From Broadway Blues to Seattle OT Glory! | Tampa Bay Lightning Recap | Backchecking the Bolts

The Tampa Bay Lightning experienced the highs and lows of the NHL season this week, suffering a disappointing 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden before bouncing back with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over the Seattle Kraken!

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, host Jason Linkes and co-host Justin Godfrey, Managing Editor of Raw Charge, break down both games, analyze the Lightning's performance, and discuss what these results mean as Tampa Bay continues its 2026-27 NHL season.

🏒 ON THIS EPISODE:

🔵 Broadway Blues – Lightning Fall to the Rangers 4-1

We examine what went wrong against the New York Rangers, why Tampa Bay struggled to generate offense, and the areas that need improvement as the Lightning look to establish consistency.

⚡ Seattle OT Glory – Lightning Defeat Kraken 4-3!

The Bolts rebound with an exciting overtime victory in Seattle! We break down the key moments, including Brandon Hagel's two-goal performance, contributions from Victor Hedman and Ilya Mikheyev, and Andrei Vasilevskiy's performance between the pipes.

🔥 Godfrey's Game Notes

Justin takes a closer look at three important storylines:

• Welcome Back, Dominic James! What his return means for Tampa Bay's lineup.
• Power Outage on the Power Play: What's going wrong with the Lightning's man advantage?
• Vintage Victor Hedman: The Lightning captain continues to demonstrate why he's one of the NHL's premier defensemen.

🎙️ ABOUT BACKCHECKING THE BOLTS

Backchecking the Bolts delivers in-depth Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game recaps, player analysis, NHL news, and exclusive interviews. Join Jason Linkes and Raw Charge Managing Editor Justin Godfrey for knowledgeable, entertaining discussions about everything surrounding the Bolts.

👍 LIKE this episode if you're a Lightning fan!

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for Tampa Bay Lightning news, game recaps, analysis, and interviews throughout the 2026-27 NHL season.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning are RED HOT! Four straight wins and the Bolts are rolling!* On this episode of *Backchecking the Bolts*, host Jason Linkes and co-host Justin Godfrey, Managing Editor of Raw Charge, break down the Tampa Bay Lightning's impressive four-game winning streak as the Bolts continue to build momentum early in the 2026-27 NHL season.

The Lightning put together a perfect week, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1, Minnesota Wild 3-2, and New York Islanders 5-3 on Long Island. What's clicking for Tampa Bay, and can the Bolts keep their winning ways going? 🔥 *Justin Godfrey's Game Notes* – Justin breaks down the biggest takeaways, standout performers, and developing trends from all three victories. 🥅 *Lightning vs. Rangers Preview* – Tampa Bay prepares for Tuesday's matchup against the New York Rangers, who will be without star goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Can the Lightning take advantage and extend their winning streak to five games?

🔄 *Roster Moves Coming?* – With Dominic James nearing a return to the Lightning lineup, Jason and Justin discuss potential roster decisions, lineup adjustments, and what Tampa Bay might do to make room for his return.

*ABOUT BACKCHECKING THE BOLTS* Join Jason Linkes and Justin Godfrey, Managing Editor of Raw Charge, for in-depth Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game recaps, NHL analysis, player interviews, and the latest Bolts news throughout the 2026-27 NHL season.

👍 LIKE this video if you're excited about the Lightning's winning streak!

💬 COMMENT BELOW: What's been the biggest reason for Tampa Bay's four-game winning streak? And what roster move should the Lightning make when Dominic James returns? 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Backchecking the Bolts for more Lightning news, game previews, analysis, and exclusive interviews.

🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio. 📩 Contact us: mailto:backcheckingthebolts@yahoo.com

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The Tampa Bay Lightning open the 2026-27 NHL season with a split, falling 5-1 to the New York Rangers on opening night before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals in the home opener.

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, Jason Linkes and Raw Charge Managing Editor Justin Godfrey break down both games and what we learned from Tampa Bay’s first two contests of the season.

🏒 Justin’s Game Notes — Justin gives his three biggest keys from each game and explains what determined the outcome against New York and Washington.

⚡ Lightning vs. Rangers — What went wrong in the 5-1 opening-night loss?
⚡ Lightning vs. Capitals — Tampa Bay responds with a much better effort in the 3-1 home-opening victory.
⚡ Early-season takeaways — What already looks encouraging, and what needs improvement?
⚡ Coming up next — We preview this week’s home games against the Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota Wild.

Can the Lightning build off their win over Washington and start putting together some early-season momentum?

Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Tampa Bay Lightning analysis, game recaps, previews, interviews and more throughout the 2026-27 NHL season.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #TBLightning #BackcheckingTheBolts #BoltsNation #TB #ALLCaps #LetsGoRangers

The 2026-27 Tampa Bay Lightning season is here! The Bolts open the regular season Thursday night in New York against the New York Rangers, and Backchecking the Bolts gets you ready for Opening Night.

Raw Charge Managing Editor Justin Godfrey and Jason Linkes break down the biggest questions surrounding the Lightning as Tampa Bay begins another run at the Stanley Cup.

⚡ On this episode:

🔥 Justin’s Burning Questions — The biggest questions facing the Lightning entering the 2026-27 season and the answers that could help define Tampa Bay’s year.

⚡ Jason’s Bolts Blueprint for Success — Jason examines the trends and strategies Tampa Bay needs to improve from last season, including managing minutes for veterans, face-offs, defensive-zone draws, scoring first and other areas that could make the difference in 2026-27.

🏒 The 2026-27 Lightning Roster — We break down Tampa Bay’s Opening Night roster: Who made it? Who didn’t? And what could the lineup look like when the Lightning take the ice against the Rangers?

Plus, Jason and Justin discuss what they’ll be watching for as the Tampa Bay Lightning open the 2026-27 NHL season at Madison Square Garden.

If you’re a Tampa Bay Lightning fan, subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Lightning news, analysis, interviews, game previews and reaction throughout the 2026-27 NHL season.

Backchecking the Bolts — your home for Tampa Bay Lightning talk.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #TBLightning #TBL #TampaBay #StanleyCup #BackcheckingTheBolts

What does it take to go from Minnesota high school hockey to becoming a Stanley Cup Champion? Former Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ben Clymer joins Jason Linkes and Justin Godfrey on Backchecking the Bolts for an exclusive interview about his remarkable hockey journey, winning the 2004 Stanley Cup, and building a successful career after the NHL.

Growing up in Bloomington, Minnesota, Clymer developed his love for hockey in one of America's most passionate hockey communities. From winning a Minnesota high school state championship to reaching the NHL, Ben shares the experiences, challenges, and memories that shaped his career.

We look back at his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, including the unforgettable 2004 Stanley Cup championship season, his years playing under John Tortorella, and his eventual move to the Washington Capitals.

But Ben's story doesn't end when he hangs up his skates!

Today, Clymer is the Managing Partner at Abbey Street in the Twin Cities, where he has transitioned from professional hockey into financial and wealth management. We discuss what attracted him to the financial industry, the lessons he carried from the NHL into the business world, and his perspective on life after professional sports.

In this episode:

• Growing up in Bloomington, Minnesota, and discovering hockey
• Winning a Minnesota high school hockey state championship
• The journey from Minnesota to the NHL
• Playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning
• Memories of John Tortorella and the 2004 Stanley Cup championship
• His time with the Washington Capitals
• Transitioning from professional hockey to financial management
• His role as Managing Partner at Abbey Street
• Life after hockey and the lessons learned along the way

Plus, Ben steps into the penalty box for our rapid-fire segment, Two Minutes in the Box!

Whether you're a longtime Tampa Bay Lightning fan, a Minnesota hockey enthusiast, or simply interested in what professional athletes do after their playing careers, this conversation offers a fascinating look at life on and off the ice.

Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for more Tampa Bay Lightning news, analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the NHL.

Hosted by Jason Linkes and Justin Godfrey, Managing Editor of Raw Charge.

Follow Backchecking the Bolts:

YouTube: Backchecking the Bolts

X: @Tampa_Bolts_Pod

Email: backcheckingthebolts@yahoo.com

Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning are getting closer to the 2026-27 NHL season, and on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we break down some of the biggest questions surrounding the Bolts as training camp approaches.

We start with the Lightning Prospect Tournament in Raleigh, September 13-15. Which Tampa Bay prospects have the most to gain, and which players need to make an impression if they want to push their way into the NHL roster conversation?

Then it's time for our 3 Burning Questions heading into the 2026-27 season. Who grabs the second-line left wing spot? Who wins the battle for the sixth defensive position? And can the Lightning power play get back on track?

We also debut Fringe, Rise or Regression, as we look at six Lightning players and predict what their upcoming seasons could look like. Are they on the fringe, ready to rise, or candidates to regress?

Finally, Chris Kreider has been released by the Anaheim Ducks. The veteran forward is now available — but would he actually make sense for Tampa Bay? We look at Kreider's production, potential role and whether the Lightning should have any interest.

On this episode:

• Lightning Prospect Tournament preview from Raleigh
• Prospects who need to impress
• 3 Burning Questions for the 2026-27 Lightning
• Second-line left wing competition
• Tampa Bay's sixth defenseman battle
• Can the Lightning power play rebound?
• Fringe, Rise or Regression: 6 Lightning players
• Chris Kreider released by Anaheim
• Could Kreider be a fit in Tampa Bay?

Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Tampa Bay Lightning analysis, NHL news, prospects, roster discussions and conversations that go beyond the box score.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #TBL #BackcheckingTheBolts #ChrisKreider #TBLightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning are heading toward training camp with some major questions, and on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we break down the biggest storylines surrounding the Bolts and the NHL.

What will the Lightning do with Nikita Kucherov’s next contract, and what does the future hold for Jonas Johansson? With training camp approaching, we discuss the contract situations Tampa Bay will have to address and what Kucherov could command on his next deal.

We also debate one of the biggest questions facing the Lightning this season: Who does Tampa Bay need a bounce-back season from more — Brayden Point or Victor Hedman? Both are critical pieces of the Lightning core, but which player returning to top form would have the greater impact?

Plus, a potentially massive NHL storyline: Connor Hellebuyck has requested a trade. What could that mean for the Winnipeg Jets, what kind of market could develop for one of the NHL’s premier goaltenders, and which teams could potentially get involved?

Finally, with NHL expansion continuing to loom on the horizon, could expansion finally lead the league to rethink the Stanley Cup Playoff format? We discuss possible changes and whether the current wild-card system should survive an expanded NHL.

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts:

• Nikita Kucherov’s next contract — what’s his number?
• What happens with Jonas Johansson?
• Brayden Point vs. Victor Hedman: Who needs the bigger bounce-back season?
• Connor Hellebuyck requests a trade
• Could NHL expansion change the playoff format?

If you’re a Tampa Bay Lightning fan or follow the NHL, subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Lightning analysis, NHL news, rumors, trades, contracts and discussion that goes beyond the box score.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #TBLightning #TBL #NHLNews

What makes the Syracuse Crunch and Tampa Bay Lightning partnership one of the best in the AHL? We go behind the scenes with Lukas Favale, the voice of the Syracuse Crunch, to take a deep dive into the Crunch's 2025-26 season and the players who could be part of Tampa Bay's future.

Lukas joins Backchecking the Bolts to recap Syracuse's season, discuss why the long-running Lightning–Crunch affiliation works so well, and identify some of the young players Lightning fans should keep an eye on.

We also talk about one of the most entertaining features on the Crunch's social media: Walk and Talk, where Lukas catches up with Crunch players as they walk to the arena and gives fans a more personal look at the players behind the jerseys

Follow Lukas Favale on X and Instagram @LukasFavale

Do you want to watch the Walk & Talks? Go to the Syracuse Crunch Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/syracusecrunch

Find out more information on the Syracuse Crunch at: www.syracusecrunch.com

Watch their games on AHL TV at FloHockey

Listen to the Crunch at www.espnsyracuse.com (ESPN 1200 AM or 97.7 PM)

#TampaBayLightning #SyracuseCrunch #TBLightning #TBL #GoBolts #CrunchTime