Lightning News

EASTERN ATLANTIC

Emil Lilleberg • D • Lightning

Emil Lilleberg Exits Early Saturday

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg (undisclosed) was limited to 13:30 of ice time in Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Islanders. He missed the third period, leaving the Lightning without another blue-liner. Victor Hedman (shoulder), Ryan McDonagh (undisclosed), and Erik Cernak (undisclosed) all missed Saturday's game. Lilleberg's offensive contributions have been limited to two goals and four assists in 32 games this season. However, he is second on the team with 53 hits and averages a block per game. Due to Tampa's current injury situation, Darren Raddysh, J.J. Moser, and Charle-Edouard D'Astous are logging big minutes on the blue line.

23 hours ago

Andrei Vasilevskiy • G • Lightning

Andrei Vasilevskiy Could Return Monday

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (undisclosed) won't play on Saturday afternoon against the New York Islanders but could return to action on Monday versus the Florida Panthers. He will miss a sixth consecutive game on Saturday due to an undisclosed injury. However, Vasilevskiy practiced on Friday and should be back between the sticks soon for Tampa. The Russian netminder owns an 11-6-2 record for the season and has registered a 2.31 goals-against average, along with a .917 save percentage and one shutout. Jonas Johansson has done a decent job as Vasilevskiy's replacement and will search for a third consecutive victory in Saturday's matchup.

2 days ago

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman to Be Out Until February

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery on Monday and will be out until February. Hedman has already missed significant time this season and will be sidelined once again after aggravating a previous injury. He made just three appearances after a 12-game spell out. Hedman is expected to be fully ready for the Olympics tournament, which begins on Feb. 11. Declan Carlile took Hedman's spot in the lineup Thursday against the New Jersey Devils and could now have a regular role for several weeks. Meanwhile, Darren Raddysh's fantasy prospects continue to grow. He has become Tampa's top defenseman, eating up huge minutes and posting multiple points in back-to-back games.

2 days ago

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Placed on Injured Reserve

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (undisclosed) will miss at least one week of action after he was placed on Injured Reserve. Hedman only recently returned from a 12-game absence. Now, he must sit out at least three games due to an undisclosed injury he sustained during Tuesday's win over the Montreal Canadiens. Hedman's absence will begin on Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils. To bolster its defensive depth, Tampa Bay has recalled Declan Carlile from the minors to take Hedman's spot on the roster. The major beneficiary of Hedman's injury will be Darren Raddysh, who has locked down a position on the first power-play unit. Raddysh is also seeing big minutes during even-strength play and has totaled 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) over his last 13 appearances.

3 days ago

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Suffers New Injury Blow

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (undisclosed) picked up another injury in Tuesday's win over the Montreal Canadiens. He was playing his third game after a nearly month-long injury layoff. Tampa's defensive star may now have to miss more time. Hedman's injury issues this season have given a massive boost to Darren Raddysh's fantasy stock. He has been a regular on the top power-play unit, logging at least 22 minutes of ice time in nine consecutive games. Raddysh has two of Tampa's goals in Tuesday's 6-1 victory. He has posted 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 24 games.

4 days ago

Brayden Point • C • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point Back for Lightning Monday

Tampa Bay Lightning forwards Nikita Kucherov (undisclosed) and Brayden Point (undisclosed) will rejoin the lineup on Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kucherov is available after a one-game absence, while Point has sat out seven games. Both players will slot back into the top six and the first power play unit. Nicholas Paul, who has been filling in for Point as the second-line center, will also remain part of the top-six group. Meanwhile, Tampa's frontline will be without the services of Dominic James (undisclosed) and Curtis Douglas (undisclosed). Kucherov has been red-hot in recent weeks, recording six multi-point games in seven appearances. In contrast, Point has struggled this season, managing only three goals and eight assists in 21 games.

6 days ago

Dominic James • C • Lightning

Dominic James Hurt on Saturday

Tampa Bay Lightning center Dominic James (undisclosed) joined the team's growing list of injuries on Saturday against the New York Islanders, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. Tampa Bay was without Nikita Kucherov (undisclosed) and Brayden Point (undisclosed) in the attack, giving James a second-line role. Now, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper may have to shake up his lineup again. James has tallied five points (two goals, three assists) in 19 games during his rookie season. The Lightning also lost Curtis Douglas (undisclosed) from the fourth line during Saturday's contest.

Dec 7

Andrei Vasilevskiy • G • Lightning

Andrei Vasilevskiy Remains Out Saturday

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (undisclosed) will not return to action on Saturday against the New York Islanders. He was initially expected back after missing Thursday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jonas Johansson will remain between the sticks for Tampa, with Brandon Halverson backing him up. Johansson struggled on Thursday, allowing four goals on 31 shots in a 4-3 loss. However, he still has a winning record for the season at 5-3-0. Johansson has registered a 3.06 goals-against average and a .892 save percentage. The Swedish netminder faces a difficult matchup on Saturday. The Islanders have dropped only a handful of games over the last month, scoring six goals in their most recent effort, an impressive victory over the Colorado Avalanche.

Dec 6

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Out on Saturday

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (undisclosed) won't play on Saturday against the New York Islanders. The three-time NHL scoring leader is dealing with an undisclosed injury, which will keep him sidelined for a third time this season. Kucherov has enjoyed a couple of huge weeks, taking up a position once again among the NHL's highest scorers. He has registered 34 points (12 goals, 22 assists) in 25 games. Brayden Point (undisclosed), who has missed six games, is questionable for Saturday's matchup, so Tampa Bay may be without two huge top-six pieces. Kucherov is considered day-to-day, and his first chance to return to action will come on Monday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Dec 6

Brayden Point • C • Lightning

Brayden Point Questionable for Saturday

Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (undisclosed) is considered questionable for Saturday's tilt against the New York Islanders, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. Point has missed six games due to an unspecified ailment. It has been a poor campaign for the former 50-goal scorer. In 21 outings, Point has recorded three goals and 11 assists. Nicholas Paul has filled in for Point in the top six, registering a five-game point streak. Point, who hasn't scored a goal for a month, will presumably take on his usual duties once he is back in the lineup.

Dec 6

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Expected to Return Saturday

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (undisclosed) has been labeled as probable for Saturday's matchup against the New York Islanders, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. The star rearguard has missed nearly a month of action due to an undisclosed injury. Hedman had a four-game assist streak before exiting the lineup. Overall, he has dished out 12 assists in 15 games this season. The 34-year-old has yet to score despite firing 23 shots on goal. Darren Raddysh has done an incredible job on defense for Tampa during Hedman's absence, but he must settle for a lesser role when he returns.

Dec 6

Andrei Vasilevskiy • G • Lightning

Andrei Vasilevskiy Unavailable Thursday

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (undisclosed) won't play on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jonas Johansson will guard the crease, while Brandon Halverson has been called up from the minors to serve as the backup. Fortunately, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said that Vasilevskiy isn't dealing with anything serious and is expected to return to action on Saturday against the New York Islanders. The Islanders ended the former Vezina Trophy winner's six-game winning streak on Tuesday. Vasilevskiy holds an 11-6-2 record with a 2.31 goals-against average, a .917 save percentage, and one shutout. Five of his eight losses came in his first five starts of the campaign.

Dec 4

Ryan McDonagh • D • Lightning

Lightning Sign Ryan McDonagh to Three-Year Extension

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (undisclosed) signed a three-year, $12.3 million contract extension on Thursday. The veteran rearguard was set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026. McDonagh has made close to 400 appearances with the Lightning over two stints at the club, including 15 this season. He has missed nearly a month of action due to an undisclosed injury. After posting back-to-back 30-point campaigns, McDonagh is unlikely to extend the streak. He currently sits on six points (three goals, three assists), and it's unclear when McDonagh can return to action.

Dec 4

Brayden Point • C • Lightning

Brayden Point Without Timetable for Return

Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (undisclosed) doesn't have a timetable for his return, according to Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley. Point has been out for four games with an unspecified health issue. This season, Point has been one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy hockey, recording only 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 21 contests. With him out, Nicholas Paul has grabbed the second-line center role, while also skating with the top power-play unit. Paul has enjoyed taking on additional responsibilities, putting together a three-game point streak ahead of Tuesday's tilt against the New York Islanders.

Dec 2

Brandon Hagel • LW • Lightning

Brandon Hagel Tallies Three Points Against Flyers

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel contributed two goals and an assist during Monday's 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. He opened and finished the scoring, sticking an even-strength assist between his two goals. After a few dull performances, Hagel has exploded for seven points (four goals, three assists) across the past two games. He has struck a good partnership with Anthony Cirelli and Nikita Kucherov. The line took care of all Tampa goals on Monday night, scoring a combined eight points. For the season, Hagel has recorded 11 goals and 22 points in 21 games.

Nov 25

Andrei Vasilevskiy • G • Lightning

Andrei Vasilevskiy Extends Winning Streak With Shutout Performance

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy pushed his winning streak to four games in Monday's 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, recording his first shutout of the season with 20 saves. It was his sixth career shutout against the Flyers, which is tied for his most against a single franchise. Vasilevskiy has also stopped the Dallas Stars from scoring six times. After some early-season jitters, Vasilevskiy has produced a string of strong performances, going 9-2-0 over his last 11 starts. During that stretch, he has allowed two or fewer goals in eight contests. The big improvement in form has allowed Vasilevskiy to take his record for the season to 9-5-2. On average, he has given up 2.36 goals while registering a .913 save percentage.

Nov 25

Brayden Point • C • Lightning

Brayden Point Out Against Flyers

Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (undisclosed) will miss Monday's matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers. He will sit out his first game of the season due to an undisclosed injury. The team also considers Point questionable for Wednesday's meeting with the Calgary Flames. The injury is another setback for Point during a difficult campaign. The three-time 90-point scorer has been limited to 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 21 outings and has a team-worst minus-11 rating. Point's absence on Monday boosts the fantasy value of Dominic James, who will join the second line. James recently exploded for four points (one goal, three assists) in two games, but he hasn't done any other scoring in 12 appearances this season.

Nov 24

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Good to Go Monday

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (undisclosed) will play in Monday's contest against the Philadelphia Flyers. Due to an undisclosed health issue, Kucherov's night at the office was cut short on Saturday against the Washington Capitals, but he won't miss additional time. Despite logging only 5:18 of ice time against Washington, Kucherov notched three points (one goal, two assists). He has recovered from a slow start to the season, posting a five-game point streak. For the season, Kucherov has managed 10 goals and 22 points in 19 appearances.

Nov 24

Brayden Point • C • Lightning

Brayden Point Makes Early Exit Versus Capitals

Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (undisclosed) was injured late in the second period in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Washington Capitals. He tried to play through the injury but was able to take only one shift in the third frame. Point boasts a disappointing 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 21 appearances this season, and the injury is an additional setback for him. Nikita Kucherov (undisclosed) was also injured on Saturday night, meaning the Tampa attack may have to go through major changes for Monday's contest against the Philadelphia Flyers. Nicholas Paul, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Yanni Gourde are all candidates to move into the top six.

Nov 23

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Hurt on Saturday

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (undisclosed) was limited to a handful of minutes on Saturday night against the Washington Capitals. The former MVP had a monster start in the contest, racking up a goal and two assists, but he was hurt early in the second period. Kucherov exited the action after a hard hit from Capitals forward Tom Wilson. On Saturday, Kucherov had at least one point in a fifth consecutive game, taking his overall tally to 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) through 19 outings. He has recovered well from a slow start to the season. However, the Russian superstar may now have to spend some time on the sidelines due to injury.

Nov 23

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