at Ball Arena. Later, Avalanche radio voice Conor McGahey joins the show to break down Colorado's season, the impact of Cale Makar , the remarkable comeback story of Gabriel Landeskog , concerns surrounding the Avalanche power play, and why Colorado may actually be deeper than last season's Presidents' Trophy-winning team. Plus, discussion on Brent Burns chasing the NHL Iron Man record, Mackenzie Blackwood and Colorado's goaltending situation, a blockbuster trade sending Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey, and the Lightning's ongoing power-play evolution featuring Charles-Édouard D'Astous and John Carlson . Topics Discussed Anthony Cirelli misses practice and his status for tonight Dominic James' opportunity on a line with Hagel and Kucherov Previewing Lightning vs. Avalanche Colorado's surprising start despite strong underlying numbers Nathan MacKinnon's hot start to the season Why the Avalanche are determined to avoid a third straight regulation loss Conor McGahey joins the show How Cale Makar's injury affected Colorado's playoff run Why the Avalanche may be deeper than last year's team Gabriel Landeskog's comeback and current role Colorado's power-play struggles Mackenzie Blackwood vs. Scott Wedgewood in net Brent Burns pursuing the NHL Iron Man streak record Connor Hellebuyck traded to the New Jersey Devils Lightning power-play discussion and Charles-Édouard D'Astous' role Could Victor Hedman return to the top power-play unit? Calling NHL games from difficult broadcast locations Why Edmonton remains one of the toughest road broadcasts in hockey Looking ahead to the Utah Mammoth matchup ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame reaction, roster analysis, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews all season long. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #AnthonyCirelli #DominicJames #NikitaKucherov #NathanMacKinnon #CaleMakar #ConnorMcGahey #ColoradoAvalanche #VictorHedman #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare for their first back-to-back of the season with games against the Colorado Avalanche and Utah Mammoth, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli discuss potential lineup changes, roster management, and what to expect from one of the toughest travel stretches of the early season. With questions surrounding Anthony Cirelli , Dominic James , Max Crozier , and Scott Sabourin , the conversation focuses on how the coaching staff may approach the upcoming games. The guys also dive into one of hockey's hottest topics: analytics versus the eye test. Dave and Greg discuss how NHL teams use analytics internally, why some public metrics can be difficult to quantify, how coaches evaluate players beyond the box score, and what fans should consider when analyzing player performance. Later, Lucas Favale , voice of the Syracuse Crunch , joins the show to provide an in-depth update on the Lightning's top prospects. The discussion includes Sam O'Reilly's development, his faceoff success in the AHL, the progress of Noah Steen , Lucas Mercuri , Dylan Duke , Tomas Kralovic , and the continued leadership of Jakob Pelletier in Syracuse. Plus, thoughts on backup goalie usage during back-to-backs, Andrei Vasilevskiy's long-term future, the importance of faceoffs, and a look around the NHL involving Brady Tkachuk , Dylan Larkin , and player movement across the league. Topics Discussed Preparing for the Lightning's first back-to-back of the season Potential lineup changes featuring Dominic James, Max Crozier and Scott Sabourin Analytics vs. the eye test in player evaluation How NHL teams use analytics internally Why public analytics don't always tell the full story Evaluating Gage Goncalves' impact beyond the scoresheet Turnovers, scoring chances and hockey analytics debate Syracuse Crunch season update Sam O'Reilly's development and faceoff success Noah Steen's adjustment to North American hockey Lucas Mercuri's physical style and NHL upside Dylan Duke's start to the AHL season Tomas Kralovic's emergence Jakob Pelletier's leadership and NHL aspirations The importance of playoff experience at the AHL level Managing goaltenders in back-to-back situations Andrei Vasilevskiy's long-term outlook Faceoffs and why they remain an important metric Brady Tkachuk's return to Ottawa Dylan Larkin and the challenges of trade requests Ron Duguay's impact on the game and legacy ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, prospect updates, roster discussions, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #SamOReilly #LucasFavali #SyracuseCrunch #AndreiVasilevskiy #DominicJames #MaxCrozier #JakobPelletier #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning improved to 7-2 with an impressive 6-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down a statement win in Las Vegas. While the final score looks lopsided, the guys explain why this game was much closer than it appeared and why Andrei Vasilevskiy was the biggest reason Tampa Bay left Vegas with two points. The show dives into Vasilevskiy's spectacular performance, the Lightning's puck-management issues against one of the NHL's top teams, and how Tampa Bay was able to capitalize on Vegas mistakes while overcoming some of their own. Plus, a deeper look at the power play's continued progress, the penalty kill's strong night, and why the Lightning's stars delivered when it mattered most. Of course, the night belonged to Nikita Kucherov , who tied Steven Stamkos for the franchise points record with a shorthanded breakaway goal and another dominant offensive performance. The guys discuss Kucherov's hockey IQ, his growing impact on the season, and why another historic moment appears imminent. They also examine strong performances from Anthony Cirelli , Brandon Hagel , John Carlson , and Victor Hedman , discuss the lineup decisions involving Dominic James and Max Crozier , and preview a challenging upcoming matchup against the Colorado Avalanche. Topics Discussed Lightning defeat Vegas 6-2 to improve to 7-2 Why the score was misleading despite the dominant result Andrei Vasilevskiy's best performance of the season Vegas generating quality chances and odd-man rushes How Vasilevskiy bailed out the Lightning repeatedly Nikita Kucherov ties Steven Stamkos for the franchise points record Kucherov's breakaway goal and elite hockey sense Brandon Hagel's impact on the opening power-play goal Charles-Édouard D'Astous' role on the power play Anthony Cirelli's two-goal performance John Carlson's rebound goal and offensive contributions Victor Hedman finding the scoresheet again The Lightning's continued power-play improvement Penalty kill goes 4-for-4 against Vegas Vegas' dangerous penalty-kill attack and shorthanded goal Dominic James scratched from the lineup Max Crozier remains a healthy scratch Managing eight defensemen over an 84-game season Brayden Point's early-season offensive production Concern level on the Lightning's defensive-zone execution Why the Avalanche present a different challenge on Friday Colorado's recent struggles and expected response Fan questions on Kucherov, Hedman, Point and lineup decisions ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, prospect updates, roster discussion, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NikitaKucherov #AndreiVasilevskiy #StevenStamkos #AnthonyCirelli #BrandonHagel #VictorHedman #JohnCarlson #ColoradoAvalanche #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning begin a challenging three-game Western Conference road trip tonight against the Vegas Golden Knights, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli discuss why this trip will be an early measuring-stick moment for the Lightning. With Tampa Bay sitting at 6-2 and Vegas off to an 8-2 start, tonight's matchup features two Stanley Cup contenders looking to see where they stack up against elite competition. The guys break down Vegas' impressive start under new head coach Ryan Craig , the impact of stars Jack Eichel , Mark Stone , and Mitch Marner , and why the Golden Knights have become one of the NHL's most balanced teams. They also examine key areas for the Lightning, including faceoffs, special teams, and the importance of managing the puck against one of the league's most dangerous offensive clubs. Later, Dan D'Uva , radio voice of the Vegas Golden Knights and former Syracuse Crunch broadcaster, joins the show to discuss the Golden Knights' coaching transition, the development of Brett Howden , the goaltending tandem of Carter Hart and Aidan Hill , and why Vegas looks even stronger than the team that reached the Stanley Cup Final last season. Plus, Dave and Greg dive into Brayden Point's offensive numbers, the connection between his goal production and the Lightning power play, the team's faceoff challenges, and what Tampa Bay needs to do to finish this road trip successfully. Topics Discussed Lightning begin a three-game Western road trip Why Vegas is an early-season measuring stick Jon Cooper's thoughts on the challenge ahead The Golden Knights' 8-2 start Ryan Craig's impact behind the Vegas bench Jack Eichel's MVP-caliber start Mark Stone's strong beginning to the season Mitch Marner's fit with Vegas How Brett Howden has emerged as a key contributor Carter Hart vs. Aidan Hill in net Vegas' strengths and potential weaknesses Special teams comparison between the two clubs Faceoff concerns and matchup implications Dan D'Uva joins the show Why Vegas moved from John Tortorella to Ryan Craig William Carlson's importance to the Golden Knights Vegas' Stanley Cup Final run last season Brayden Point's offensive production and power-play impact How the Lightning can improve their power play Keys to tonight's game against Vegas ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame reaction, roster analysis, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #VegasGoldenKnights #JackEichel #MitchMarner #MarkStone #BraydenPoint #DanDuva #RyanCraig #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning head west riding a 6-2 record, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the Lightning's 4-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks, discuss the team's recent improvements, and preview a challenging road swing beginning with the Vegas Golden Knights. The guys examine why the Lightning were able to overcome an early two-goal deficit against Vancouver, the impact of another outstanding opposing goaltending performance from Kevin Lankinen , and what Tampa Bay can clean up before facing some of the NHL's elite teams on the road. They also discuss improved faceoff results, stronger power-play production, and the continued effectiveness of the Zemgus Girgensons-Pontus Holmberg-Ilya Mikheyev line in difficult matchup assignments. Plus, a deep dive into Nikita Kucherov's recent shoot-first mentality, why the coaching staff made adjustments to the top power-play unit, how Dominic James continues to make a strong impression, and what to expect from a talented Vegas team that sits near the top of the NHL standings. Topics Discussed Breaking down the comeback win over Vancouver Why the Lightning never appeared rattled despite an early 2-0 deficit Another standout performance from an opposing goaltender Defensive-zone execution and puck management areas to improve The continued success of the Girgensons-Holmberg-Mikheyev line Pontus Holmberg's strong play and game-winning impact Dennis Hildeby's performance and growth Nikita Kucherov's recent shooting surge The Lightning's evolving power-play structure Charles-Édouard D'Astous on the top power-play unit John Carlson's role moving forward Dominic James' continued integration into the lineup Could James eventually find a home in the top six? Gage Goncalves' response after being scratched Lightning faceoff improvements and Pete Holland's involvement The importance of winning 50-50 puck battles Brayden Point's strong night in the faceoff circle How faceoff strategy impacts special teams success Previewing the road trip beginning in Vegas Why the Golden Knights remain one of the NHL's elite teams Ryan Craig's impact as Vegas head coach Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel and Mark Stone leading the Golden Knights Projected goaltending plans for the upcoming road trip ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, prospect updates, roster discussion, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NikitaKucherov #BraydenPoint #DominicJames #PontusHolmberg #IlyaMikheyev #JohnCarlson #VegasGoldenKnights #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning improved to 5-2 on the season with a thrilling 4-3 overtime win over the Seattle Kraken, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down Victor Hedman's game-winning overtime goal, what it could mean for the captain's confidence moving forward, and why the victory wasn't as straightforward as the final score may suggest. The guys discuss the high-event nature of the game, standout performances from Andrei Vasilevskiy , Brandon Hagel , and Ilya Mikheyev , and why Seattle showed they're a legitimate playoff contender. They also examine the Lightning's struggles in the faceoff circle, the team's ongoing power-play questions despite generating quality chances, and how a few key moments ultimately swung the game in Tampa Bay's favor. Plus, the return of Dominic James provided an immediate boost to the lineup, Conor Geekie continues to show promise alongside James and Jeff Viel , and the guys answer listener questions on Sam O'Reilly , Gage Goncalves , the Lightning's scoring depth, faceoff concerns, and whether Nikita Kucherov should become more of a shooter on the power play. Topics Discussed Victor Hedman's overtime winner and its significance Could Hedman's goal be a confidence-building moment? Brandon Hagel scores twice in another strong performance Andrei Vasilevskiy's key saves keep the Lightning in the game Why Seattle looks like a legitimate playoff contender Dominic James' return and immediate impact Conor Geekie, Jeff Viel and the energy of the fourth line James' speed, hockey sense, and ability to elevate linemates The Lightning's struggles in the faceoff circle Anthony Cirelli's difficult faceoff assignments Power-play chances vs. power-play results Why Nikita Kucherov may need to shoot more often Breaking down the Lightning's 2-for-27 power play start Ilya Mikheyev's goal and Seattle's defensive breakdown Brandon Montour's injury impact on the Kraken Sam O'Reilly's development path in Syracuse Gage Goncalves and earning a larger role Have the Lightning struggled to develop goal scorers? Looking ahead to the matchup with Vancouver ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, prospect updates, roster discussion, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #VictorHedman #BrandonHagel #DominicJames #ConorGeekie #NikitaKucherov #AndreiVasilevskiy #SamOReilly #GageGoncalves #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning look to start a new winning streak tonight as they host the Seattle Kraken, and the biggest story heading into the game is the return of Dominic James to the lineup. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli discuss James' return from injury, the lineup changes that come with it, and what the Lightning hope to see from one of their fastest and most energetic young forwards. The guys break down Tampa Bay's revamped forward lines, including the reunion of Nikita Kucherov , Brandon Hagel , and Anthony Cirelli , while Jake Guentzel joins Brayden Point on a new-look top unit. They also discuss the continued use of 11 forwards and 7 defensemen, Emil Lilleberg returning to the lineup, and why Gage Goncalves will be a healthy scratch tonight. Later, Everett Fitzhugh , radio voice of the Seattle Kraken , joins the show to discuss Seattle's impressive road trip, balanced offensive attack, strong goaltending from Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer , the development of Matty Beniers , Shane Wright , and Kaapo Kakko , and why the Kraken believe they're ready to return to the playoffs. Plus, the guys discuss Conor Geekie's development, the Lightning's faceoff challenges, the ongoing power-play struggles, trade deadline flexibility, and another strong season from captain Victor Hedman despite a reduced special-teams workload. Topics Discussed Dominic James returns to the Lightning lineup Why Gage Goncalves is sitting tonight New forward lines featuring Kucherov, Hagel and Cirelli Jake Guentzel joining Brayden Point The continued 11-forward, 7-defenseman approach Emil Lilleberg back in the lineup Conor Geekie's development and role on Power Play 2 Lightning faceoff concerns and solutions Power-play struggles through the first six games Trade deadline cap flexibility and future roster moves Previewing Lightning vs. Kraken Everett Fitzhugh on Seattle's hot start Why the Kraken succeed with balanced scoring Jared McCann's importance to Seattle's offense The development of Matty Beniers, Shane Wright and Kaapo Kakko Seattle's goaltending tandem of Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer The Pacific Division playoff race Fan questions on lineup decisions, power-play adjustments, and more ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame reaction, roster analysis, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews all season long. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #DominicJames #ConorGeekie #NikitaKucherov #JakeGuentzel #VictorHedman #GageGoncalves #SeattleKraken #EverettFitzhugh #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning saw their four-game winning streak come to an end with a tough loss to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Eric Erlendsson break down what went wrong, why the Rangers continue to present matchup problems for the Lightning, and whether the result was more about Tampa Bay's execution or New York's strong play. The guys discuss Jon Cooper's candid postgame assessment, the Rangers' relentless forecheck, faceoff dominance led by J.T. Miller , and why Tampa Bay struggled to establish any rhythm on the power play. They also examine whether the Lightning's power-play issues are a cause for concern, what role John Carlson plays in the unit's evolution, and whether lineup changes could be coming soon. Plus, a look at the expected return of Dominic James , the coaching staff's upcoming roster decisions, Conor Geekie's development, Brayden Point's search for his scoring touch, and why Zemgus Girgensons may have been Tampa Bay's best player in New York. The show wraps up with a preview of Thursday night's matchup against the Seattle Kraken and why a strong response is critical. Topics Discussed Lightning's four-game winning streak comes to an end Jon Cooper's reaction to the loss at Madison Square Garden Why the Rangers were better than the Lightning in all three zones J.T. Miller's dominance in the faceoff circle The impact of special teams on the game Breaking down the Lightning's power-play struggles John Carlson's role on the top power-play unit Should Tampa Bay make power-play adjustments? Dominic James' expected return to the NHL roster 11 forwards, 7 defensemen vs. 12 forwards, 6 defensemen Emil Lilleberg's status and potential lineup changes Evaluating Conor Geekie's development through six games Brayden Point and the search for more offensive production Zemgus Girgensons' strong start to the season Gage Goncalves and internal competition for ice time Why the Rangers have exceeded expectations early this season Previewing Lightning vs. Kraken Fan questions and roster discussion ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, roster updates, prospect insight, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #BraydenPoint #DominicJames #ZemgusGirgensons #JohnCarlson #AndreiVasilevskiy #SeattleKraken #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning look to extend their winning streak to five games tonight as they face the New York Rangers for the second time this season. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli preview the matchup, discuss the latest lineup news, and examine how much the Lightning have evolved since their season-opening loss at Madison Square Garden. The guys break down the Rangers' goaltending situation with Igor Shesterkin sidelined, why Dylan Garand has impressed in limited NHL action, and what challenges New York still presents despite key injuries. They also discuss lineup updates involving Emil Lilleberg , Dominic James , and Jeff Viel , plus why the Lightning continue to find success with the 11-forward, 7-defenseman alignment. Plus, a deep dive into Nikita Kucherov's pursuit of the Lightning franchise scoring record, Jon Cooper's thoughts on Kucherov's hockey IQ, and an entertaining discussion comparing Kucherov's vision and playmaking ability to some of the greatest players in NHL history. Topics Discussed Lightning vs. Rangers preview and keys to the rematch Ryan McDonagh on Tampa Bay's improved play since Opening Night Rangers goaltending situation and Dylan Garand's NHL success Emil Lilleberg's recovery and expected return timeline Dominic James' status and when he could rejoin the lineup Jeff Viel returns to the lineup Why the Lightning continue using 11 forwards and 7 defensemen Rangers rookie prospect Cole Beaudoin and New York's young talent Nikita Kucherov closing in on the franchise points record Jon Cooper's comments on Kucherov's hockey IQ Wayne Gretzky's appreciation for Kucherov's game The value of the Mikheyev-Holmberg-Girgensons line Conor Geekie's continued growth and development Gage Goncalves' role in the top six John Carlson's impact on the power play J.J. Moser's strong start to the season Andrei Vasilevskiy climbing the NHL's all-time wins list Fan questions and game-night discussion ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame reaction, roster analysis, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NikitaKucherov #ConorGeekie #AndreiVasilevskiy #JohnCarlson #RyanMcDonagh #JJMoser #NewYorkRangers #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their winning streak to four games with a thrilling 5-3 road win over the New York Islanders, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down everything that led to the victory. From Brandon Hagel's hat trick to another timely power-play goal and several game-saving stops from Andrei Vasilevskiy , the Bolts continue to build momentum early in the season. The guys discuss how the Lightning built another early two-goal lead, why the Islanders pushed back so effectively, and how Tampa Bay weathered its most sustained pressure of the four-game winning streak. They also examine Hagel's dominant performance, Jake Guentzel's two-goal night, and the growing signs that the Lightning power play may be finding its rhythm after goals in back-to-back games. Plus, thoughts on Max Crozier's role in the 11-forward, 7-defenseman alignment, the continued impact of the Zemgus Girgensons-Pontus Holmberg-Ilya Mikheyev line, the future of Dominic James , and why rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer looks destined to become a superstar for the Islanders. Topics & Timestamps Lightning win their fourth straight game and opening thoughts on the Islanders victory Brandon Hagel's hat trick and Jake Guentzel's two-goal performance Why Tampa Bay's stars carried the offense on Saturday Breaking down the Islanders' pushback and the blown 3-1 lead The importance of Guentzel's power-play goal and special teams progress Andrei Vasilevskiy's key third-period saves keep the game tied Brandon Hagel's game-winning goal and why shooting the puck matters Dominic James remains in Syracuse and what's next for his development Scott Sabourin's physical debut and his unique fighting style Matthew Schaefer's emergence and why the Islanders may have a future superstar Should the Lightning stick with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen? Max Crozier's usage, defensive depth and ice-time distribution Is the Lightning roster complete or does it still need another top-six winger? Why the Girgensons-Holmberg-Mikheyev line continues to be so effective Lightning identity, team habits and sustaining success over 84 games Looking ahead to the Rangers and the upcoming road trip ⚡ The Lightning are 4-1 and riding a four-game winning streak. Dave and Greg discuss why Tampa Bay is finding ways to win in different fashions, how the team's depth continues to pay dividends, and why there's still room for this group to get even better. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #BrandonHagel #JakeGuentzel #AndreiVasilevskiy #MaxCrozier #DominicJames #MatthewSchaefer #NHL #BoltsNation #LightningRadio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up a successful homestand with their third straight victory, a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down one of the team's most impressive wins of the young season. From Dennis Hildeby's stellar first start to the Lightning's emerging defensive depth, the guys discuss why Tampa Bay is finding ways to win even when their biggest offensive stars haven't fully hit their stride yet. Dave and Greg analyze Minnesota's strong start, how the Lightning flipped the game with two quick first-period goals, and why John Carlson's first power-play goal as a Bolt could be a sign of things to come. They also discuss Hildeby's poised performance, Tampa Bay's improving special teams, and how the team continues to lock down opponents defensively. Plus, a closer look at Max Crozier's growing role, why the coaching staff continues to trust him in critical situations, the challenge of fitting Dominic James back into the lineup, and how Conor Geekie continues to prove he belongs at the NHL level. Topics Lightning beat Minnesota 3-2 for their third straight win Minnesota's fast start and how Tampa Bay weathered the storm Sorelli's opening goal and the importance of sustained offensive-zone pressure John Carlson's goal and the Lightning's power play breakthrough Why the Lightning controlled much of the game despite the close score Dennis Hildeby's impressive first start and key third-period saves Minnesota's top performers and the challenge of facing Joel Eriksson Ek and Quinn Hughes The Max Crozier discussion: Why does the coaching staff trust him so much? Crozier's team-leading even-strength ice time among defensemen Dominic James' impending return and what it means for the lineup Conor Geekie's continued growth and confidence at the NHL level Looking ahead to the Islanders and continuing the winning streak ⚡ The Lightning have won three straight games, they're getting strong goaltending, contributions throughout the lineup, and their defensive depth continues to impress. Dave and Greg discuss why Tampa Bay appears to be building momentum heading into a weekend road matchup with the New York Islanders. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #DennisHildeby #ConorGeekie #MaxCrozier #JohnCarlson #VictorHedman #AnthonyCirelli #NHL #BoltsNation #LightningRadio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning wrap up their homestand tonight against the Minnesota Wild, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli preview the matchup, discuss the latest lineup news, and break down the changes the coaching staff is considering for a power play still searching for its first goal of the season. Ed Encina joins the show to discuss Dennis Hildeby's first start as a member of the Lightning, why Tampa Bay is sticking with the 11-forward, 7-defenseman alignment, and what he's learned about Conor Geekie's tremendous growth and confidence heading into his third NHL season. Plus, a look at Victor Hedman's encouraging start, the impact of reducing his workload, and why the Lightning believe their defensive depth can be a major advantage all season long. The guys also dive into the potential power play adjustments involving John Carlson and Charles-Édouard D'Astous , discuss the emergence of the Ilya Mikheyev-Pontus Holmberg-Zemgus Girgensons line, and debate the future contract outlook for Nikita Kucherov . Topics Lightning vs. Wild preview and Minnesota's challenging schedule D ennis Hildeby gets his first start for Tampa Bay Dominic James remains out and lineup notes Ed Encina joins the show Hildeby's opportunity and long-term upside Why the Lightning continue using 11 forwards and 7 defensemen Conor Geekie's growth, confidence and strong start Victor Hedman's improving play and adjusted role Hedman's physicality and impact on the team's identity Power play changes featuring John Carlson and Charles-Édouard D'Astous Why the Lightning believe the power play is trending in the right direction Mikheyev, Holmberg and Girgensons continue to impress Around the NHL: Slow starts and special teams struggles Nikita Kucherov contract discussion and salary cap implications Could Conor Geekie be headed for a breakout season? Is Jon Cooper's early-season messaging any different this year? Lightning defensive depth and D'Astous' future Why Hildeby's start comes at the perfect time Does the Lightning power play need a major overhaul? Final thoughts and Wild game preview ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, roster news, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews all season long. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #DennisHildeby #VictorHedman #NikitaKucherov #JohnCarlson #EdEncina #MinnesotaWild #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare for Thursday night's showdown with the Minnesota Wild, one of the biggest questions facing the coaching staff is where Dominic James fits into the lineup once he's activated from injury. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli examine the roster decisions ahead, discuss whether the Lightning should continue dressing 11 forwards and 7 defensemen, and debate which players could be impacted by James' return. The guys break down Jansen Harkins being placed on waivers, why Conor Geekie's strong play could make him difficult to take out of the lineup, and how Tampa Bay's defensive depth continues to create difficult decisions for Jon Cooper and his staff. They also dive into whether 11F-7D could become a long-term strategy for this Lightning team and how it can create matchup challenges for opponents. Plus, discussion on a potential new-look power play featuring John Carlson in the left circle, Charle-Édouard D'Astous at the point, the Minnesota Wild's outlook entering Thursday's game, and an interesting conversation around player movement, contracts, and some of the NHL's biggest ongoing situations. Topics Brayden Point's strong play and Lightning practice updates Emil Lilleberg returns to practice in a non-contact jersey Jansen Harkins on waivers and Dominic James' impending return Could the Lightning use 11 forwards and 7 defensemen long term? How Tampa Bay's defensive depth is creating lineup challenges Does 11F-7D create matchup problems for opponents? Where exactly does Dominic James fit in the lineup? Why Conor Geekie has earned a longer leash Breaking down the projected lines from practice Minnesota Wild preview and key players to watch Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy and Minnesota's playoff outlook Quinn Hughes' future and the growing trend of player movement New power-play look featuring John Carlson and Charle-Édouard D'Astous Conor Geekie's development and Ed Encina's feature story Listener questions: James, Gage Goncalves and future lineup decisions What happens when Yanni Gourde returns? Final thoughts and Lightning-Wild preview ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, prospect updates, roster decisions, and exclusive interviews all season long. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #DominicJames #ConorGeekie #JohnCarlson #BraydenPoint #JonCooper #MinnesotaWild #NHL #HockeyPodcast #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are off to a strong start, earning their second straight win with a convincing 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the Bolts' dominant performance, discuss why the score could have been even more lopsided, and examine the growing confidence surrounding this year's team. The guys discuss the outstanding play of Ilya Mikheyev , Zemgus Girgensons , and Pontus Holmberg , a line that has become one of Tampa Bay's most effective units through the first week of the season. They also dive into Max Crozier's continued emergence on the blue line, Victor Hedman's evolving role, and why the Lightning's defensive depth could lead to more 11-forward, 7-defenseman lineups moving forward. Plus, thoughts on the power play's slow start despite generating quality chances, the improved play of Brayden Point , Brandon Hagel , and Nikita Kucherov , the status of Dominic James , and what lineup decisions await Jon Cooper when the Lightning get healthier. Topics Lightning beat Flyers 4-1 for their second straight win Why Tampa Bay controlled the game despite the close score Comparing the Flyers win to Saturday's victory over Washington Brandon Hagel's penalty and the debate over supplemental discipline How Porter Martone got under the Lightning's skin Ilya Mikheyev, Zemgus Girgensons & Emil Holmberg continue to shine Why Jon Cooper keeps leaning on the Mikheyev line Max Crozier's impressive performance and lineup case Victor Hedman's changing role and managing defensive minutes Faceoff struggles, Brayden Point's goal and John Carlson's impact The power play discussion: concern or patience? Dominic James injury update and lineup decisions ahead Looking ahead to Minnesota and the rest of the week ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game analysis, roster updates, prospect news, and exclusive interviews all season long. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #IlyaMikheyev #MaxCrozier #VictorHedman #BraydenPoint #NikitaKucherov #DominicJames #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning bounced back in a big way with a 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down what was arguably the Lightning's most complete effort of the young season. They discuss the physical, playoff-like intensity of the game, how Tampa Bay responded after the Opening Night loss to the Rangers, and why Jon Cooper was pleased with the team's compete level. The guys dive into Conor Geekie's impressive bounce-back performance, Charle-Edouard D'Astous' first-period goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy's outstanding night in net, and the impact of rolling seven defensemen against one of the biggest and toughest teams in the NHL. Plus, analysis of the Lightning's evolving line combinations, including Ilya Mikheyev's strong fit alongside Zemgus Girgensons and Emil Holmberg . They also preview tonight's matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers, discuss the Lightning's faceoff improvements, examine the slow start by Tampa Bay's power play, and answer listener questions on lineup decisions, Nikita Kucherov's future contract, and more. Topics Lightning respond with a 3-1 win over Washington Why the first period was Tampa Bay's best of the season Vasilevskiy's stellar performance against the Capitals J on Cooper on the Lightning's improved compete level Seven defensemen, Charle-Edouard D'Astous' goal & Emil Lilleberg's injury Mikheyev, Girgensons and Holmberg form an effective matchup line Conor Geekie's breakout performance and elite shot Why the Caps game felt like playoff hockey Faceoff improvements and what they mean going forward Power play concerns: 0-for-10 to start the season Flyers preview: What's gone wrong in Philadelphia? Nikita Kucherov contract discussion and rising NHL salaries Porter Martone spotlight and final thoughts before Flyers-Lightning ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame reaction, roster analysis, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #AndreiVasilevskiy #NikitaKucherov #DylanDeStoux #JohnCooper #PhiladelphiaFlyers #NHL #HockeyPodcast #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning opened the 2026-27 season with a 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down what happened at Madison Square Garden and where the Lightning go from here. From Igor Shesterkin's goalie goal to Tampa Bay's struggles on the power play and in the faceoff circle, the guys dive into the biggest storylines from Opening Night. Dave and Greg discuss whether the final score accurately reflected the game, why the Lightning generated enough chances to stay close early, and how Shesterkin's performance helped New York build momentum. They also examine Tampa Bay's defensive-zone turnovers, special teams struggles, and the lack of production from the bottom six. Plus, thoughts on Brayden Point's strong start, Ilya Mikheyev's fit with Nikita Kucherov and Point, Conor Geekie's play, lineup decisions heading into Saturday's game against Washington, and a look at the new-look Capitals featuring Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson and Alex Ovechkin. Topics & Timestamps 0:00 Reaction to the Lightning's 5-1 Opening Night loss to the Rangers 2:35 Did the final score accurately reflect the game? 7:20 Rangers score first and take control early 11:50 Why the Lightning pushed back in the first period 17:35 Shesterkin's impact and New York's defensive play 22:50 The second period unraveling and costly turnovers 29:40 Power play struggles: 0-for-7 and missed opportunities 36:15 Faceoff numbers: concern or one-game overreaction? 41:10 Brayden Point, Kucherov and the Lightning's top six 45:15 Conor Geekie, Gage Goncalves and the quiet night for the bottom six 49:20 Defensive pairings, John Carlson and lineup adjustments 53:10 Previewing the Washington Capitals 56:00 Tuch, Kyrou, Ovechkin and what makes Washington dangerous 58:30 Final thoughts heading into Saturday's home opener ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game analysis, player interviews, prospect updates, game previews, and postgame reaction throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #BraydenPoint #NikitaKucherov #JohnCarlson #AndreiVasilevskiy #AlexOvechkin #WashingtonCapitals #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wait is over. Opening Night has arrived for the Tampa Bay Lightning as they begin the 2026-27 season at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch , Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the season opener, discuss the Lightning's lineup decisions, and examine what fans should watch for as the quest for another playoff run begins. The guys discuss the final opening-night lineup, including Charle-Édouard D'Astous' role alongside Victor Hedman , Conor Geekie's opportunity on the third line, and why Ilya Mikheyev gets the first shot riding shotgun with Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov . Plus, thoughts on Hedman's reduced power play role, his offseason weight loss transformation, and how the Lightning plan to utilize their newfound depth on defense. Later, Alex Faust , radio voice of the New York Rangers, joins the show to discuss the Rangers' offseason overhaul, why Oliver Bjorkstrand , Pavel Dorofeyev , and several new additions could make New York a playoff contender, and what the Lightning can expect from a Rangers team eager to improve on last season's disappointing finish. ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame reaction, roster analysis, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #OpeningNight #ConorGeekie #VictorHedman #NikitaKucherov #BraydenPoint #AlexFaust #NewYorkRangers #NHL #MadisonSquareGarden #BoltsNation Chapters 00:00 Opening Night excitement and Mish's unexpected broadcasting location at MSG 03:45 Expectations for the Lightning season and players to watch 06:40 Breaking down Tampa Bay's opening-night lineup 10:45 Charle-Édouard D'Astous with Victor Hedman and the defensive rotation 15:20 Managing the Lightning's blue-line depth over an 84-game season 19:40 Jon Cooper on Victor Hedman's reduced power-play role 23:10 Why Ilya Mikheyev starts with Point and Kucherov 24:55 Hedman's offseason weight loss and conditioning changes 28:15 Alex Faust joins the show 29:10 What to expect from the new-look Rangers 31:15 Challenges of integrating seven new players after a short camp 34:00 Mike Sullivan's system and New York's identity 36:45 Rookie defenseman Akira Schmid's impressive rise 40:15 Oliver Bjorkstrand's fit with the Rangers 44:35 What went wrong for New York last season? 48:10 Why Adam Fox remains the key to the Rangers' success 50:30 Metro Division outlook and playoff race 54:25 Lightning-Rangers matchup discussion and fan questions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opening Night is just one day away, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli get you ready for the Tampa Bay Lightning's season opener against the New York Rangers. The guys discuss the importance of a fast start, why the Atlantic Division may be the NHL's toughest division, and what the Lightning need to do early in the season to position themselves for another playoff run. Plus, Dan Rosen of NHL.com joins the show for a league-wide preview, including his outlook on the Lightning, Nikita Kucherov's next contract, the impact of the rising salary cap, expansion rumors, and which teams are best positioned to challenge for the Stanley Cup this season. The conversation also covers Erik Cernak's importance to Tampa Bay's blue line, the Lightning's physical identity, what to expect from Charle-Édouard D'Astous and Dominic James this season, and why Conor Geekie could be one of the biggest stories to watch for the Bolts. Topics & Timestamps Opening Night is almost here: Why a strong start matters Is the Atlantic Division the NHL's toughest division? Erik Cernak's importance to the Lightning defense Has Tampa Bay become a more physical team? Charle-Édouard D'Astous potential next step Dominic James' outlook when he returns from injury Nikita Kucherov's contract future and Opening Night history NHL.com's Dan Rosen joins the show Will Kucherov's next contract get done? How the rising salary cap is changing the NHL Expansion, league growth and the future of hockey Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division predictions Why the Lightning remain a top contender in the East Rangers season opener preview ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame reaction, roster analysis, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews all season long. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NikitaKucherov #DanRosen #VictorHedman #BraydenPoint #AndreiVasilevskiy #ConorGeekie #NHL #HockeyPodcast #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning's Opening Night roster is set, and with the season just three days away, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the final roster decisions, the biggest training camp storylines, and what to expect when the Bolts open the season against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Former Lightning defenseman and Scripps Sports analyst Brian Engblom joins the show to discuss why Conor Geekie earned his roster spot, the importance of his offseason work, and why the Lightning's improved depth gives the coaching staff difficult decisions on the blue line. Engblom also shares his thoughts on Victor Hedman's bounce-back potential, Brayden Point's outlook, and why both stars could have a huge impact on Tampa Bay's success this season. Plus, a look at the Lightning's defensive depth featuring Max Crozier, Emil Lilleberg, and Charle-Édouard D'Astous, the team's goaltending situation behind Andrei Vasilevskiy, standout camps from Sam O'Reilly and Benjamin Rautiainen, and a discussion on the blockbuster trade between Toronto and Columbus. ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame reaction, roster analysis, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #BrianEngblom #VictorHedman #BraydenPoint #AndreiVasilevskiy #SamOReilly #BenjaminRautiainen #NHL #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026-27 season is almost here, and the Tampa Bay Lightning are putting the finishing touches on their Opening Night roster. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the biggest takeaways from training camp, discuss the final roster decisions facing the organization, and look ahead to Thursday's season opener against the New York Rangers. The guys react to Jon Cooper's comments about this being the most competitive camp in years and discuss why players like Conor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly, Benjamin Rautiainen, and Jansen Harkins made such strong impressions throughout camp. They also examine the Lightning's organizational depth and why several prospects may be pushing for NHL opportunities sooner rather than later. Plus, thoughts on Tampa Bay's loaded blue line, the development paths for O'Reilly and Rautiainen, Victor Hedman's encouraging preseason, the evolving power play, faceoff improvements, and what the Bolts need to accomplish during a challenging opening month of the regular season. Topics & Timestamps 0:00 Jon Cooper on the most competitive Lightning camp in years 3:20 What did the Lightning learn during training camp? 8:45 Why Conor Geekie looks ready for a full-time NHL role 15:10 Sam O'Reilly and Benjamin Rautiainen's impressive camps 21:05 Jansen Harkins' surprising push for a roster spot 27:15 Breaking down Tampa Bay's defensive depth 33:40 The final roster decisions still to come 39:15 Faceoff improvements and what they mean going forward 45:20 Victor Hedman's preseason and expectations for 2026-27 50:15 Power play discussion: concerns or confidence? 55:10 Opening month schedule breakdown and key challenges 58:30 Looking ahead to Opening Night vs. the Rangers ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, roster analysis, prospect updates, game previews, postgame reaction, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #SamOReilly #BenjaminRautiainen #VictorHedman #NikitaKucherov #JonCooper #NHL #HockeyPodcast #BoltsNation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.