The latest episode of Backchecking the Bolts is here!

On this episode, we break down the finalists for the NHL’s biggest awards, including the Hart Memorial Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Norris Trophy, Calder Memorial Trophy, Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, and more.

Then we're joined by Jonah Ahrens from The Sabres Report Podcast to break down the incredible season by the Buffalo Sabres, what fueled their turnaround, and how Buffalo matches up in their second-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens.

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X (Jonah Ahrens): Jonah Ahrens (@TSR_Jonah) / X

#NHL #BuffaloSabres #LetsGoBuffalo #MontrealCanadiens #NHLAwards #StanleyCupPlayoffs #TampaBayLightning #GoHabsGo #GoBolts

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s playoff run comes to an end as we break down the full first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts.

Joining the show is Jared Book from Habs Eyes on the Prize (www.https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/), who gives the Montreal perspective on what decided the series, the biggest turning points, standout performances, coaching decisions, and what went wrong for Tampa Bay.

We also look ahead to the Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres second-round playoff matchup, as Jared shares his thoughts on key storylines, matchups to watch, X-factors, and whether Montreal has what it takes to keep their Stanley Cup run alive.

Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Lightning analysis, NHL playoff coverage, interviews, and hockey debate.

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#TampaBayLightning #MontrealCanadiens #NHLPlayoffs #GoBolts #GoHabsGo #GoSabres #StanleyCupPlayoffs #Habs #TBL

Relive the Tampa Bay Lightning’s heartbreaking season-ending Game 7 loss as Jason Linkes and Justin Godfrey break down the Bolts’ 2-1 defeat to the Montreal Canadiens in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we analyze what went wrong for the Tampa Bay Lightning, key turning points from Game 7, standout performances, missed opportunities, and what this early playoff exit means for the future of the franchise.

We also shift our focus to the NHL postseason and preview the second round matchups, as Jason Linkes and Justin Godfrey make their Stanley Cup Playoff predictions and discuss which teams have the best path to the Finals.

🏒 Topics in this episode:
• Lightning vs Canadiens Game 7 recap
• Biggest reasons Tampa Bay was eliminated
• Key players and turning points
• Offseason questions facing the Lightning
• Second Round NHL Playoff predictions

Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for weekly NHL analysis, Tampa Bay Lightning news, playoff coverage, and offseason breakdowns.

#GoBolts #TampaBayLightning #GoHabsGo #Habs #TBL #TBLightning #StanleyCupPlayoffs #NHL

Tampa stays alive! The Tampa Bay Lightning shut out the Montreal Canadiens 1-0 in overtime in Game 6, sending this playoff series to an epic Game 7 in Tampa.

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we recap the overtime winner, defensive masterclass, clutch saves, and biggest turning points from the game. We also break down the NHL Award finalists and take a look at the rest of the National Hockey League playoff bracket.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning are on the brink.

After a tough 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5, the Lightning now trail the series 3-2 in this best-of-seven matchup. We break down what went wrong, missed opportunities, and what Tampa Bay needs to do to force a Game 7.

We’re also joined by Wesley Lawrence from Defending Big D to dive into the Western Conference — including a full breakdown of the Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars series and key storylines across the West.

⚡ Lightning vs Canadiens Game 5 recap
🏒 What’s going wrong for Tampa Bay
🔥 Keys to Game 6 and staying alive
⭐ Wesley Lawrence joins the show
🌵 Wild vs Stars breakdown
📊 Western Conference playoff analysis

🎙 Backchecking the Bolts — Your home for Tampa Bay Lightning coverage

#GoBolts #TBL #tampabaylightning #tblightning #NHLplayoffs #DallasStars #MinnesotaWild #GoHabsGo #MontrealCanadiens

For ways to follow Wesley Lawrence & Defending Big D:

Bleav podcast network: https://bleav.com/shows/stargazing-a-dallas-stars-podcast-defending-big-d/

Defendingbigd.com

Bluesky

- wes-lawrence.bsky.social (wes)

- hitzicestat.bsky.social (mark, my co-host)

- ketibbetts.bsky.social (kt, our producer)

Twitter

- @wesalawrence

- @defendingbigd.com

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we break down the Tampa Bay Lightning’s gritty 3-2 Game 4 victory that evened the series at 2-2. We dive into key moments, standout performances, and what changed for Tampa.

Plus, we analyze the controversial hit from Max Crozier on Juraj Slafkovský and what it could mean moving forward. Finally, we preview a pivotal Game 5 and what both teams need to do to take control of the series.

The Tampa Bay Lightning fall 3-2 in overtime to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 3.
We break down what went wrong, key moments that decided the game, and how the Bolts respond moving forward in this playoff series.

Then, we’re joined by Bob Grove, a veteran NHL journalist with over 30 years covering the Pittsburgh Penguins and the league, for an exclusive interview. We dive into his insights on today’s NHL, playoff hockey, and what makes championship teams different.

You can follow Bob on social media at the following:

Twitter: bobgrove91

Bluesky: bobgrove91.bsky.social

#GoBolts #LetsGoPens #GohabsGo #Montrealcanadiens #NHLPlayoffs #TBL #tampabaylightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning take Game 2 in dramatic fashion with a 3-2 overtime win over Montreal! ⚡

In this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, host Jason Linkes is joined by Raw Charge Managing Editor Justin Godfrey to break down everything from Game 2 of this best-of-7 series.

We dive into:

• Tampa Bay’s clutch overtime performance
• Key plays and standout players in the 3-2 victory
• What went right for the Lightning — and what Montreal needs to fix
• And a full preview of Games 3 & 4 as the series shifts to Montreal

Can the Lightning keep momentum on the road? Or will the Canadiens respond at home?

🎧 Subscribe for more Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game breakdowns, and playoff analysis all series long!