The Tampa Bay Lightning preseason is here, and Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the biggest storylines heading into Game 1. The guys discuss Jon Cooper's comments on maintaining the organization's championship standard, what the Lightning can learn from last season's playoff exit, and why this year's team could develop a different identity despite returning much of its core.

They also dive into early training camp line combinations, the addition of John Carlson, Ilya Mikheyev's opportunity alongside Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov, and what Lightning fans should watch for during the preseason. Plus, a look at the roster battles involving Conor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly, Jacob Pelletier, Dylan Duke and other prospects pushing for NHL jobs.

Topics include:
Lightning preseason Game 1 preview
Jon Cooper on last season and playoff lessons
Training camp line combinations and defensive pairings
Conor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly and prospect watch
John Carlson's impact on the blue line and power play
Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov and offensive expectations
Early-season roster battles and camp standouts

⚡ Subscribe for daily Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, interviews and insights throughout the 2026-27 season.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #LightningPowerLunch #NikitaKucherov #BraydenPoint #JohnCooper #HockeyPodcast #TampaBaySports #NHLPreseason

The Tampa Bay Lightning preseason is here, and Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the biggest storylines heading into Game 1. The guys discuss Jon Cooper's comments on maintaining the organization's championship standard, what the Lightning can learn from last season's playoff exit, and why this year's team could develop a different identity despite returning much of its core.
They also dive into early training camp line combinations, the addition of John Carlson, Ilya Mikheyev's opportunity alongside Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov, and what Lightning fans should watch for during the preseason. Plus, a look at the roster battles involving Conor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly, Jacob Pelletier, Dylan Duke and other prospects pushing for NHL jobs.
Topics include:
<ul>
<li>Lightning preseason Game 1 preview</li>
<li>Jon Cooper on last season and playoff lessons</li>
<li>Training camp line combinations and defensive pairings</li>
<li>Conor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly and prospect watch</li>
<li>John Carlson's impact on the blue line and power play</li>
<li>Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov and offensive expectations</li>
<li>Early-season roster battles and camp standouts</li>
</ul>
⚡ Subscribe for daily Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, interviews and insights throughout the 2026-27 season.
#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #LightningPowerLunch #NikitaKucherov #BraydenPoint #JohnCooper #HockeyPodcast #TampaBaySports #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

Preseason Begins: Jon Cooper's Message, Line Combinations & Biggest Camp Battles | Lightning Power Lunch - September 18, 2026

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

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

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #DennisHildeby #BrandonHagel #JakeGuentzel #NikitaKucherov #SamOReilly #ScottSabourin #JeffViel #DylanLarkin #ColumbusBlueJackets #NHL #BoltsNation

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

Hildeby Shines, Lightning Sweeps Back-to-Back & Hagel's Line Leads the Way | Lightning Power Lunch

The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Buffalo Sabres 8-3 on just 22 shots. Nikita Kucherov scored a natural hat trick and had all four of his points in the third period, and John Carlson had a career-high five points to reach 800 for his career.

On today’s Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down a game that was closer than the final score. Tampa Bay led 4-0, then Buffalo scored three goals in about four and a half minutes to make it 4-3. Andrei Vasilevskiy held the line against the Sabres’ pressure in the last two periods, and Kucherov’s breakaway goal put the game away. The win gives the Bolts four points on the road trip, and they can make it six of a possible eight in Columbus tonight.

🏒 IN THIS EPISODE
Lightning vs. Sabres recap: how a 4-0 lead became 4-3, and the plays that kept it from turning into a collapse
Why Vasilevskiy’s .903 save percentage undersells how good he was
Milestones: Carlson’s five points and 800th career point, a career-high four assists for Jake Guentzel, Yanni Gourde’s first goal of the season, Anthony Cirelli’s 600th game, and Charle-Edouard D’Astous at +5
Sam O’Reilly’s NHL debut: a primary assist and how he did on faceoffs
Erik Cernak’s injury on the Beck Malenstyn hit: clean or reckless? Max Crozier expected in tonight
Kucherov’s contract: does a four-point night change anything with Julien BriseBois?
Buffalo’s problems: defensive breakdowns, life without Alex Tuch, and Jason Zucker’s 15 goals in 20 games against Tampa
Preview of Lightning at Columbus Blue Jackets, the road trip finale and second half of a back-to-back: Rick Bowness, Matthew Knies, Kent Johnson, and how last year’s Blue Jackets beat Tampa in transition
Your questions: the penalty kill, J.J. Moser’s season, Yanni Gourde’s hip surgery and recovery, and when we’ll see Dominic James again

📻 Pregame starts at 6:30 PM tonight on the Lightning Audio Network. On Saturday the Lightning debut their Hometown Remix jersey against Detroit to start a six-game homestand.

🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications for Lightning Power Lunch every weekday from noon to 1 PM.

#GoBolts #TampaBayLightning #Kucherov #NHL #LightningPowerLunch #Sabres #BlueJackets

The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Buffalo Sabres 8-3 on just 22 shots. Nikita Kucherov scored a natural hat trick and had all four of his points in the third period, and John Carlson had a career-high five points to reach 800 for his career.
On today&rsquo;s Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down a game that was closer than the final score. Tampa Bay led 4-0, then Buffalo scored three goals in about four and a half minutes to make it 4-3. Andrei Vasilevskiy held the line against the Sabres&rsquo; pressure in the last two periods, and Kucherov&rsquo;s breakaway goal put the game away. The win gives the Bolts four points on the road trip, and they can make it six of a possible eight in Columbus tonight.
🏒 IN THIS EPISODE
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>Lightning vs. Sabres recap: how a 4-0 lead became 4-3, and the plays that kept it from turning into a collapse</li>
<li>Why Vasilevskiy&rsquo;s .903 save percentage undersells how good he was</li>
<li>Milestones: Carlson&rsquo;s five points and 800th career point, a career-high four assists for Jake Guentzel, Yanni Gourde&rsquo;s first goal of the season, Anthony Cirelli&rsquo;s 600th game, and Charle-Edouard D&rsquo;Astous at +5</li>
<li>Sam O&rsquo;Reilly&rsquo;s NHL debut: a primary assist and how he did on faceoffs</li>
<li>Erik Cernak&rsquo;s injury on the Beck Malenstyn hit: clean or reckless? Max Crozier expected in tonight</li>
<li>Kucherov&rsquo;s contract: does a four-point night change anything with Julien BriseBois?</li>
<li>Buffalo&rsquo;s problems: defensive breakdowns, life without Alex Tuch, and Jason Zucker&rsquo;s 15 goals in 20 games against Tampa</li>
<li>Preview of Lightning at Columbus Blue Jackets, the road trip finale and second half of a back-to-back: Rick Bowness, Matthew Knies, Kent Johnson, and how last year&rsquo;s Blue Jackets beat Tampa in transition</li>
<li>Your questions: the penalty kill, J.J. Moser&rsquo;s season, Yanni Gourde&rsquo;s hip surgery and recovery, and when we&rsquo;ll see Dominic James again</li>
</ul>
📻 Pregame starts at 6:30 PM tonight on the Lightning Audio Network. On Saturday the Lightning debut their Hometown Remix jersey against Detroit to start a six-game homestand.
🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications for Lightning Power Lunch every weekday from noon to 1 PM.
#GoBolts #TampaBayLightning #Kucherov #NHL #LightningPowerLunch #Sabres #BlueJackets

Kucherov Hat Trick, Carlson 5 Points! Lightning Rout Sabres 8-3 | Lightning Power Lunch - November 12, 2026

The Tampa Bay Lightning head to Buffalo looking to get back in the win column, but they'll have to do it without Brayden Point, who has been placed on injured reserve. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli discuss the significance of Point's absence, what it means for the Lightning lineup, and why the organization has turned to one of its top prospects for help.

The biggest story of the day is the NHL debut of Sam O'Reilly, who was recalled from Syracuse and is expected to make his first appearance with the Lightning. Dave and Greg break down why O'Reilly was the choice, what the coaching staff likes about his game, and why his hockey IQ, faceoff ability, and pro-ready style could allow him to make an immediate impact. The guys also discuss possible line combinations, power-play usage, and how O'Reilly's development compares to other young prospects in the organization.

Later, Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News joins the show to discuss the Sabres' slow start, the pressure facing Buffalo heading into a crucial divisional matchup, and why the team has struggled to replicate last season's success. The conversation also covers Tage Thompson, Jack Quinn, Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin, and the increasingly competitive Atlantic Division race.

Plus, thoughts on the lingering bad blood between the Lightning and Sabres, Anthony Cirelli's health and faceoff situation, Andrei Vasilevskiy's workload, the continued development of Conor Geekie, and what the Lightning need to do to improve their road record.

Topics Discussed
Brayden Point placed on injured reserve
Sam O'Reilly recalled from Syracuse and expected to make his NHL debut
Why O'Reilly was chosen over other call-up options
O'Reilly's hockey IQ, faceoff ability and NHL readiness
Potential line combinations without Point
How O'Reilly could fit on the power play
Previewing Lightning vs. Sabres
Why Buffalo views tonight as a critical game before a long road trip
Mike Harrington joins the show
Buffalo's offensive struggles despite strong expectations
The emergence of Jack Quinn and Owen Power
Revisiting last season's heated Lightning-Sabres rivalry
Anthony Cirelli's health and faceoff responsibilities
Conor Geekie's continued growth and opportunity
Andrei Vasilevskiy's play and workload discussion
Road record vs. home record and what's missing away from Tampa Bay
Fan questions and game-night discussion

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

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #SamOReilly #BraydenPoint #ConorGeekie #AnthonyCirelli #AndreiVasilevskiy #MikeHarrington #BuffaloSabres #NHL #BoltsNation

The Tampa Bay Lightning head to Buffalo looking to get back in the win column, but they'll have to do it without Brayden Point, who has been placed on injured reserve. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli discuss the significance of Point's absence, what it means for the Lightning lineup, and why the organization has turned to one of its top prospects for help.
The biggest story of the day is the NHL debut of Sam O'Reilly, who was recalled from Syracuse and is expected to make his first appearance with the Lightning. Dave and Greg break down why O'Reilly was the choice, what the coaching staff likes about his game, and why his hockey IQ, faceoff ability, and pro-ready style could allow him to make an immediate impact. The guys also discuss possible line combinations, power-play usage, and how O'Reilly's development compares to other young prospects in the organization.
Later, Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News joins the show to discuss the Sabres' slow start, the pressure facing Buffalo heading into a crucial divisional matchup, and why the team has struggled to replicate last season's success. The conversation also covers Tage Thompson, Jack Quinn, Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin, and the increasingly competitive Atlantic Division race.
Plus, thoughts on the lingering bad blood between the Lightning and Sabres, Anthony Cirelli's health and faceoff situation, Andrei Vasilevskiy's workload, the continued development of Conor Geekie, and what the Lightning need to do to improve their road record.
Topics Discussed
<ul>
<li>Brayden Point placed on injured reserve</li>
<li>Sam O'Reilly recalled from Syracuse and expected to make his NHL debut</li>
<li>Why O'Reilly was chosen over other call-up options</li>
<li>O'Reilly's hockey IQ, faceoff ability and NHL readiness</li>
<li>Potential line combinations without Point</li>
<li>How O'Reilly could fit on the power play</li>
<li>Previewing Lightning vs. Sabres</li>
<li>Why Buffalo views tonight as a critical game before a long road trip</li>
<li>Mike Harrington joins the show</li>
<li>Buffalo's offensive struggles despite strong expectations</li>
<li>The emergence of Jack Quinn and Owen Power</li>
<li>Revisiting last season's heated Lightning-Sabres rivalry</li>
<li>Anthony Cirelli's health and faceoff responsibilities</li>
<li>Conor Geekie's continued growth and opportunity</li>
<li>Andrei Vasilevskiy's play and workload discussion</li>
<li>Road record vs. home record and what's missing away from Tampa Bay</li>
<li>Fan questions and game-night discussion</li>
</ul>
⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame reaction, roster updates, prospect news, and exclusive interviews all season long.
#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #SamOReilly #BraydenPoint #ConorGeekie #AnthonyCirelli #AndreiVasilevskiy #MikeHarrington #BuffaloSabres #NHL #BoltsNation

Preseason Begins: Jon Cooper's Message, Line Combinations & Biggest Camp Battles | Lightning Power Lunch - September 18, 2026

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