Lightning Power Lunch

The Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up a successful homestand with their third straight victory, a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down one of the team's most impressive wins of the young season. From Dennis Hildeby's stellar first start to the Lightning's emerging defensive depth, the guys discuss why Tampa Bay is finding ways to win even when their biggest offensive stars haven't fully hit their stride yet.

Dave and Greg analyze Minnesota's strong start, how the Lightning flipped the game with two quick first-period goals, and why John Carlson's first power-play goal as a Bolt could be a sign of things to come. They also discuss Hildeby's poised performance, Tampa Bay's improving special teams, and how the team continues to lock down opponents defensively.

Plus, a closer look at Max Crozier's growing role, why the coaching staff continues to trust him in critical situations, the challenge of fitting Dominic James back into the lineup, and how Conor Geekie continues to prove he belongs at the NHL level.

Topics 

Lightning beat Minnesota 3-2 for their third straight win
Minnesota's fast start and how Tampa Bay weathered the storm
Sorelli's opening goal and the importance of sustained offensive-zone pressure
John Carlson's goal and the Lightning's power play breakthrough
Why the Lightning controlled much of the game despite the close score
Dennis Hildeby's impressive first start and key third-period saves
Minnesota's top performers and the challenge of facing Joel Eriksson Ek and Quinn Hughes
The Max Crozier discussion: Why does the coaching staff trust him so much?
Crozier's team-leading even-strength ice time among defensemen
Dominic James' impending return and what it means for the lineup
Conor Geekie's continued growth and confidence at the NHL level
Looking ahead to the Islanders and continuing the winning streak

⚡ The Lightning have won three straight games, they're getting strong goaltending, contributions throughout the lineup, and their defensive depth continues to impress. Dave and Greg discuss why Tampa Bay appears to be building momentum heading into a weekend road matchup with the New York Islanders.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #DennisHildeby #ConorGeekie #MaxCrozier #JohnCarlson #VictorHedman #AnthonyCirelli #NHL #BoltsNation #LightningRadio

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The Tampa Bay Lightning wrap up their homestand tonight against the Minnesota Wild, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli preview the matchup, discuss the latest lineup news, and break down the changes the coaching staff is considering for a power play still searching for its first goal of the season.

Ed Encina joins the show to discuss Dennis Hildeby's first start as a member of the Lightning, why Tampa Bay is sticking with the 11-forward, 7-defenseman alignment, and what he's learned about Conor Geekie's tremendous growth and confidence heading into his third NHL season. Plus, a look at Victor Hedman's encouraging start, the impact of reducing his workload, and why the Lightning believe their defensive depth can be a major advantage all season long.

The guys also dive into the potential power play adjustments involving John Carlson and Charles-Édouard D'Astous, discuss the emergence of the Ilya Mikheyev-Pontus Holmberg-Zemgus Girgensons line, and debate the future contract outlook for Nikita Kucherov.

Topics

Lightning vs. Wild preview and Minnesota's challenging schedule
Dennis Hildeby gets his first start for Tampa Bay
Dominic James remains out and lineup notes
Ed Encina joins the show
Hildeby's opportunity and long-term upside
Why the Lightning continue using 11 forwards and 7 defensemen
Conor Geekie's growth, confidence and strong start
Victor Hedman's improving play and adjusted role
Hedman's physicality and impact on the team's identity
Power play changes featuring John Carlson and Charles-Édouard D'Astous
Why the Lightning believe the power play is trending in the right direction
Mikheyev, Holmberg and Girgensons continue to impress
Around the NHL: Slow starts and special teams struggles
Nikita Kucherov contract discussion and salary cap implications
Could Conor Geekie be headed for a breakout season?
Is Jon Cooper's early-season messaging any different this year?
Lightning defensive depth and D'Astous' future
Why Hildeby's start comes at the perfect time
Does the Lightning power play need a major overhaul?
Final thoughts and Wild game preview

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As the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare for Thursday night's showdown with the Minnesota Wild, one of the biggest questions facing the coaching staff is where Dominic James fits into the lineup once he's activated from injury. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli examine the roster decisions ahead, discuss whether the Lightning should continue dressing 11 forwards and 7 defensemen, and debate which players could be impacted by James' return.

The guys break down Jansen Harkins being placed on waivers, why Conor Geekie's strong play could make him difficult to take out of the lineup, and how Tampa Bay's defensive depth continues to create difficult decisions for Jon Cooper and his staff. They also dive into whether 11F-7D could become a long-term strategy for this Lightning team and how it can create matchup challenges for opponents.

Plus, discussion on a potential new-look power play featuring John Carlson in the left circle, Charle-Édouard D'Astous at the point, the Minnesota Wild's outlook entering Thursday's game, and an interesting conversation around player movement, contracts, and some of the NHL's biggest ongoing situations.

Topics

Brayden Point's strong play and Lightning practice updates
Emil Lilleberg returns to practice in a non-contact jersey
Jansen Harkins on waivers and Dominic James' impending return
Could the Lightning use 11 forwards and 7 defensemen long term?
How Tampa Bay's defensive depth is creating lineup challenges
Does 11F-7D create matchup problems for opponents?
Where exactly does Dominic James fit in the lineup?
Why Conor Geekie has earned a longer leash
Breaking down the projected lines from practice
Minnesota Wild preview and key players to watch
Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy and Minnesota's playoff outlook
Quinn Hughes' future and the growing trend of player movement
New power-play look featuring John Carlson and Charle-Édouard D'Astous
Conor Geekie's development and Ed Encina's feature story
Listener questions: James, Gage Goncalves and future lineup decisions
What happens when Yanni Gourde returns?
Final thoughts and Lightning-Wild preview

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The Tampa Bay Lightning are off to a strong start, earning their second straight win with a convincing 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the Bolts' dominant performance, discuss why the score could have been even more lopsided, and examine the growing confidence surrounding this year's team.

The guys discuss the outstanding play of Ilya Mikheyev, Zemgus Girgensons, and Pontus Holmberg, a line that has become one of Tampa Bay's most effective units through the first week of the season. They also dive into Max Crozier's continued emergence on the blue line, Victor Hedman's evolving role, and why the Lightning's defensive depth could lead to more 11-forward, 7-defenseman lineups moving forward.

Plus, thoughts on the power play's slow start despite generating quality chances, the improved play of Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel, and Nikita Kucherov, the status of Dominic James, and what lineup decisions await Jon Cooper when the Lightning get healthier.

Topics

Lightning beat Flyers 4-1 for their second straight win
Why Tampa Bay controlled the game despite the close score
Comparing the Flyers win to Saturday's victory over Washington
Brandon Hagel's penalty and the debate over supplemental discipline
How Porter Martone got under the Lightning's skin
Ilya Mikheyev, Zemgus Girgensons & Emil Holmberg continue to shine
Why Jon Cooper keeps leaning on the Mikheyev line
Max Crozier's impressive performance and lineup case
Victor Hedman's changing role and managing defensive minutes
Faceoff struggles, Brayden Point's goal and John Carlson's impact
The power play discussion: concern or patience?
Dominic James injury update and lineup decisions ahead
Looking ahead to Minnesota and the rest of the week

⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game analysis, roster updates, prospect news, and exclusive interviews all season long.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #IlyaMikheyev #MaxCrozier #VictorHedman #BraydenPoint #NikitaKucherov #DominicJames #NHL #BoltsNation

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The Tampa Bay Lightning bounced back in a big way with a 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down what was arguably the Lightning's most complete effort of the young season. They discuss the physical, playoff-like intensity of the game, how Tampa Bay responded after the Opening Night loss to the Rangers, and why Jon Cooper was pleased with the team's compete level.

The guys dive into Conor Geekie's impressive bounce-back performance, Charle-Edouard D'Astous' first-period goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy's outstanding night in net, and the impact of rolling seven defensemen against one of the biggest and toughest teams in the NHL. Plus, analysis of the Lightning's evolving line combinations, including Ilya Mikheyev's strong fit alongside Zemgus Girgensons and Emil Holmberg.

They also preview tonight's matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers, discuss the Lightning's faceoff improvements, examine the slow start by Tampa Bay's power play, and answer listener questions on lineup decisions, Nikita Kucherov's future contract, and more.

Topics

Lightning respond with a 3-1 win over Washington
Why the first period was Tampa Bay's best of the season
Vasilevskiy's stellar performance against the Capitals
Jon Cooper on the Lightning's improved compete level
Seven defensemen, Charle-Edouard D'Astous' goal & Emil Lilleberg's injury
Mikheyev, Girgensons and Holmberg form an effective matchup line
Conor Geekie's breakout performance and elite shot
Why the Caps game felt like playoff hockey
Faceoff improvements and what they mean going forward
Power play concerns: 0-for-10 to start the season
Flyers preview: What's gone wrong in Philadelphia?
Nikita Kucherov contract discussion and rising NHL salaries
Porter Martone spotlight and final thoughts before Flyers-Lightning

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#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #AndreiVasilevskiy #NikitaKucherov #DylanDeStoux #JohnCooper #PhiladelphiaFlyers #NHL #HockeyPodcast #BoltsNation

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The Tampa Bay Lightning opened the 2026-27 season with a 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down what happened at Madison Square Garden and where the Lightning go from here. From Igor Shesterkin's  goalie goal to Tampa Bay's struggles on the power play and in the faceoff circle, the guys dive into the biggest storylines from Opening Night.

Dave and Greg discuss whether the final score accurately reflected the game, why the Lightning generated enough chances to stay close early, and how Shesterkin's performance helped New York build momentum. They also examine Tampa Bay's defensive-zone turnovers, special teams struggles, and the lack of production from the bottom six.

Plus, thoughts on Brayden Point's strong start, Ilya Mikheyev's fit with Nikita Kucherov and Point, Conor Geekie's play, lineup decisions heading into Saturday's game against Washington, and a look at the new-look Capitals featuring Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson and Alex Ovechkin.

Topics & Timestamps

0:00 Reaction to the Lightning's 5-1 Opening Night loss to the Rangers
 2:35 Did the final score accurately reflect the game?
 7:20 Rangers score first and take control early
 11:50 Why the Lightning pushed back in the first period
 17:35 Shesterkin's impact and New York's defensive play
 22:50 The second period unraveling and costly turnovers
 29:40 Power play struggles: 0-for-7 and missed opportunities
 36:15 Faceoff numbers: concern or one-game overreaction?
 41:10 Brayden Point, Kucherov and the Lightning's top six
 45:15 Conor Geekie, Gage Goncalves and the quiet night for the bottom six
 49:20 Defensive pairings, John Carlson and lineup adjustments
 53:10 Previewing the Washington Capitals
 56:00 Tuch, Kyrou, Ovechkin and what makes Washington dangerous
 58:30 Final thoughts heading into Saturday's home opener

⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game analysis, player interviews, prospect updates, game previews, and postgame reaction throughout the 2026-27 season.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #BraydenPoint #NikitaKucherov #JohnCarlson #AndreiVasilevskiy #AlexOvechkin #WashingtonCapitals #NHL #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.

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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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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

⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame reaction, roster analysis, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews all season long.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NikitaKucherov #DanRosen #VictorHedman #BraydenPoint #AndreiVasilevskiy #ConorGeekie #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.

⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame reaction, roster analysis, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season.

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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

⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, roster analysis, prospect updates, game previews, postgame reaction, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season.

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

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