Cooper: Penalty 'Stupidity' Cost Lightning in Game 1 Loss The Tampa Bay Lightning suffered a 4-3 overtime defeat to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their first-round NHL playoff series on Sunday, with coach Jon Cooper criticizing his team’s costly penalties as the primary factor in the loss. The Canadiens’ Juraj Slafkovsky scored a hat trick, including all three goals on the power play, to secure the victory. Slafkovsky’s game-winning goal came just 1:22 into overtime, capping a dominant performance for Montreal. The Lightning’s struggles were compounded by four offensive-zone penalties, which Cooper called “stupidity” rather than overaggression. Cooper’s frustration was evident as he addressed the team’s conduct during a post-game press conference. “We took four offensive-zone penalties. Just look at them. That’s not overaggression; that was stupidity on a lot of them,” he said. The penalties included a high-sticking call on Jake Guentzel with 21 seconds remaining in regulation, which extended the Canadiens’ power play into overtime. Slafkovsky capitalized on that opportunity, ending the game with his third goal of the contest. Cooper emphasized that the penalties were a critical turning point. “That was a game we just gave them an opportunity to win. This is the Stanley Cup playoffs. This is not Game No. 62. So, that was extremely disappointing in the way we conducted ourselves and the amount of penalties we took,” he added. The Lightning’s power-play struggles were evident, as they managed just two goals out of five opportunities. While Tampa Bay ranked third in the regular season for penalty killing (82.6%), their performance dipped to 79.8% since February’s Olympic break.#tampa_bay_lightning #montreal_canadiens #victor_hedman #jon_cooper #juraj_slafkovsky
Playoff Hockey Returns to Tampa Bay as Lightning Face Canadiens The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Montreal Canadiens in the opening game of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday, April 19, at Benchmark International Arena. The matchup marks the start of the First Round series, with the Lightning aiming to extend their playoff dominance against the Canadiens. The game is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on The Spot - Tampa Bay 66, with live streaming available through TampaBayLightning.com. Radio coverage will be provided by 102.5 MHz-FM and Lightning Radio 24/7. The Lightning’s roster for the series includes key forwards such as Gage Goncalves, Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli, Jake Guentzel, Zemgus Girgensons, Yanni Gourde, and Nick Paul. On defense, JJ Moser, Darren Raddysh, Ryan McDonagh, Erik Cernak, Charle-Edouard D’Astous, and Emil Lilleberg will be in action. Goalies Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jonas Johansson will be under the spotlight. The series carries significant historical context. The Lightning and Canadiens met four times during the 2025-26 regular season, with Tampa Bay securing two victories, including a 6-1 win on December 9 and a 5-4 overtime win on December 28. However, Montreal claimed two of the remaining matchups, with a 4-1 and 2-1 result. Overall, Tampa Bay holds a 12-7 playoff record against Montreal, including a strong 7-3 home ice advantage. Nikita Kucherov has been a standout performer against the Canadiens, tallying 3-2—5 in four regular-season games. In the playoffs, Kucherov leads the franchise in scoring against Montreal with 10-3—13 in 13 games. Victor Hedman follows closely with 3-5—8 in 15 games.#tampa_bay_lightning #nfl #benchmark_international_arena #the_spot_tampa_bay_66 #montreal_canadiens
NHL Announces Stanley Cup Playoff Schedule for First Round The National Hockey League (NHL) released the first-round playoff schedule on Thursday, setting the stage for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The schedule outlines the opening games for each series, with the Ottawa Senators set to kick off the postseason on Saturday, April 18, facing the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh. The Montreal Canadiens will begin their series against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, April 19, though the exact time for both matchups remains to be determined. The Edmonton Oilers, meanwhile, face uncertainty in their playoff start, as their first game could be either on Sunday or Monday, depending on their seeding in the Western Conference. The Eastern Conference first-round matchups include the Senators vs. Hurricanes, the Canadiens vs. Lightning, the Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres, and the Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights. The Western Conference schedule features the Colorado Avalanche hosting the second wild-card team on Sunday, while the Pacific Division’s third-place team will face the second-place team on Monday. The final seeding in the Western Conference will be finalized after Thursday’s games, with the Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings all in action. The playoffs are set to conclude before June 21, with the Stanley Cup Final potentially reaching a Game 7 by that date. The schedule highlights the competitive nature of the league, as teams like the Canadiens and Lightning, who met in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, will face off again. Analysts have noted the significance of this matchup, as well as the potential impact of the Oilers’ playoff start date on their chances of advancing.#tampa_bay_lightning #nhl #carolina_hurricanes #montreal_canadiens #ottawa_senators
NHL Insiders Predict 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Key Teams, Risks, and MVP Contenders The NHL’s 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs are set to be a fiercely contested battle, with insiders offering their insights on which teams will rise to the occasion, which might falter, and who could dominate the postseason. Veteran players, coaches, and general managers provided their perspectives, highlighting the competitive landscape and potential surprises. Teams Overlooked but Ready to Shine NHL player Erik Karlsson praised the Pittsburgh Penguins for their structured play and resilience, calling them “just f---ing good” despite growing recognition. He noted their new coach, Dan Muse, has instilled a winning mentality, with players rallying around stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Meanwhile, Carolina Hurricanes coach emphasized the team’s underappreciated consistency, arguing they’ve “done what they do” for years and are “poised to break past their barriers.” The Hurricanes, who have never reached the Stanley Cup Final, are seen as a dark horse in the Eastern Conference. Tampa Bay’s Blueprint for Success NHL general manager Julien BriseBois highlighted Tampa Bay’s preparation, stating the team’s staff and players “know exactly what they need to do” to maximize their potential. Despite their age, the Lightning’s experience and depth are seen as key assets. BriseBois praised the team’s goalie and Nikita Kucherov, who has been “on another level,” as critical to their success. Teams at Risk of Underperforming Colorado Avalanche player warned that the team’s high expectations could lead to disappointment if they fail to win the Cup. He noted their “bar has been set so high” and questioned whether they’ll meet the challenge.#tampa_bay_lightning #nhl #macklin_celebrini #pittsburgh_penguins #carolina_hurricanes
Stanley Cup Playoffs Clinching Scenarios for April 14 The NHL playoffs entered a critical phase on April 14, with several teams poised to secure their spots in the postseason. The Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and other teams faced pivotal matchups that would determine their playoff berths and first-round opponents. In the Eastern Conference, the Bruins had a chance to clinch the first wild card spot by defeating the Devils in any fashion. A win would secure them a first-round matchup against the Atlantic Division champion Buffalo Sabres. If the Bruins succeeded, the Ottawa Senators would automatically secure the second wild card, facing the Carolina Hurricanes, the top seed in the East. The Lightning also had a path to home-ice advantage in the first round, contingent on the Canadiens losing to the Flyers in regulation. A Canadiens loss would grant the Lightning the upper hand against the Canadiens in the playoffs. In the Western Conference, the Vegas Golden Knights aimed to secure home-ice advantage by ensuring the Anaheim Ducks lost to the Minnesota Wild. A Ducks loss would set up a first-round series between the Golden Knights and the Wild. Meanwhile, the Utah Mammoth had a complex scenario to claim the first wild card. A win over the Winnipeg Jets would lock in their wild card spot, but additional conditions needed to be met. If the Ducks lost in regulation or the Los Angeles Kings lost to the Vancouver Canucks, the Mammoth would secure the first wild card. If the Kings lost in regulation and the Ducks and Mammoth each earned at least one point, the Kings would finish as the second wild card. Several games on April 14 had direct implications for playoff seeding.#tampa_bay_lightning #boston_brains #new_jersey_devils #ottawa_senators #nhl_playoffs
Sabres playoff picture is a little clearer after Saturday Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres have been idle Friday and Saturday and also won't play on Sunday. On Saturday the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Boston Bruins 2-1, the Montreal Canadiens lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 while the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Utah Mammoth 4-1. The Sabres lead the division with 106 points while Tampa Bay and Montreal both have 104. That means all three teams in the Atlantic Division have two more games left. If Montreal loses on Sunday to the New York Islanders or the Sabres win in Chicago on Monday, the Sabres will clinch home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Sabres can put away the Lightning with one win and a loser point against the Hawks and the Dallas Stars who come to Buffalo on Wednesday. The Stars have clinched second place in the Central Division and will have nothing to play for and may rest some players. Tampa Bay is home vs the Detroit Red Wings who have been eliminated for the 10th straight year and on the road against the New York Rangers. As far as the Eastern Conference goes, Buffalo has to win both of their games and Carolina has to lose in regulation at both Philadelphia against the Flyers and Long Island vs the Islanders. On Saturday the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins clinched the two Eastern Conference Wild Card positions. The Sabres' path to the playoffs remains tightly contested, with their ability to secure home ice advantage hinging on outcomes in the final weeks of the regular season. The team's current position in the Atlantic Division places them in a direct battle with Tampa Bay and Montreal, both of which have the same number of points but different schedules.#tampa_bay_lightning #columbus_blue_jackets #buffalo_sabres #carolina_hurricanes #montreal_canadiens
Playoff team tiers: What is the outlook for everyone in the race? With the NHL season entering its final stretch, the playoff picture remains in flux, though the number of teams vying for postseason spots has narrowed to around 20. The Western Conference is dominated by the Colorado Avalanche, who have secured the Presidents’ Trophy with their dominant offensive output and elite defensive play. Meanwhile, the Central Division’s top three teams are locked in their rankings, while the Jets and Predators are engaged in a fierce battle to overtake the Los Angeles Kings for the right to face the Avalanche in the second round. In the East, the Carolina Hurricanes are expected to clinch the conference, leaving the rest of the division in a state of uncertainty. The Avalanche are the overwhelming favorites to win the Stanley Cup, though their path to the final will be challenging. Their strength lies in their ability to generate high-quality chances and neutralize opponents’ threats, but their second-round matchup against the Kings or Predators could test their resilience. The Oilers, meanwhile, are positioned as near locks to reach the conference final, thanks to their offensive firepower and defensive improvements. Despite early-season struggles, they have shown the ability to adapt and dominate in critical moments, with McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge. The Hurricanes, with their strong defensive corps and high-scoring potential, are also seen as strong contenders. Their path through the Metro Division, while not insurmountable, lacks the depth of the West, giving them a slight edge. Tampa Bay’s Lightning, though slightly behind the Oilers, remain a formidable force with their proven playoff pedigree and the continued dominance of Vasilevskiy in net.#tampa_bay_lightning #los_angeles_kings #colorado_avalanche #carolina_hurricanes #montreal_canadiens
Stanley Cup Playoffs Buzz: Bruins, Golden Knights, Oilers on verge of berth The NHL regular season is entering its final stretch, with six days remaining and the playoff picture intensifying. The top three teams in each of the four divisions and the next two highest-place finishers in each conference will secure postseason berths. The race for playoff spots and seeding has become a high-stakes battle, with several teams poised to clinch their places in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, and Vegas Golden Knights are among the teams on the verge of securing their spots. The Bruins will clinch a playoff berth if the New Jersey Devils defeat the Detroit Red Wings in regulation and either the Ottawa Senators beat the New York Islanders or the Winnipeg Jets beat the Philadelphia Flyers. The Senators will clinch if they defeat the Islanders in any fashion and the Devils beat the Red Wings in any fashion. The Oilers will secure a berth if they earn at least one point against the Los Angeles Kings or if the Jets-Flyers game does not result in a Jets regulation win. The Golden Knights will clinch if they defeat the Colorado Avalanche in any fashion, or if they get one point against the Avalanche and both the Flyers beat the Jets and the Minnesota Wild beat the Nashville Predators. Additional scenarios involve the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, and other teams, with outcomes dependent on a web of conditional results. Saturday’s schedule features 15 games, 14 of which have playoff implications. The Tampa Bay Lightning face the Bruins in a critical matchup for home-ice advantage in the Eastern Conference First Round. The Lightning, trailing the Montreal Canadiens by two points for second in the Atlantic Division, hold the regulation-wins tiebreaker.#tampa_bay_lightning #boston_brains #edmonton_oilers #vegas_golden_knights #ottawa_senators
NHL Playoff Preview: 15 Games to Watch on Supreme Saturday The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs kick off with a packed schedule of 15 games on Supreme Saturday, as teams vie for playoff berths and crucial positioning in the postseason bracket. With nine spots already secured, including the league’s top seed and the Metro Division champion, the day promises high stakes and potential shifts in the playoff landscape. Here’s a breakdown of each matchup and its implications. The Tampa Bay Lightning, already locked into the playoffs, face the Boston Bruins in a game that could reshape the Atlantic Division standings. Tampa Bay trails the Montreal Canadiens by two points for second place and the Buffalo Sabres by four for first. A win would bolster their divisional position, potentially setting up a first-round clash against the Bruins if Boston secures a wild-card spot. Boston, meanwhile, needs a victory to clinch a playoff berth, as a loss could complicate the race for remaining spots. The Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders clash in a game that could determine the second wild-card spot in the East. Ottawa holds a three-point edge over the Islanders, but the Red Wings remain a threat to overtake them. A win for Ottawa would prevent the Islanders from securing the wild-card berth, though New York still has a path via the Metro Division’s No. 3 seed. The Islanders, one point behind the Flyers for the Metro’s third seed, need a strong finish to their season to earn a playoff spot. The Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins matchup carries playoff significance for both teams. The Penguins are already locked into the Metro’s No. 2 seed, but the Capitals, three points behind the Flyers, need a strong finish to secure a playoff berth.#tampa_bay_lightning #boston_bruins #stanley_cup_playoffs #nhl_playoffs #supreme_saturday
Montreal Canadiens Turn to Xhekaj as Fill-In for Injured Defenceman Carrier TAMPA, Fla. — The Montreal Canadiens have announced that defenceman Alexandre Carrier will miss two to four weeks due to an upper-body injury, leaving the team to rely on Arber Xhekaj as a temporary replacement. Carrier, who played just over 19 minutes in the Canadiens’ 3-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, sustained the injury during a game in which he was hit six times—twice with bodychecks and four times with shots. Despite the physical toll, Carrier showed no signs of injury, underscoring the team’s loss. The 29-year-old defenceman has been a key contributor this season, logging 19:05 per game in 73 contests while tallying seven goals and 22 points. His 155 blocks rank eighth in the NHL, though he trails league leader Noah Dobson by 14. Carrier’s absence will be felt in multiple areas, including his role as a penalty killer and his physical presence on the blue line. Coach Martin St. Louis emphasized the team’s need to adapt, noting that Xhekaj will step into the right-side role for Tuesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Xhekaj, a left-handed defenceman, has struggled this season, averaging just 11:10 per game and being scratched from six consecutive contests prior to Carrier’s injury. The 25-year-old, who was a standout in training camp, has been used sparingly since the season began, despite his physicality and ability to make plays. With Carrier sidelined, Xhekaj’s opportunity to showcase his skills has arrived. St. Louis praised Xhekaj’s potential, stating, “To me, it’s to stack up his actions throughout his shifts. Whether it was a good shift or a bad shift, it’s what’s next.#tampa_bay_lightning #montreal_canadiens #alexandre_carrier #arber_xhekaj #martin_st_louis
Senators vs Lightning Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s NHL Game The Ottawa Senators and Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face off in a crucial NHL matchup on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Both teams are among the top scorers in the league, and the game is expected to be a high-scoring affair. The Senators, competing for a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, are looking to build on their recent success, while the Lightning aim to maintain their dominance against a challenging opponent. The Senators have shown resilience in recent games, earning points in 18 of their last 21 contests. However, they face a significant challenge with five key defensemen sidelined, including standout players Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot. This absence could test their ability to contain the Lightning’s potent offense, which features five players with at least 20 goals on the season. The Lightning’s scoring depth makes them a formidable threat, and their history against the Senators suggests the game is likely to be competitive. The Over 6.5 goals line is the top recommendation for this matchup, as the Over has hit in four of the last five games between these teams. The trend continues to favor a high-scoring contest, with both squads bringing their A-game to the ice. The Lightning’s Jake Guentzel has been in exceptional form, scoring four goals in his last five games and six in his last 10 against the Senators. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle has been a reliable playmaker, recording at least one assist against the Lightning in nine of the last 10 meetings. For bettors, the moneyline odds favor the Lightning at -180, while the Senators are listed at +150. The puck line offers the Lightning -1.5 and the Senators +1.5, reflecting their offensive firepower. The Over/Under line is set at 6.#tampa_bay_lightning #ottawa_senators #jake_sanderson #thomas_chabot #jake_guentzel
Ottawa Senators return to Tampa Bay after months of absence The Ottawa Senators are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in a matchup that marks their first return to Tampa Bay since their season-opening victory in late September. The teams will meet on Saturday, nearly seven months after the Sens secured a 5-4 win in their opening game of the 2025-26 season. Both teams have been in strong form recently, with the Senators winning six of their last eight games and the Lightning claiming five of their past eight contests. The game will follow a night of mixed results for both teams, as they each picked up a single point in their previous matches. The Lightning fell to the Seattle Kraken in overtime, while the Senators lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a shootout. Linus Ullmark, the Sens’ goaltender, played a pivotal role in the shootout loss, stopping 35 shots, including 15 in the second period. His performance earned praise from coach Travis Green, who emphasized the team’s confidence in Ullmark’s ability to step up when needed. Ullmark’s contributions extended beyond the shootout, as he was instrumental in the Sens’ season-opening win. Alongside him, Brady Tkachuk recorded three assists, Artem Zub added a one-goal, three-point performance, and Shane Pinto contributed two goals and three points. The team’s recent success has been highlighted by their strong March record, with a 19-5-4 mark over the past two seasons. This places Ottawa as the top Eastern Conference team in March since the 2024-25 season. Since returning from a personal leave of absence on January 31, Ullmark has posted a 9-2-3 record with a .904 save percentage and a 2.35 goals-against average. His performance has placed him among the league’s top goalies, with only Andrei Vasilevskiy and Lukas Dostal recording more wins.#tampa_bay_lightning #ottawa_senators #brady_tkachuk #linus_ullmark #drake_batherson
Tampa Bay Lightning Navigate Tight Atlantic Division Race Amid Trade Deadline Activity The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to host the Ottawa Senators in a crucial divisional matchup as the Atlantic Division race intensifies. Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to start in net for the Lightning, who are looking to solidify their position in the standings. The game will take place during a busy stretch for the team, which has been actively managing its roster changes following the NHL trade deadline. The Lightning’s recent performance has kept them competitive in the Atlantic Division. After defeating the Vancouver Canucks 6-2, they remain four points behind the first-place Buffalo Sabres for second place. The team has also built a four-point lead over the third-place Montreal Canadiens, who suffered a 3-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. These results highlight the Lightning’s ability to maintain momentum despite the challenges of a tight divisional race. A significant development for the Lightning came with the acquisition of veteran forward Corey Perry. The Los Angeles Kings traded Perry to Tampa Bay on Friday in exchange for a 2028 second-round draft pick. The Kings will retain half of Perry’s salary, a move that reflects the Kings’ strategy to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term roster flexibility. Perry’s return to the Lightning is expected to provide a boost, as he is set to rejoin the lineup for their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Lightning’s recent games have showcased their resilience, particularly in high-stakes matchups. In a physical contest against the Buffalo Sabres, the team fell 8-7 despite a strong effort.#tampa_bay_lightning #detroit_red_wings #buffalo_sabres #montreal_canadiens #ottawa_senators
Doesn't Anybody Want To Win This Wretched Division? The Oilers' recent struggles in the Pacific Division have sparked a mix of frustration and resignation, with star player Connor McDavid offering a blunt assessment of his team's performance. After a 5-2 home loss to Tampa Bay, McDavid acknowledged the division's lackluster competitiveness, calling it a "pillow fight" and expressing hope that his team could improve its road record against Utah and Vegas. His comments, while laced with subtle self-criticism, highlighted the Oilers' ongoing difficulties in a league where the division's top teams are far from elite. The Pacific Division's current state is a stark contrast to its historical reputation. Anaheim, the division leader, would rank 10th in the Eastern Conference, while Edmonton, five points behind, would sit 13th. This disparity underscores the Oilers' decline, particularly for a team that has reached the Stanley Cup Finals twice. The division's weakness has allowed teams outside Calgary and Vancouver to thrive, with Edmonton's playoff hopes now hinging on a scenario where the Oilers avoid a postseason absence. Even if they qualify, the path to the Cup would be daunting, with Montreal's resurgence as a potential contender. The Oilers' struggles are compounded by internal challenges. After a 15-game stretch where they've lost nine contests, the team's morale is at a low point. McDavid's remarks, while not overtly critical of coach Kris Knoblauch, suggest a growing frustration within the locker room. Analysts and commentators, including Elliotte Friedman, have called for a team meeting to address the lack of cohesion and self-awareness. The pressure is mounting, especially as the Oilers face a grueling schedule that includes the Olympics and a packed postseason calendar.#tampa_bay_lightning #connor_mcDavid #edmonton_oilers #kris_knoblauch #pacific_division
NHL Playoff Standings and Bracket Updates for 2026 Season As of March 25, 2026, the NHL playoff race has seen several teams make significant moves in the standings. A busy 15-game schedule on March 24 resulted in three teams advancing in their respective playoff races. The Buffalo Sabres, in particular, are positioned to challenge for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. With a strong performance since December 9, the Sabres have gone 33-6-5 under their new general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen, who took over two games into their winning streak. This change comes as the team aims to end a 14-game playoff drought. The Sabres currently lead the Atlantic Division by two points over the Tampa Bay Lightning and are set to play two more games by the end of the day. Their upcoming match against the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night could see them move into the top seed if they secure a win. Meanwhile, the idle Carolina Hurricanes would be overtaken by the Sabres in the standings if the latter triumphs. Other notable developments include the Ottawa Senators securing a second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and the Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets moving into second place in their divisions. If these teams maintain their positions, they would hold home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The New York Rangers remain in contention but face elimination if they lose their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The NHL schedule for March 25 features two key matchups: the Bruins vs. Sabres game, which ended in overtime with a 4-3 Bruins victory, and the Maple Leafs vs. Sabres game, which also concluded in a 4-3 Maple Leafs win.#tampa_bay_lightning #boston_bruins #buffalo_sabres #carolina_hurricanes #jarmo_kekalainen
Victor Hedman Takes Temporary Leave from Lightning for Personal Reasons Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman has taken a temporary leave of absence from the team for personal reasons, according to an announcement made by the organization on Wednesday. The 35-year-old defenseman, who has been a key figure for the Lightning, has missed the past three games after leaving the team during the first period of a 6-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on March 19 due to an illness. This marks another setback in a season already impacted by recurring injuries. Hedman has managed to contribute 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) in 33 games this season, but his availability has been limited by a combination of health issues. Earlier in the year, he missed a total of 34 games across two separate stints due to an elbow injury that required surgery on December 15. After a lengthy recovery, he returned for the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series against the Boston Bruins on February 1, playing 10 minutes and 18 seconds in a 6-5 shootout win. The Lightning, currently sitting in second place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 44-21-5, are two points behind the Buffalo Sabres and have one game in hand. Their next matchup is against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Hedman’s absence adds to the challenges the team faces as they aim to maintain their position in the division. Hedman’s season has also been affected by international commitments. He joined Team Sweden for the 2026 Winter Olympics but missed their 2-1 overtime loss to Team USA in the quarterfinals due to a lower-body injury sustained during warmups. Despite this, he recovered in time to return to the Lightning’s lineup on February 25, skating in their first 12 games after the break before his latest absence.#tampa_bay_lightning #boston_bruins #nhl #buffalo_sabres #victor_hedman
Tampa Bay Lightning Captain Victor Hedman Takes Temporary Leave for Personal Reasons Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman has taken a temporary leave of absence from the team for personal reasons, according to an announcement made by the organization on Wednesday. The team provided no additional details about the nature of his absence and emphasized the importance of respecting Hedman’s privacy during this time. Hedman, a 35-year-old Swedish defenseman, has spent his entire 17-year NHL career with the Lightning. His tenure with the team has been marked by significant achievements, including back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. He also reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2018 and 2022, adding to his legacy as one of the franchise’s most decorated players. In the 2020 playoffs, Hedman was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player after leading the Lightning to victory in the bubble format of the NHL playoffs. The leave of absence comes after Hedman missed several weeks of action earlier in the season due to injury. He sustained an elbow injury in November, which required surgical repair in December and January. Following his recovery, Hedman returned to the ice in early February and promptly represented Sweden at the Milan Cortina Olympics. During the tournament, he contributed a goal and 16 assists, showcasing his continued impact on the international stage. As of the latest update, Hedman is averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time per game over 33 contests this season. His performance has been instrumental in the Lightning’s pursuit of a playoff berth, with the team positioned as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference.#tampa_bay_lightning #stanley_cup #victor_hedman #milan_cortina_olympics #conn_smythe_trophy
Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov Aims to Extend Dominant Road Form Against Calgary Flames The Tampa Bay Lightning, known for their aggressive playstyle, seek to complete an undefeated road trip when they face the Calgary Flames on Sunday. The team has already secured three one-sided victories during their current journey, including a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night. Kucherov, the team’s standout performer, has been instrumental in these wins, showcasing his elite scoring ability and helping the Lightning move closer to a perfect road record. The Lightning’s recent performance has been impressive, with the team outscoring opponents 17-6 in their current road streak. This surge follows a string of consecutive 6-2 victories against the Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks, marking a significant turnaround from their earlier struggles. Before this winning streak, the Lightning had lost six of their previous seven games, but Kucherov’s resurgence has shifted the momentum. Kucherov’s contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. In the latest game against the Oilers, he recorded two goals and two assists, pushing him to the top of the NHL’s scoring leaderboard with 118 points. His consistency is evident in his ability to post three or more points in five consecutive road games, with a total of six goals and six assists in the first three games of this trip. Forward Brandon Hagel praised the team’s progress, calling the recent wins “another step in the right direction to get us out of this little funk.” The Lightning’s dominance against Pacific Division teams has also been notable, with a 12-14 record this season. Their upcoming matchup against the Flames adds to this challenge, as the Flames are all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.#tampa_bay_lightning #calgary_flames #matt_coronato #nikita_kucherov #ryan_huska
Lightning vs Flames Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game The Tampa Bay Lightning and Calgary Flames are set to face off in a high-stakes NHL matchup, with analysts highlighting key factors that could influence the outcome. Matt Coronato has emerged as a central figure for the Flames, particularly after the departure of Nazem Kadri, and his performance is expected to play a pivotal role in the game. The Lightning, meanwhile, are navigating a challenging schedule, having played four road games in six days, which may impact their overall effectiveness. The Flames’ offensive strategy has shifted focus to Coronato, who has seen an increase in scoring chances and shots since the trade deadline. He ranks second on the team in both shots and expected goals, making him a strong candidate for success against the Lightning’s defense. The Lightning’s goaltending situation adds another layer of complexity, as Andrei Vasilevskiy will sit out due to a back-to-back schedule, leaving the team to rely on backups. Historical data suggests that teams facing such scenarios often struggle, with the Lightning allowing 3.67 goals per game in similar situations. For the Flames, Morgan Frost’s ability to generate shots against strong defensive teams is a key asset. Frost has consistently produced multiple shots on target in 11 of his last 14 games, making him a valuable contributor to the team’s offensive efforts. The Flames’ top line, featuring Frost and Coronato, will be tested against the Lightning’s defense, which has shown resilience in recent matchups. Odds for the game reflect the teams’ current form, with the Lightning favored at -190 and the Flames at +160. Puck line bets favor the Lightning at -1.5 (+130) and the Flames at +1.5 (-150). The over/under for total goals is set at 5.#tampa_bay_lightning #calgary_flames #scotiabank_saddledome #matt_coronato #andrei_vasilevskiy
Vancouver Canucks Set for Game 100 Milestone Against Tampa Bay The Vancouver Canucks will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in a matchup that carries historical significance, as the team prepares for a key moment in Aatu Räty’s NHL career. The game, scheduled for March 19, 2026, marks Räty’s 100th career NHL game, a milestone he has approached steadily throughout the 2025–26 season. Through 51 games so far, Räty has contributed to the Canucks’ offensive efforts, including a fourth goal of the season against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. His last goal came on December 6 against the Minnesota Wild, showcasing his continued role as a reliable scorer for the team. The Canucks’ victory over the Panthers earlier in the week, a 6–2 win, has provided momentum heading into the matchup against the Lightning. The team’s recent performance against Tampa Bay adds context, as they previously defeated the Lightning 6–2 earlier in the season. This game is expected to be a competitive contest, with both teams vying for playoff positioning. In goal for Vancouver, Kevin Lankinen will make his 35th start of the season. The netminder’s performance has been a critical factor in the Canucks’ success, with a 3.60 goals-against average and an .878 save percentage over his 38 games played. Lankinen’s recent win against the Panthers on Tuesday marks his first victory since January 21, highlighting his resurgence as a key contributor to the team’s defensive efforts. The lineup for the Canucks features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. DeBrusk, EP40, and O’Connor form the top line, while Öhgren, Rossi, and Boeser make up the second line. Sasson, Blueger, and Karlsson will support the power play, and Kane, Räty, and Höglander will form the third line.#tampa_bay_lightning #sportsnet #vancouver_canucks #aatu_rty #kevin_lankinen
