2026 Season Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning
After four consecutive first round exits, this could become a make or break year for the future in Tampa Bay.
The Tampa Bay Lightning were just one goal short of punching their ticket to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2022. But you know what they say: close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. The Lightning may have won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021, and made it back to the Cup Final in 2022, but their results in the years that followed have not been anywhere close to the team they once were. While the talent is still there, a rough start this season can cost them big time and might result in major changes.
2025-26 Outcome
Regular Season Results: 50-26-6
Postseason Results: Lost 4-3 to Montreal
The Lightning were able to secure home ice advantage in their opening series with the Montreal Canadiens thanks to their goal differential. The Bolts and Habs tied in the regular season with 106 points ,as the Lightning finished second in the Atlantic Division thanks to the tie-breaker. As their roster continues to age and the competition increases, getting back there will be no easy feat.
Who’s In and Who’s Out
To be honest, I’m not totally sure what to make of the changes in Tampa this offseason. They replaced Darren Raddysh with John Carlson, which is fine business. They add Ilya Mikheyev, who can be a very hit-or-miss player, to their forward group. If he can manage to score goals the way he can, it can prove to be a great signing. Considering he might get the chance to play alongside guys like Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel, I don’t hate the odds of that happening.
They bring in Jeffrey Viel, who really made a name for himself in Anaheim last season. I don’t see him being the player Nick Paul was but as good a replacement as you can attempt to make. They also took some swings on younger talent in Jack Pridham and Dennis Hildeby, which are good measures to take for a team that needs to start thinking about the future.
