Former Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Peter Taglianetti joins Backchecking the Bolts to look back on an incredible hockey journey that stretched from college hockey greatness to the biggest stage in the NHL.

Taglianetti was a member of the inaugural 1992-93 Tampa Bay Lightning team and shares stories about playing for an expansion franchise built by Phil Esposito, what the early days of Lightning hockey were really like, and how Tampa Bay began building its NHL identity.

Before arriving in Tampa, Peter played at Providence College under legendary coach and Hockey Hall of Famer Lou Lamoriello, was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets, and credits former Norris Trophy winner Randy Carlyle as an important mentor during his early NHL career.

Taglianetti also reflects on his championship years with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992 alongside some of hockey’s greatest players.

Plus — hear the unbelievable story of Peter’s appearance in the famous 1993 Yokozuna Body Slam Challenge aboard the USS Intrepid, one of the most memorable crossover moments between the NHL and WWE.

Topics Include:
⚡ Joining the first-ever Tampa Bay Lightning roster
⚡ Playing for Phil Esposito
⚡ Lessons from Lou Lamoriello at Providence College
⚡ Being mentored by Randy Carlyle with the Winnipeg Jets
⚡ Winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins
⚡ Mario Lemieux, championship teams & NHL memories
⚡ The 1993 Yokozuna Body Slam Challenge

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The Tampa Bay Lightning offseason rumors are heating up, and Backchecking the Bolts is breaking it all down!

On this episode, Justin brings some big “What Ifs?” from the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2025-26.

Jason and Justin discuss whether Nick Paul could become a trade candidate as the Lightning look at their roster, salary cap situation, and potential moves heading into the 2025-26 NHL season.

We dive into the Dylan Larkin trade rumors and debate where Tampa Bay stacks up among possible landing spots for the Detroit Red Wings captain.

#TBL #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #HockeyPodcast #TBLightning #StanleyCupPlayoffs

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we go north of the border for a deep dive into the future of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization as we are joined by Andrew Merrigan and Justin Born from The Aud Pod, covering the Kitchener Rangers.

Andrew and Justin give us an inside look at two of Tampa Bay’s most exciting young prospects — Sam O’Reilly and Jack Pridham — after watching them up close during their season with the Rangers.

A huge thank you to Andrew Merrigan and Justin Born of The Aud Pod for joining us and providing their firsthand insight into two players who could become important pieces of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s future.

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