Nikita Kucherov’s 2025-26 season was one for the history books. And in this episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast, Boomer & Tommy relive all the best moments & crazy statistics. The show even includes each of the host’s top five Nikita Kucherov highlights from the 2025-26 season.

They discuss (as fans) what makes Kucherov so intriguing. They discuss what about Kucherov’s game irks them. They discuss what he could do next season that would still be surprising.

The episode concludes with a drawing from the ThunderBucket.

Here are a few important links mentioned in the video:

Nikita Kucherov Article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/nikita-kucherovs-2025-26-mvp-season

Boomer’s Top Five Highlights: https://substack.com/profile/330545936-bolts-breakdown/note/c-323680065?r=5gsqvk&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web

Tommy’s Top Five Highlights: https://substack.com/profile/330545936-bolts-breakdown/note/c-323680408?r=5gsqvk&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web

ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket

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Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more.

Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed

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Email: [email protected]

Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

This episode discusses who Jeff Viel is & why he's a perfect fit for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Signed July 1st, 2026, Jeff Viel joins the Bolts on a 2.5M AAV, 5-year contract.

What does he bring to the team?

Is he more than just a fighter?

What role will he play?

How impactful will he be?

Boomer & Tommy discuss all these questions & more. They conclude the episode with another offseason game: 10 questions about how Jeff Viel is similar to the other players on the roster. See how you do compared to Tommy (who scored 9 points)!

ThunderBucket Prompt: If you could mic up one player 24/7 for a week, which player would you choose?

Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more.

LINKS:

Submit a prompt for the ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket

Jeff Viel Article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/jeffrey-viel-a-perfect-fit-for-the

Blog posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed

Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/

Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/

Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433

Email: [email protected]

--

Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

This episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast talks about the Tampa Bay Lightning & their physical, in-your-face identity. Boomer & Tommy discuss if fighting 56 times in a season is a good idea, if it’s necessary, if it’s overkill, and much more.

Then, they discuss the best five fights from the season, each giving their rankings & discussing their decision.

Finally, the episode ends with a drawing from the ThunderBucket. This week’s prompt was this: If you could have two Lightning players switch bodies (freaky-friday style), which two would you switch?

Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more.

LINKS:

Brandon Hagel Podcast (interview at 1:18:00):

https://youtu.be/-L-urtQ6igE?is=RRKS_ZgbkZadmdkH

‘25-26 Tampa Bay Lightning Fight Log:

https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-2025-26-tampa-bay-lightning-fight?r=5gsqvk&utm_medium=ios

Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed

Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/

Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/

Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433

Email: [email protected]

Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

This episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast is all about the Tampa Bay Lightning forwards.

• What will the line combos look like?

• Which rookies will make their debut?

• Are there any weaknesses in the group?

Tommy & Boomer discuss all of it and more. Plus, this episode features a 10-question game about all the current forwards on the team! Tommy scored 26 of 30 points; can you beat him?

The episode ends with another ThunderBucket prompt (Which opposing fanbase cries the most when they lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning?).

Dominic James Spotlight: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/who-is-dominic-james

Last Week’s Episode (Ilya Mikheyev): https://youtu.be/3kzomW7gVgw?si=-o3vPPMwoYK8_bwA

Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed

Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/

Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/

Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433

Email: [email protected]

Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

----------------

Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more.

This episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast talks about Ilya Mikheyev & his role in with the Lightning. Boomer & Tommy discuss the Russian winger's seven season NHL career (including stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, & Chicago Blackhawks) & what Bolts Nation can expect from him in Tampa Bay.

Will Mikheyev play top-six minutes? Will his injury history catch up with him? Is he too old to have his breakout season?

We answer all these questions & more.

Plus, the episode ends with a Dominic James trivia segment: 15 questions to test your knowledge on one of the youngest forwards on the Lightning's roster.

At the conclusion of the episode, Boomer & Tommy draw from the ThunderBucket. This week, their prompt deals with OT winners, shutouts, or hat tricks.

LINKS:

Ilya Mikheyev Story: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/ilya-mikheyev-a-journey-of-unrealized

2026-27 Schedule Breakdown: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-2026-27-tampa-bay-lightning-schedule?r=5gsqvk

Subscribe For Free Weekly Newsletters⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed

X: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown

Substack: https://substack.com/chat/4602433

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/

Email: [email protected]

Bolts Breakdown exists in two formats: as a podcast & as a newsletter. Both are free resources for Tampa Bay Lightning fans.

Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

Bolts Breakdown exists in two formats: as a podcast & as a newsletter. Both are free resources for Tampa Bay Lightning fans.

In this episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast, Boomer & Tommy discuss the current defense & just how good they really are. First, though, they talk about recent Tampa Bay Lightning news:

The release of the 2026-27 NHL schedule!

You can read all about it here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-2026-27-tampa-bay-lightning-schedule

Then, Boomer & Tommy play a 15-question trivia-style game about the Lightning No. 1 defender JJ Moser. Play along & see if you can beat Tommy.

At the conclusion of the episode, Boomer & Tommy draw from the ThunderBucket & discuss which Lightning player would be the best playing with the opposite handed stick.

Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans - to help Bolts Nation follow the team & enjoy their fandom more.⁠

LINKS:

Last Week's Episode: https://youtu.be/Xt652PTvcgQ?si=POQjxiHgSG5OD9X_

Submit To The ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket

Emil Lilleberg: A Story Of Perseverance: ⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/emil-lilleberg-a-story-of-perseverance

2026-27 Schedule Breakdown: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-2026-27-tampa-bay-lightning-schedule

Subscribe For Free Weekly Newsletters⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed

X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown⁠⁠

Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/

Email: [email protected]

Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

Bolts Breakdown exists in two formats: as a podcast & as a newsletter. Both are free resources for Tampa Bay Lightning fans.

LINKS:

Read The Full Newsletter: ⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/tampa-bay-lightning-single-game-record

Submit To The ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket

Subscribe For Free Weekly Newsletters⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed⁠⁠

X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown⁠⁠

Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/⁠⁠

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast, Boomer & Tommy discuss recent Tampa Bay Lightning news:

- Pierre-Édouard Bellemare returns to the Lightning organization

- Impending Nikita Kucherov extension

- Seven other Lightning players eligible to be extended

Afterwards, Boomer & Tommy walk through many of the Lightning's single-game records. The Bolts have played 2,835 games in their 33-year NHL existence. Over time, they've built records that are borderline unfathomable.

Delivered through an "over/under" style trivia game, Boomer & Tommy walk through 20 different Lightning records. Everything from most hits in a game to most short-handed goals.

At the conclusion of the episode, Boomer & Tommy draw from the ThunderBucket & discuss the current Tampa Bay Lightning logo.

Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans - to help Bolts Nation follow the team & enjoy their fandom more.⁠

In this episode, the 18th episode of Bolts Breakdown, Boomer & Tommy talk about the 2026 Tampa Bay Lightning offseason: Jeffrey Viel, Dennis Hildeby, John Carlson, Ilya Mikeyev. This episode also includes discussion over the departure of Darren Raddysh & Nick Paul, both now members of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

At the end of the episode, Boomer & Tommy play a commonality game with every member of the current Tampa Bay Lightning team. See if you can beat Tommy’s score of 8/10!

The episode concludes with another drawing from the ThunderBucket: “Which player on the current Tampa Bay Lightning roster, not in the Top Six or Top Pairing, should have a statue outside Benchmark International Arena?

SHOWNOTES:

Read The Full Offseason Guide: https://open.substack.com/pub/boltsbreakdown/p/the-complete-2026-lightning-offseason?r=5gsqvk&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Submit To The ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket

Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans - to help Bolts Nation follow the team & enjoy their fandom more.⁠

Subscribe For Free Weekly Newsletters⁠: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed

X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown

Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, the 17th episode of Bolts Breakdown, Boomer & Tommy talk about Anthony Cirelli & Brandon Hagel, the Tampa Bay Lightning's dynamic duo!

This episode features a "Guess Who" style Lightning trivia game. 25 statements about either Brandon Hagel or Anthony Cirelli, it's your job to decipher which player it applies to!

Additionally, Boomer & Tommy rank their top-five most important Lightning players in this current age of Lightning hockey.

SHOWNOTES:

Read The Full Newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/boltsbreakdown/p/ranking-the-10-most-important-players?r=5gsqvk&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Pat Maroon Article (The Once Unwanted Hockey Legend): ⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-once-unwanted-hockey-legend⁠

Submit To The ThunderBucket: ⁠bit.ly/thunderbucket⁠

Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans - to help Bolts Nation follow the team & enjoy their fandom more.⁠

Subscribe For Free Weekly Newsletters⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed⁠

X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown⁠

Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/⁠

Email: [email protected]

Jon Cooper's story is one of the most unique success stories in sports.

In this episode, the 16th episode of Bolts Breakdown, Boomer & Tommy talk about Jon Cooper & his story. Plus, Boomer delivers a Jon Cooper Trivia Game! See if you can beat Tommy who scored 12-of-15.

Read The Full Newsletter: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/jon-cooper-the-unstoppable-coach

Pat Maroon Article (The Once Unwanted Hockey Legend): https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-once-unwanted-hockey-legend

Submit To The ThunderBucket: bit.ly/thunderbucket

Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans - to help Bolts Nation follow the team & enjoy their fandom more.⁠

Subscribe For Free Weekly Newsletters⁠: ⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed

X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown

Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/

Email: [email protected]