Lightning vs. Panthers: Braydon Coburn Breaks Down Hedman, Defensive Depth & Camp Battles | Lightning Power Lunch - September 24, 2026

It’s another chapter in the Lightning-Panthers rivalry as Tampa Bay hosts Florida in preseason action, and Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli preview all the key storylines heading into the matchup. While the Panthers are dressing a prospect-heavy lineup, the Lightning are icing many of their NHL regulars, including Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Jake Guentzel, Victor Hedman, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and John Carlson. Former Lightning defenseman Braydon Coburn joins the show to discuss Victor Hedman’s offseason transformation, why shedding weight could help extend his effectiveness, and how Tampa Bay's defensive depth may be one of the team's biggest strengths entering the 2026-27 season. Coburn also shares insights on Conor Geekie’s development, the evolution of skating and shooting in today’s NHL, and why confidence remains a critical factor for players looking to take the next step. Plus, the guys dive into the ongoing roster battles featuring Sam O’Reilly, Conor Geekie, Benjamin Rautiainen, Jacob Pelletier and Jansen Harkins, while examining how the Lightning's physical identity could carry over from last season's heated matchups with Florida. In this episode: Lightning vs. Panthers preseason preview Braydon Coburn on Victor Hedman and Tampa Bay's blue line Conor Geekie's NHL development path Sam O'Reilly's continued push for a roster spot John Carlson's fit with the Lightning The evolution of NHL skating, shooting and stick technology Tampa Bay's physical identity entering the new season Atlantic Division outlook and roster depth discussion ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2026-27 season. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #BraydonCoburn #VictorHedman #ConnorGeeky #SamOReilly #NikitaKucherov #NHL #HockeyPodcast #NHLPreseasonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.