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

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