The Tampa Bay Lightning open the 2026-27 NHL season with a split, falling 5-1 to the New York Rangers on opening night before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals in the home opener.

On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, Jason Linkes and Raw Charge Managing Editor Justin Godfrey break down both games and what we learned from Tampa Bay’s first two contests of the season.

🏒 Justin’s Game Notes — Justin gives his three biggest keys from each game and explains what determined the outcome against New York and Washington.

⚡ Lightning vs. Rangers — What went wrong in the 5-1 opening-night loss?
⚡ Lightning vs. Capitals — Tampa Bay responds with a much better effort in the 3-1 home-opening victory.
⚡ Early-season takeaways — What already looks encouraging, and what needs improvement?
⚡ Coming up next — We preview this week’s home games against the Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota Wild.

Can the Lightning build off their win over Washington and start putting together some early-season momentum?

Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Tampa Bay Lightning analysis, game recaps, previews, interviews and more throughout the 2026-27 NHL season.

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The 2026-27 Tampa Bay Lightning season is here! The Bolts open the regular season Thursday night in New York against the New York Rangers, and Backchecking the Bolts gets you ready for Opening Night.

Raw Charge Managing Editor Justin Godfrey and Jason Linkes break down the biggest questions surrounding the Lightning as Tampa Bay begins another run at the Stanley Cup.

⚡ On this episode:

🔥 Justin’s Burning Questions — The biggest questions facing the Lightning entering the 2026-27 season and the answers that could help define Tampa Bay’s year.

⚡ Jason’s Bolts Blueprint for Success — Jason examines the trends and strategies Tampa Bay needs to improve from last season, including managing minutes for veterans, face-offs, defensive-zone draws, scoring first and other areas that could make the difference in 2026-27.

🏒 The 2026-27 Lightning Roster — We break down Tampa Bay’s Opening Night roster: Who made it? Who didn’t? And what could the lineup look like when the Lightning take the ice against the Rangers?

Plus, Jason and Justin discuss what they’ll be watching for as the Tampa Bay Lightning open the 2026-27 NHL season at Madison Square Garden.

If you’re a Tampa Bay Lightning fan, subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Lightning news, analysis, interviews, game previews and reaction throughout the 2026-27 NHL season.

Backchecking the Bolts — your home for Tampa Bay Lightning talk.

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What does it take to go from Minnesota high school hockey to becoming a Stanley Cup Champion? Former Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ben Clymer joins Jason Linkes and Justin Godfrey on Backchecking the Bolts for an exclusive interview about his remarkable hockey journey, winning the 2004 Stanley Cup, and building a successful career after the NHL.

Growing up in Bloomington, Minnesota, Clymer developed his love for hockey in one of America's most passionate hockey communities. From winning a Minnesota high school state championship to reaching the NHL, Ben shares the experiences, challenges, and memories that shaped his career.

We look back at his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, including the unforgettable 2004 Stanley Cup championship season, his years playing under John Tortorella, and his eventual move to the Washington Capitals.

But Ben's story doesn't end when he hangs up his skates!

Today, Clymer is the Managing Partner at Abbey Street in the Twin Cities, where he has transitioned from professional hockey into financial and wealth management. We discuss what attracted him to the financial industry, the lessons he carried from the NHL into the business world, and his perspective on life after professional sports.

In this episode:

• Growing up in Bloomington, Minnesota, and discovering hockey
• Winning a Minnesota high school hockey state championship
• The journey from Minnesota to the NHL
• Playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning
• Memories of John Tortorella and the 2004 Stanley Cup championship
• His time with the Washington Capitals
• Transitioning from professional hockey to financial management
• His role as Managing Partner at Abbey Street
• Life after hockey and the lessons learned along the way

Plus, Ben steps into the penalty box for our rapid-fire segment, Two Minutes in the Box!

Whether you're a longtime Tampa Bay Lightning fan, a Minnesota hockey enthusiast, or simply interested in what professional athletes do after their playing careers, this conversation offers a fascinating look at life on and off the ice.

Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for more Tampa Bay Lightning news, analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the NHL.

Hosted by Jason Linkes and Justin Godfrey, Managing Editor of Raw Charge.

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Email: backcheckingthebolts@yahoo.com

Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

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