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 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

The 2014 Rangers-Lightning Blockbuster That Reshaped Both Franchises
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Heading into the 2014 NHL Trade Deadline, both the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers found themselves in a great position. The Lightning were near the top of the Atlantic Division despite a gruesome early-season injury to superstar Steven Stamkos, whereas the Rangers were considered to be one of the teams to beat in the Eastern Conference with their core of elite talent up and down the ice. At the very least, both teams were expected to be buyers at the deadline, as they would be adding depth for a postseason push. Despite this positive exterior, they found themselves…

NHL Rumors: Lightning, Panthers, Jets, Islanders
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In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois updated the media on the status of contract negotiations with Steven Stamkos. Meanwhile, Sam Bennett is close to a return for the Florida Panthers. What will happen with the Winnipeg Jets after being eliminated from the playoffs? Who stays and who goes? Finally, will the New York Islanders make big roster changes? BriseBois Hopeful for Deals with Stamkos and Hedman Julien BriseBois spoke about Steven Stamkos and his future with the Lightning when the GM opened his avail this morning with Tampa-based media. He heaped praise on Stamkos’ play…

Jon Cooper’s Post-Elimination Presser Ruffles Some Feathers
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Jon Cooper’s Tampa Bay Lightning were eliminated from the playoffs on Monday night, being shown the door in five games only by their home-state rivals, the Florida Panthers. During the game, the Lightning had two goals waved off for goaltender interference and it’s fair to say it annoyed the bench boss to no end. Speaking to the media after the game he mentioned: …but it’s not prison rules for the goalie, like the second something happens you know like, we might as well put skirts on them then. If that’s how it’s going to be, I mean they have to…

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Today in Hockey History: April 23
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Some of the National Hockey League’s “Original Six” teams made postseason memories on this date. However, there are plenty of the league’s newer franchises that made their mark on Stanley Cup Playoff history on April 23, as well. Let’s begin our daily trip back in time to relive all the…

 

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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.