Tampa Bay Lightning News, Trades & Rumors

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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 17 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

Today in Hockey History: Sept. 11
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Yesterday in Hockey History: Sept. 10 Tomorrow in Hockey History: Sept. 12 This date has been very busy over the years in the National Hockey League. There was the addition of two teams. The Hall of Fame officially began, multiple captains were named, a big international game was played, and exhibition contests took place all over the globe. Let’s begin our daily trip back in time to relive all the top moments from Sept. 11. Two New Teams Welcomed In The NHL expanded from 12 teams to 14 on Sept. 11, 1969, announcing that Buffalo and Vancouver were awarded new…

8 NHL Head Coaches on the Hot Seat in 2025-26
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If a head coach was a Jack Adams finalist a few seasons back, then by default, they are on the hot seat this season. At least that’s what the recent trends have indicated. Jim Montgomery won the award in 2023 and was fired in the middle of the 2024-25 season, while Rick Tocchet, who won the award in 2024, is no longer with the Vancouver Canucks. All three finalists from the 2022-23 season have been replaced since then, and the same is true about the 2021-22 finalists. Related: 5 Non-Playoff Teams From 2024-25 That Can Win the 2026 Stanley Cup…

Tampa Bay Lightning Guide to the Prospect Tournament
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The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the 2025 NHL Prospect Tournament, being held from Sept. 12 to 15 at AdventHealth Center Ice. Here is a guide to help you follow the tournament, which will also feature prospect teams from the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators. When and Where Is the Prospect Tournament? How Can I Follow? The tournament begins on Friday, Sept. 12, and will run until Monday, Sept. 15. The arena is in Wesley Chapel, part of the northern Tampa suburbs. Games will be featured on The Spot Tampa Bay 66 and streamed on their website. Both cable…

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NHL’s Top 5 Forward Lines for 2025-26
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While individual talent typically headlines the league, it’s the synergy between linemates that defines a team’s success. Whether it’s long-established trios with years of familiarity or newly formed lines already showing flashes of brilliance, there are several high-powered combinations capable of shifting the outcome of a game, or even an…

Lightning’s 5 Best Offseason Moves
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The Tampa Bay Lightning have not been the most active team this offseason, largely due to a tepid free agent market, a lack of salary cap space, and the realization that they have a talented team that can still make a deep playoff run. However, the organization made some moves…

 

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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.