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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

Brayden Point Quietly Surging for the Lightning

Don’t look now, but Brayden Point is heating up. The Tampa Bay Lightning center is again flying under the radar despite putting up terrific numbers and has already reached the 40-goal mark. His season admittedly got off to a slower start, and there were times when he was not skating as well as one would expect for a player of his caliber. Point has turned a corner now, though, and is playing his best hockey season. His stats show that his expected goals per 60 minutes are at an impressive 1.35, and his shooting talent is 15.5% above average for…

Duclair vs. Dumba: Who’s the Lightning’s Better Deadline Addition?

Since the All-Star Break, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been inconsistent at best and plain bad at worst. The team is 9-8, and on three separate occasions, they have lost at least two games in a row. Conversely, they also have won at least two games in a row three separate times. Clearly, general manager (GM) Julien BriseBois recognized the team needed help at the trade deadline, especially with Mikhail Sergachev’s injury. Rumors swirled that Noah Hanifin would be joining the Lightning, but he landed in Las Vegas. So BriseBois pivoted and acquired defenseman Matt Dumba and forward Anthony Duclair…

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…

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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.