As the 2026 Winter Olympics wrap up, the Tampa Bay Lightning are gearing up to dive back into the NHL action. With the season resuming on Wednesday, the Bolts are among the eager 16 teams ready to hit the ice immediately.
Let’s delve into their upcoming matchups, injury updates, and a quick Olympic recap for some key players.
Olympic Glory for the Bolts
Jake Guentzel and Brandon Hagel found themselves on opposite sides as the United States faced Canada in a thrilling gold medal showdown-reminiscent of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. This clash also echoed last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off Final.
Guentzel snagged the gold, while Hagel, along with head coach Jon Cooper and GM Julien BriseBois, took home silver. Both players peppered the goal with shots but couldn’t find the net. In a moment of sportsmanship, Cooper was seen congratulating Guentzel on his victory, a classy nod that was captured on video by NHL reporter Julie Stewart-Binks.
Erik Cernak, the only other Lightning player to reach the final four, represented Slovakia with pride, ultimately finishing fourth after a tough 6-1 loss to Finland.
Games to Keep an Eye On
The Lightning are set to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, marking their second encounter this season. Fresh off their Olympic camaraderie, Guentzel and Auston Matthews will quickly transition back to NHL rivals.
Tampa Bay will play two of their last three February games at home. After facing the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh on Thursday, they’ll welcome the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. March kicks off with a challenging four-game road trip, including rematches against both the Maple Leafs and Sabres.
Injury Report
Defenseman Max Crozier is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season due to surgery for a core muscle injury, sidelining him for about 10 weeks. Crozier, who last played in the Stadium Series on February 1, has contributed 10 points in 34 games this season.
Anthony Cirelli and Brayden Point are on the mend from injuries that prevented them from joining Canada at the Olympics. Cirelli, recovering from a shoulder injury, was seen practicing in a no-contact jersey on February 19, focusing on his shot.
Point, sidelined since January 12 with a lower-body injury, is anticipated to return this week. Reflecting on missing the Olympics, he acknowledged the challenges but expressed happiness for his teammates who competed.
Nick Paul’s status remains uncertain as he deals with an undisclosed injury, having missed practice on February 19.
As the Lightning prepare to transition from Olympic pursuits to the quest for the Stanley Cup, they’re comfortably leading the Atlantic Division with 27 games left. The excitement is palpable as they aim to continue their dominant run.