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

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#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #DominicJames #ConorGeekie #NikitaKucherov #JakeGuentzel #VictorHedman #GageGoncalves #SeattleKraken #EverettFitzhugh #NHL #BoltsNation

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As the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare for their final preseason game, the picture of the opening-night roster is beginning to come into focus. Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the latest camp developments, including why Conor Geekie appears to have earned a spot on the NHL roster, the strong preseason from Jansen Harkins, and what could be next for top prospects Sam O'Reilly and Benjamin Rautiainen.

The guys also discuss the practice groups that may reveal Tampa Bay's projected opening-night roster, why the organization believes more development time could benefit O'Reilly, and how Geekie's offseason work on his skating and strength has translated into his best training camp yet.

Plus, thoughts on Victor Hedman's encouraging preseason, the ongoing evolution of the Lightning power play, Jansen Harkins' surprising push for a roster spot, and what to watch in Tampa Bay's preseason finale against the Florida Panthers.

Timestamps

0:00 Opening thoughts and final preseason game preview
2:15 Reading the tea leaves: Is the opening-night roster already set?
8:10 Why Conor Geekie appears to have earned an NHL job
14:45 Sam O'Reilly's future and why Syracuse might be the right path
20:05 Jansen Harkins' surprising camp and roster case
26:30 Breaking down the projected 23-man roster
33:10 Takeaways from the Panthers preseason game
39:00 Victor Hedman's strong preseason showing
44:15 Has the Lightning power play improved?
50:10 Benjamin Rautiainen's future and development path
55:00 Final preseason game preview vs. Florida
58:15 Closing thoughts

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#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #SamOReilly #VictorHedman #JansenHarkins #NikitaKucherov #NHL #HockeyPodcast #NHLPreseason

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It’s another chapter in the Lightning-Panthers rivalry as Tampa Bay hosts Florida in preseason action, and Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli preview all the key storylines heading into the matchup. While the Panthers are dressing a prospect-heavy lineup, the Lightning are icing many of their NHL regulars, including Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Jake Guentzel, Victor Hedman, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and John Carlson.

Former Lightning defenseman Braydon Coburn joins the show to discuss Victor Hedman’s offseason transformation, why shedding weight could help extend his effectiveness, and how Tampa Bay's defensive depth may be one of the team's biggest strengths entering the 2026-27 season. Coburn also shares insights on Conor Geekie’s development, the evolution of skating and shooting in today’s NHL, and why confidence remains a critical factor for players looking to take the next step.

Plus, the guys dive into the ongoing roster battles featuring Sam O’Reilly, Conor Geekie, Benjamin Rautiainen, Jacob Pelletier and Jansen Harkins, while examining how the Lightning's physical identity could carry over from last season's heated matchups with Florida.

In this episode:

• Lightning vs. Panthers preseason preview
• Braydon Coburn on Victor Hedman and Tampa Bay's blue line
• Conor Geekie's NHL development path
• Sam O'Reilly's continued push for a roster spot
• John Carlson's fit with the Lightning
• The evolution of NHL skating, shooting and stick technology
• Tampa Bay's physical identity entering the new season
• Atlantic Division outlook and roster depth discussion

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#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #BraydonCoburn #VictorHedman #ConnorGeeky #SamOReilly #NikitaKucherov #NHL #HockeyPodcast #NHLPreseason

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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

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#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #SamOReilly #BenjaminRautiainen #VictorHedman #NikitaKucherov #JonCooper #NHL #HockeyPodcast #BoltsNation

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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.

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#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #BrianEngblom #VictorHedman #BraydenPoint #AndreiVasilevskiy #SamOReilly #BenjaminRautiainen #NHL #BoltsNation

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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

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#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NikitaKucherov #DanRosen #VictorHedman #BraydenPoint #AndreiVasilevskiy #ConorGeekie #NHL #HockeyPodcast #BoltsNation

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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

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