The Tampa Bay Lightning battled back multiple times but ultimately fell 5-3 to the Florida Panthers in their third preseason game. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick breaks down the night's biggest storylines, including another strong performance from Conor Geekie and a two-goal effort from Jansen Harkins.

After falling behind 2-0, Tampa Bay rallied with goals from Geekie and Harkins to get back into the game. Harkins added his second goal of the night in the third period, but Florida responded immediately and later sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.

Hear reaction from Head Coach Jon Cooper on several newcomers finding the scoresheet this preseason, while Jansen Harkins discusses making the most of his opportunities as roster decisions draw closer.

Also in today's episode:

• Full recap of the Lightning's 5-3 loss to Florida
• Conor Geekie's second goal of the preseason
• Jansen Harkins' two-goal performance
• Jon Cooper's thoughts on the team's new additions
• The latest on the preseason roster competition
• Jonas Johansson clears waivers
• Preview of Saturday's preseason rematch against the Panthers in Sunrise
• This Day in Lightning History: Kevin Shattenkirk's Stanley Cup Final overtime winner in 2020
• Countdown to Opening Night and Lightning Launch Week

The Lightning are now 1-1-1 in the preseason as they prepare for their final exhibition game before roster cuts intensify ahead of the regular season opener in New York.

Subscribe to Daily Strike for daily Tampa Bay Lightning news, preseason recaps, training camp coverage, player interviews, roster updates, and everything happening around the Bolts.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #LightningHockey #ConorGeekie #JansenHarkins #JonCooper #FloridaPanthers #Preseason #DailyStrike #BoltsNation #HockeyPodcast #TampaBaySports

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The Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up their preseason schedule with a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory over the Florida Panthers in Sunrise.

On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick breaks down a strong finish to the exhibition slate, including standout performances from newcomer Benjamin Rautiainen, Dennis Hildeby's solid night in goal, and the continued push by several players battling for Opening Night roster spots.

Plus, hear from Head Coach Jon Cooper, get an update on Conor Geekie's roster chances, and find out what's ahead for the Lightning as they head to Naples before opening the regular season Thursday night against the New York Rangers.

Also in today's episode:

⚡ Rautiainen scores the game-tying power play goal and nets the shootout winner
⚡ Dennis Hildeby records 20 saves and helps seal the victory in the shootout
⚡ Jeff Viel drops the gloves for his first fight as a Bolt
⚡ Latest on Tampa Bay's roster decisions ahead of Monday's deadline
⚡ Lightning Launch Week begins on Ford Thunder Alley
⚡ Home opener details and Rangers watch party information

The regular season is almost here, and the Bolts are carrying momentum into Opening Night.

#TampaBayLightning #Bolts #NHL #DailyStrike #LightningPodcast #FloridaPanthers #JonCooper #ConorGeekie #NikoRautiainen #DennisHildeby #HockeyPodcast

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The Lightning close out the 2026 preseason tonight in Sunrise against the Florida Panthers, and roster decisions are coming fast as Opening Night approaches. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick breaks down the latest moves from Training Camp, including the trade of veteran goaltender Jonas Johansson and a major round of roster cuts.

One day after clearing waivers, Johansson was traded to the Ottawa Senators for future considerations, ending his three-year run as Andrei Vasilevskiy's backup. The move comes after Tampa Bay acquired Dennis Hildeby earlier this summer and further clarifies the organization's goaltending picture heading into the regular season.

The Lightning also reduced their Training Camp roster by 20 players, sending several prospects to the Syracuse Crunch, releasing multiple PTO players, and placing additional players on waivers as the club works toward Tuesday's roster deadline.

In this episode:

• Jonas Johansson traded to the Ottawa Senators
• Major roster reductions as Opening Night nears
• Jon Cooper on the final roster battles
• Preview of the preseason finale against the Florida Panthers
• The latest on the Syracuse Crunch training camp roster
• Details on the upcoming season-opening watch party
• Countdown to Opening Night in New York and the Home Opener against the Washington Capitals

With the final preseason game on deck and roster decisions looming, every shift matters as players battle for the last spots on the opening-night roster.

Subscribe to Daily Strike for daily Tampa Bay Lightning news, Training Camp updates, roster moves, game previews, player interviews, and everything happening around the Bolts throughout the 2026-27 season.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #LightningHockey #JonasJohansson #JonCooper #DennisHildeby #FloridaPanthers #TrainingCamp #RosterCuts #DailyStrike #BoltsNation #HockeyPodcast

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