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.

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