Episode Details
Back to Episodes
MIDSEASON GRADES: What We Learned About the Lightning in 2025 | Biggest Key to Success in 2026
Description
Tampa Bay Lightning surge into playoff position despite relentless injuries—has John Cooper delivered one of his best coaching performances yet? Brandon Hagel leads the charge with a breakout season, while Jake Guentzel’s consistency anchors the offense. Depth scoring returns as unsung heroes like Dominic James and Darren Raddysh step into pivotal roles, reigniting the team’s trademark versatility seen in their Stanley Cup runs.
Nick Morgan and Greg Stephen debate the Lightning’s biggest challenges, from injury woes to inconsistent power play execution, and ask if the team’s physicality is enough for another Cup push. Superlative picks spotlight Hagel’s two-way impact and Raddysh’s unexpected rise, while questions loom about Oliver Bjorkstrand’s second-half contributions. With Andrei Vasilevskiy poised as an X factor for 2026, can Tampa Bay cement contender status? Don’t miss this candid breakdown of the Lightning’s midseason trajectory and keys to success.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.
Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern.A little basketball, a little action, and a whole lot of Friday energy.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Watch Locked On Lightning on YouTube
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@LockedOnLightning
Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL
Follow Us on Social Media!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedonlightning/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockedonlightning
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lockedonlightning
X: https://x.com/LO_Lightning
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.