What's Changed Since Opening Night and Dominic James' Return? | Daily Strike - October 7, 2026

The Tampa Bay Lightning are riding a two-game winning streak and looking to complete a perfect opening homestand as they prepare to host the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. On today's Daily Strike, Steve Versnick recaps the latest from practice and examines what's fueled Tampa Bay's turnaround after a disappointing season-opening loss to the New York Rangers.

Hear from Jon Cooper on the lessons learned from Opening Night and how the team has responded with consecutive victories over the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers. Plus, Brayden Point discusses the adjustments that have helped the Lightning find their game early in the season.

The Bolts could also be getting healthier. The organization placed Jansen Harkins on waivers for the purpose of assignment to the Syracuse Crunch, a move that could indicate that Dominic James is nearing a return after missing all of Training Camp and the first three regular-season games with a broken hand.

Meanwhile, newcomer John Carlson continues to make an impact on the blue line with assists in back-to-back games. We also highlight the latest episode of New In Blue, where Carlson joins Gabby Shirley for a fishing adventure away from the rink.

In Today's Episode:

• The Lightning's two-game winning streak and improved play since Opening Night
• Jon Cooper on what the team learned from the Rangers loss
• Brayden Point discusses the changes behind Tampa Bay's strong response
• Preview of Thursday's matchup against the Minnesota Wild
• Zemgus Girgensons on the keys to extending the winning streak
• Dominic James nearing a return to the lineup
• Jansen Harkins placed on waivers for assignment to the Syracuse Crunch
• Nikita Kucherov passes Henrik Sedin for third-most multi-assist games among players born and trained outside North America
• Brandon Hagel continues to lead the NHL in empty-net goals since joining Tampa Bay in 2021-22
• Brayden Point moves within one go-ahead goal of tying Marty St. Louis for fourth in franchise history
• This Day in Lightning History: The franchise's first-ever game on October 7, 1992, a 7-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks led by Chris Kontos' four-goal performance

With the Wild coming to town tomorrow night, the Lightning have a chance to complete an unbeaten homestand and continue their climb in the Eastern Conference standings. Subscribe to Daily Strike for daily Tampa Bay Lightning news, player interviews, game previews, recaps, prospect updates and everything happening around the Bolts.

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