Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli recap the Tampa Bay Lightning's 6-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins as the Bolts magic number to clinch a playoff spot is now down to 2 points. Anthony Cirelli had his 2nd career hat trick and Nikita Kucherov with another 3-point night. Power Lunch is presented by Reif Rum.

Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli recap the Tampa Bay Lightning's 6-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins as the Bolts magic number to clinch a playoff spot is now down to 2 points. Anthony Cirelli had his 2nd career hat trick and Nikita Kucherov with another 3-point night. Power Lunch is presented by Reif Rum.

Lightning Power Lunch is your daily destination for everything Tampa Bay Lightning. Join Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli every weekday as they break down the latest news, analyze the biggest storylines, discuss key performances, and provide insider insight on the Bolts. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just looking to stay connected with the team, Lightning Power Lunch keeps you informed and up to date all season long.

Lightning Power Lunch is your daily destination for everything Tampa Bay Lightning. Join Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli every weekday as they break down the latest news, analyze the biggest storylines, discuss key performances, and provide insider insight on the Bolts. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just looking to stay connected with the team, Lightning Power Lunch keeps you informed and up to date all season long.

Lightning Power Lunch

Lightning Power Lunch - April 3, 2026

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

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&nbsp;
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

3 Straight Wins, Hildeby's Debut & Carlson's Impact | Lightning Power Lunch - October 9, 2026

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

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-&Eacute;douard 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-&Eacute;douard 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

Power Play Changes, Hildeby's First Start & Conor Geekie's Growing Confidence | Lightning Power Lunch - October 8, 2026

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

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-&Eacute;douard D'Astous&nbsp;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-&Eacute;douard 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

Lightning Power Lunch - April 3, 2026

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