Lightning Beat Caps, Geekie Shines, Vasilevskiy Dominates & Bolts-Flyers Tonight | Lightning Power Lunch - October 5, 2026

The Tampa Bay Lightning bounced back in a big way with a 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down what was arguably the Lightning's most complete effort of the young season. They discuss the physical, playoff-like intensity of the game, how Tampa Bay responded after the Opening Night loss to the Rangers, and why Jon Cooper was pleased with the team's compete level.

The guys dive into Conor Geekie's impressive bounce-back performance, Charle-Edouard D'Astous' first-period goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy's outstanding night in net, and the impact of rolling seven defensemen against one of the biggest and toughest teams in the NHL. Plus, analysis of the Lightning's evolving line combinations, including Ilya Mikheyev's strong fit alongside Zemgus Girgensons and Emil Holmberg.

They also preview tonight's matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers, discuss the Lightning's faceoff improvements, examine the slow start by Tampa Bay's power play, and answer listener questions on lineup decisions, Nikita Kucherov's future contract, and more.

Topics

Lightning respond with a 3-1 win over Washington

Why the first period was Tampa Bay's best of the season

Vasilevskiy's stellar performance against the Capitals

Jon Cooper on the Lightning's improved compete level

Seven defensemen, Charle-Edouard D'Astous' goal & Emil Lilleberg's injury

Mikheyev, Girgensons and Holmberg form an effective matchup line

Conor Geekie's breakout performance and elite shot

Why the Caps game felt like playoff hockey