Daily Strike - Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning begin a two-game road trip tonight with a visit to face the New York Islanders in the first of three meetings between the clubs this season. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick previews the matchup as the Lightning look to extend their winning streak and continue their strong start to the 2026-27 campaign.

The Bolts enter the game after completing a perfect homestand and will try to improve on last season's 0-2-1 record against the Islanders last season. We discuss the latest updates from Friday's practice, including Nikita Kucherov receiving a maintenance...

The Tampa Bay Lightning capped off a perfect three-game homestand with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild, improving to 3-1-0 on the season and building momentum before heading out on their first road trip of the year. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick recaps another impressive team performance as the Bolts continue their strong start to the season.

The Lightning struck twice in the opening period, including a goal just 36 seconds apart, and got a breakout night from John Carlson, who scored twice, including Tampa Bay's first power-play goal of the season after the...

The Tampa Bay Lightning look to complete a perfect three-game homestand tonight as they host the Minnesota Wild at Benchmark International Arena. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick previews the matchup and breaks down the latest developments from practice as the Bolts aim for their third straight victory.

One of the biggest storylines heading into tonight's game is Tampa Bay's power play. The Lightning are still searching for their first power-play goal of the season, leading Head Coach Jon Cooper to make adjustments during practice, including adding Charle-Édouard D'Astous alongside John Carlson on the top unit. H...

The Tampa Bay Lightning are riding a two-game winning streak and looking to complete a perfect opening homestand as they prepare to host the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick recaps the latest from practice and examines what's fueled Tampa Bay's turnaround after a disappointing season-opening loss to the New York Rangers.

Hear from Jon Cooper on the lessons learned from Opening Night and how the team has responded with consecutive victories over the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers. Plus, Brayden Point discusses the adjustments that have helped the Lightning find their...

The Tampa Bay Lightning are heating up early in the season.

On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick recaps the Lightning's impressive 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, their second consecutive win as the Bolts improved to 2-1-0 on the season. Tampa Bay controlled play from start to finish, outshooting Philadelphia 36-14 and getting contributions throughout the lineup.

Brayden Point opened the scoring with his first goal of the season, while Pontus Holmberg added his first goal as a Bolt during a strong second period. The Lightning then pulled away late with a pair of...

The Tampa Bay Lightning are back at Benchmark International Arena tonight as they host the Philadelphia Flyers, looking to build on Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick previews the matchup and brings you the latest updates from practice as the Bolts aim to improve to 2-1-0 on the season.

The Lightning dominated the Flyers last season, going 3-0 against Philadelphia, and have posted an impressive 20-4-2 record against the Flyers over the last decade. Hear from Zemgus Girgensons, Assistant Coach Rob Zettler, and defenseman Erik Cernak on the...

The Tampa Bay Lightning picked up their first win of the 2026-27 season, defeating the Washington Capitals 3-1 in front of a packed crowd at Benchmark International Arena. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick recaps the Bolts' impressive response after their season-opening loss in New York and breaks down all the key moments from Saturday night's Home Opener.

The Lightning jumped out to a 2-0 first-period lead and never looked back. Conor Geekie scored what proved to be the game-winning goal off a feed from Brandon Hagel, while Jake Guentzel continued his strong start with a three-point...

It's Home Opener day in Tampa Bay.

On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick gets you ready for the Tampa Bay Lightning's home opener as the Washington Capitals visit Benchmark International Arena. After dropping their season opener in New York, the Bolts look to bounce back on home ice, where they tied for the third-most home points in the NHL last season.

Tonight marks a major milestone for Andrei Vasilevskiy, who is set to play in his 600th NHL game. The Lightning netminder enters the night with 370 career victories, just two shy of cracking the NHL's...

The Tampa Bay Lightning's 2026-27 season is underway, but the opener didn't go as planned as the Bolts fell 5-1 to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick recaps the season-opening loss and breaks down what Tampa Bay can learn before returning home for Saturday night's Home Opener.

After falling behind early, the Lightning struggled to generate offense, finishing 0-for-7 on the power play while the Rangers built a commanding lead. The game ended in historic fashion when Igor Shesterkin scored an empty-net goal, becoming one of the rare goaltenders...

The wait is over. The Tampa Bay Lightning begin the 2026-27 regular season tonight at Madison Square Garden as they take on the New York Rangers in their first game of the NHL's expanded 84-game schedule. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick gets you ready for Opening Night with everything you need to know before puck drop.

Hear from Head Coach Jon Cooper, Anthony Cirelli, J.J. Moser, and captain Victor Hedman as the Bolts prepare for another run at the Stanley Cup. Cooper enters his 15th season behind the Tampa Bay bench, adding another chapter to...

The wait is almost over. The Tampa Bay Lightning hit the ice one final time before heading to New York for Thursday night's season opener against the New York Rangers. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick gets you ready for Opening Night as the Bolts put the finishing touches on preparations for the start of the 2026-27 season.

With Training Camp lasting just 13 days under the NHL's new 84-game schedule, hear from Victor Hedman on how the team has adjusted and what needs to happen for the Lightning to get off to a fast start. Plus, Erik...

The Tampa Bay Lightning are officially ready for the 2026-27 season. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick breaks down the club's finalized Opening Night roster as the Bolts prepare for Thursday's season opener against the New York Rangers.

With roster decisions now complete, Tampa Bay will carry 13 forwards, 8 defensemen and 2 goaltenders into the regular season. We look at the players who earned their spots, including rookie Conor Geekie, along with newcomers John Carlson, Ilya Mikheyev, Jensen Harkins and Dennis Hildeby. Meanwhile, Yanni Gourde and Dominic James begin the season on Injured Reserve.

Hear from Erik...

The Tampa Bay Lightning are just three days away from opening the 2026-27 season, and the final roster picture is beginning to come into focus. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick breaks down the latest round of roster moves after the Lightning reduced their Training Camp roster by 11 players following Saturday's 3-2 shootout win over the Florida Panthers.

The Bolts now sit at 26 players as they prepare to submit their opening-night roster, with key decisions still to be made over the next 24 hours. We examine the latest cuts, waiver moves, and what the roster could look like...

The Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up their preseason schedule with a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory over the Florida Panthers in Sunrise.

On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick breaks down a strong finish to the exhibition slate, including standout performances from newcomer Benjamin Rautiainen, Dennis Hildeby's solid night in goal, and the continued push by several players battling for Opening Night roster spots.

Plus, hear from Head Coach Jon Cooper, get an update on Conor Geekie's roster chances, and find out what's ahead for the Lightning as they head to Naples before opening the regular season...

The Lightning close out the 2026 preseason tonight in Sunrise against the Florida Panthers, and roster decisions are coming fast as Opening Night approaches. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick breaks down the latest moves from Training Camp, including the trade of veteran goaltender Jonas Johansson and a major round of roster cuts.

One day after clearing waivers, Johansson was traded to the Ottawa Senators for future considerations, ending his three-year run as Andrei Vasilevskiy's backup. The move comes after Tampa Bay acquired Dennis Hildeby earlier this summer and further clarifies the organization's goaltending picture heading into the...

The Tampa Bay Lightning battled back multiple times but ultimately fell 5-3 to the Florida Panthers in their third preseason game. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick breaks down the night's biggest storylines, including another strong performance from Conor Geekie and a two-goal effort from Jansen Harkins.

After falling behind 2-0, Tampa Bay rallied with goals from Geekie and Harkins to get back into the game. Harkins added his second goal of the night in the third period, but Florida responded immediately and later sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.

Hear reaction from Head...

The Tampa Bay Lightning return home tonight for their third preseason game as they host the defending Florida Panthers at Benchmark International Arena. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick gets you ready for one of the most anticipated preseason matchups of the year while breaking down the latest developments from Training Camp.

After Tuesday's overtime loss in Nashville, the Lightning returned to practice and continued work on a revamped top power-play unit featuring John Carlson, Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Jake Guentzel, and Brandon Hagel.

We also discuss the growing impact of Jeff Viel, who scored...

The Tampa Bay Lightning suffered their first loss of the preseason, falling 3-2 in overtime to the Nashville Predators, but there were plenty of positives to take away from the trip to Music City. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick recaps all the action, including a breakout performance from Jeffrey Viel, who scored both Lightning goals in an impressive showing.

Viel's line with Pontus Holmberg and Zemgus Girgensons generated offense throughout the night as Tampa Bay built a 2-0 lead before Nashville rallied late in regulation. Hear from Jeffrey Viel after his two-goal performance and from Jon...

The Tampa Bay Lightning return to the ice after their first preseason victory and prepare for Game 2 of the exhibition schedule as they travel to face the Nashville Predators. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick breaks down the latest developments from Training Camp, including the organization's first roster reductions and another strong showing from top prospect Sam O'Reilly.

The Lightning reduced their training camp roster by reassigning seven players to junior hockey, bringing the camp roster down to 58 players as competition continues to intensify ahead of Opening Night. Hear what Head Coach Jon Cooper had to say...

The Tampa Bay Lightning opened the 2026 preseason with a 2-1 victory over the Nashville Predators at Benchmark International Arena, and on today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick breaks down all the biggest moments from the win.

New Lightning forward Ilya Mikheyev wasted no time making an impact, scoring early in the game after arriving from the Chicago Blackhawks this offseason. Plus, Conor Geekie delivered the game-winning goal while top prospect Sam O'Reilly continued to impress with an assist and another strong performance in training camp.

Hear postgame reaction from Jon Cooper, Sam O'Reilly and Ilya Mikheyev...

For the first time in 140 days, the Tampa Bay Lightning are back on home ice as they open the 2026 preseason against the Nashville Predators at Benchmark International Arena. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick gets you ready for the first game action of the season with the latest updates from Training Camp and a preview of tonight's matchup.

Hear from Brayden Point as he discusses playing alongside new teammate Ilya Mikheyev, while top prospect Sam O'Reilly shares his mindset as he pushes for a roster spot. Plus, Assistant Coach Rob Zettler breaks down the intense competition among...

The Tampa Bay Lightning are one step closer to hockey season as Training Camp continues with the team's first scrimmage and the preseason opener just around the corner. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick breaks down the biggest takeaways from Day 2 of camp, including comments from Jon Cooper as the competition for roster spots ramps up.

Hear from new Lightning forward Jeffrey Viel on joining Tampa Bay and building chemistry with his teammates, while J.J. Moser reflects on the lessons he learned from last season and how they can help him moving forward.

Also...

The Tampa Bay Lightning hit the ice for their first official practice of the 2026-27 season, and today's Daily Strike breaks down everything you need to know from Day 1 of Training Camp. Hear from Head Coach Jon Cooper, J.J. Moser, Brandon Hagel, and GM Julien BriseBois as the Bolts begin preparations for the NHL's new 84-game schedule.

In this episode, Steve Versnick recaps the first practice at TGH Ice Plex, discusses the challenges and opportunities created by a shortened preseason, and previews Sunday's preseason opener against the Nashville Predators.

Also on today's show:

The 2026-27 Tampa Bay Lightning season officially begins as Training Camp opens at TGH Ice Plex. In today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick breaks down the biggest storylines heading into camp, including Nikita Kucherov entering the final year of his contract, Brayden Point's offseason preparations, Victor Hedman's return, and the challenges of a shortened preseason with the new 84-game NHL schedule.

We also cover key injury news, including Yanni Gourde's recovery timeline following hip surgery and Dominic James being sidelined with a broken hand. Plus, hear updates from General Manager Julien BriseBois, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Ryan McDonagh, and new...

The Tampa Bay Lightning officially return to the ice as Training Camp gets underway following Media Day at Benchmark International Arena. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick gets you ready for the start of the 2026-27 season with updates from camp, player interviews, prospect performances, and a look at the Lightning's biggest offseason moves.

🏒 In this episode:

The Tampa Bay Lightning held their exit interviews on Tuesday after they lost their first round playoff series to the Montreal Canadiens 4-games-to-3. Hear from General Manager Julien BriseBois, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Nikita Kucherov, Brandon Hagel, JJ Moser, Brayden Point, Ryan McDonagh, Nick Paul and Darren Raddysh. Victor Hedman spoke about taking a personal leave to focus on this mental health.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning are conducting exit interviews today after their Game 7 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night. Hear from Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, Ryan McDonagh and Jon Cooper on the season and series. Today we'll hear from players and General Manager Julien BriseBois.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning's season is over after a 2-1 loss in Game 7 to the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs won despite only putting 9 shots on net. Dominic James scored the lone goal for the Bolts, the first rookie in franchise history to score in a game 7. Hear from Jon Cooper, Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli and Ryan McDonagh on the loss. 

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The Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens play Game 7 tonight at Benchmark International Arena. The winner moves onto the 2nd round to face the Buffalo Sabres and the loser's season is over. Corey Perry will play in his 12th Game 7, the 5th most all-time. Andrei Vasilevskiy is 2-2 in Game 7s with a .945 save percentage.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning avoided elimination as they beat the Montreal Canadiens 1-0 in overtime in Game 6. Gage Goncalves scored in extra time to become just the 3rd Lightning player with an OT winner in an elimination game. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 30 saves for his 8th career postseason shutout. The Lightning host the Canadiens on Sunday at 6pm ET for Game 7 in this first round playoff series.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning have a 'win of go home' game tonight in Montreal for Game 6 as they trail the best-of-7 series 3-games-to-2. The Lightning are 16-14 all time in elimination games, that's 3rd best of any franchise. The Bolts are 5-5 in Game 6s when trailing 3-2 in the series. Hear from Jon Cooper, Brandon Hagel and Ryan McDonagh who will play in his 100th postseason game as a member of the Lightning. On this date in Lightning history, Vinny Lecavalier scores a postseason OT winner.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning lost 3-2 to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5. They now trail the best-of-7 series, 3-games-to-2. Dominic James and Jake Guentzel scored the goals. Hear from Head Coach Jon Cooper, Dominic James, Corey Perry and Brayden Point. Andrei Vasilevskiy is a Vezina Trophy finalist for the 6th time in his career. On this date in Lightning history, Brayden Point had 4 points to lead the Lightning over the Bruins.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Montreal Canadiens tonight for Game 5 of this best-of-7 series. Each team has won 2 games each. The Lightning are 19-15 all-time in Game 5s. They are 12-6 on home ice. Nikita Kucherov has been named a Ted Lindsay Award finalist, he's won the award twice previously. On this date in Lightning history, Braydon Coburn scores the game-winner in Game 7 to advance to the 2nd round. 

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The Tampa Bay Lightning are back home and will practice today ahead of their Game 5 matchup with the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night. The puck drop for Game 5 is set for 7pm ET and our Game 6 watch party is scheduled for Friday night in Tampa. Hear from Head Coach Jon Cooper, Darren Raddysh and Nick Paul on Game 5.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning overcame a 2-0 lead late in the 2nd period to beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 and even the best-of-7 series at 2 games a piece. Brandon Hagel scored two more goals to give him 6 in 4 playoffs games, Nikita Kucherov had 2 assists to move up the NHL record books and Jake Guentzel got his first goal of the postseason. On this date in Lightning history, Sean Bergenheim scored to win Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning are in Montreal to play the Canadiens in Game 4 of their best-of-7 series. The Bolts trail the series 2-1 as all 3 games have gone to overtime. Ryan McDonagh will play in this 200th postseason game tonight. Hear from Gage Goncalves, Declan Carlile, Erik Cernak and Head Coach Jon Cooper. On this date in Lightning history, Steven Stamkos hits 100 points.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning lose 3-2 in overtime to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 3 and they trail the series 2-1. Brayden Point scored his first goal this postseason while Brandon Hagel scored his 4th goal in 3 games. Hagel has been on the ice for all 8 goals the Lightning have scored this postseason and Nikita Kucherov is moving up the NHL record books. On this date in Lightning history, Vinny Lecavalier scored 2 goals to give the Lightning a 2-nothing series lead in the 2004 Eastern Conference Semifinal.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning are in Montreal for tonight's Game 3 vs. the Canadiens in their Stanley Cup Playoffs first round series. The Lightning have the best road record in NHL Playoff history. They are also 10-1 in series that start on home ice and split the first two games. Hear from Head Coach Jon Cooper, Zemgus Girgensons and Darren Raddysh. On this date in Lightning history, Marty St. Louis gets his 7th career hat trick.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning are in Montreal as they prepare for Friday night's Game 3 against the Montreal Canadiens. They'll hold a practice today with the series tied 1-1. Hear from Jon Cooper, Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli, Gage Goncalves and Corey Perry. On this date in Lightning history, the Bolts scored 8 goals in a playoff game for the first time in franchise history.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime to even the series at a game a piece. Brandon Hagel ties a postseason career record with this 3rd goal, Nikita Kucherov scored his first postseason goal in 17 games and JJ Moser's first postseason goal is the OT winner. 

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