Image Credit: Michelle Gordon | Thunderstruck Sports Once again, the Atlantic Division is shaping up as possibly the best division in the National Hockey League. It's a division that always seems to be full of surprises. No one was predicting the Buffalo Sabres to finish first last season. Will we be more accurate this year, or will this be another year of the unexpected? Here's how our staffers see it: Patrick Williams– writer: 1. Tampa Bay Lightning– Why: I'm still not bett

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced the club’s season-opening roster for the 2026-27 NHL season today. Tampa Bay’s roster includes 15 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goaltenders. Bolts Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois also announced that forward Benjamin Rautiainen has been loaned to Tappara of the Finnish Liiga.

Benjamin Rautiainen scored a power play goal, then scored the game-winning shootout goal as the Tampa Bay Lightning came back to defeat the Florida Panthers, 3-2. Lucas Mercuri added a goal in his first appearance with the Bolts.

The Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up their final preseason warm-up Saturday morning before heading to South Florida to face the Florida Panthers. The game will cap a grueling two weeks of training camp, where 67 players vied for a spot on the team's 23-player roster.

Cole Reinhardt scored the game-winning goal and added an assist as the Florida Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday night, 5-3. Bokondji Imama and Kai Schwindt also added a goal and an assist each in the first of two preseason games between the teams this week. Despite the loss, several positives emerged for Lightning players still looking to find a place on the roster for next week's regular season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning spent Wednesday's training camp session preparing for another round of the Battle of Florida against the Panthers. While the Bolts expect to play most of their veterans Thursday night, Florida will bring a roster of prospects to Tampa. The Lightning also waived backup goalie Johan Johanssen.

The Tampa Bay Lightning released their schedule for the upcoming 2026-27 season on Thursday. The Lightning will open the season on the road Thursday, October 1st, at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers. Then, the Bolts begin the home regular season schedule at Benchmark International Arena on Saturday, October 3rd, against a returning Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh had a breakthrough year in 2025-26. Scoring 22 goals, Raddysh broke the team record for most goals scored by a defenseman. He also grounded a Tampa Bay defense mired by injuries, and found his niche on the Bolts' power play unit. Raddysh has also quickly become a fan favorite. As he enters free agency this offseason, one question remains: Will he stay in Tampa Bay, or will he find fortune elsewhere?