Lightning Power Lunch

The Tampa Bay Lightning improved to 5-2 on the season with a thrilling 4-3 overtime win over the Seattle Kraken, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down Victor Hedman's game-winning overtime goal, what it could mean for the captain's confidence moving forward, and why the victory wasn't as straightforward as the final score may suggest.

The guys discuss the high-event nature of the game, standout performances from Andrei Vasilevskiy, Brandon Hagel, and Ilya Mikheyev, and why Seattle showed they're a legitimate playoff contender. They also examine the Lightning's struggles in the faceoff circle, the team's ongoing power-play questions despite generating quality chances, and how a few key moments ultimately swung the game in Tampa Bay's favor.

Plus, the return of Dominic James provided an immediate boost to the lineup, Conor Geekie continues to show promise alongside James and Jeff Viel, and the guys answer listener questions on Sam O'Reilly, Gage Goncalves, the Lightning's scoring depth, faceoff concerns, and whether Nikita Kucherov should become more of a shooter on the power play.

Topics Discussed

• Victor Hedman's overtime winner and its significance
• Could Hedman's goal be a confidence-building moment?
• Brandon Hagel scores twice in another strong performance
• Andrei Vasilevskiy's key saves keep the Lightning in the game
• Why Seattle looks like a legitimate playoff contender
• Dominic James' return and immediate impact
• Conor Geekie, Jeff Viel and the energy of the fourth line
• James' speed, hockey sense, and ability to elevate linemates
• The Lightning's struggles in the faceoff circle
• Anthony Cirelli's difficult faceoff assignments
• Power-play chances vs. power-play results
• Why Nikita Kucherov may need to shoot more often
• Breaking down the Lightning's 2-for-27 power play start
• Ilya Mikheyev's goal and Seattle's defensive breakdown
• Brandon Montour's injury impact on the Kraken
• Sam O'Reilly's development path in Syracuse
• Gage Goncalves and earning a larger role
• Have the Lightning struggled to develop goal scorers?
• Looking ahead to the matchup with Vancouver

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

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #VictorHedman #BrandonHagel #DominicJames #ConorGeekie #NikitaKucherov #AndreiVasilevskiy #SamOReilly #GageGoncalves #NHL #BoltsNation

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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

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

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

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The Tampa Bay Lightning saw their four-game winning streak come to an end with a tough loss to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Eric Erlendsson break down what went wrong, why the Rangers continue to present matchup problems for the Lightning, and whether the result was more about Tampa Bay's execution or New York's strong play.

The guys discuss Jon Cooper's candid postgame assessment, the Rangers' relentless forecheck, faceoff dominance led by J.T. Miller, and why Tampa Bay struggled to establish any rhythm on the power play. They also examine whether the Lightning's power-play issues are a cause for concern, what role John Carlson plays in the unit's evolution, and whether lineup changes could be coming soon.

Plus, a look at the expected return of Dominic James, the coaching staff's upcoming roster decisions, Conor Geekie's development, Brayden Point's search for his scoring touch, and why Zemgus Girgensons may have been Tampa Bay's best player in New York. The show wraps up with a preview of Thursday night's matchup against the Seattle Kraken and why a strong response is critical.

Topics Discussed

• Lightning's four-game winning streak comes to an end
• Jon Cooper's reaction to the loss at Madison Square Garden
• Why the Rangers were better than the Lightning in all three zones
• J.T. Miller's dominance in the faceoff circle
• The impact of special teams on the game
• Breaking down the Lightning's power-play struggles
• John Carlson's role on the top power-play unit
• Should Tampa Bay make power-play adjustments?
• Dominic James' expected return to the NHL roster
• 11 forwards, 7 defensemen vs. 12 forwards, 6 defensemen
• Emil Lilleberg's status and potential lineup changes
• Evaluating Conor Geekie's development through six games
• Brayden Point and the search for more offensive production
• Zemgus Girgensons' strong start to the season
• Gage Goncalves and internal competition for ice time
• Why the Rangers have exceeded expectations early this season
• Previewing Lightning vs. Kraken
• Fan questions and roster discussion

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

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #BraydenPoint #DominicJames #ZemgusGirgensons #JohnCarlson #AndreiVasilevskiy #SeattleKraken #NHL #BoltsNation

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The Tampa Bay Lightning look to extend their winning streak to five games tonight as they face the New York Rangers for the second time this season. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli preview the matchup, discuss the latest lineup news, and examine how much the Lightning have evolved since their season-opening loss at Madison Square Garden.

The guys break down the Rangers' goaltending situation with Igor Shesterkin sidelined, why Dylan Garand has impressed in limited NHL action, and what challenges New York still presents despite key injuries. They also discuss lineup updates involving Emil Lilleberg, Dominic James, and Jeff Viel, plus why the Lightning continue to find success with the 11-forward, 7-defenseman alignment.

Plus, a deep dive into Nikita Kucherov's pursuit of the Lightning franchise scoring record, Jon Cooper's thoughts on Kucherov's hockey IQ, and an entertaining discussion comparing Kucherov's vision and playmaking ability to some of the greatest players in NHL history.

Topics Discussed

• Lightning vs. Rangers preview and keys to the rematch
• Ryan McDonagh on Tampa Bay's improved play since Opening Night
• Rangers goaltending situation and Dylan Garand's NHL success
• Emil Lilleberg's recovery and expected return timeline
• Dominic James' status and when he could rejoin the lineup
• Jeff Viel returns to the lineup
• Why the Lightning continue using 11 forwards and 7 defensemen
• Rangers rookie prospect Cole Beaudoin and New York's young talent
• Nikita Kucherov closing in on the franchise points record
• Jon Cooper's comments on Kucherov's hockey IQ
• Wayne Gretzky's appreciation for Kucherov's game
• The value of the Mikheyev-Holmberg-Girgensons line
• Conor Geekie's continued growth and development
• Gage Goncalves' role in the top six
• John Carlson's impact on the power play
• J.J. Moser's strong start to the season
• Andrei Vasilevskiy climbing the NHL's all-time wins list
• Fan questions and game-night discussion

⚡ 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 #NikitaKucherov #ConorGeekie #AndreiVasilevskiy #JohnCarlson #RyanMcDonagh #JJMoser #NewYorkRangers #NHL #BoltsNation

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The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their winning streak to four games with a thrilling 5-3 road win over the New York Islanders, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down everything that led to the victory. From Brandon Hagel's hat trick to another timely power-play goal and several game-saving stops from Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Bolts continue to build momentum early in the season.

The guys discuss how the Lightning built another early two-goal lead, why the Islanders pushed back so effectively, and how Tampa Bay weathered its most sustained pressure of the four-game winning streak. They also examine Hagel's dominant performance, Jake Guentzel's two-goal night, and the growing signs that the Lightning power play may be finding its rhythm after goals in back-to-back games.

Plus, thoughts on Max Crozier's role in the 11-forward, 7-defenseman alignment, the continued impact of the Zemgus Girgensons-Pontus Holmberg-Ilya Mikheyev line, the future of Dominic James, and why rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer looks destined to become a superstar for the Islanders.

• Topics & Timestamps
• Lightning win their fourth straight game and opening thoughts on the Islanders victory
• Brandon Hagel's hat trick and Jake Guentzel's two-goal performance
• Why Tampa Bay's stars carried the offense on Saturday
• Breaking down the Islanders' pushback and the blown 3-1 lead
• The importance of Guentzel's power-play goal and special teams progress
• Andrei Vasilevskiy's key third-period saves keep the game tied
• Brandon Hagel's game-winning goal and why shooting the puck matters
• Dominic James remains in Syracuse and what's next for his development
• Scott Sabourin's physical debut and his unique fighting style
• Matthew Schaefer's emergence and why the Islanders may have a future superstar
• Should the Lightning stick with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen?
• Max Crozier's usage, defensive depth and ice-time distribution
• Is the Lightning roster complete or does it still need another top-six winger?
• Why the Girgensons-Holmberg-Mikheyev line continues to be so effective
• Lightning identity, team habits and sustaining success over 84 games
• Looking ahead to the Rangers and the upcoming road trip

⚡ The Lightning are 4-1 and riding a four-game winning streak. Dave and Greg discuss why Tampa Bay is finding ways to win in different fashions, how the team's depth continues to pay dividends, and why there's still room for this group to get even better.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #BrandonHagel #JakeGuentzel #AndreiVasilevskiy #MaxCrozier #DominicJames #MatthewSchaefer #NHL #BoltsNation #LightningRadio

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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

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

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #DennisHildeby #VictorHedman #NikitaKucherov #JohnCarlson #EdEncina #MinnesotaWild #NHL #BoltsNation

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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

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

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #DominicJames #ConorGeekie #JohnCarlson #BraydenPoint #JonCooper #MinnesotaWild #NHL #HockeyPodcast #BoltsNation

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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

⚡ 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 #ConorGeekie #AndreiVasilevskiy #NikitaKucherov #DylanDeStoux #JohnCooper #PhiladelphiaFlyers #NHL #HockeyPodcast #BoltsNation

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