Lightning News

EASTERN ATLANTIC

Dominic James • C • Lightning

Dominic James Activated From Injured Reserve

Tampa Bay Lightning center Dominic James (lower body) has been activated from Injured Reserve, Diandra Loux of The Hockey News reports. The 23-year-old is set to return to action in Sunday's Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens. James last played on Feb. 28, when he suffered a lower-body injury in a loss to Buffalo. He was expected to miss at least eight weeks after surgery, but the speedy forward is ready to return sooner. James finished his rookie campaign with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 43 games. On Saturday, James practiced on the fourth line and also worked with the second power-play unit.

16 hours ago

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Out for Game 1 on Sunday

Victor Hedman is skating for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The bad news is that the defenseman is not close to ready yet to play. Hedman has been out for basically a month now. First, there was an injury and then Hedman was out for personal reasons. It has been a tough season for the 35-year old. He is a team captain but missed 49 games in 2025-26. The normal point leader from the blueline had a mere 17 points (one goal) in 33 appearances. Right now, Hedman will not play until he is in shape to play. That means, he will be out for Game 1 on Sunday against Montreal. More than likely, the fact that Hedman has been skating appears to signal he is closer to returning than May 3rd potentially.

Yesterday

Brandon Hagel • LW • Lightning

Brandon Hagel Returns for Regular-Season Finale

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (lower body) will rejoin the lineup on Wednesday against the New York Rangers. The prolific forward has sat out six of the Lightning's last seven games, but will suit up for the regular-season finale. Hagel has had a special campaign, with a career-high 36 goals and 74 points in 70 games. He is expected to join his usual partners, Anthony Cirelli and Nikita Kucherov, on the top line and will skate on the first power-play unit. Over his last 10 appearances, Hagel has racked up 15 points (six goals, nine assists).

4 days ago

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Hits 130-Point Mark in Monday's Overtime Win

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov reached the 130-point mark for the second time in his career with a goal and an assist in Monday's 4-3 overtime win against the Detroit Red Wings. Kucherov has tormented the Red Wings throughout his time in the NHL, and it was no different in this game. The former MVP assisted Jake Guentzel on Tampa Bay's third goal and struck the game-winner 27 seconds into overtime. With his 44th goal of the season, Kucherov matched his career high from the 2023-24 campaign. He has 86 assists in 75 outings. Unfortunately for Kucherov, it appears he will just miss out on his third consecutive Art Ross Trophy. Edmonton's Connor McDavid is four points ahead of him on the NHL's scoring charts, and both have only one regular-season game left. But he will sleep well knowing he's one of only 10 players in NHL history with multiple 130-point seasons.

6 days ago

Brandon Hagel • LW • Lightning

Brandon Hagel Misses Monday's Action

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (lower body) won't play on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. After missing five games, Hagel rejoined the lineup on Saturday against Boston, but he apparently still isn't fully healthy. The 27-year-old scored his 36th goal of the campaign in Saturday's 2-1 win. Additionally, he has produced 38 assists in 74 appearances. Gage Goncalves, who has notched assists in back-to-back games, will ride on the top line and the first power-play unit against Detroit, making him a very attractive fantasy target.

6 days ago

Brandon Hagel • LW • Lightning

Brandon Hagel Expected to Return Before End of Regular Season

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (lower body) is expected to be back in the lineup before the end of the regular season, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Hagel was unavailable for a fifth consecutive game on Thursday against Montreal as he continues to work his way back from a lower-body injury. The 27-year-old has had an outstanding year with 73 points (35 goals, 38 assists) and a plus-33 rating in 69 games. Hagel's absence has given Gage Goncalves an expanded role. He has played well, contributing three assists over the past five games.

Apr 10

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Nets 400th Career Goal

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov recorded his 400th career goal in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The former MVP found the back of the net on the power play midway through the first period. Steven Stamkos was previously the only Lightning player to score at least 400 times, and Kucherov became the eighth Russia-born player to reach the 400-goal mark. Following Monday night's action, Kucherov once again shares the NHL's scoring lead with Edmonton's Connor McDavid. He has bagged 126 points (43 goals, 83 assists) in 71 appearances, scoring in three consecutive games.

Apr 7

Pontus Holmberg • RW • Lightning

Pontus Holmberg Suffers Upper-Body Injury Monday

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Pontus Holmberg (upper body) was injured during the third period of Monday's 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He took an awkward fall into an unlatched penalty box door following a hit from Sabres forward Peyton Krebs. The NHL has launched an investigation into the incident. After the game, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper questioned whether the penalty box operator should be fired. Cooper added that Holmberg is "not good." The Swedish forward was spotted having his left arm in a sling. Holmberg is in his first year with the Lightning and has notched a career-high 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 70 games. Tampa Bay's offense was already without Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed), Brandon Hagel (lower body), and Dominic James(leg) on Monday night.

Apr 7

Anthony Cirelli • C • Lightning

Anthony Cirelli Out Against Sabres

Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) won't play on Monday against the Buffalo Sabres. Shortly before puck drop, the team announced Cirelli is day-to-day with an unspecified injury. With Brandon Hagel (lower body) also out, the Lightning will be without two key top-six contributors against Buffalo. As a result, Nicholas Paul and Oliver Bjorkstrand will skate on the second line alongside Jake Guentzel. This looks like a promising matchup for Tampa Bay's frontline, as the Sabers' defense has allowed three-plus goals in six of the last seven games.

Apr 6

Brandon Hagel • LW • Lightning

Brandon Hagel Sits Out Third Consecutive Game

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (lower body) will remain out on Monday against the Buffalo Sabres. He will be absent for a third consecutive game. His next chance to return will be on Tuesday against Ottawa. Hagel has had an excellent year in Tampa Bay, registering 35 goals and 73 points in 69 games. His absence has allowed Oliver Bjorkstrand to move into the top six. The Danish veteran has struggled to make an impact since the Olympic break but will carry some momentum into Monday's contest, having contributed an assist during Saturday's 3-1 win over Boston.

Apr 6

Anthony Cirelli • C • Lightning

Anthony Cirelli Earns a Hat Trick

Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli scored three goals in a 6-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night. He had one goal in each period, with one being a short-handed goal and one being an empty-netter. Cirelli has had a solid campaign with 23 goals, 52 points, and a plus-35 rating in just 67 games played.

Apr 2

Brandon Hagel • LW • Lightning

Brandon Hagel Likely Out on Thursday

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (undisclosed) is day-to-day and unlikely to play on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper considers Hagel "doubtful" for the matchup. Hagel has been averaging over a point per game for a second consecutive season, totaling 35 goals and 38 assists in 69 contests. He's been part of a highly productive line with Anthony Cirelli and Nikita Kucherov. Corey Perry could be Hagel's replacement in the top six on Thursday. The veteran has been in good form lately, notching two goals and one assist over the past four games.

Apr 1

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov a Game-Time Decision Tuesday

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (illness) is a game-time decision for Tuesday's clash against the Montreal Canadiens. Tampa's star man has missed two games due to illness, but appears ready to return after participating in the morning skate. However, he hasn't been officially cleared to return. Kucherov has been extraordinary in 2026, recording 70 points (22 goals, 48 assists) in 32 games. Edmonton's Connor McDavid has been the second-highest scorer this calendar year with 54 points. Gage Goncalves will have a bigger role if Kucherov suffers a setback and doesn't return on Tuesday night.

Mar 31

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.

Mar 30

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.

Mar 29

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.

Mar 25

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

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