The Last Call - Tampa Bay Lightning Postgame Show

The Tampa Bay Lightning saw their four-game winning streak come to an end Tuesday night, falling 4-1 to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Despite outshooting the Rangers, the Lightning struggled to generate quality scoring chances against New York's aggressive forecheck and disciplined defensive structure. Zemgus Girgensons provided Tampa Bay's lone goal, but the Rangers controlled much of the game and completed a season sweep of the two early-season meetings.

On Last Call Presented by Jack Daniel's, Greg Linnelli and Eric Erlendsson break down what went wrong for the Lightning, from the lack of offensive execution and power-play struggles to the difficulty of chasing the game after an early Rangers goal. The crew discusses why Tampa Bay's top offensive players were unable to find their rhythm, what adjustments may be needed on the power play, and how the Rangers continue to cause problems for the Bolts.

Hear postgame comments from John Carlson and Jon Cooper as they discuss the Rangers' strong play, Tampa Bay's lack of execution, and the importance of bouncing back quickly before Thursday's matchup against the Seattle Kraken.

Topics & Timestamps

0:48 – Opening thoughts on the Lightning's 4-1 loss and whether the Rangers are simply a difficult matchup for Tampa Bay

1:24 – Why New York's forecheck and defensive pressure smothered the Lightning offense all night

3:03 – The impact of Mike Sullivan's system and the Rangers' strong start to the season

4:29 – Jon Cooper goes to the line blender early looking for a spark after a sluggish start

4:46 – Analysis of Tampa Bay's top lines and why the Cirelli-Hagel-Guentzel combination couldn't replicate its recent success

5:52 – The quiet night from Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, and Tampa Bay's top offensive unit

7:17 – Power-play struggles continue as the Lightning go 0-for-4 on the night

9:44 – Why integrating John Carlson into Tampa Bay's power play remains a work in progress

11:28 – John Carlson discusses the Rangers' strong play, the importance of better starts, and needing a stronger overall effort

13:17 – Breaking down the Rangers' net-front presence and how it created problems throughout the game

14:54 – Discussion on Gage Goncalves' start to the season and the need for more offensive production

16:44 – Could the return of Dominic James create lineup decisions for the coaching staff?

17:53 – Jon Cooper reacts to the loss, calling the performance "dreadful" and praising the Rangers' execution

19:24 – Cooper on Alexis Lafrenière's breakout season and continued development

20:35 – Why Cooper's postgame message sends a strong signal after Tampa Bay's first loss in nearly two weeks

22:16 – Additional comments from John Carlson on the challenges of playing from behind and finding offensive consistency

23:21 – Looking ahead to Thursday's matchup with the surging Seattle Kraken and the importance of a quick response

24:18 – Final thoughts and what the Lightning must improve before returning home

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning made it four consecutive victories Saturday night, defeating the New York Islanders 5-3 behind a hat trick from Brandon Hagel, two goals from Jake Guentzel, and another stellar performance from Andrei Vasilevskiy. What looked like a comfortable night turned into a battle after the Islanders erased a two-goal deficit, but the Lightning responded late with Hagel's game-winning goal and an empty-net clincher to secure the win.

On Last Call Presented by Jack Daniel's, Greg Linnelli, Eric Erlendsson, and Bobby "The Chief" Taylor break down Tampa Bay's dominant first period, the momentum swing in the second and third periods, and why Vasilevskiy was the difference when the Islanders pushed back. The crew also discusses Hagel's clutch performance, Guentzel's two-goal night, the importance of special teams, and the Lightning's impressive start that has them sitting at 4-1 through five games.

Plus, hear postgame comments from Brandon Hagel, Jake Guentzel, and Jon Cooper as the Lightning continue to find ways to win while piling up points early in the season.

Topics & Timestamps

0:38 – Lightning defeat the Islanders 5-3 and extend their winning streak to four games

1:56 – How Jake Guentzel and Brandon Hagel combined for all five Lightning goals

3:12 – Breaking down the Islanders' comeback and why the game nearly slipped away from Tampa Bay

5:07 – Brandon Hagel joins the media after recording his hat trick and game-winning goal

7:34 – Why Andrei Vasilevskiy's third-period saves were the key to preserving the victory

9:05 – Analysis of Hagel's game-winner and how traffic in front fooled Ilya Sorokin

11:12 – Jake Guentzel discusses the win, special teams, and grinding out points on the road

12:38 – The Lightning power play continues to build momentum early in the season

14:00 – Why Vasilevskiy showed exactly why he's still considered one of the NHL's elite goaltenders

15:20 – Discussion of Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer and his impressive performance

16:18 – Jon Cooper on finding a way to win after surrendering a late lead

17:13 – Cooper explains why "find-a-way" victories are important early in the season

18:32 – Reaction to Scott Sabourin's impact in the lineup, including a spirited fight and physical presence

22:01 – Revisiting the standout performances from Hagel, Guentzel, and the Lightning's second line

23:27 – Why Tampa Bay's depth and resiliency continue to stand out through five games

24:49 – The ongoing discussion around the Lightning's 11-forward, 7-defenseman lineup configuration

26:30 – Final thoughts as the Lightning prepare for Tuesday's showdown with the Rangers at Madison Square Garden

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning continued their strong early-season play Thursday night, defeating the Minnesota Wild 3-2 behind a breakthrough performance from John Carlson and an impressive first home start from Dennis Hildeby. Carlson recorded his first goal as a member of the Lightning, including Tampa Bay's first power-play goal of the season, while Hildeby made several clutch saves late to preserve the victory.

On Last Call Presented by Jack Daniel's, Greg Linnelli, JP Peterson, Bobby "The Chief" Taylor, and Brian Engblom break down a complete team effort, the continued development of Tampa Bay's defensive structure, and the impact Carlson is already making on the blue line and power play. The crew also discusses Hildeby's poise in his Lightning debut, the benefits of the 11-forward/7-defenseman alignment, and why this team appears more comfortable protecting leads than it did a season ago.

Plus, hear postgame comments from Dennis Hildeby, Jon Cooper, and John Carlson as the Lightning improve to 3-1 on the season and prepare for a two-game road trip.

Topics & Timestamps

0:36 – Lightning defeat the Wild 3-2 and finally break through on the power play

1:08 – Initial reactions to Dennis Hildeby's outstanding performance and late-game saves

1:42 – How John Carlson's skillset is transforming the Lightning power play

2:59 – Deep dive into Hildeby's composure, rebound control, and athleticism in net

5:31 – Tampa Bay's strong first period continues to be a trend through the opening weeks of the season

7:34 – Discussion on Minnesota's push and the challenge posed by elite defenseman Quinn Hughes

10:23 – Dennis Hildeby postgame interview on his first home start with the Lightning

13:04 – Benefits and challenges of Tampa Bay's 11-forward, 7-defenseman lineup configuration

14:41 – Max Crozier's heavy game and growing role on the blue line

17:49 – Roster discussion: what happens when D.J. James returns?

18:59 – Jon Cooper joins the show to discuss closing out one-goal games and Hildeby's debut

20:18 – Cooper praises Hildeby's timely saves and calm demeanor under pressure

21:51 – Why the Lightning needed a night like this from Carlson and the power play

23:16 – Cooper on building momentum with the man advantage after the season's first power-play goal

23:45 – Carlson's stat-stuffing night: goal, nine shots, blocks, and physical play

27:11 – Breaking down Carlson's first goal as a Lightning and the importance of traffic in front of the net

30:11 – John Carlson discusses reading defenses, generating shots through traffic, and finding chemistry with the power play unit

31:50 – Lightning improve to 3-1: evaluating the impressive homestand and what's working early in the season

32:27 – Why Tampa Bay's defensive structure and goaltending are carrying the team while the top scorers continue to find their rhythm

33:48 – Final thoughts on winning tight games and building confidence ahead of the upcoming road trip

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning continued their strong start to the homestand with a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers at Benchmark International Arena. Led by another stellar performance from Andrei Vasilevskiy, timely scoring from Brayden Point, Pontus Holmberg, Ilya Mikheyev, and Brandon Hagel, and a dominant possession game, the Bolts improved to 2-1 on the season and showed once again that their commitment to structure and compete level is paying dividends.

On Last Call Presented by Jack Daniel's, Greg Linnelli, JP Peterson, Bobby "The Chief" Taylor, and Brian Engblom break down another dominant defensive effort that limited Philadelphia to just 14 shots on goal. The crew discusses the emergence of the Ilya Mikheyev, Zemgus Girgensons, and Pontus Holmberg line, Max Crozier's strong performance on the blue line, and why Victor Hedman looks rejuvenated early this season.

Plus, hear postgame comments from Brayden Point, Jon Cooper, and Ilya Mikheyev as the Lightning continue building momentum ahead of Thursday night's matchup with the Minnesota Wild. 

Topics & Timestamps

0:40 – Lightning defeat the Flyers 4-1 and win their second straight game at home

1:10 – Andrei Vasilevskiy's key third-period saves and another strong performance in net

3:47 – Why the Mikheyev, Girgensons, and Holmberg line is becoming one of Tampa Bay's most trusted units

6:34 – Discussion on Max Crozier's impact, physical play, and opportunity in the lineup

8:05 – Brayden Point interview: generating offense, line chemistry, and ending his scoring drought

10:25 – The growing connection between John Carlson's point shot and Brayden Point's net-front presence

12:44 – Breaking down adjustments to the Lightning power play and the search for its first goal of the season

14:37 – Why Tampa Bay's penalty kill has been one of the team's biggest early-season strengths

15:40 – Holmberg's goal-scoring touch and value throughout the lineup

17:12 – Jon Cooper discusses team philosophy, puck possession, and the Lightning's improved compete level

19:52 – Cooper on Brayden Point's game and why his goal could spark a scoring streak

21:01 – Lessons learned from the season opener and how Tampa Bay has responded over the last two games

25:18 – Victor Hedman's strong start and how a reduced special-teams workload is helping his game

27:58 – Ilya Mikheyev interview after scoring a key insurance goal in the third period

33:54 – Looking ahead to Thursday night's game against the Minnesota Wild and potential lineup changes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning bounced back from their season-opening loss with an impressive 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals, and the Last Call Presented by Jack Daniel's crew breaks down a complete team effort at Benchmark International Arena. From the opening puck drop, the Lightning played with the energy, physicality, and attention to detail that Head Coach Jon Cooper demanded, outshooting Washington 14-5 in a dominant first period and never looking back.

Hosts Greg Linnelli, JP Peterson, Bobby "The Chief" Taylor, and Brian Engblom discuss standout performances from Conor Geekie, who scored his first goal of the season, and Andrei Vasilevskiy, who was sharp throughout the night while turning aside several quality Washington chances. The panel also examines the Lightning's improved compete level, dominant faceoff performance, special teams, and the continued resurgence of Victor Hedman.

Plus, hear postgame comments from Conor Geekie, Brandon Hagel, and Jon Cooper as the Lightning earn their first win of the season and build momentum heading into Monday night's matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Topics & Timestamps

0:37 – Opening thoughts on the Lightning's 3-1 win and the dominant first period

1:57 – Conor Geekie's strong performance, offseason improvements, and first goal of the season

5:18 – Breaking down the seven-defenseman rotation and update on Emil Lilleberg leaving the game

5:34 – Brian Engblom on managing seven defensemen and Victor Hedman's standout night

7:50 – Connor Geekie postgame interview on his goal and the team's response after the season opener

9:20 – Why Geekie may deserve a larger role in the Lightning lineup

11:14 – Brandon Hagel discusses the Lightning's improved compete level and work ethic

13:16 – Was this an early-season playoff atmosphere? Breakdown of the game's intensity and physicality

15:31 – Andrei Vasilevskiy's bounce-back performance and why he looked like vintage Vasy

17:28 – Deep dive into Vasilevskiy's technique and what makes him one of the NHL's elite goaltenders

19:33 – Jon Cooper on the response he wanted to see after the Rangers loss and the importance of winning battles

21:36 – Cooper praises Pontus Holmberg and discusses the effectiveness of the Lightning power play

23:14 – Final thoughts on Tampa Bay's first win of the season and key takeaways moving forward

25:18 – Looking ahead to Monday night's matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers

26:30 – Remembering former NHL defenseman Lyle Odelein and closing thoughts from the crew

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning opened the 2026-27 season with a disappointing 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. While Nikita Kucherov provided the lone Lightning goal, the story of the night was the Rangers' relentless pressure, dominant special teams, and a rare goalie goal from Igor Shesterkin that put an exclamation point on New York's victory.

On Last Call Presented by Jack Daniel's, Greg Linnelli, Erik Erlendsson, and Bobby "The Chief" Taylor break down what went wrong for Tampa Bay, from the lack of pushback and emotional spark to a power play that went 0-for-7. Hear postgame comments from John Carlson, Jon Cooper, and Brandon Hagel as the Lightning look to regroup before Saturday's home opener against Washington.

The crew also discusses whether the Rangers' season-opening experience gave them an edge, how the Lightning's leadership group can respond, and potential lineup adjustments heading into Game 2. It's only one game, but there are already lessons to be learned as Tampa Bay turns its attention to bouncing back on home ice.

Topics & Timestamps

0:45 – Breaking down the Lightning's 5-1 season-opening loss to the Rangers and Igor Shesterkin's historic goalie goal

1:57 – Rangers dominate faceoffs, penalty kill, and puck possession throughout the night

3:23 – The turning point: Lightning lose momentum after the Rangers' early power-play goal

5:41 – Why faceoffs and puck battles became a major factor in the outcome

7:24 – Did New York's extra game experience provide an advantage?

9:56 – John Carlson on the team's lack of "extra oomph" and what must improve moving forward

12:59 – Reviewing the Lightning power play and missed opportunities with seven chances on the man advantage

13:19 – Jon Cooper reacts: "The lack of pushback" was the biggest disappointment

15:39 – Chief and Erik discuss Cooper's pointed message and the team's response after adversity struck

19:28 – Brandon Hagel takes accountability and explains why the Lightning's intensity was missing

21:18 – Why emotion, energy, and leadership will be key heading into the home opener

24:30 – Could lineup changes be coming? Discussion on Max Crozier and defensive pairings for Saturday's game

25:29 – Final thoughts and expectations for the home opener against the Capitals

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up the preseason on a high note, defeating the Florida Panthers 3-2 in a shootout, and Last Call Presented by Jack Daniel's breaks down all the biggest storylines heading into Opening Night. Benjamin Rautiainen scored the game-tying goal in the third period before delivering a highlight-reel shootout winner, capping an impressive camp for one of Tampa Bay's most intriguing young prospects.

Host Greg Linnelli and Eric Erlendsson discuss the final roster battles, the impressive depth throughout the organization, and why players like Rautiainen, Sam O'Reilly, Connor Geekie, Lucas Mercuri, and Jeff Viel gave the coaching staff plenty to think about before opening night. The show also features comments from Head Coach Jon Cooper, Viel and Mercuri as camp comes to a close.

As the preseason ends and the regular season begins next week, the crew examines Tampa Bay's roster depth, the emergence of several young players, and why there's growing optimism surrounding this Lightning team heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

Topics & Time Markers

0:00 – Lightning defeat Panthers 3-2 in a shootout; Rautiainen's heroics
1:15 – Rautiainen's standout camp and opening-night roster discussion
5:40 – Jeff Viel interview: chemistry, physicality, and his role on the team
9:40 – John Cooper on the most competitive Lightning training camp in years
13:20 – Final roster decisions, organizational depth, and players who impressed
17:40 – Rautiainen ties the game on the power play
18:55 – Lucas Mercuri interview after scoring in his preseason debut
21:45 – Expectations for the regular season and why this team feels motivated
24:10 – Dennis Hildeby earns the backup job and the Jonas Johansson trade
26:15 – Final thoughts as the Lightning turn the page to Opening Night against the Rangers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning dropped a 5-3 decision to the Florida Panthers in their third preseason game, but there was no shortage of encouraging performances to discuss on the latest edition of Last Call Presented by Jack Daniel’s. Despite a rough opening period and an uphill battle on the scoreboard, several players fighting for roster spots made strong impressions as training camp enters its final stretch.

Greg Linnelli, JP Peterson, and Brian Engblom break down a two-goal night from Jansen Harkins, the continued emergence of Sam O’Reilly, and another productive performance from Conor Geekie. The crew also discusses O’Reilly’s all-around game, his success in the faceoff circle, and why he’s making the decision-makers think long and hard about opening-night roster spots.

Plus, hear postgame comments from Jon Cooper, Jansen Harkins, and Conor Geekie, along with a deep dive into the evolving Lightning power play, John Carlson's growing chemistry with Tampa Bay’s stars, and why the organization is excited about the future connection between O’Reilly and Geekie. The final score may not have gone Tampa Bay’s way, but plenty of storylines are emerging as the regular season draws near.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning jumped out to a 2-0 lead behind a two-goal night from newcomer Jeff Viel, but the Nashville Predators rallied late and handed the Bolts a 3-2 overtime loss in preseason action. The Last Call crew breaks down what changed after a strong opening 50 minutes and what the coaching staff can take away from the defeat.

Greg Linnelli, Eric Erlendsson, and Bobby "The Chief" Taylor discuss the costly turnovers, defensive-zone breakdowns, and missed opportunities that allowed Nashville back into the game. They also highlight the impressive debut of Dennis Hildeby, whose strong performance in goal kept Tampa Bay in position to win, along with standout efforts from Jeff Viel, Sam O'Reilly, Conor Geekie, and Noah Steen.

Plus, hear postgame comments from Jon Cooper, Jeff Viel, and Conor Geekie as the Lightning continue evaluating young talent and roster battles with just two preseason games remaining. Despite the result, there was plenty to like, and plenty to learn, as Tampa Bay's preseason rolls on.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning opened the preseason with a 2-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, and the Last Call crew breaks down everything that stood out from Sunday night's win. Drawing from the postgame discussion and player interviews, they discuss the strong performances from Sam O'Reilly, Conor Geekie, John Carlson, and Ilya Mikheyev, while also examining Tampa Bay's dominant penalty kill and impressive puck management.

Greg Linnelli, Bobby "The Chief" Taylor, JP Peterson, and Brian Engblom discuss O'Reilly's mature two-way game, Geekie's game-winning goal, Carlson's seamless fit on the blue line, and why Victor Hedman looks rejuvenated heading into the season. Plus, hear comments from Jon Cooper, Sam O'Reilly, and Ilya Mikheyev as roster battles begin to heat up with only a few preseason games remaining. Tampa Bay gets the win, but the bigger story may be the depth and competition taking shape throughout the lineup.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.