The 2026-27 season is almost here, and the Tampa Bay Lightning are putting the finishing touches on their Opening Night roster. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the biggest takeaways from training camp, discuss the final roster decisions facing the organization, and look ahead to Thursday's season opener against the New York Rangers.

The guys react to Jon Cooper's comments about this being the most competitive camp in years and discuss why players like Conor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly, Benjamin Rautiainen, and Jansen Harkins made such strong impressions throughout camp. They also examine the Lightning's organizational depth and why several prospects may be pushing for NHL opportunities sooner rather than later.

Plus, thoughts on Tampa Bay's loaded blue line, the development paths for O'Reilly and Rautiainen, Victor Hedman's encouraging preseason, the evolving power play, faceoff improvements, and what the Bolts need to accomplish during a challenging opening month of the regular season.

Topics & Timestamps

0:00 Jon Cooper on the most competitive Lightning camp in years
3:20 What did the Lightning learn during training camp?
8:45 Why Conor Geekie looks ready for a full-time NHL role
15:10 Sam O'Reilly and Benjamin Rautiainen's impressive camps
21:05 Jansen Harkins' surprising push for a roster spot
27:15 Breaking down Tampa Bay's defensive depth
33:40 The final roster decisions still to come
39:15 Faceoff improvements and what they mean going forward
45:20 Victor Hedman's preseason and expectations for 2026-27
50:15 Power play discussion: concerns or confidence?
55:10 Opening month schedule breakdown and key challenges
58:30 Looking ahead to Opening Night vs. the Rangers

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