Lightning News

EASTERN ATLANTIC

Brayden Point • C • Lightning

Brayden Point Won't Play in Olympics

Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (lower body) has been ruled out for the Olympics. Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis will replace him on Team Canada. Point suffered a lower-body injury on Jan. 12 and has been in a race against time to get healthy for the Olympic tournament. Unfortunately, he won't be ready to play. After a slow start to the campaign, Point had a great four-week stretch before his injury, collecting 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in 15 games. He has 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in 37 games for the season. Point skated on Thursday morning but will sit out his 10th straight game against the Florida Panthers. With him back on the ice, it appears there's a good chance Point will be available after the Olympic break.

Feb 5

Darren Raddysh • D • Lightning

Darren Raddysh Extends Goal Streak to Five Games

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh scored in his fifth consecutive game and added an assist as his team defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 in overtime on Tuesday night. Raddysh was a late hero, scoring with 26 seconds left in regulation to extend the game. He became only the sixth blue-liner in the past 25 years to record a five-game goal streak. Raddysh is third among defensemen with 17 goals and sixth with 51 points in 48 games. His productivity hasn't dipped since Victor Hedman's return, which is an encouraging sign for managers hoping Raddysh can keep his hot form going until the fantasy playoffs.

Feb 4

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Posts Second Straight Four-Point Game

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov made scoring look easy once again on Tuesday night, totaling four points (one goal, three assists) in a 4-3 overtime victory against the Buffalo Sabres. The Russian superstar recorded his second consecutive four-point game. He now has 39 such efforts, the fourth most among players born and trained outside North America. Kucherov has bagged an incredible 39 points (11 goals, 28 assists) since the start of January, making him a contender for his third straight Art Ross Trophy. He is now just five points behind leading scorer Connor McDavid. Across 50 outings, Kucherov has managed 90 points (29 goals, 61 assists).

Feb 4

Anthony Cirelli • C • Lightning

Anthony Cirelli to Miss Olympics

Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (lower body) won't play at the 2026 Olympics and has been replaced on Team Canada by Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (upper body). Cirelli sustained a lower-body injury on Sunday against the Boston Bruins. With him out for the Olympics, Cirelli is also set to miss two Lightning games this week. Bennett was hurt in Monday's loss to the Buffalo Sabres but is expected to be healthy for the Olympic tournament. The Lightning will also be without Brayden Point (lower body) and Nicholas Paul (undisclosed) on Tuesday against Buffalo, which could give Yanni Gourde a spot in the top six.

Feb 3

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Tallies Four Points in Stadium Series Win

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov missed tying the NHL record for most points in an outdoor game by just a single point on Sunday in a Stadium Series contest, recording one goal and three assists in a 6-5 shootout victory over Boston. Kucherov was feeling it all game, firing eight shots on goal. While he only got one puck past Jeremy Swayman in the Bruins' net, it was a vital goal in the third period, which extended the game. Two of Kucherov's assists came on the power play, helping the Lightning erase a 5-1 deficit. Kucherov has been producing silly numbers in recent weeks, finishing 15 of 18 outings with multiple points. This stretch includes six games with at least three points. As a result, the Russian star has started to sneak into Art Ross Trophy contention as the NHL's leading scorer. He has totaled 86 points (28 goals, 58 assists) in 49 games.

Feb 2

Anthony Cirelli • C • Lightning

Anthony Cirelli Fails to Finish Stadium Series Matchup

Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) left Sunday's Stadium Series clash against the Boston Bruins after logging only 6:25 of ice time. He suffered an undisclosed injury late in the first period on an open-ice hit by Bruins forward Mark Kastelic. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper called Cirelli's injury "a stinger" after the game, so it looks like he may have avoided a major injury. Tampa Bay has two more games to go until the Olympic break. Cirelli is set to play in the Olympics for Team Canada after impressing throughout the season. He has tallied 30 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 49 contests with a plus-30 rating.

Feb 2

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Set to Return Sunday

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (elbow) practiced on Saturday and is expected to rejoin the lineup for Sunday's Stadium Series matchup against the Boston Bruins. The star blue-liner has been out since Dec. 9 due to an elbow procedure. Incredibly, the Lightning have lost just five of 23 games without Hedman. Darren Raddysh has stepped up in a major way in defense. With Hedman returning, Raddysh will have to settle for a lesser role, but he will remain an attractive fantasy piece due to his offensive ability.

Jan 31

Ryan McDonagh • D • Lightning

Ryan McDonagh Ready to Rejoin Lightning Lineup

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is set to rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets. The veteran has played in just three of the last 36 games, missing each of the last 15 due to a lower-body injury. When in the lineup, McDonagh has made a mark at both ends of the ice, recording eight points (four goals, four assists) and 29 blocks in 18 appearances. On Thursday, McDonagh will join Erik Cernak on the second defensive pairing, and his return will also be a boost for Tampa Bay's penalty kill. Maxim Groshev will exit the lineup to make room for McDonagh.

Jan 29

Charle-Edouard D'Astous • D • Lightning

Charle-Edouard D'Astous Placed on Injured Reserve

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D'Astous (lower body) was placed on Injured Reserve, Diandra Loux of The Hockey News reports. D'Astous appeared to injure his left leg during Saturday's loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was one of three Lightning blue-liners to exit the game early, along with Erik Cernak (upper body) and Max Crozier (illness). D'Astous has been a surprise contributor for the Lightning this season, recording 17 points (three goals, 14 assists), 52 shots, 45 blocks, and 53 hits in 43 games. The team recalled Maxim Groshev from the minors as D'Astous's replacement on the roster.

Jan 25

Brandon Hagel • LW • Lightning

Brandon Hagel Stays Hot Tuesday Night

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel contributed two goals and one assist during Tuesday's 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. He tied the game at one late in the first period and wrapped up the scoring with an empty-net goal. In between his two strikes, Hagel helped Anthony Cirelli record the game-winning tally. Hagel has been among the hottest forwards in the league as of late, producing 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) over a 10-game stretch. The run includes four multi-point efforts. With upcoming games against the defensively weak Chicago and Columbus, Hagel is well-positioned to continue his hot spell this week. The 27-year-old leads Tampa Bay with 25 goals and has tallied 46 points across 43 appearances.

Jan 21

Anthony Cirelli • C • Lightning

Anthony Cirelli Injured Versus Sharks

Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) took only one third-period shift in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. He appeared injured after teammate Brandon Hagel's shot hit him. "I don't know. I don't want to say anything," Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said postgame about Cirelli's status. "He's a tough kid, so I'm hoping he'll be OK ... We'll see tomorrow." Before exiting, Cirelli had a goal and an assist in Tuesday's game. He has notched 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 44 games this season, earning him a spot on Team Canada for the Olympics. A serious injury would ruin Cirelli's Olympic dream and also be a blow to the Lightning.

Jan 21

Brayden Point • C • Lightning

Brayden Point Labeled Week-to-Week

Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (lower body) is considered week-to-week, head coach Jon Cooper announced before Tuesday's win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Point suffered a lower-body injury during Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Cooper said Point "avoided the worst-case scenario" and that "his season is not over." However, the injury raises questions about whether Point will be healthy enough to play for Team Canada at the Olympics. The tournament begins on Feb. 11. Point is having a down year in 2025-26, recording 30 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in 37 games.

Jan 14

Brayden Point • C • Lightning

Brayden Point Injured in Monday's Win

Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (lower body) was injured while scoring a goal in Monday's 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Flyers defenseman Cam York landed on Point's right leg as he potted a power-play goal early in the second period to make it 3-0 for the Lightning. Point has enjoyed an offensive surge recently, but that might now be disrupted by injury. Fantasy managers should consider him questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Point has totaled 11 points (five goals, six assists) across the last eight games. He has 11 goals and 30 points in 37 outings for the season. On Tuesday, Yanni Gourde may jump into the top six as Point's replacement.

Jan 13

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Has Four-Point Outing Saturday

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov recorded an eighth consecutive multi-point game on Saturday, notching two goals and two assists in a 7-2 road win over the Philadelphia Flyers. He bagged all the points during even-strength play and already had two goals within the opening 6:05 of action. Kucherov has been on a phenomenal run since late December, becoming only the third active player with a multi-point streak of at least eight games. It was last achieved by former Lightning captain Steven Stamkos in 2021-22. The Russian superstar moved to fourth on the NHL's scoring charts, boasting 65 points (22 goals, 43 assists) through 39 appearances.

Jan 11

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Bags Five Points Against Sharks

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov was sensational in Saturday's 7-2 win over the San Jose Sharks, finishing the contest with one goal and four assists. Three of Kucherov's points came on the power play, including his goal. There have now been 23 five-point games in Lightning history, and Kucherov has been responsible for eight of those. The back-to-back Art Ross Trophy winner has been in video-game mode recently, posting a five-game goal streak and a seven-game point streak. During the hot streak, he has totaled seven goals and 10 assists. Next up, Kucherov will look to outperform the NHL's leading scorer, Nathan MacKinnon, heading into Tuesday's clash with the Colorado Avalanche on 59 points (20 goals, 39 assists) through 37 outings.

Jan 4

Darren Raddysh • D • Lightning

Darren Raddysh Celebrates Hat Trick in Big Win

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh tallied three goals in Saturday's 7-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks, becoming the third blue-liner in franchise history to score a hat trick. Raddysh registered an even-strength goal in the first period and had two power-play markers in the second. It has been a fairytale of a season for Raddysh, who has joined elite company like Cale Makar, Evan Bouchard, and Zach Werenski as one of the NHL's top-scoring defensemen. The 29-year-old has posted three straight multi-point outings, bringing his total to 34 points (12 goals, 22 assists) in 35 games.

Jan 4

Erik Cernak • D • Lightning

Erik Cernak Rejoins Lightning Lineup Wednesday

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak (hand) was activated from long-term Injured Reserve and is set to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks. The Slovakian blue-liner has been out since Nov. 22 due to a hand injury. Cernak might take Max Crozier's spot in the lineup. Across 19 appearances, Cernak has racked up 43 blocks and 40 hits. After a career-high 21 points a season ago, he has been limited to four assists on the offensive end. Still, Cernak could tally points in three straight appearances for the first time since April 2022.

Dec 31

J.J. Moser • D • Lightning

J.J. Moser Inks Eight-Year Extension

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser signed an eight-year, $54 million contract extension ahead of Saturday's 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers. Moser is now the fourth defenseman on the Lightning roster under contract with the team for more than three years. He will carry a $6.75 million cap hit starting next season. With many of his teammates battling injuries, Moser has become the Lightning's leader in ice time this season, averaging 21:43 of action. He also leads the team with a plus-25 rating. In 35 appearances, Moser has recorded 12 points (three goals, nine assists), 51 shots, 45 blocks, and 28 hits. Although Moser's game doesn't translate well into fantasy hockey, he has developed into a big piece for Tampa Bay, and the team is undoubtedly delighted that the Swiss rearguard will stick around for many more years.

Dec 28

Ryan McDonagh • D • Lightning

Ryan McDonagh Misses Saturday's Action

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (undisclosed) won't suit up for Saturday's Battle of Florida against the Panthers. He has re-aggravated a previous injury, which recently sidelined McDonagh for 18 games. He made only three appearances before landing back on the shelf. The Lightning are expected to use Steven Santini as McDonagh's replacement in the lineup. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay's blue line will continue to rely heavily on Darren Raddysh, who has been on fire over the last couple of weeks, tallying nine points (five goals, four assists) in seven games.

Dec 27

Darren Raddysh • D • Lightning

Darren Raddysh Totals Three Points in Monday's Win

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh notched a game-high three points in Monday's 4-1 triumph over the St. Louis Blues. His power-play goal in the first period proved to be the game-winning marker, and Raddysh completed his three-point night with two assists. The 29-year-old has been one of the major surprises in fantasy hockey this season, averaging nearly a point per game. Through 30 outings, Raddysh has contributed eight goals and 19 assists. He is well on course to surpass his career high of 37 points from last season. With Victor Hedman (elbow) out until February, Raddysh will play a prominent role on Tampa's blue line for several more weeks.

Dec 23

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