Overview | Schedule | Roster | Stats | Salary Cap
Prospects
| History | Management | Goaltending | Season Preview

The Tampa Bay Lightning were founded in 1992 by a group led by NHL legend Phil Esposito. The team’s first game was played on Oct. 7, 1992, versus the Chicago Blackhawks and resulted in a 7-4 victory. Throughout its history, the team has reached the playoffs 15 times and won three Stanley Cups—2004, 2020, and 2021. They have reached two additional Stanley Cup Finals, once in 2015 and again in 2022. They are one of the NHL’s most successful franchises the 2010s and 2020s.

Lightning News, Analysis & Commentary

Andrei Vasilevskiy Makes 47 Saves in Lightning Win Over Panthers

The Tampa Bay Lightning picked up a statement win Saturday night against the Florida Panthers, 5-3. After going up 4-0, the team faced the risk of watching another early multi-goal lead slip away. However, they had a goalie with long-term memory between the pipes ready to deliver some payback to the Panthers. For context, the last time Andrei Vasilevskiy faced the Florida Panthers on Feb. 17, he gave up six goals on just 22 shots on home ice. Head coach Jon Cooper pulled him after the second period. Most would say it’s good to have short-term memory so that you…

Today in Hockey History: March 16

Today is about scoring goals and keeping them out of the net, as this date in National Hockey League history has provided multiple 50-goal scorers and some great goaltending. Plus, one of the all-time greats had multiple memories, and there were some big moments during the early years of the league. The THW time machine is fueled up and ready to take us through the years and relive the best that March 16 has given us. Scoring No. 50 The 50-goal mark is a magical plateau in NHL history. A total of 91 different players have scored 50 goals in…

Lightning That Got Away: Brett Howden

The goal of any rebuilding franchise is to one day have a core of talent that is capable of competing for the Stanley Cup, and a stable of developing prospects that can either step up into the lineup when called upon or be traded for veteran players who can help you get over the top. This talent comes in all forms, from top-line superstars to bottom-pairing defensemen, and in a hard-cap league, this depth can be difficult to manage year in and year out. Back in 2018, the Tampa Bay Lightning were a team in the midst of a Stanley…

Substack The Hockey Writers Tampa Bay Lightning Banner

 

 

More Lightning News, Opinion and Archives

Lightning FAQ

What year were the Tampa Bay Lightning founded?

The Tampa Bay Lightning were founded in 1992 by a group led by NHL legend Phil Esposito.

When did the Tampa Bay Lightning play their first game?

The team’s first game was played on Oct. 7, 1992, versus the Chicago Blackhawks and resulted in a 7-4 victory.

Who is the current head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning?

Jon Cooper is the current head coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning.