Power Play Changes, Hildeby's First Start & Conor Geekie's Growing Confidence | Lightning Power Lunch - October 8, 2026

The Tampa Bay Lightning wrap up their homestand tonight against the Minnesota Wild, and on today's episode of Lightning Power Lunch, Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli preview the matchup, discuss the latest lineup news, and break down the changes the coaching staff is considering for a power play still searching for its first goal of the season. Ed Encina joins the show to discuss Dennis Hildeby's first start as a member of the Lightning, why Tampa Bay is sticking with the 11-forward, 7-defenseman alignment, and what he's learned about Conor Geekie's tremendous growth and confidence heading into his third NHL season. Plus, a look at Victor Hedman's encouraging start, the impact of reducing his workload, and why the Lightning believe their defensive depth can be a major advantage all season long. The guys also dive into the potential power play adjustments involving John Carlson and Charles-Édouard D'Astous, discuss the emergence of the Ilya Mikheyev-Pontus Holmberg-Zemgus Girgensons line, and debate the future contract outlook for Nikita Kucherov. Topics Lightning vs. Wild preview and Minnesota's challenging scheduleDennis Hildeby gets his first start for Tampa BayDominic James remains out and lineup notesEd Encina joins the showHildeby's opportunity and long-term upsideWhy the Lightning continue using 11 forwards and 7 defensemenConor Geekie's growth, confidence and strong startVictor Hedman's improving play and adjusted roleHedman's physicality and impact on the team's identityPower play changes featuring John Carlson and Charles-Édouard D'AstousWhy the Lightning believe the power play is trending in the right directionMikheyev, Holmberg and Girgensons continue to impressAround the NHL: Slow starts and special teams strugglesNikita Kucherov contract discussion and salary cap implicationsCould Conor Geekie be headed for a breakout season?Is Jon Cooper's early-season messaging any different this year?Lightning defensive depth and D'Astous' futureWhy Hildeby's start comes at the perfect timeDoes the Lightning power play need a major overhaul?Final thoughts and Wild game preview ⚡ Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Lightning coverage, game previews, postgame analysis, roster news, prospect updates, and exclusive interviews all season long. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #LightningPowerLunch #ConorGeekie #DennisHildeby #VictorHedman #NikitaKucherov #JohnCarlson #EdEncina #MinnesotaWild #NHL #BoltsNationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.