Lightning Power Lunch

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 #BoltsNationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning returned to practice after their Western road trip, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli discuss the latest injury updates, the success of Coop's Catch for Kids, and what they're seeing from the Lightning through the first month of the season. The annual charity event raised more than $500,000 for pediatric cancer research, continuing one of the organization's most impactful traditions. The guys provide updates on Victor Hedman, Zemgus Girgensons, and Anthony Cirelli, while also diving into the continued development of Conor Geekie. They discuss why the coaching staff is taking a measured approach with Geekie's minutes, how his game continues to grow, and why his current role may be exactly what he needs at this stage of his NHL career. Later, three-time Stanley Cup champion Pat Maroon joins the show for an entertaining and insightful conversation on hockey analytics, the Lightning power play, Brayden Point's start to the season, and what makes Nikita Kucherov one of the smartest players he's ever seen. Maroon also shares his thoughts on Scott Sabourin, the value of fourth-line players, and why toughness still matters in today's NHL.  Topics Discussed Coop's Catch for Kids raises more than $500,000 for pediatric cancer research Why the Lightning value the event beyond hockey Scott Sabourin's impact despite limited playing time Comparing the current checking line to past Lightning shutdown units Pontus Holmberg's surprising offensive production Victor Hedman returns to the ice Injury updates on Zemgus Girgensons and Anthony Cirelli Why Conor Geekie remains in an ideal development spot Geekie's usage on the fourth line and power-play unit Are the Lightning heading into a rough patch? Brayden Point's scoring drought and why Pat Maroon isn't concerned How opponents defend Point and Kucherov The ongoing evolution of the Lightning power play Why Maroon would like to see John Carlson utilized more as a shooting threat Analytics vs. eye test: Maroon's unfiltered opinions Why Sabourin's role is more valuable than many fans realize Kucherov's work ethic and preparation behind the scenes Maroon's case for Kucherov as one of the smartest players in hockey Kucherov's pursuit of all-time greatness Previewing the Lightning's upcoming matchup with Winnipeg ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, roster updates, prospect news, postgame analysis, and exclusive interviews all season long. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NikitaKucherov #PatMaroon #ConorGeekie #VictorHedman #BraydenPoint #JohnCarlson #ScottSabourin #CoopsCatch #NHL #BoltsNationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nikita Kucherov is now the all-time leading scorer in Tampa Bay Lightning history. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli reflect on Kucherov surpassing Steven Stamkos atop the franchise record book, discuss where he ranks among the greatest players in NHL history, and why his legacy continues to grow with every season. The guys also break down the Lightning's weekend road trip, including a tough loss in Colorado and an overtime defeat in Utah. They discuss why earning three of six possible points was still a positive outcome, how scheduling challenges impacted the trip, and why Dennis Hildeby's performance helped the Lightning escape Utah with a valuable point in the standings. Plus, a deep dive into Conor Geekie's impressive goal against Utah, his continued development as an NHL player, Brayden Point's much-needed power-play goal, the Lightning's ongoing faceoff and special teams discussions, and where Tampa Bay sits after an encouraging 7-3-1 start. Topics Discussed Nikita Kucherov becomes the Lightning's all-time scoring leader Where Kucherov ranks among the greatest Russian players ever Jon Cooper's comments on Kucherov's historic achievement Evaluating the Lightning's 3-of-6 point road trip Why Utah was such a difficult scheduling challenge Dennis Hildeby's strong performance against the Mammoth Colorado's response after back-to-back losses What went wrong against the Avalanche Conor Geekie's breakout goal and continued development Why Geekie's skating improvements are making a difference Brayden Point's power-play goal and offensive outlook Scott Sabourin's physical impact on the fourth line Mikhail Sergachev's leadership role in Utah Andre Tourigny's praise for Kucherov dating back to junior hockey Injury updates on Victor Hedman and Zemgus Girgensons Dominic James and Max Crozier fighting for lineup spots Faceoff struggles and special teams analysis Breaking down the Lightning's penalty kill and power play The Atlantic Division race and Tampa Bay's strong start What the Lightning need to tighten up defensively moving forward Looking ahead to Thursday's matchup with Winnipeg ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, roster discussions, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews all season long. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NikitaKucherov #ConorGeekie #BraydenPoint #DennisHildeby #VictorHedman #MikhailSergachev #JonCooper #NHL #BoltsNationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tampa Bay Lightning begin their first back-to-back of the season tonight against the Colorado Avalanche, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli discuss the latest lineup news, including **Anthony Cirelli missing practice and potentially being unavailable against Colorado. If Cirelli can't go, it could create a major opportunity for Dominic James, who skated alongside Brandon Hagel and Nikita Kucherov during practice. The guys preview tonight's matchup against the Avalanche, examining Colorado's surprising 5-4-1 start despite strong offensive numbers, a plus-11 goal differential and another elite season from Nathan MacKinnon. They discuss why the Avalanche may be a dangerous opponent coming off back-to-back losses and what challenges await the Lightning at Ball Arena. Later, Avalanche radio voice Conor McGahey joins the show to break down Colorado's season, the impact of Cale Makar, the remarkable comeback story of Gabriel Landeskog, concerns surrounding the Avalanche power play, and why Colorado may actually be deeper than last season's Presidents' Trophy-winning team. Plus, discussion on Brent Burns chasing the NHL Iron Man record, Mackenzie Blackwood and Colorado's goaltending situation, a blockbuster trade sending Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey, and the Lightning's ongoing power-play evolution featuring Charles-Édouard D'Astous and John Carlson. Topics Discussed Anthony Cirelli misses practice and his status for tonight Dominic James' opportunity on a line with Hagel and Kucherov Previewing Lightning vs. Avalanche Colorado's surprising start despite strong underlying numbers Nathan MacKinnon's hot start to the season Why the Avalanche are determined to avoid a third straight regulation loss Conor McGahey joins the show How Cale Makar's injury affected Colorado's playoff run Why the Avalanche may be deeper than last year's team Gabriel Landeskog's comeback and current role Colorado's power-play struggles Mackenzie Blackwood vs. Scott Wedgewood in net Brent Burns pursuing the NHL Iron Man streak record Connor Hellebuyck traded to the New Jersey Devils Lightning power-play discussion and Charles-Édouard D'Astous' role Could Victor Hedman return to the top power-play unit? Calling NHL games from difficult broadcast locations Why Edmonton remains one of the toughest road broadcasts in hockey Looking ahead to the Utah Mammoth matchup ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame reaction, roster analysis, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews all season long. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #AnthonyCirelli #DominicJames #NikitaKucherov #NathanMacKinnon #CaleMakar #ConnorMcGahey #ColoradoAvalanche #VictorHedman #NHL #BoltsNationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare for their first back-to-back of the season with games against the Colorado Avalanche and Utah Mammoth, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli discuss potential lineup changes, roster management, and what to expect from one of the toughest travel stretches of the early season. With questions surrounding Anthony Cirelli, Dominic James, Max Crozier, and Scott Sabourin, the conversation focuses on how the coaching staff may approach the upcoming games. The guys also dive into one of hockey's hottest topics: analytics versus the eye test. Dave and Greg discuss how NHL teams use analytics internally, why some public metrics can be difficult to quantify, how coaches evaluate players beyond the box score, and what fans should consider when analyzing player performance. Later, Lucas Favale, voice of the Syracuse Crunch, joins the show to provide an in-depth update on the Lightning's top prospects. The discussion includes Sam O'Reilly's development, his faceoff success in the AHL, the progress of Noah Steen, Lucas Mercuri, Dylan Duke, Tomas Kralovic, and the continued leadership of Jakob Pelletier in Syracuse. Plus, thoughts on backup goalie usage during back-to-backs, Andrei Vasilevskiy's long-term future, the importance of faceoffs, and a look around the NHL involving Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Larkin, and player movement across the league. Topics Discussed Preparing for the Lightning's first back-to-back of the season Potential lineup changes featuring Dominic James, Max Crozier and Scott Sabourin Analytics vs. the eye test in player evaluation How NHL teams use analytics internally Why public analytics don't always tell the full story Evaluating Gage Goncalves' impact beyond the scoresheet Turnovers, scoring chances and hockey analytics debate Syracuse Crunch season update Sam O'Reilly's development and faceoff success Noah Steen's adjustment to North American hockey Lucas Mercuri's physical style and NHL upside Dylan Duke's start to the AHL season Tomas Kralovic's emergence Jakob Pelletier's leadership and NHL aspirations The importance of playoff experience at the AHL level Managing goaltenders in back-to-back situations Andrei Vasilevskiy's long-term outlook Faceoffs and why they remain an important metric Brady Tkachuk's return to Ottawa Dylan Larkin and the challenges of trade requests Ron Duguay's impact on the game and legacy ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, prospect updates, roster discussions, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #SamOReilly #LucasFavali #SyracuseCrunch #AndreiVasilevskiy #DominicJames #MaxCrozier #JakobPelletier #NHL #BoltsNationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.