Lightning News

EASTERN ATLANTIC

Jake Guentzel • LW • Lightning

Jake Guentzel Leads Lightning Offense Sunday

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jake Guentzel contributed to every goal for the team in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators. With Nikita Kucherov (illness) sidelined for a second consecutive game, the Lightning needed somebody to step up. Guentzel answered the call with one goal and two assists. On Sunday, Guentzel secured his third 80-point campaign. The 31-year-old has posted 35 goals and 45 assists in 73 outings. Guentzel's goal-scoring form has been particularly impressive lately, as he's found the back of the net in four straight games and in six of the last seven.

17 hours ago

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Remains Out Sunday

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (illness) will miss a second consecutive game on Sunday against the Nashville Predators, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. The Art Ross Trophy contender is battling an illness and was a late scratch on Saturday against Ottawa. Nicholas Paul (illness) also didn't play against the Senators, forcing Tampa Bay into a major reshuffle up front. Gage Goncalves filled in for Kucherov on the first line, recording one assist. He will have an expanded role again on Sunday and looks like a good fantasy option, having averaged nearly a point per game this month.

Yesterday

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Takes Leave of Absence

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (illness) has taken a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons, the team announced on Wednesday. The Lightning captain has sat out three games due to illness and is now expected to miss some more time. Emil Lilleberg has been playing in Hedman's absence, but he doesn't offer any fantasy value. Darren Raddysh has operated as the No. 1 defenseman and produced another outstanding performance with three points in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Minnesota Wild. He will aim to score in a third consecutive game on Thursday night against Seattle.

5 days ago

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Takes Over Scoring Lead With Four-Point Effort

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov dominated against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night, producing two goals and two assists in a 5-2 road win. The former MVP made a mark in all situations, surpassing McDavid to take the NHL's scoring lead. Kucherov moved two points ahead of the Oilers captain and boasts 118 points (40 goals, 78 assists) in 64 games. In 2026, no one has come close to Kucherov in scoring, as he's managed 67 points (22 goals, 45 assists) in 29 outings. No other player has even reached 50 points since the turn of the year. This hot run of form makes Kucherov the favorite for the Art Ross Trophy, which he also won in 2019, 2024, and 2025.

Mar 22

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Won't Play Against Oilers

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (illness) will sit out Saturday's matchup with the Edmonton Oilers. The Lightning captain made an early exit against Vancouver on Thursday due to illness and is still feeling under the weather. His next chance to return will be on Sunday when the Lightning cap off their four-game road trip against the Calgary Flames. Emil Lilleberg (face) will take Hedman's spot in the lineup on Saturday night. The 25-year-old will be back in action after missing eight games with a facial fracture. Hedman has made only 33 appearances this season, so Tampa Bay shouldn't have any issues coping with his absence. Darren Raddysh will take on the leading role on the blue line.

Mar 21

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Makes Early Exit Due to Illness

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (illness) was limited to 4:44 of ice time in Thursday's 6-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. The Lightning captain exited the contest after the first period due to illness. Darren Raddysh once again had to step up on the blue line and produced a goal and an assist. Hedman has made only 33 appearances this season, sitting out a significant portion of the campaign due to elbow surgery. He has recorded 17 points (one goal, 16 assists), 50 shots, and 44 blocks. If Hedman misses additional time, Steven Santini will step into the lineup on Saturday night against the Edmonton Oilers.

Mar 20

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Amasses Five Points in Road Win

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov was unstoppable on Tuesday night against the Seattle Kraken, scoring a hat trick and adding two assists in a 6-2 road win. Playing alongside him on the top line, Brandon Hagel finished with four points (one goal, three assists), and Anthony Cirelli had three points (one goal, two assists). This was Kucherov's second five-point effort of the season and the ninth of his career. Jari Kurri (16) and Peter Stastny (12) are the only players born outside North America to record more five-point games in NHL history. At the same time, Kucherov became only the seventh player to post four straight 110-point seasons. The former MVP has totaled 111 points (37 goals, 74 assists) in 62 appearances as he continues to chase his third consecutive Art Ross Trophy.

Mar 18

Declan Carlile • D • Lightning

Declan Carlile to Miss 4-5 Weeks

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Declan Carlile (lower body) will be sidelined for 4-5 weeks, the team announced. The rookie defenseman suffered a lower-body injury earlier this week and missed Saturday's loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Based on his projected recovery timeline, Carlile might be out for the remainder of the regular season. Through 38 appearances in 2025-26, Carlile has registered three points (one goal, two assists), 29 shots, 30 blocks, 46 hits, and 23 penalty minutes. Erik Cernak returned from injury on Saturday and filled the void in the lineup.

Mar 15

Declan Carlile • D • Lightning

Declan Carlile Hurt on Thursday Night

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Declan Carlile (undisclosed) exited Thursday's win over the Detroit Red Wings in the third period, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. With Erik Cernak (undisclosed), Max Crozier (abdomen), and Emil Lilleberg (face) out of action, Carlile was in the lineup for a second consecutive game, but he might now also miss time after suffering an undisclosed injury. Carlile has made 38 appearances this season, mainly contributing on the defensive end. He has recorded three points (one goal, two assists), 29 shots, 30 blocks, 46 hits, and a plus-five rating. Steven Santini will step in for Carlile if needed on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Mar 13

Darren Raddysh • D • Lightning

Darren Raddysh Sits Out Tuesday's Game

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (personal) won't play on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He is away from the team to attend his father's funeral. Raddysh has been excellent this season, registering 58 points (17 goals, 41 assists), 153 shots, 56 blocks, and 59 hits in 56 appearances. Victor Hedman will work on the first power-play unit until Raddysh returns. Charle-Edouard D'Astous is penciled in for a spot on the second unit against Columbus, giving him additional fantasy value. Tampa's blue line will also be without Erik Cernak (undisclosed) on Tuesday, with Steve Santini set to enter the lineup.

Mar 10

Emil Lilleberg • D • Lightning

Emil Lilleberg to Miss Two Weeks Due to Facial Fracture

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg (face) is expected to miss approximately two weeks due to a facial fracture, the team announced. He sustained the injury during Wednesday's practice and will be unavailable for a third straight game on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. Lilleberg has appeared in 35 games for the Lightning this season, recording six points (two goals, four assists), 28 shots, 33 blocks, 60 hits, and a plus-10 rating. Declan Carlile has seen action on the blue line during Lilleberg's absence, but he isn't a recommended fantasy pickup.

Mar 8

Andrei Vasilevskiy • G • Lightning

Andrei Vasilevskiy Defeats the Maple Leafs on Saturday

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 27 of 29 shots faced in a 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. This was a good bounce-back game for the Russian netminder, as he had lost three straight matches and allowed 12 goals in that span. Vasilevskiy now has a 28-10-3 record with a 2.25 goals against average and a .914 save percentage.

Mar 7

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Picks Up Four Assists

Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Nikita Kucherov had a two-assist game in Saturday night's 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. He set up goals by Ryan McDonagh, Jake Guentzel, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Brandon Hagel. Kucherov has now reached 100 points (32 goals and 68 assists) in just 57 games this season. This is the fourth season in a row he has reached this mark.

Mar 7

Corey Perry • RW • Lightning

Lightning Acquire Corey Perry

The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired forward Corey Perry from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a second-round draft pick. The 40-year-old will reunite with the team that he spent two seasons with in 2021-22 and 2022-23, while he provides the Lightning with veteran presence and plenty of playoff experience. Perry scored 11 goals and totaled 28 points through 50 games as a member of the Kings during the 2025-26 NHL season.

Mar 6

Gage Goncalves • C • Lightning

Gage Goncalves Hurt in Saturday's Loss

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Gage Goncalves (undisclosed) didn't finish Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He exited in the second period with an undisclosed injury. Goncalves has recently been part of the top-six group and began the week with a three-point performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has posted 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 54 games overall. Dominic James (leg), who scored Tampa's first goal on Saturday, was also injured, so Jon Cooper may have to make several changes to his lineup in the next game. The Lightning will return to the ice on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Wild.

Mar 1

Anthony Cirelli • C • Lightning

Anthony Cirelli a Game-Time Decision Saturday

Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) is a game-time decision for Saturday's tilt against the Buffalo Sabres. Cirelli has missed four games and couldn't play for Canada at the Olympics due to an undisclosed injury, but he could be ready to return on Saturday. The 28-year-old has contributed 15 goals and 30 assists in 49 games this season, while logging a plus-30 rating. Cirelli's return would allow Jake Guentzel to return to the wing on the second line, with Scott Sabourin making way in the lineup.

Feb 28

Jake Guentzel • LW • Lightning

Jake Guentzel Sets Up Three Goals Thursday

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jake Guentzel recorded a hat trick of assists in Thursday's entertaining 5-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. His passing ability helped Tampa Bay erase a 3-0 deficit in the game, but Guentzel couldn't celebrate a victory over his former team. Guentzel is having a career year in 2025-26, posting 26 goals and 63 points in 57 outings. This could be his first campaign with 90 points. The newly crowned Olympic champion has been especially hot since the turn of the year, amassing 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 18 games in 2026. This stretch includes nine multi-point performances.

Feb 27

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Extends Point Streak to 11 Games

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov finished Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs with three points. He logged the game-winning goal and dished out two assists, extending the NHL's longest active point streak to 11 games. Kucherov has had only three longer scoring streaks in his career, with his career-best at 13 games. He can match it this week as Tampa Bay takes on Carolina on Thursday and Buffalo on Saturday. Kucherov has been incredible in 2026, amassing 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists) in 17 games. He has jumped to second on the league's scoring list, tallying 94 points (30 goals, 64 assists) in 52 outings this season.

Feb 26

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Good to Go for Wednesday

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (lower body) is set to play on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. Last week, Hedman sustained a lower-body injury at the Olympics, missing Sweden's quarterfinal loss to Team USA. Tampa Bay will be delighted that Hedman won't have to sit out any more action. The team has already been without Hedman for much of the season after he underwent elbow surgery. In 21 appearances, Hedman has recorded 13 assists, 33 shots, and 30 blocks with a plus-two rating. The Lightning defense will also have Emil Lilleberg (undisclosed) and Charle-Edouard D'Astous (lower body) available Wednesday night.

Feb 24

Brayden Point • C • Lightning

Brayden Point Available for Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (lower body) will return to action on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. Point sustained a lower-body injury on Jan. 12, which forced him to miss the Olympics. Fortunately for the Lightning, the four-time 40-goal scorer will be available when the NHL season resumes. After a tricky start to the campaign, Point showed off red-hot form prior to his injury. He has totaled 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) across his last 15 appearances. Overall, he is sitting on 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) with 37 games played.

Feb 24

Lightning News

LEGEND