Episodes

  • Can Tampa Bay Lightning Land Dylan Larkin? - 2025-26 Bolts What Ifs - Nick Paul on the move?
    Jun 13 2026

    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

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    41 mins
  • Lightning Prospect Watch: Sam O’Reilly & Jack Pridham’s Development in Kitchener | The Aud Pod Joins
    Jun 6 2026

    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.

    Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Tampa Bay Lightning interviews, prospect coverage, NHL Draft analysis, and everything Bolts hockey.

    Follow Backchecking the Bolts on the following platforms.

    RawCharge: www.rawcharge.com

    Twitter: Backchecking the Bolts - Podcast (@Tampa_Bolts_Pod) / X

    Instagram: (1) Instagram

    Facebook: Facebook

    email: backcheckingthebolts@yahoo.com

    Follow the Aud Pod on the following platforms:

    Instagram: Instagram

    YouTube: The AudPod - YouTube

    Facebook: Facebook

    #GoBolts #TampaBayLightning #OHL #KitchenerRangers #SamOReilly #JackPridham #NHLDraft #TBLightning

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Can the Lightning Reload? Stanley Cup Final Talk, Sam O’Reilly, Benjamin Rautiainen & Free Agency
    Jun 1 2026

    The Stanley Cup Final is here, and on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we break down the biggest storylines surrounding the battle for hockey’s ultimate prize!

    We’ll discuss:
    🏆 Stanley Cup Final preview and predictions
    ⚡ What the Tampa Bay Lightning can learn from this year’s finalists
    ⚡ The future of the Bolts prospect pipeline
    ⭐ Sam O’Reilly’s potential impact in Tampa Bay
    ⭐ Benjamin Rautiainen’s breakout and NHL future
    💰 Which NHL free agents could be available on July 1st and whether any make sense for the Lightning

    #tampabaylightning #GoBolts #stanleycupfinals #NHLPlayoffs #TBL #StanleyCup

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    42 mins
  • Eric Perrin Interview From Undrafted to Stanley Cup Champion & Liiga Legend
    May 25 2026

    Former Tampa Bay Lightning forward and 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Eric Perrin joins Backchecking the Bolts for an in-depth interview covering one of hockey’s most unique career journeys.

    Eric discusses his path from the University of Vermont to professional hockey after going undrafted, eventually earning his opportunity with the Lightning and becoming part of Tampa Bay’s historic 2004 Stanley Cup championship team.

    The conversation also dives into his remarkable European hockey career, including his time in Finland’s Liiga, where he became the highest-scoring foreign-born player in league history. Eric shares stories from his NHL career, adapting to European hockey, playing overseas, and what it took to build a long and successful professional career.

    If you enjoy Tampa Bay Lightning history, NHL interviews, hockey podcasts, and stories of perseverance in professional hockey, this episode is for you.

    For more information on the Dayton Ice Arena and the programs offered, please visit:
    https://daytonaicearena.com/

    To follow the University of Vermont men's hockey program, click the link below:
    https://uvmathletics.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey

    #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #StanleyCup #TBLightning #Liiga #GoCatsGo #UVM

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Tampa Bay Lightning Offseason Update | Coyle Signing, Prospects + Habs-Sabres Game 7
    May 18 2026

    The latest episode of Backchecking the Bolts is here! We break down everything surrounding the Tampa Bay Lightning as the offseason heats up.

    🔥 Topics covered in this episode:
    🏒 How the Charlie Coyle signing could reshape the NHL free agent market
    ⭐ Deep dive into Lightning prospects: Connor Geekie, Sam O'Reilly, and Benjamin Rautiainen
    ⚡ What Tampa Bay’s roster looks like heading into NHL Free Agency
    🥅 Our thoughts on the intense Montreal vs Buffalo Game 7 matchup

    Which prospects could make an impact sooner than expected? And what does the Coyle deal mean for the rest of the NHL market?

    #TampaBayLightning #NHL #GoBolts #TBL #TBLightning #StanleyCUpPlayoffs

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    32 mins
  • Buffalo Sabres Surprise the NHL? Jonah Ahrens Breaks Down Buffalo vs. Montreal + NHL Awards
    May 11 2026

    The latest episode of Backchecking the Bolts is here!

    On this episode, we break down the finalists for the NHL’s biggest awards, including the Hart Memorial Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Norris Trophy, Calder Memorial Trophy, Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, and more.

    Then we're joined by Jonah Ahrens from The Sabres Report Podcast to break down the incredible season by the Buffalo Sabres, what fueled their turnaround, and how Buffalo matches up in their second-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens.

    Follow Jonah & The Sabres Report Podcast:

    YouTube: The Sabre Report - YouTube

    Facebook: Facebook

    X (Jonah Ahrens): Jonah Ahrens (@TSR_Jonah) / X

    #NHL #BuffaloSabres #LetsGoBuffalo #MontrealCanadiens #NHLAwards #StanleyCupPlayoffs #TampaBayLightning #GoHabsGo #GoBolts

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    49 mins
  • Tampa Bay Lightning Eliminated - Canadiens Series Recap + Sabres Preview ft. Jared Book
    May 8 2026

    The Tampa Bay Lightning’s playoff run comes to an end as we break down the full first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts.

    Joining the show is Jared Book from Habs Eyes on the Prize (www.https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/), who gives the Montreal perspective on what decided the series, the biggest turning points, standout performances, coaching decisions, and what went wrong for Tampa Bay.

    We also look ahead to the Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres second-round playoff matchup, as Jared shares his thoughts on key storylines, matchups to watch, X-factors, and whether Montreal has what it takes to keep their Stanley Cup run alive.

    Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Lightning analysis, NHL playoff coverage, interviews, and hockey debate.

    Habs Eyes on the Prize:
    Facebook: (1) Facebook
    Instagram: (1) Instagram

    #TampaBayLightning #MontrealCanadiens #NHLPlayoffs #GoBolts #GoHabsGo #GoSabres #StanleyCupPlayoffs #Habs #TBL

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    37 mins
  • Lightning Eliminated in Game 7 | Tampa Bay Falls 2-1 to Montreal + NHL Second Round Predictions
    May 4 2026

    Relive the Tampa Bay Lightning’s heartbreaking season-ending Game 7 loss as Jason Linkes and Justin Godfrey break down the Bolts’ 2-1 defeat to the Montreal Canadiens in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

    On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we analyze what went wrong for the Tampa Bay Lightning, key turning points from Game 7, standout performances, missed opportunities, and what this early playoff exit means for the future of the franchise.

    We also shift our focus to the NHL postseason and preview the second round matchups, as Jason Linkes and Justin Godfrey make their Stanley Cup Playoff predictions and discuss which teams have the best path to the Finals.

    🏒 Topics in this episode:
    • Lightning vs Canadiens Game 7 recap
    • Biggest reasons Tampa Bay was eliminated
    • Key players and turning points
    • Offseason questions facing the Lightning
    • Second Round NHL Playoff predictions

    Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for weekly NHL analysis, Tampa Bay Lightning news, playoff coverage, and offseason breakdowns.

    #GoBolts #TampaBayLightning #GoHabsGo #Habs #TBL #TBLightning #StanleyCupPlayoffs #NHL

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    35 mins