THG’s 2025-26 Tampa Bay Lightning Season Preview
Tampa’s looking to turn things around after another early playoff exit.
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22 comments
Hot take: Lightning fall into a wild card spot while the Sens take #3 in the division
Tampa is one of those teams that I feel like is gonna boom or bust in the playoffs. On one hand, Kuch, Hedman, and Point aren't getting younger, but on the other hand, it's Kuch, Hedman, and Point, and Vasy probably rebounds after this season.
Still Good coaching and good players. Their only downside is the Florida Panthers but that’s everybody’s downside in the east.
Tampa needs more defensive help, Moser is really good but if Brisbois can find a right shot dman and slot Moser down with Raddysh on the bottom pair Tampa could be a legit threat to come out of the east.
Tampa is a very good team. If there is a weakness it is their defensive scheme. The bend don't break philosophy works ok in the regular season but in the playoffs not so much. They must be better on the forecheck and all around more aggressive.
Tampa's slowing falling into the same traps as Detroit, Chicago and Pittsburgh. I don't know if they are getting better as their goalie situation is still bad as last year.
It would be nice if a team from Florida wasnt in the cup final for once its only been 6 years since that has happened
tampa is elite. i expect another long run
I could see them slipping a bit this year. This is still a top-3 team in their division, but it might be closer to 4th than 1st.
after team coverage in defense zone, sharp transition passing up ice for scoring chances?
Rammstein is the hot topic of industrial music
still Stanley Cup contender
Letting go of Stamkos and get Guenzel in was brilliant, Stammy in older days is just PP scorer while Guenzel provides much more on 5v5
The three final appearances are in the rear view mirror. However, they are still formidable to be good in the regular season. But are they cup contenders? I think they can at least win a round. 1st in the Atlantic with 106-111 points.
You are a geek for the Geekies. 🤓
Those are some fantastic names. "Abruzzese".."Duke", "Huuntanen", "Mercuri".. the Tampa play by play better be sober!
Still a good team. 5-6 bona fide stars in the squad overall. Probably place between 3rd and a wild card depending on injuries!
The most logical team for regression.
Hagel and Cirelli need help on that second line. They tried various players in that spot last season and no one stayed there. If Bjorkstrand is fully healed from his injury plus complications, it’s his.
I think Florida had some puck luck fall their way perfectly in the series against Tampa. Shot/pass blocks off others fell perfectly to their sticks for goals, meanwhile many bad bounces on open nets against Bob and Tampa couldn't connect. Not for lacking in skill considering the past success.
I think starting the playoffs healthy and even average luck they could have taken FL to 6/7 games, if not win. But they finished the series with an injury list like a cup finalist.
Be pretty hard pressed to bet against Tampa to be first or second in division
As long as you gotna healthy #88, you'll be in the hunt