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The Tampa Bay Lightning were founded in 1992 by a group led by NHL legend Phil Esposito. The team’s first game was played on Oct. 7, 1992, versus the Chicago Blackhawks and resulted in a 7-4 victory. Throughout its history, the team has reached the playoffs 15 times and won three Stanley Cups—2004, 2020, and 2021. They have reached two additional Stanley Cup Finals, once in 2015 and again in 2022. They are one of the NHL’s most successful franchises the 2010s and 2020s.

Lightning News, Analysis & Commentary

Lightning’s Brayden Point’s Elite Shooting Percentage Is Sustainable

Shooting percentage (SH%) is one of the most fascinating statistics in the NHL. The rate is dividing the shots on goal that go in the net by the total shots on goal. Often, shooting percentage helps predict future goal-scoring outcomes. Plus, it measures things like luck or shooting talent. When a player consistently posts a high shooting percentage, this typically means they are a talented shooter not driven by luck. However, players who experience outlier seasons in their shooting percentage often have a career year, then regress to the mean the following season. Related: Lightning Should Bring Back Tyler Johnson…

4 Things Patrick Roy Can Learn From Jon Cooper & Mike Sullivan

Patrick Roy’s head coaching tenure with the New York Islanders is filled with promise and upside. He took over halfway through the 2023-24 season and willed the team to the playoffs by leading them to a 20-12-5 record down the stretch. Now, the hope is that Roy, with a full offseason to prepare, can help the Islanders take a big step forward and finish near the top of the Eastern Conference in 2024-25. Related: Ranking Patrick Roy Among NHL’s 2023-24 Midseason Coach Hirings He’s not like other coaches as he brings an energy and passion behind the bench unmatched by…

Lightning Should Bring Back Tyler Johnson

This offseason got off to a tough start for Tampa Bay Lightning fans as they watched the face of the franchise, Steven Stamkos, sign with the Nashville Predators and defenseman Mikhail Sergachev traded to Utah. They did have a chance to get excited when defenseman Ryan McDonagh was reacquired back in May. Perhaps another reunion could help boost the morale further. A potential reunion that could also help the Lightning would be bringing back forward Tyler Johnson. It’s clear he’s not staying in Chicago. Toward the end of the season, he spoke of his time there, and it wasn’t flattering….

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Lightning Must Hold on to Anthony Cirelli

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli was heavily involved in trade rumors leading up to free agency. After re-acquiring Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators, the Lightning needed cap space to re-sign their captain, Steven Stamkos, and Cirelli’s name was first on the list. After all, an annual average value…

 

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Lightning FAQ

What year were the Tampa Bay Lightning founded?

The Tampa Bay Lightning were founded in 1992 by a group led by NHL legend Phil Esposito.

When did the Tampa Bay Lightning play their first game?

The team’s first game was played on Oct. 7, 1992, versus the Chicago Blackhawks and resulted in a 7-4 victory.

Who is the current head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning?

Jon Cooper is the current head coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning.