The Last Call - Tampa Bay Lightning Postgame Show
last-call-092626
The Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up the preseason on a high note, defeating the Florida Panthers 3-2 in a shootout, and Last Call Presented by Jack Daniel's breaks down all the biggest storylines heading into Opening Night. Benjamin Rautiainen scored the game-tying goal in the third period before delivering a highlight-reel shootout winner, capping an impressive camp for one of Tampa Bay's most intriguing young prospects. Host Greg Linnelli and Eric Erlendsson discuss the final roster battles, the impressive depth throughout the organization, and why players like Rautiainen, Sam O'Reilly, Connor Geekie, Lucas Mercuri, and Jeff Viel gave the coaching staff plenty to think about before opening night. The show also features comments from Head Coach Jon Cooper, Viel and Mercuri as camp comes to a close. As the preseason ends and the regular season begins next week, the crew examines Tampa Bay's roster depth, the emergence of several young players, and why there's growing optimism surrounding this Lightning team heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Topics & Time Markers 0:00 – Lightning defeat Panthers 3-2 in a shootout; Rautiainen's heroics 1:15 – Rautiainen's standout camp and opening-night roster discussion 5:40 – Jeff Viel interview: chemistry, physicality, and his role on the team 9:40 – John Cooper on the most competitive Lightning training camp in years 13:20 – Final roster decisions, organizational depth, and players who impressed 17:40 – Rautiainen ties the game on the power play 18:55 – Lucas Mercuri interview after scoring in his preseason debut 21:45 – Expectations for the regular season and why this team feels motivated 24:10 – Dennis Hildeby earns the backup job and the Jonas Johansson trade 26:15 – Final thoughts as the Lightning turn the page to Opening Night against the Rangers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
