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Opening Night Is Here - Lightning vs. Rangers Preview | Lightning Power Lunch - October 1, 2026

Tampa Bay Lightning — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:43:26 GMT

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.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #OpeningNight #ConorGeekie #VictorHedman #NikitaKucherov #BraydenPoint #AlexFaust #NewYorkRangers #NHL #MadisonSquareGarden #BoltsNation

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Season Predictions with Sonya Bryson-Kirksey

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:27:33 GMT

Bucs QB Jalon Daniels On His First Start: "You Can’t Be The Thermometer, You Have To Be The Thermostat"

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:05:00 GMT

STACKED DEFENSE: How Lightning SHOULD Manage 8-Man Blueline Rotation; Bolts' Biggest X-Factor

Locked On Podcast Network — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:12:43 GMT

Tampa Bay Lightning face pivotal decisions with a loaded blue line—will Jon Cooper's rotation strategy keep veterans like Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh fresh for a deep postseason run? With the team opting to carry eight defensemen, the debate heats up around load management, matchup-based pairings, and how newcomers like John Carlson will fit alongside shutdown duos such as McDonagh-Cernak.

Nick Morgan and Greg Stephen break down how special teams could be the ultimate X factor for Lightning success, spotlighting Nikita Kucherov’s power play brilliance and Anthony Cirelli’s Selke-caliber penalty killing. Award predictions abound: is this the year Cale Makar claims both Norris and Hart Trophies? Plus, bold picks for Calder and Vezina keep the conversation lively. Can Tampa Bay’s revamped defense and elite special teams propel them back to Stanley Cup contention in a stacked Atlantic Division?

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Bolts Ready for Season & Kucherov Contract Talk | Lightning Power Lunch - September 30, 2026

Tampa Bay Lightning — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 17:10:00 GMT

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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Rookie Backup QB History Isn't on Their Side: Jalon Daniels Gets His Shot for Bucs

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 04:05:00 GMT

Could the Tampa Bay Lightning LOSE Nikita Kucherov to Contract Disputes?

Locked On Podcast Network — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 23:10:00 GMT

Opening Night Roster, Kucherov Contract & Summer Stories from the Lightning | Into The Blue - September 29, 2026

Tampa Bay Lightning — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Season 4 of Into the Blue is officially underway!

Hosts Gabby Shirley and Ben Pierce return to kick off another Tampa Bay Lightning season, catch up after the summer, and dive into the biggest storylines surrounding the team ahead of Opening Night. They discuss the roster decisions coming out of training camp, the crowded blue line battle, Nikita Kucherov's contract situation, and what stood out most from a highly competitive camp. Plus, the fan-favorite Plus/Minus segment returns with plenty of offseason stories, including weddings, engagements, new homes, a missing dog adventure, and more.

⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome back to Season 4 of Into the Blue
2:15 – Meet the hosts: Gabby & Ben catch up after the offseason
4:20 – What's new this season? Listener feedback & behind-the-scenes plans
7:05 – Benjamin Rautiainen loaned back to Finland and roster implications
8:40 – Breaking down the Lightning's Opening Night roster
11:40 – Victor Hedman's return and expectations for the season
14:15 – The battle on the blue line: Why eight NHL defensemen creates tough decisions
21:45 – The latest on Nikita Kucherov's contract situation
25:00 – Plus/Minus returns
26:00 – Eric Cernak's Lake Como wedding & Conor Geekie's engagement
30:00 – Ben's summer plus: Buying a new home in Tampa
33:00 – Gabby's summer plus: Celebrating her grandmother's 90th birthday
35:00 – Ben's summer minus: The dreaded dentist appointment
36:30 – Gabby's unbelievable missing dog story
42:30 – Final thoughts and looking ahead to the new season

🎧 Subscribe, follow, and send in your questions for future episodes as Into the Blue brings you even more behind-the-scenes access throughout the 2026-27 Tampa Bay Lightning season

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Opening Roster Set! Brian Engblom Previews the Season & Conor Geekie's Rise | Lightning Power Lunch - September 29, 2026

Tampa Bay Lightning — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 17:15:00 GMT

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.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #BrianEngblom #VictorHedman #BraydenPoint #AndreiVasilevskiy #SamOReilly #BenjaminRautiainen #NHL #BoltsNation

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RBLR Lightning: Opening Roster Set

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:27:00 GMT

Undrafted and Untested: Jalon Daniels Gets the Keys to the Bucs' Season as Baker Is Out At Least 3 Weeks

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:05:00 GMT

OPENING NIGHT ROSTER SET: Geekie, Harkins EARN Roles With Lightning; Was O'Reilly Snubbed?

Locked On Podcast Network — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 23:31:24 GMT

Tampa Bay Lightning prioritize veteran experience over raw potential as the opening night NHL roster is revealed. Will rising stars like Sam O’Reilly and Benjamin Rautiainen force their way into the lineup later this season? Nick Morgan examines Jon Cooper’s roster decisions, spotlighting Jansen Harkins’s versatile skillset and Conor Geekie’s emergence as a breakout young forward. Injuries to Yanni Gourde and Dominic James open up key depth roles—can Tampa’s blend of seasoned talent and youth keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive?

Shifting west, the San Jose Sharks load up on veteran defense, signing Jacob Trouba and trading for Darnell Nurse, as Macklin Celebrini headlines the offensive attack. With questions swirling around goaltender Yaroslav Askarov and the readiness of young stars like Will Smith and Michael Misa, can the Sharks clinch a top-three spot in the Pacific Division? Don’t miss this breakdown of Lightning and Sharks roster battles, player development, and bold predictions for both clubs.

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