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In this episode, Boomer & Tommy react to the Lightning's strong start to the 2026-27 season. They discuss their standout players (Boomer: Erik Cernak & Tommy: Pontus Holmberg), and they talk through their concern level with the team as a whole. They discuss the Lightning atrocious start to the power play (just 3-for-28 through 8 games), and they also take a look at the seven other teams in the Atlantic Division (Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins). Plus, this episode features a new segment: Shoot Your Shot. This will be a reoccurring segment where fans can write their opinions into the show & Boomer/Tommy will talk about them in the episode. The ThunderBucket prompt for this week is this: If the Bolts had to practice on rollerblades down Bayshore, which player will eat pavement first? LINKS: Interact With The Show (ThunderBucket/Shoot Your Shot): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_dnwpYC_587To32EmKfk6Ghl4v147QXznhQHgCgrozVDO8A/viewform Blog/Newsletter: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/where-do-the-lightning-stand-8-games Last Week's Episode: https://youtu.be/hhpbj62ZW_Y?si=qrCt9YWAqswtD6tw Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: [email protected] Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay) -- Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more.

In this episode, Boomer & Tommy talk about Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman, and Conor Geekie. For each player, they rank (0-10) how pleased they are with their start to the 2026-27 season. Then, they ask a couple other questions surrounding each player: Kucherov: Are you happy with how Jon Cooper is deploying him? How would you like him to break the franchise scoring title? Hedman: How does he compare to vintage, 2018, Victor Hedman? What is your hope for the rest of this season? Geekie: Do you still see him as a big part of this Tampa Bay Lightning future? How patient should the Lightning be with him? The episode concludes with a drawing from the ThunderBucket. This week's prompt was this: If you had to sum up Lightning hockey using only Florida Man headlines, what would you say? You can submit your own ThunderBucket prompt here: bit.ly/thunderbucket Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. LINKS: Last week's episode: https://youtu.be/1dy_yE-9QmI?si=ju8qQA0rBX8SXtNl This week's blog post: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/a-closer-look-at-the-tampa-bay-lightnings Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: [email protected] Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

In this episode, Boomer & Tommy discuss three main topics: 
 1. Line Combinations & Roster Construction 2. The Sulking Power Play (0-for-13 to start the year) 3. The Lightning Identity (work ethic, hustle, forecheck, toughness). At the end, they draw from the ThunderBucket. This week’s prompt is this: Would you rather take a full-speed Victor Hedman slap shot as a goalie or get run into the boards by Erik Cernak? Here are a few links discussed in this episode: Last Week’s Blog: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/what-happened-in-week-one-of-the Last Week’s Episode: https://youtu.be/iydinm1NmJU?si=QV0LLYaQ5ioV1vCs Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: [email protected] Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

In this episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast, Boomer & Tommy react to the Tampa Bay Lightning's season-opening game, a 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers. They also go through upcoming milestones for the Lightning's players as well as discuss the current roster construction. The episode ends with a drawing from the ThunderBucket. This week's prompt was this: If you could re-live (re-experience) one moment from Lightning history but you had to erase it from your memory afterwards, which moment would you chose? You can submit your own ThunderBucket prompt here: bit.ly/thunderbucket You can read about all the Lightning's milestones here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/every-tampa-bay-lightning-milestone Brandon Hagel (Podcast Mentioned): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brandon-hagel-on-the-cam-strick-podcast/id1481543060?i=1000779812889 Catch last week's episode: https://youtu.be/xEBvdGgh-8g?si=aIIl2REHyTlPM5Ga Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: [email protected] Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

In this episode, Boomer and Tommy talk about the Tampa Bay Lightning & their 2026-27 preseason campaign. They discuss Captain Victor Hedman, how he's lost weight, how he looks faster & stronger, and what type of season he'd need to have to satisfy fans... Boomer and Tommy also talk about which young forward will make the roster out of training camp...will it be Sam O'Reilly? Conor Geekie? Jansen Harkins? Dylan Duke? Benjamin Rautiainen? Jakob Pelletier? Finally, the conclusion of the episode is a drawing from the ThunderBucket. This week's prompt was this: If you could go back & listen to the mic'd up audio of one moment in Lightning history, which moment would you choose? Here are some links mentioned in the episode: 5 Things Every Lightning Fan Should Know Before The 2026-27 Season: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/5-things-every-lightning-fan-should Last Week's Episode: https://youtu.be/7SpyhdJ0nrY?si=BktALqJiiULsuWZF Ilya Mikheyev's Preseason Goal: https://x.com/TBLightning/status/2101784591723900971?s=20 Conor Geekie's Preseason Goal: https://x.com/TBLightning/status/2101790262334718307?s=20 Jeffrey Viel's First Preseason Goal: https://x.com/TBLightning/status/2102567851421036579?s=20 Jeffrey Viel's Second Preseason Goal: https://x.com/TBLightning/status/2102579561523187944?s=20 Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Email: [email protected] Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

This episode of the Bolts Breakdown podcast is a preview discussion of the Atlantic Division before the 2026-27 NHL season. Boomer and Tommy walk through each of the Lightning’s opponents & discuss last year’s series as well as key additions & subtractions for each club during this offseason. The episode also highlights recent Lightning news, like Nikita Kucherov’s lack of contract extension & injury updates from the recent Lightning media day (linked below). Finally, the ThunderBucket prompt concludes the episode: If you could sneak into benchmark International Arena overnight, would you try on ThunderBug’s costume or ride the Zamboni? ------------- You can find links mentioned in the show below: Atlantic Division Preview: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-tampa-bay-lightnings-atlantic?r=5gsqvk&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web Lightning Media Day: https://www.youtube.com/live/G0g4LFR_Ko0?si=UJXqddt7Oj6DMRKy Pontus Holmberg Highlight: https://x.com/TBLightning/status/1977799828118651019?s=20 Darren Raddysh Highlight: https://x.com/NHL/status/2040576956370976920?s=20 Prospect Episode: https://youtu.be/1Zq97DIg6uM?si=nnOOJopfbcwVLnzx Prospect Article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-tampa-bay-lightning-prospect?r=5gsqvk&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: [email protected] Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay) ----------- 01:15 - Lightning Prospect Showcase 08:00 - Recent Injuries 09:50 - Nikita Kucherov Extension 18:34 - Atlantic Division Preview 20:48 - Boston Bruins 25:13 - Detroit Red Wings 27:46 - Florida Panthers 32:50 - Toronto Maple Leafs 35:10 - Montreal Canadiens 36:57 - Ottawa Senators 38:38 - Buffalo Sabres 41:00 - Which rival team will be the Lightning's toughest test 43:45 - ThunderBucket

In this episode, Boomer & Tommy discuss how important Yanni Gourde has been to the Tampa Bay Lightning over the course of his career. They talk about his unique path to the NHL. They talk about his tenacity on the ice. They talk about his leadership in the dressing room. ... They ask whether Gourde has done enough to warrant a statue, or a jersey retirement, or a Lightning hall of fame nomination. Plus, there's a 15-question trivia-style game about Yanni Gourde. Tommy scored 28 points; leave a comment with how many you score! Here are a few links mentioned in the episode: Yanni Gourde Article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/yanni-gourde-the-five-things-every ThunderBucket Prompt: bit.ly/thunderbucket Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: [email protected] Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

This episode is all about the Tampa Bay Lightning & how they've lost the last four years in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tommy & Boomer remember each series (2023 vs the Toronto Maple Leafs, 2024 vs the Florida Panthers, 2025 vs the Florida Panthers, and 2026 vs the Montreal Canadiens). With each year, they recap the big moments & discuss any trends they have seen. Here are some questions they discuss in the episode: 1) Are there any reoccurring problems or trends from the last four years? If so, have they been corrected for the 2026-27 season? If there aren't, when does bad luck/good opponents become an inexcusable answer? 2) Do the last four years impact your expectations for this upcoming season (2026-27)? 3) Which of the last four years stings you the worst as a fan? Finally, Boomer & Tommy draw from the ThunderBucket to conclude the episode. This week's prompt is this: If Jon Cooper coached a different sport in the Tampa Bay area, which sport would he dominate (Rays, Bucs, Rowdies, USF, etc.)? Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. LINKS: Read The Blog: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/revisiting-the-tampa-bay-lightnings Watch Last Week's Episode: https://youtu.be/YCk8bTUZhLM?si=kMUb0mpKcFEDJmrY Submit A Prompt For The ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: [email protected] Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay) - Chapters: 01:20 - Lightning News 02:27 - 2023 vs Toronto Maple Leafs 09:04 - 2024 vs Florida Panthers 15:05 - 2025 vs Florida Panthers 20:02 - 2026 vs Montreal Canadiens 21:52 - Reoccurring Problems/Trends 26:30 - 2015 to 2019 Comparison 37:05 - Can you let the past go or do it impact your expectations for 2026-27? 39:10 - Which of the last four years bothers you the most? 42:09 - Which Lightning players have been with the Bolts in all four Round 1 losses? 43:57 - ThunderBucket Prompt

Nikita Kucherov’s 2025-26 season was one for the history books. And in this episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast, Boomer & Tommy relive all the best moments & crazy statistics. The show even includes each of the host’s top five Nikita Kucherov highlights from the 2025-26 season. They discuss (as fans) what makes Kucherov so intriguing. They discuss what about Kucherov’s game irks them. They discuss what he could do next season that would still be surprising. The episode concludes with a drawing from the ThunderBucket. Here are a few important links mentioned in the video: Nikita Kucherov Article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/nikita-kucherovs-2025-26-mvp-season Boomer’s Top Five Highlights: https://substack.com/profile/330545936-bolts-breakdown/note/c-323680065?r=5gsqvk&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web Tommy’s Top Five Highlights: https://substack.com/profile/330545936-bolts-breakdown/note/c-323680408?r=5gsqvk&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket — Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: [email protected] Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

This episode discusses who Jeff Viel is & why he's a perfect fit for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Signed July 1st, 2026, Jeff Viel joins the Bolts on a 2.5M AAV, 5-year contract. What does he bring to the team? Is he more than just a fighter? What role will he play? How impactful will he be? Boomer & Tommy discuss all these questions & more. They conclude the episode with another offseason game: 10 questions about how Jeff Viel is similar to the other players on the roster. See how you do compared to Tommy (who scored 9 points)! ThunderBucket Prompt: If you could mic up one player 24/7 for a week, which player would you choose? Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. LINKS: Submit a prompt for the ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket Jeff Viel Article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/jeffrey-viel-a-perfect-fit-for-the Blog posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: [email protected] -- Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

This episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast talks about the Tampa Bay Lightning & their physical, in-your-face identity. Boomer & Tommy discuss if fighting 56 times in a season is a good idea, if it’s necessary, if it’s overkill, and much more. Then, they discuss the best five fights from the season, each giving their rankings & discussing their decision. Finally, the episode ends with a drawing from the ThunderBucket. This week’s prompt was this: If you could have two Lightning players switch bodies (freaky-friday style), which two would you switch? Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. LINKS: Brandon Hagel Podcast (interview at 1:18:00): https://youtu.be/-L-urtQ6igE?is=RRKS_ZgbkZadmdkH ‘25-26 Tampa Bay Lightning Fight Log: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-2025-26-tampa-bay-lightning-fight?r=5gsqvk&utm_medium=ios Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: [email protected] Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

This episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast is all about the Tampa Bay Lightning forwards. • What will the line combos look like? • Which rookies will make their debut? • Are there any weaknesses in the group? Tommy & Boomer discuss all of it and more. Plus, this episode features a 10-question game about all the current forwards on the team! Tommy scored 26 of 30 points; can you beat him? The episode ends with another ThunderBucket prompt (Which opposing fanbase cries the most when they lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning?). Dominic James Spotlight: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/who-is-dominic-james Last Week’s Episode (Ilya Mikheyev): https://youtu.be/3kzomW7gVgw?si=-o3vPPMwoYK8_bwA Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: [email protected] Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay) ---------------- Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more.

This episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast talks about Ilya Mikheyev & his role in with the Lightning. Boomer & Tommy discuss the Russian winger's seven season NHL career (including stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, & Chicago Blackhawks) & what Bolts Nation can expect from him in Tampa Bay. Will Mikheyev play top-six minutes? Will his injury history catch up with him? Is he too old to have his breakout season? We answer all these questions & more. Plus, the episode ends with a Dominic James trivia segment: 15 questions to test your knowledge on one of the youngest forwards on the Lightning's roster. At the conclusion of the episode, Boomer & Tommy draw from the ThunderBucket. This week, their prompt deals with OT winners, shutouts, or hat tricks. LINKS: Ilya Mikheyev Story: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/ilya-mikheyev-a-journey-of-unrealized 2026-27 Schedule Breakdown: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-2026-27-tampa-bay-lightning-schedule?r=5gsqvk Subscribe For Free Weekly Newsletters⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed X: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Substack: https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Email: [email protected] Bolts Breakdown exists in two formats: as a podcast & as a newsletter. Both are free resources for Tampa Bay Lightning fans. Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

Bolts Breakdown exists in two formats: as a podcast & as a newsletter. Both are free resources for Tampa Bay Lightning fans. In this episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast, Boomer & Tommy discuss the current defense & just how good they really are. First, though, they talk about recent Tampa Bay Lightning news: The release of the 2026-27 NHL schedule! You can read all about it here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-2026-27-tampa-bay-lightning-schedule Then, Boomer & Tommy play a 15-question trivia-style game about the Lightning No. 1 defender JJ Moser. Play along & see if you can beat Tommy. At the conclusion of the episode, Boomer & Tommy draw from the ThunderBucket & discuss which Lightning player would be the best playing with the opposite handed stick. Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans - to help Bolts Nation follow the team & enjoy their fandom more.⁠ LINKS: Last Week's Episode: https://youtu.be/Xt652PTvcgQ?si=POQjxiHgSG5OD9X_ Submit To The ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket Emil Lilleberg: A Story Of Perseverance: ⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/emil-lilleberg-a-story-of-perseverance 2026-27 Schedule Breakdown: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-2026-27-tampa-bay-lightning-schedule Subscribe For Free Weekly Newsletters⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Email: [email protected] Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

Bolts Breakdown exists in two formats: as a podcast & as a newsletter. Both are free resources for Tampa Bay Lightning fans. LINKS: Read The Full Newsletter: ⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/tampa-bay-lightning-single-game-record Submit To The ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket Subscribe For Free Weekly Newsletters⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/⁠⁠ Email: [email protected] In this episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast, Boomer & Tommy discuss recent Tampa Bay Lightning news: - Pierre-Édouard Bellemare returns to the Lightning organization - Impending Nikita Kucherov extension - Seven other Lightning players eligible to be extended Afterwards, Boomer & Tommy walk through many of the Lightning's single-game records. The Bolts have played 2,835 games in their 33-year NHL existence. Over time, they've built records that are borderline unfathomable. Delivered through an "over/under" style trivia game, Boomer & Tommy walk through 20 different Lightning records. Everything from most hits in a game to most short-handed goals. At the conclusion of the episode, Boomer & Tommy draw from the ThunderBucket & discuss the current Tampa Bay Lightning logo. Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay) Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans - to help Bolts Nation follow the team & enjoy their fandom more.⁠