Photo Credit: NHL.com
0
0
The Tampa Bay Lightning enter 2026-27 with plenty of reasons for optimism. However, the team also faces several important questions. Tampa Bay finished second in the Atlantic Division last season. The Lightning posted a 50-26-6 record and earned 106 points. Still, Montreal eliminated Tampa Bay in the first round. That early exit added another frustrating chapter for Tampa Bay. The Lightning have not won a playoff round since 2022. They also have not returned to the Stanley Cup Final since then. Therefore, expectations should remain high around Benchmark International Arena.
Kucherov Remains the Biggest Difference Maker
Nikita Kucherov remains the biggest reason for optimism. The reigning NHL MVP enters another season as Tampa Bay’s offensive leader. Kucherov finished last season with 130 points. He also continues to drive Tampa Bay’s dangerous power play. Meanwhile, Brayden Point gives Tampa Bay another elite offensive weapon. Jake Guentzel also remains a major scoring threat alongside Point. Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli provide additional two-way production. Together, those players give Jon Cooper plenty of offensive options. The Lightning also have veteran leadership throughout their lineup. Victor Hedman remains one of the team’s most important defensemen. Andrei Vasilevskiy continues to anchor the goaltending position. That combination gives Tampa Bay a strong foundation for another playoff push.
Tampa Bay Made Some Important Changes
General manager Julien BriseBois made several significant off seasons moves. The biggest addition came on defense with John Carlson. Carlson signed a two-year contract worth $8.5 million annually. He recorded 60 points across 71 games last season. Carlson should help replace Darren Raddysh’s offensive production. Raddysh joined the Toronto Maple Leafs after a breakout season. He produced 70 points across 73 games for Tampa Bay. That production will prove difficult to replace completely.
Still, Carlson gives Tampa Bay tremendous experience and puck-moving ability. He also brings a strong power-play presence from the blue line. At 36, however, Tampa Bay must manage his workload carefully. The Lightning also added Ilya Mikheyev during free agency. Mikheyev signed a four-year contract worth $3.85 million annually. He recorded 36 points with Chicago last season. More importantly, he can contribute on both special teams. Tampa Bay also signed forward Jeffrey Viel to a five-year deal. Viel adds toughness and physical play to the forward group. Those qualities could become valuable during the postseason.
The Goaltending Situation Looks Intriguing
Tampa Bay also changed its backup goalie situation this summer. The Lightning acquired Dennis Hildeby from Toronto in July. Hildeby posted a .914 save percentage last season. He also recorded a 2.86 goals-against average across 20 games. The organization plans to use Hildeby behind Vasilevskiy. That move could give Tampa Bay more stability during the regular season. It could also allow Cooper to manage Vasilevskiy’s workload more carefully. Vasilevskiy remains the clear starter entering the season. His experience gives Tampa Bay an advantage in pressure situations. However, the Lightning need consistent performances from him in April.
The Schedule Creates Another Challenge
The NHL expanded the regular season to 84 games this year. Tampa Bay will face a longer schedule than last season. The Lightning have 13 sets of back-to-back games. That schedule could test Tampa Bay’s depth. The Lightning will face every Atlantic opponent four times. They will also play Metropolitan teams three times each. Meanwhile, Western Conference opponents will visit twice. The schedule includes several challenging stretches against strong opponents. Tampa Bay also faces Carolina multiple times during the season. The Stanley Cup Champion Hurricanes visit Tampa on November 25. Therefore, the Lightning cannot afford a slow start. The extra two games could also create additional injury concerns.
My Prediction for Tampa Bay
I expect Tampa Bay to remain among the Atlantic Division’s best teams. The Lightning still possess elite talent at several important positions. They also have one of hockey’s most experienced coaching staffs. However, I do not expect them to dominate the division. Florida, Carolina and other Atlantic contenders should create difficult matchups. The expanded schedule could also produce more unexpected results. My prediction calls for a 49-24-11 record and 109 points. That record should put Tampa Bay near the top of the Atlantic. I expect the Lightning to finish second in the division. Most importantly, I expect them to finally win a playoff series. The roster has enough experience and talent to make that happen. Carlson should strengthen the defense and improve puck movement. Hildeby should provide useful support behind Vasilevskiy.
Still, Tampa Bay needs its stars healthy for the postseason. Kucherov, Point, Guentzel, Hedman and Vasilevskiy must lead the way. If they do, Tampa Bay could reach the Eastern Conference Final. A Stanley Cup run remains possible, but questions remain. The defense needs to adjust after losing Raddysh. The new 84-game schedule could also test the roster. Even so, this team still looks dangerous. For now, Lightning fans have every reason to believe again. Tampa Bay has the talent to make another serious championship push. This time, the goal must extend beyond simply reaching the playoffs. The Lightning need to prove they can win when everything matters most. Prediction: 49-24-11, second in the Atlantic Division, Eastern Conference Final.
Author Profile
-
Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
Latest entries
HockeyAugust 24, 2026Lightning Eye Another Deep Playoff Run
AFCAugust 24, 2026Patriots 2026 Prediction: Can New England Win It All?
AAC FootballAugust 24, 2026USF Bulls 2026 Prediction: 9-3 and Ready to Rise
FootballAugust 23, 2026Top 25 College Football Helmets: The Best in the Nation
About the Author
