Bolts Ready for Season & Kucherov Contract Talk | Lightning Power Lunch - September 30, 2026

Opening Night is just one day away, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli get you ready for the Tampa Bay Lightning's season opener against the New York Rangers. The guys discuss the importance of a fast start, why the Atlantic Division may be the NHL's toughest division, and what the Lightning need to do early in the season to position themselves for another playoff run.

Plus, Dan Rosen of NHL.com joins the show for a league-wide preview, including his outlook on the Lightning, Nikita Kucherov's next contract, the impact of the rising salary cap, expansion rumors, and which teams are best positioned to challenge for the Stanley Cup this season.

The conversation also covers Erik Cernak's importance to Tampa Bay's blue line, the Lightning's physical identity, what to expect from Charle-Édouard D'Astous and Dominic James this season, and why Conor Geekie could be one of the biggest stories to watch for the Bolts.

Topics & Timestamps

Opening Night is almost here: Why a strong start matters

Is the Atlantic Division the NHL's toughest division?

Erik Cernak's importance to the Lightning defense

Has Tampa Bay become a more physical team?

Charle-Édouard D'Astous potential next step

Dominic James' outlook when he returns from injury

Nikita Kucherov's contract future and Opening Night history

NHL.com's Dan Rosen joins the show