NHL playoff shakeup: Time for change? This episode dives deep into the controversial playoff format, exploring potential tweaks to inject fresh excitement into the postseason.

Nick and Greg spotlight under-the-radar Stanley Cup contenders, challenging listeners to look beyond the usual suspects. They analyze dark horse teams with the right mix of talent, coaching, and momentum to make a surprising run.

The hosts dissect proposed format changes, weighing pros and cons of expanded wildcards, play-in tournaments, and reseeding options. They consider how these adjustments might level the playing field and create more thrilling matchups.

Hear expert picks for unexpected Cup finalists and the reasoning behind these bold predictions. From emerging stars to veteran-laden squads flying under the radar, this episode uncovers the teams poised to shock the hockey world.

Tune in for a fresh perspective on the NHL playoffs, potential format revolutions, and the underdogs ready to make their mark on the Stanley Cup chase.

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Nick and Greg discuss their least favorite rules and teams, and which teams they secretly love after the Bolts.
0:00 Coaching review
12:32 Cooper on the hot seat?
22:53 Ranking TBL coaches from the past

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Tampa Bay Lightning's depth players take center stage as the 2025-2026 season approaches. Will these unsung heroes be the key to another Stanley Cup run?

Nick Morgan and Greg Stephen break down the performances of defensemen Darren Raddysh and Emil Lilleberg, analyzing their strengths and areas for improvement. The duo also spotlight forwards Morgan Geekie and Zemgus Girgensons, debating their roles and potential impact on the Lightning's lineup. With predictions for breakout candidates and roster changes, this in-depth analysis covers every angle of Tampa Bay's depth chart.

Tune in to hear why Girgensons' contributions might be more valuable than his stats suggest, and how Geekie's versatility could be a game-changer for the Lightning's offensive strategies this season.

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0:00 Coaching review

13:55 Cooper on the hot seat?

22:51 Ranking TBL coaches from the past

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NHL rule changes shake up the league! Will an 84-game season and LTIR loophole closure reshape team strategies?

Nick Morgan and Greg Stephen break down the potential impacts on the Tampa Bay Lightning and other NHL teams. We also analyzes Nick Paul's performance, debating his trade value and role in the Lightning's future plans. Key discussions include the Lightning's defensive depth, potential free agent signings, and how the projected $103 million salary cap could affect roster decisions.

Is Tampa Bay still a Stanley Cup favorite? Tune in for expert insights on the Lightning's championship window and what moves they might make before the puck drops on the new season.

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Tampa Bay Lightning shook up their roster with a big trade for Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde. Are these acquisitions enough to reignite their championship aspirations?

Nick Morgan and Greg Stephen analyze the Lightning's recent trades, focusing on Oliver Bjorkstrand's impressive late-season scoring run before his injury and Yanni Gourde's energetic return to Tampa Bay. We dissect Bjorkstrand's potential for a career year and Gourde's evolving role as a defensive specialist. They also evaluate the trade's long-term implications, weighing the cost of two first-round picks against the team's aging core and future defensive concerns.

Tune in for expert insights on how these acquisitions could reshape the Lightning's strategy and impact their competitiveness through 2027.

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Gametime
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FanDuel
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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Can J.J. Moser become the next great offensive defenseman for the Tampa Bay Lightning? Will Erik Cernak stay healthy enough to deliver a solid dose of grit to the Bolts' blueline?

Nick Morgan and Greg Stephen look at one big question facing Moser and Cernak for the 2025-26 NHL season -- and explain why these two could be the key to how well the Lightning do defensively next season. We also look at Cernak's contract and ask whether there's any "buyer's remorse" based on his recent health concerns.

Plus, we ask one big question about the NHL's national TV schedule --- why aren't more Canadian teams, like the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Winnipeg Jets, featured on American national TV games?

Moser and Cernak as X Factors? Contract concerns? Canadian spotlights? Catch it all on Friday's Locked on Lightning!

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Nick Morgan and Greg Stephen talk about their biggest concerns headed into next season with these two Lightning stars, predict how their seasons will look, and discuss some of the areas in which they could potentially grow. The two hosts also dive into the newly released NHL26 player ratings, offering their opinions on how the rankings look thus far.

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