Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Pontus Holmberg (29) is congratulated after scoring against the Florida Panthers during the third period at Benchmark International Arena. — The Tampa Bay Lightning have played three preseason games. (Kim Klement Neitzel/Imagn Images)

Looking Toward The Tampa Bay Lightning Season

The Tampa Bay Lightning play its last of four preseason games Saturday against the Florida Panthers at 6 p.m.

The Lightning (1-2) opened the slate with a home victory against the Predators, but dropped their next matchup against Nashville and the following contest against Florida. Now, they eye a .500 finish in the preseason and kick off the regular season stretch on the right foot. The NHL shortened the exhibition period to four games as the latter part of the year will feature 84 games rather than 82. The shortened period has given teams a different outlook and strategy as the regular season begins Tuesday. Additionally, the NHL limited players with more than 100 games under their belt to play in just two preseason games, giving fans an in-depth look at young talent and prospects on the team.

As the Tampa Bay Lightning finish up the altered preseason, there is much to reflect on and look forward to as the regular season begins.

Expectations

The postseason benchmark looms over the Lightning. The 2025-26 season marked their ninth-straight playoff berth, but it was also their fourth failing to make it past the first round.

Now, Tampa Bay looks to build off the individual success and get over the hump. Several of the Lightning’s returning veterans won prestigious awards last season. Andrei Vasilevskiy secured the Vezina Trophy, given to the league’s best goaltender; Nikita Kucherov earned the Hart Trophy for the league’s most valuable player; and Anthony Cirelli was the runner-up for the Selke Trophy, given to the league’s best defensive forward.

Keys to Success

The Lightning’s 2025-26 campaign got off to a slow start as they lost six of the first seven games.While they finished the season 50-26-6 and first-round exit, starting this season stronger will be key to consistency.

The Lightning finished No. 4in goals per game last season and will look to continue the success with their top three goal scorers returning to the ice. Last season Kucherov, Jake Guenzetel and Brandon Hagel each had 44, 38 and 36 goals, respectively. However, Tampa Bay traded defenseman Darren Raddysh to the Toronto Maple Leafs in June, creating a gap on the roster. Raddysh notched a career-high 22 goals in his fifth season with the Lightning. They signed 18-year veteran John Carlson to a two-year deal in the offseason, who should alleviate some pressure on Tampa Bay’s roster. Lastly, the Lightning have struggled with late season injuries the past few years. Notably, captain Victor Hedman sat out the playoffs last season. Staying healthy and having a thorough team will be vital to Tampa Bay’s success.

New Additions

Outside of Carlson, the Lightning have much younger talent that could make waves in the regular season. Rookie forward Sam O’Reilly has received ample playing time in the preseason and notched two assists thus far. O’Reilly is coming off a 29-goal, 42-assist season in the Ontario Hockey League and looks to contribute young talent to Tampa Bay.

Center Conor Geekie has been working to prove himself as ready to be full time for the Lightning. He had plenty of success in his 2025-26 AHL season notching 17 goals and 42 assists. He has two goals in this preseason thus far.

Now, the Lightning look ahead to a new season in hopes of rectifying their sub-par postseason performances of late.

Category: Hockey, NHL, Tampa Bay Lightning