Lightning Power Lunch: Lightning Roster Battles Intensify: O’reilly, Geeky & Pelletier Get Another Look | Lightning Power Lunch

Summary

With another preseason matchup on deck, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down the latest Tampa Bay Lightning roster battles, training camp storylines, and lineup decisions as the competition for opening-night spots heats up. The guys discuss why Connor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly, and Benjamin Rautiainen are getting another opportunity to impress, what the coaching staff is evaluating, and whether O'Reilly's faceoff ability could help him make a serious push for an NHL roster spot. They also take a closer look at Jacob Pelletier's path to the NHL after an MVP season in Syracuse and why this camp could be a pivotal one in his development. Plus, Eric Erlendsson joins the show to discuss the Lightning's defensive depth, Victor Hedman's outlook heading into the season, Dennis Hildeby's role as the likely backup goaltender, and whether Tampa Bay remains a legitimate contender in a highly competitive Atlantic Division. Topics include: Lightning vs. Predators preseason previewConnor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly & Benjamin Rautiainen watchJacob Pelletier's NHL opportunityWhy the Lightning are likely to carry eight defensemenVictor Hedman's bounce-back expectationsDennis Hildeby and the backup goalie situationNikita Kucherov's future contract outlookEric Erlendsson's Atlantic Division predictions Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, roster analysis, prospect updates, game previews, and exclusive insight throughout the 2026-27 NHL season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #NHL #ConnorGeeky #SamOReilly #VictorHedman #NikitaKucherov #EricErlendsson #HockeyPodcast #NHLPreseasonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.