The Tampa Bay Lightning look to extend their winning streak to five games tonight as they face the New York Rangers for the second time this season. On today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli preview the matchup, discuss the latest lineup news, and examine how much the Lightning have evolved since their season-opening loss at Madison Square Garden.
The guys break down the Rangers' goaltending situation with Igor Shesterkin sidelined, why Dylan Garand has impressed in limited NHL action, and what challenges New York still presents despite key injuries. They also discuss lineup updates involving Emil Lilleberg, Dominic James, and Jeff Viel, plus why the Lightning continue to find success with the 11-forward, 7-defenseman alignment.
Plus, a deep dive into Nikita Kucherov's pursuit of the Lightning franchise scoring record, Jon Cooper's thoughts on Kucherov's hockey IQ, and an entertaining discussion comparing Kucherov's vision and playmaking ability to some of the greatest players in NHL history.
Topics Discussed
Lightning vs. Rangers preview and keys to the rematch
Ryan McDonagh on Tampa Bay's improved play since Opening Night
Rangers goaltending situation and Dylan Garand's NHL success
Emil Lilleberg's recovery and expected return timeline
Dominic James' status and when he could rejoin the lineup
Jeff Viel returns to the lineup
Why the Lightning continue using 11 forwards and 7 defensemen
Rangers rookie prospect Cole Beaudoin and New York's young talent
Nikita Kucherov closing in on the franchise points record
Jon Cooper's comments on Kucherov's hockey IQ
Wayne Gretzky's appreciation for Kucherov's game
The value of the Mikheyev-Holmberg-Girgensons line
Conor Geekie's continued growth and development
Gage Goncalves' role in the top six
John Carlson's impact on the power play
J.J. Moser's strong start to the season
Andrei Vasilevskiy climbing the NHL's all-time wins list
Fan questions and game-night discussion
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