Backchecking the Bolts

The Tampa Bay Lightning made two intriguing additions this offseason in John Carlson and Jeffrey Viel , but what should Lightning fans realistically expect? On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts , host Jason Linkes is joined by Patrick Present , Team Editor and Reporter covering the Anaheim Ducks for The Hockey News , to break down both of Tampa Bay's newest players and discuss the biggest sto...

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been busy during NHL free agency, and we're breaking down everything you need to know on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts . 🏒 In this episode: * Complete breakdown of the Lightning's free agent signings Which players left Tampa Bay and how those departures impact the roster * The biggest signings from around the NHL and which teams improved the most * What these...

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts , Jason and Justin break down the latest NHL Trade Frenzy as teams make major moves before the NHL Entry Draft. 🏒 Topics on this episode: ⚡ Darren Raddysh traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs How does Tampa Bay replace a key defenseman? Did the Lightning make the right move? 🦅 Alex Tuch traded to the Washington Capitals Washington adds size, scoring, and a...

Former Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Peter Taglianetti joins Backchecking the Bolts to look back on an incredible hockey journey that stretched from college hockey greatness to the biggest stage in the NHL. Taglianetti was a member of the inaugural 1992-93 Tampa Bay Lightning team and shares stories about playing for an expansion franchise built by Phil Esposito , what the early days of Lightning...

The Tampa Bay Lightning offseason rumors are heating up, and Backchecking the Bolts is breaking it all down! On this episode, Justin brings some big “What Ifs?” from the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2025-26 . Jason and Justin discuss whether Nick Paul could become a trade candidate as the Lightning look at their roster, salary cap situation, and potential moves heading into the 2025-26 NHL season. We di...

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts , we go north of the border for a deep dive into the future of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization as we are joined by Andrew Merrigan and Justin Born from The Aud Pod , covering the Kitchener Rangers . Andrew and Justin give us an inside look at two of Tampa Bay’s most exciting young prospects — Sam O’Reilly and Jack Pridham — after watching them up clos...

The Stanley Cup Final is here, and on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts , we break down the biggest storylines surrounding the battle for hockey’s ultimate prize! We’ll discuss: 🏆 Stanley Cup Final preview and predictions ⚡ What the Tampa Bay Lightning can learn from this year’s finalists ⚡ The future of the Bolts prospect pipeline ⭐ Sam O’Reilly’s potential impact in Tampa Bay ⭐ Benjami...

Former Tampa Bay Lightning forward and 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Eric Perrin joins Backchecking the Bolts for an in-depth interview covering one of hockey’s most unique career journeys. Eric discusses his path from the University of Vermont to professional hockey after going undrafted, eventually earning his opportunity with the Lightning and becoming part of Tampa Bay’s historic 2004 Stanley Cup...

The latest episode of Backchecking the Bolts is here! We break down everything surrounding the Tampa Bay Lightning as the offseason heats up. 🔥 Topics covered in this episode: 🏒 How the Charlie Coyle signing could reshape the NHL free agent market ⭐ Deep dive into Lightning prospects: Connor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly, and Benjamin Rautiainen ⚡ What Tampa Bay’s roster looks like heading into NHL Fre...

The latest episode of Backchecking the Bolts is here! On this episode, we break down the finalists for the NHL’s biggest awards, including the Hart Memorial Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Norris Trophy, Calder Memorial Trophy, Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, and more. Then we're joined by Jonah Ahrens from The Sabres Report Podcast to break down the incredible season by the Buffalo Sabres, what fueled their tu...

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s playoff run comes to an end as we break down the full first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts. Joining the show is Jared Book from Habs Eyes on the Prize (www. https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/ ), who gives the Montreal perspective on what decided the series, the biggest turning points, standout performances, coaching...

Relive the Tampa Bay Lightning’s heartbreaking season-ending Game 7 loss as Jason Linkes and Justin Godfrey break down the Bolts’ 2-1 defeat to the Montreal Canadiens in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts , we analyze what went wrong for the Tampa Bay Lightning, key turning points from Game 7, standout performances, missed opportunities, and what this ea...

Tampa stays alive! The Tampa Bay Lightning shut out the Montreal Canadiens 1-0 in overtime in Game 6, sending this playoff series to an epic Game 7 in Tampa. On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts , we recap the overtime winner, defensive masterclass, clutch saves, and biggest turning points from the game. We also break down the NHL Award finalists and take a look at the rest of the National Ho...

The Tampa Bay Lightning are on the brink. After a tough 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5, the Lightning now trail the series 3-2 in this best-of-seven matchup. We break down what went wrong, missed opportunities, and what Tampa Bay needs to do to force a Game 7. We’re also joined by Wesley Lawrence from Defending Big D to dive into the Western Conference — including a full breakdown of...

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts , we break down the Tampa Bay Lightning’s gritty 3-2 Game 4 victory that evened the series at 2-2. We dive into key moments, standout performances, and what changed for Tampa. Plus, we analyze the controversial hit from Max Crozier on Juraj Slafkovský and what it could mean moving forward. Finally, we preview a pivotal Game 5 and what both teams need to do...

The Tampa Bay Lightning fall 3-2 in overtime to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 3. We break down what went wrong, key moments that decided the game, and how the Bolts respond moving forward in this playoff series. Then, we’re joined by Bob Grove , a veteran NHL journalist with over 30 years covering the Pittsburgh Penguins and the league , for an exclusive interview. We dive into his insights on to...

The Tampa Bay Lightning take Game 2 in dramatic fashion with a 3-2 overtime win over Montreal! ⚡ In this episode of Backchecking the Bolts , host Jason Linkes is joined by Raw Charge Managing Editor Justin Godfrey to break down everything from Game 2 of this best-of-7 series. We dive into: Tampa Bay’s clutch overtime performance Key plays and standout players in the 3-2 victory What went right fo...

The Tampa Bay Lightning drop Game 1 in heartbreaking fashion, falling 4-3 in overtime to the Montreal Canadiens. In this episode of Backchecking the Bolts , we break down everything that led to the OT loss — from key defensive lapses to standout performances and momentum-shifting moments. We dive into: What went right & wrong for the Lightning in Game 1 Key plays that changed the outcome Playe...

In this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we’re joined by Jackie Spiegel of the Philadelphia Inquirer to break down the resurgence of the Philadelphia Flyers and what it means heading into the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Jackie gives insider perspective on what’s driving the Flyers’ turnaround, key players stepping up, and whether Philadelphia is a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference....

The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face the Montreal Canadiens in a highly anticipated Stanley Cup Playoff matchup, and we’ve got you covered with a full breakdown on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts . We’re joined by Jared Book of Habs Eyes on the Prize to get an inside perspective on the Canadiens heading into the series. From key players and lineup strengths to weaknesses Tampa Bay can ex...

The Tampa Bay Lightning pull off a huge 4-3 overtime win against the Detroit Red Wings, but the bigger story is what comes next… ⚡ The Bolts are officially set to face the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the NHL Playoffs. In this episode of Backchecking the Bolts , we break down: The Lightning’s OT win vs Detroit and what it means moving forward Early preview of the Lightning vs Canadien...

In this episode of Backchecking the Bolts , we break down a tough 2-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens and a gritty 2-1 bounce-back win over the Boston Bruins. What went wrong against Montreal, and what adjustments helped the Tampa Bay Lightning respond against one of their biggest rivals? We also preview Monday’s matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, highlighting key players to watch, potential li...

The Tampa Bay Lightning are hitting a rough stretch, and we’re breaking it all down on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts . We dive into the Lightning’s recent losses, falling 4-2 to the Buffalo Sabres and 6-2 to the Ottawa Senators, and what’s going wrong on both ends of the ice. We take a closer look at the key issues impacting Tampa Bay’s performance. We also preview Thursday’s matchup agai...

The Tampa Bay Lightning take care of business with a dominant 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins , and we’re breaking it all down on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts ! From key plays to standout performances, we dive into what fueled Tampa’s victory and what it means moving forward. We also preview a crucial back-to-back road trip as the Bolts head north to face the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Sen...

The Tampa Bay Lightning take down the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3, and we break it all down on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts. From standout performances to key turning points, we recap everything from the Lightning’s big win. We also preview Tampa Bay’s upcoming matchup against the Boston Bruins, including what to watch for and how the Lightning can keep their momentum going. Plus, we’re join...