The Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up a successful road trip by earning three of a possible four points in a back-to-back set, including a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down what they called one of the team's most impressive wins of the season given the circumstances. With Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, Erik Cernak, and Yanni Gourde all unavailable, the Lightning found a way to grind out a road win behind strong goaltending, depth contributions, and an outstanding performance from their top line.

The guys discuss Dennis Hildeby's impressive night in net, why the young goaltender continues to earn the coaching staff's trust, and whether his strong start could result in additional opportunities moving forward. They also break down the impact of Jake Guentzel centering a line with Brandon Hagel and Nikita Kucherov, a combination that accounted for all three Lightning goals and carried the offense throughout the game.

Plus, a look at the emotional lift provided by the fights involving Scott Sabourin and Jeff Viel, how the Lightning tightened up defensively after a difficult opening stretch, and why this victory may have been more about character than skill. The show also includes discussion on the penalty kill, Brandon Hagel's leadership qualities, Sam O'Reilly's continued opportunity, and the upcoming homestand featuring Detroit, Edmonton, Carolina, Washington, and Ottawa.

Topics Discussed

• Lightning sweep the back-to-back with a 3-1 win in Columbus
• Why this was one of Tampa Bay's best "character wins" of the season
• Dennis Hildeby continues his impressive NHL start
• Should Hildeby earn more starts moving forward?
• Jake Guentzel centering Nikita Kucherov and Brandon Hagel
• Hagel scores twice as the top line drives the offense
• How the Lightning adjusted after a difficult first 10 minutes
• The impact of the fights involving Scott Sabourin and Jeff Viel
• Improved defensive-zone play and puck management
• Columbus' push during the six-on-five situation
• Penalty-kill trends and areas that still need improvement
• Sam O'Reilly's performance in the faceoff circle
• Brandon Hagel's growing leadership role 
• The value of physicality and momentum swings in today's NHL
• Previewing the upcoming homestand at Benchmark International Arena
• Detroit's struggles and the latest on the Dylan Larkin situation

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