The Tampa Bay Lightning opened the preseason with a 2-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, and Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down all the biggest takeaways from the first game of the 2026-27 campaign.

The guys discuss Conor Geekie's impressive goal and why his elite shot could help him cement a full-time NHL role this season. They also dive into Sam O'Reilly's strong all-around performance, Benjamin Rautiainen's encouraging debut, and what the Lightning's top prospects are doing to push for opening night roster spots.

Plus, a closer look at Victor Hedman's return to game action, Ilya Mikheyev's impact alongside Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov, John Carlson's early chemistry with J.J. Moser, and what the coaching staff is learning about the power play and penalty kill during the preseason.

In this episode:
Lightning defeat Nashville 2-1 in preseason opener
Conor Geekie's standout performance and goal
Sam O'Reilly's case for an NHL roster spot
Victor Hedman's encouraging return
Ilya Mikheyev's fit in the Lightning top six
Power play adjustments featuring John Carlson
Opening night roster battles and camp storylines

⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game analysis, player interviews, prospect updates, and everything you need to follow the Bolts throughout the 2026-27 season.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NHL #ConnorGeeky #SamOReilly #VictorHedman #NikitaKucherov #BraydenPoint #JohnCarlson #HockeyPodcast

The Tampa Bay Lightning opened the preseason with a 2-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, and Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down all the biggest takeaways from the first game of the 2026-27 campaign.
The guys discuss Conor Geekie's impressive goal and why his elite shot could help him cement a full-time NHL role this season. They also dive into Sam O'Reilly's strong all-around performance, Benjamin Rautiainen's encouraging debut, and what the Lightning's top prospects are doing to push for opening night roster spots.
Plus, a closer look at Victor Hedman's return to game action, Ilya Mikheyev's impact alongside Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov, John Carlson's early chemistry with J.J. Moser, and what the coaching staff is learning about the power play and penalty kill during the preseason.
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>Lightning defeat Nashville 2-1 in preseason opener</li>
<li>Conor Geekie's standout performance and goal</li>
<li>Sam O'Reilly's case for an NHL roster spot</li>
<li>Victor Hedman's encouraging return</li>
<li>Ilya Mikheyev's fit in the Lightning top six</li>
<li>Power play adjustments featuring John Carlson</li>
<li>Opening night roster battles and camp storylines</li>
</ul>
⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game analysis, player interviews, prospect updates, and everything you need to follow the Bolts throughout the 2026-27 season.
#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NHL #ConnorGeeky #SamOReilly #VictorHedman #NikitaKucherov #BraydenPoint #JohnCarlson #HockeyPodcast

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 Win Preseason Opener! Mikheyev Impresses, Geekie Scores & Camp Battles Heat Up | Lightning Power Lunch - September 21, 2026

The Tampa Bay Lightning improved to 8-3-1 with a wild 6-4 win over the Winnipeg Jets, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down a game that featured plenty of offense, standout individual performances, and a few defensive lessons for the Bolts moving forward.

The guys discuss Pontus Holmberg's surprising four-point night, Conor Geekie's second straight game with a goal, Brayden Point's continued scoring surge, and Dominic James' successful return to the lineup that included an assist on Geekie's goal. They also analyze the Lightning's defensive-zone play, why Andrei Vasilevskiy was better than his stat line indicated, and how Tampa Bay overcame some costly breakdowns to extend its strong home record.

Later, NHL insider Chris Johnston joins the show to discuss the stunning Dylan Larkin situation in Detroit, what it means for the Red Wings, why the Lightning are believed to be on Larkin's preferred trade list, and what a potential deal could look like. Johnston also shares his thoughts on Nikita Kucherov's next contract, Tampa Bay's strong start to the season, and whether the Lightning could be buyers again before the trade deadline.

Plus, discussion on the Lightning's evolving forward lines, the value of the 11-forward/7-defenseman setup, Yanni Gourde's eventual return, and a preview of Saturday's matchup against Steven Stamkos and the Nashville Predators.

Topics Discussed
Lightning defeat Winnipeg 6-4
Pontus Holmberg's four-point performance
Conor Geekie scores in back-to-back games
Dominic James returns and records an assist
Brayden Point's recent scoring surge
Andrei Vasilevskiy's underrated performance
Defensive concerns despite the victory
Winnipeg's pushback and third-period comeback attempt
John Carlson's goal and Charles-Édouard D'Astous' physical play
Special teams continue to improve
Chris Johnston joins the show
The Dylan Larkin-Detroit Red Wings standoff
Why the Lightning are reportedly on Larkin's trade list
What a potential Larkin trade package could require
Nikita Kucherov's next contract
Tampa Bay's place among the NHL contenders
Could Julien BriseBois make another significant move?
Sam O'Reilly's value in a potential trade discussion
Yanni Gourde's looming return
The 11-forward, 7-defenseman debate
Previewing Saturday's game against Nashville
Steven Stamkos and the Predators

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

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #PontusHolmberg #ConorGeekie #NikitaKucherov #BraydenPoint #AndreiVasilevskiy #DominicJames #ChrisJohnston #DylanLarkin #StevenStamkos #NHL #BoltsNation

The Tampa Bay Lightning improved to 8-3-1 with a wild 6-4 win over the Winnipeg Jets, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down a game that featured plenty of offense, standout individual performances, and a few defensive lessons for the Bolts moving forward.
The guys discuss Pontus Holmberg's surprising four-point night, Conor Geekie's second straight game with a goal, Brayden Point's continued scoring surge, and Dominic James' successful return to the lineup that included an assist on Geekie's goal. They also analyze the Lightning's defensive-zone play, why Andrei Vasilevskiy was better than his stat line indicated, and how Tampa Bay overcame some costly breakdowns to extend its strong home record.
Later, NHL insider Chris Johnston joins the show to discuss the stunning Dylan Larkin situation in Detroit, what it means for the Red Wings, why the Lightning are believed to be on Larkin's preferred trade list, and what a potential deal could look like. Johnston also shares his thoughts on Nikita Kucherov's next contract, Tampa Bay's strong start to the season, and whether the Lightning could be buyers again before the trade deadline.
Plus, discussion on the Lightning's evolving forward lines, the value of the 11-forward/7-defenseman setup, Yanni Gourde's eventual return, and a preview of Saturday's matchup against Steven Stamkos and the Nashville Predators.
Topics Discussed
<ul>
<li>Lightning defeat Winnipeg 6-4</li>
<li>Pontus Holmberg's four-point performance</li>
<li>Conor Geekie scores in back-to-back games</li>
<li>Dominic James returns and records an assist</li>
<li>Brayden Point's recent scoring surge</li>
<li>Andrei Vasilevskiy's underrated performance</li>
<li>Defensive concerns despite the victory</li>
<li>Winnipeg's pushback and third-period comeback attempt</li>
<li>John Carlson's goal and Charles-&Eacute;douard D'Astous' physical play</li>
<li>Special teams continue to improve</li>
<li>Chris Johnston joins the show</li>
<li>The Dylan Larkin-Detroit Red Wings standoff</li>
<li>Why the Lightning are reportedly on Larkin's trade list</li>
<li>What a potential Larkin trade package could require</li>
<li>Nikita Kucherov's next contract</li>
<li>Tampa Bay's place among the NHL contenders</li>
<li>Could Julien BriseBois make another significant move?</li>
<li>Sam O'Reilly's value in a potential trade discussion</li>
<li>Yanni Gourde's looming return</li>
<li>The 11-forward, 7-defenseman debate</li>
<li>Previewing Saturday's game against Nashville</li>
<li>Steven Stamkos and the Predators</li>
</ul>
⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, roster updates, prospect conversations, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season.
#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #PontusHolmberg #ConorGeekie #NikitaKucherov #BraydenPoint #AndreiVasilevskiy #DominicJames #ChrisJohnston #DylanLarkin #StevenStamkos #NHL #BoltsNation

Holmberg's 4-Point Night, Geekie Stays Hot & Is Larkin Really Done in Detroit? | Lightning Power Lunch - October 30, 2026

The Tampa Bay Lightning return to action tonight against the Winnipeg Jets, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli discuss the latest lineup news, including the return of Brandon Hagel and Victor Hedman, while Zemgus Girgensons remains sidelined. The guys break down what the 11-forward, 7-defenseman alignment means for Tampa Bay and why Dominic James gets another opportunity to establish himself in the lineup.

Lightning reporter Ben Pierce joins the show to discuss James' development after returning from injury, why the organization remains confident in his future, and what he's seeing from the young forward as he works to regain the form he showed before last season's injury. Ben also shares insights from his recent feature on Nikita Kucherov, including conversations with Victor Hedman and Brayden Point about the newly crowned all-time leading scorer in franchise history.

The conversation also dives into Tampa Bay's improving power play, why Charles-Édouard D'Astous believes a shooter's mentality has helped create recent success, and what still needs to improve on both special teams units. Plus, a look at Pontus Holmberg's surprising offensive production, Brayden Point's search for more goals, and why Conor Geekie continues to generate excitement among Lightning fans.

Finally, Dave and Greg preview tonight's matchup with Winnipeg, discuss the Jets' recent struggles, the challenge posed by Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, and examine why tonight could be another important measuring-stick game for Tampa Bay.

Topics Discussed
Brandon Hagel returns to the lineup
Victor Hedman expected back against Winnipeg
Zemgus Girgensons remains out
Why the Lightning continue to favor 11 forwards and 7 defensemen
Dominic James' development and opportunity
Ben Pierce joins the show
Nikita Kucherov's rise to franchise scoring leader
Victor Hedman and Brayden Point on Kucherov's greatness
Why Kucherov sees plays others don't
Power play improvements over the last four games
Charles-Édouard D'Astous on developing a shoot-first mentality
What's still holding the penalty kill back
Failed clearances and special teams execution
Pontus Holmberg's surprising offensive impact
Brayden Point's goal-scoring drought and confidence
Conor Geekie's development and fan expectations
Yanni Gourde's recovery timeline
Winnipeg's recent losing streak
Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor preview
How the Lightning matched up against Winnipeg last season
Faceoff battle and key matchups to watch
Around the NHL: Dylan Larkin speculation and league headlines

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

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NikitaKucherov #BrandonHagel #VictorHedman #ConorGeekie #DominicJames #PontusHolmberg #BraydenPoint #MarkScheifele #KyleConnor #WinnipegJets #NHL #BoltsNation

The Tampa Bay Lightning return to action tonight against the Winnipeg Jets, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli discuss the latest lineup news, including the return of Brandon Hagel and Victor Hedman, while Zemgus Girgensons remains sidelined. The guys break down what the 11-forward, 7-defenseman alignment means for Tampa Bay and why Dominic James gets another opportunity to establish himself in the lineup.
Lightning reporter Ben Pierce joins the show to discuss James' development after returning from injury, why the organization remains confident in his future, and what he's seeing from the young forward as he works to regain the form he showed before last season's injury. Ben also shares insights from his recent feature on Nikita Kucherov, including conversations with Victor Hedman and Brayden Point about the newly crowned all-time leading scorer in franchise history.
The conversation also dives into Tampa Bay's improving power play, why Charles-&Eacute;douard D'Astous believes a shooter's mentality has helped create recent success, and what still needs to improve on both special teams units. Plus, a look at Pontus Holmberg's surprising offensive production, Brayden Point's search for more goals, and why Conor Geekie continues to generate excitement among Lightning fans.
Finally, Dave and Greg preview tonight's matchup with Winnipeg, discuss the Jets' recent struggles, the challenge posed by Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, and examine why tonight could be another important measuring-stick game for Tampa Bay.
Topics Discussed
<ul>
<li>Brandon Hagel returns to the lineup</li>
<li>Victor Hedman expected back against Winnipeg</li>
<li>Zemgus Girgensons remains out</li>
<li>Why the Lightning continue to favor 11 forwards and 7 defensemen</li>
<li>Dominic James' development and opportunity</li>
<li>Ben Pierce joins the show</li>
<li>Nikita Kucherov's rise to franchise scoring leader</li>
<li>Victor Hedman and Brayden Point on Kucherov's greatness</li>
<li>Why Kucherov sees plays others don't</li>
<li>Power play improvements over the last four games</li>
<li>Charles-&Eacute;douard D'Astous on developing a shoot-first mentality</li>
<li>What's still holding the penalty kill back</li>
<li>Failed clearances and special teams execution</li>
<li>Pontus Holmberg's surprising offensive impact</li>
<li>Brayden Point's goal-scoring drought and confidence</li>
<li>Conor Geekie's development and fan expectations</li>
<li>Yanni Gourde's recovery timeline</li>
<li>Winnipeg's recent losing streak</li>
<li>Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor preview</li>
<li>How the Lightning matched up against Winnipeg last season</li>
<li>Faceoff battle and key matchups to watch</li>
<li>Around the NHL: Dylan Larkin speculation and league headlines</li>
</ul>
⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, roster updates, prospect news, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season.
#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NikitaKucherov #BrandonHagel #VictorHedman #ConorGeekie #DominicJames #PontusHolmberg #BraydenPoint #MarkScheifele #KyleConnor #WinnipegJets #NHL #BoltsNation

Hagel Returns, Hedman Back In, Kucherov's Historic Rise & Is Power Play Turning the Corner? | Lightning Power Lunch - October 29, 2026

With the Tampa Bay Lightning returning to practice ahead of Thursday night's matchup with the Winnipeg Jets, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli focus on the biggest area of emphasis right now: tightening up the team's defensive play after a road trip that exposed some costly turnovers and defensive-zone breakdowns. The guys discuss comments from assistant coach Rob Zettler, why strong defensive habits are so difficult to maintain over an 84-game season, and how the coaching staff is working to get the Lightning back to the structure that fueled their early-season success.

The conversation also includes injury and lineup updates on Brandon Hagel, Zemgus Girgensons, Yanni Gourde, and Dominic James, along with a discussion about James' development, his place in the lineup, and whether the Lightning should be giving him a larger opportunity. Dave and Greg also examine Conor Geekie's role, why the organization continues to be patient with young players, and what the coaching staff is looking for before handing out more minutes.

Plus, the guys preview the Winnipeg Jets, discuss how teams respond during losing streaks, debate the Lightning's scoring versus defensive concerns, analyze ongoing faceoff challenges, and answer fan questions about the roster, player development, and playoff expectations.

Topics Discussed
Why the Lightning need to tighten up defensively
Turnovers and defensive-zone mistakes on the recent road trip
Comments from Rob Zettler on improving team defense
Why defense is difficult to sustain over a long NHL season
How Andrei Vasilevskiy has helped cover defensive breakdowns
Brandon Hagel and Zemgus Girgensons practice updates
Yanni Gourde's recovery timeline
Dominic James' place in the lineup
Should James be playing more regularly?
Conor Geekie's development and usage
Why the Lightning are taking a patient approach with young players
Gage Goncalves' opportunity in the top six
The challenge of earning a permanent NHL role
Previewing the Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg's recent losing streak and potential response
Dawson Mercer and the Jets' outlook
Matthew Schaefer's historic five-minute overtime shift
Are scoring concerns being overblown?
Why the Lightning's biggest issue may be defensive consistency
Faceoff struggles and structural challenges
Anthony Cirelli's role in difficult faceoff situations
What the Lightning need to improve before the playoffs
Fan questions on roster construction and player development

⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, roster updates, prospect discussions, and exclusive interviews all season long.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #DominicJames #AnthonyCirelli #AndreiVasilevskiy #BrandonHagel #YanniGourde #WinnipegJets #NHL #BoltsNation

With the Tampa Bay Lightning returning to practice ahead of Thursday night's matchup with the Winnipeg Jets, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli focus on the biggest area of emphasis right now: tightening up the team's defensive play after a road trip that exposed some costly turnovers and defensive-zone breakdowns. The guys discuss comments from assistant coach Rob Zettler, why strong defensive habits are so difficult to maintain over an 84-game season, and how the coaching staff is working to get the Lightning back to the structure that fueled their early-season success.
The conversation also includes injury and lineup updates on Brandon Hagel, Zemgus Girgensons, Yanni Gourde, and Dominic James, along with a discussion about James' development, his place in the lineup, and whether the Lightning should be giving him a larger opportunity. Dave and Greg also examine Conor Geekie's role, why the organization continues to be patient with young players, and what the coaching staff is looking for before handing out more minutes.
Plus, the guys preview the Winnipeg Jets, discuss how teams respond during losing streaks, debate the Lightning's scoring versus defensive concerns, analyze ongoing faceoff challenges, and answer fan questions about the roster, player development, and playoff expectations.
Topics Discussed
<ul>
<li>Why the Lightning need to tighten up defensively</li>
<li>Turnovers and defensive-zone mistakes on the recent road trip</li>
<li>Comments from Rob Zettler on improving team defense</li>
<li>Why defense is difficult to sustain over a long NHL season</li>
<li>How Andrei Vasilevskiy has helped cover defensive breakdowns</li>
<li>Brandon Hagel and Zemgus Girgensons practice updates</li>
<li>Yanni Gourde's recovery timeline</li>
<li>Dominic James' place in the lineup</li>
<li>Should James be playing more regularly?</li>
<li>Conor Geekie's development and usage</li>
<li>Why the Lightning are taking a patient approach with young players</li>
<li>Gage Goncalves' opportunity in the top six</li>
<li>The challenge of earning a permanent NHL role</li>
<li>Previewing the Winnipeg Jets</li>
<li>Winnipeg's recent losing streak and potential response</li>
<li>Dawson Mercer and the Jets' outlook</li>
<li>Matthew Schaefer's historic five-minute overtime shift</li>
<li>Are scoring concerns being overblown?</li>
<li>Why the Lightning's biggest issue may be defensive consistency</li>
<li>Faceoff struggles and structural challenges</li>
<li>Anthony Cirelli's role in difficult faceoff situations</li>
<li>What the Lightning need to improve before the playoffs</li>
<li>Fan questions on roster construction and player development</li>
</ul>
⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, roster updates, prospect discussions, and exclusive interviews all season long.
#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #DominicJames #AnthonyCirelli #AndreiVasilevskiy #BrandonHagel #YanniGourde #WinnipegJets #NHL #BoltsNation

Lightning Win Preseason Opener! Mikheyev Impresses, Geekie Scores & Camp Battles Heat Up | Lightning Power Lunch - September 21, 2026

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