With another preseason matchup on deck, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the latest Tampa Bay Lightning roster battles, training camp storylines, and lineup decisions as the competition for opening-night spots heats up.

The guys discuss why Connor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly, and Benjamin Rautiainen are getting another opportunity to impress, what the coaching staff is evaluating, and whether O'Reilly's faceoff ability could help him make a serious push for an NHL roster spot. They also take a closer look at Jacob Pelletier's path to the NHL after an MVP season in Syracuse and why this camp could be a pivotal one in his development.

Plus, Eric Erlendsson joins the show to discuss the Lightning's defensive depth, Victor Hedman's outlook heading into the season, Dennis Hildeby's role as the likely backup goaltender, and whether Tampa Bay remains a legitimate contender in a highly competitive Atlantic Division.

Topics include:

Lightning vs. Predators preseason preview
Connor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly & Benjamin Rautiainen watch
Jacob Pelletier's NHL opportunity
Why the Lightning are likely to carry eight defensemen
Victor Hedman's bounce-back expectations
Dennis Hildeby and the backup goalie situation
Nikita Kucherov's future contract outlook
Eric Erlendsson's Atlantic Division predictions

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

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NHL #ConnorGeeky #SamOReilly #VictorHedman #NikitaKucherov #EricErlendsson #HockeyPodcast #NHLPreseason

With another preseason matchup on deck, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the latest Tampa Bay Lightning roster battles, training camp storylines, and lineup decisions as the competition for opening-night spots heats up.
The guys discuss why Connor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly, and Benjamin Rautiainen are getting another opportunity to impress, what the coaching staff is evaluating, and whether O'Reilly's faceoff ability could help him make a serious push for an NHL roster spot. They also take a closer look at Jacob Pelletier's path to the NHL after an MVP season in Syracuse and why this camp could be a pivotal one in his development.
Plus, Eric Erlendsson joins the show to discuss the Lightning's defensive depth, Victor Hedman's outlook heading into the season, Dennis Hildeby's role as the likely backup goaltender, and whether Tampa Bay remains a legitimate contender in a highly competitive Atlantic Division.
Topics include:
Lightning vs. Predators preseason preview Connor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly &amp; Benjamin Rautiainen watch Jacob Pelletier's NHL opportunity Why the Lightning are likely to carry eight defensemen Victor Hedman's bounce-back expectations Dennis Hildeby and the backup goalie situation Nikita Kucherov's future contract outlook Eric Erlendsson's Atlantic Division predictions
⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, roster analysis, prospect updates, game previews, and exclusive insight throughout the 2026-27 NHL season.
#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NHL #ConnorGeeky #SamOReilly #VictorHedman #NikitaKucherov #EricErlendsson #HockeyPodcast #NHLPreseason

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 Roster Battles Intensify: O’Reilly, Geeky & Pelletier Get Another Look | Lightning Power Lunch - September 22, 2026

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

Chapters

00:00 Opening Night excitement and Mish's unexpected broadcasting location at MSG
03:45 Expectations for the Lightning season and players to watch
06:40 Breaking down Tampa Bay's opening-night lineup
10:45 Charle-Édouard D'Astous with Victor Hedman and the defensive rotation
15:20 Managing the Lightning's blue-line depth over an 84-game season
19:40 Jon Cooper on Victor Hedman's reduced power-play role
23:10 Why Ilya Mikheyev starts with Point and Kucherov
24:55 Hedman's offseason weight loss and conditioning changes
28:15 Alex Faust joins the show
29:10 What to expect from the new-look Rangers
31:15 Challenges of integrating seven new players after a short camp
34:00 Mike Sullivan's system and New York's identity
36:45 Rookie defenseman Akira Schmid's impressive rise
40:15 Oliver Bjorkstrand's fit with the Rangers
44:35 What went wrong for New York last season?
48:10 Why Adam Fox remains the key to the Rangers' success
50:30 Metro Division outlook and playoff race
54:25 Lightning-Rangers matchup discussion and fan questions

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-&Eacute;douard D'Astous'&nbsp;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
Chapters
00:00 Opening Night excitement and Mish's unexpected broadcasting location at MSG 03:45 Expectations for the Lightning season and players to watch 06:40 Breaking down Tampa Bay's opening-night lineup 10:45 Charle-&Eacute;douard D'Astous with Victor Hedman and the defensive rotation 15:20 Managing the Lightning's blue-line depth over an 84-game season 19:40 Jon Cooper on Victor Hedman's reduced power-play role 23:10 Why Ilya Mikheyev starts with Point and Kucherov 24:55 Hedman's offseason weight loss and conditioning changes 28:15 Alex Faust joins the show 29:10 What to expect from the new-look Rangers 31:15 Challenges of integrating seven new players after a short camp 34:00 Mike Sullivan's system and New York's identity 36:45 Rookie defenseman Akira Schmid's impressive rise 40:15 Oliver Bjorkstrand's fit with the Rangers 44:35 What went wrong for New York last season? 48:10 Why Adam Fox remains the key to the Rangers' success 50:30 Metro Division outlook and playoff race 54:25 Lightning-Rangers matchup discussion and fan questions

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

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 

Opening Night is just one day away, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch,&nbsp;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-&Eacute;douard D'Astous and Dominic James this season, and why Conor Geekie could be one of the biggest stories to watch for the Bolts.
Topics &amp; 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-&Eacute;douard 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 <a href="https://amaliearena-my.sharepoint.com/personal/sversnick_viniksportsgroup_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/Lightning%20Prepare%20For%20New%20York%20%26%20Look%20Around%20The%20NHL.txt"></a>

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

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

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-&Eacute;douard 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

Lightning Roster Battles Intensify: O’Reilly, Geeky & Pelletier Get Another Look | Lightning Power Lunch - September 22, 2026

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