Lightning Preseason Begins, Point on Mikheyev & Power Play Look | Daily Strike - September 20, 2026

For the first time in 140 days, the Tampa Bay Lightning are back on home ice as they open the 2026 preseason against the Nashville Predators at Benchmark International Arena. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick gets you ready for the first game action of the season with the latest updates from Training Camp and a preview of tonight's matchup.

Hear from Brayden Point as he discusses playing alongside new teammate Ilya Mikheyev, while top prospect Sam O'Reilly shares his mindset as he pushes for a roster spot. Plus, Assistant Coach Rob Zettler breaks down the intense competition among the defensemen battling to make the opening-night roster.

We also take a look at the Lightning's power-play units, featuring newcomer John Carlson on the point alongside Nikita Kucherov, Jake Guentzel, Brandon Hagel, and Brayden Point.

In this episode:

• Lightning vs. Predators preseason preview
• Training Camp updates from Day 4
• Brayden Point on building chemistry with Ilya Mikheyev
• Sam O'Reilly's push for an NHL roster spot
• Competition on the blue line intensifies
• First look at the revamped Lightning power play
• This Day in Lightning History: Victor Hedman introduced as team captain in 2024
• Season opener and home opener reminders
• Launch Week events coming soon

Subscribe to Daily Strike for daily Tampa Bay Lightning news, Training Camp coverage, player interviews, roster analysis, game previews, and everything happening around the Bolts as the 2026-27 season gets underway.

#TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #LightningHockey #Preseason #BraydenPoint #NikitaKucherov #JohnCarlson #VictorHedman #DailyStrike #HockeyPodcast #BoltsNation #TampaBaySports

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