Nicole: You are going to want to hold onto your hats for this one. We just found out who is starting in net for the opener against New York, and Kevin’s take on Brayden Point’s new linemates might actually make you question everything we thought we knew about the top line.
Kevin: It’s a bold move, Nicole. And it sets the tone for how we’re going to attack the neutral zone all season. But first, let’s get to business.
Nicole: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, where we break down the NHL, one game at a time. I’m Nicole, and I’m here with my favorite hockey analyst, Kevin. It is September 28th, 2026, and the Tampa Bay Lightning are officially ready to roll. We are sitting atop the Atlantic Division standings right now, though that record of 0-0-0 tells you nothing about the talent in this room. Today is our mailbag episode. We’ve got questions coming in from across the country about the roster construction, the goalie controversy, and whether those preseason wins over Florida and Nashville mean anything when the lights go on against the Rangers.
Kevin: Exactly. And remember, last week we were talking about the need for improved neutral-zone play after that loss to Florida. Now, looking at the roster, I think we have the pieces to finally lock that down.
Nicole: Right, and we predicted a bounce-back win against them, which happened! So let’s dive into the emails. First up, we have a question from 'Sarah from Rochester' who wants to know about the goaltending situation. With Andrei Vasilevskiy back and Dennis Hildeby on the roster, who starts Game One in New York?
Kevin: This is the big one. If you look at the depth chart, Vasilevskiy is the clear starter. He’s the Vezina-caliber talent that keeps Tampa Bay in every single game. Hildeby provides excellent insurance, especially if they play back-to-back games later in the week, but against a team like the Rangers? You start the guy who has been there, done that. He needs to be sharp early because the Rangers’ forecheck is aggressive.
Nicole: I agree. And remember, in that 3-2 preseason victory over Florida, the defensive structure was so much tighter. Vasilevskiy had to make some key saves late in that game. If he carries that confidence into Madison Square Garden, we could see a very different outcome than what we saw in June.
Kevin: But here’s the nuance, Nicole. The Rangers are going to test him immediately. They don’t give you time to settle in. That’s why John Carlson and Victor Hedman need to win the battle along the boards. If the Lightning can control the zone entries, Vasilevskiy doesn’t have to face a barrage in the first five minutes.
Nicole: Speaking of zone entries, let’s bring in '@RaidersRick'. He’s asking about the power play. With Jake Guentzel now on the roster, how does that change the unit compared to what we saw in training camp?
Kevin: Guentzel changes everything. He’s a sniper. In the cycle game we talked about developing, having a finisher like him at the slot makes life easier for Nikita Kucherov. When Kucherov draws the double team, Guentzel is waiting. It simplifies the play. You don’t need as many puck touches to create quality chances.
Nicole: And let’s not forget Yanni Gourde’s presence on the penalty kill. Even if Guentzel isn’t on the ice for the PK, his two-way awareness helps shift the dynamic. But Rick’s question is really about the PP. Do we expect immediate results?
Kevin: Immediate? Maybe not instant fireworks, but efficiency. The preseason showed us they can generate volume. Now, with Guentzel, they’ll generate quality. I’d say by mid-November, they should be in the top ten for power play percentage.
Nicole: Before we get into the rest of your questions, I want to take a quick second. If these daily breakdowns are part of your morning routine or your commute, a small contribution is exactly what keeps this show free and running every single day. It helps us keep bringing you this level of analysis without ads getting in the way. Please check out the link in the episode description if you can chip in. Thank you for supporting independent hockey journalism.
Kevin: Appreciate that, Nicole. Let’s jump into Segment Two. We’ve got a question from 'Marcus in Denver' about the forward lines. Specifically, where does Benjamin Rautiainen fit in? He’s got speed, but is he ready for the regular season grind?
Nicole: Oh, Marcus asked about Rautiainen? That’s a hot topic. He’s got that explosive first step. But looking at the full roster, you’ve got Conor Geekie, Zemgus Girgensons, and Jansen Harkins all competing for spots. Where does Ben end up?
Kevin: Here’s the tactical view: Rautiainen is likely a fourth-line winger initially. Why? Because Dominic James is also in the mix. James brings physicality and energy. Rautiainen needs to prove he can handle the board battles, not just skate around them. If he can drop the hammer while keeping his speed, he earns more minutes.
Nicole: That’s a fair point. Remember, in the preseason win, Jeffrey Viel showed some serious playmaking ability. He seems to have a better grasp of the system already. Does that push Rautiainen further down the depth chart?
Kevin: Viel is intriguing. He’s smart. But Rautiainen has upside that coaches love. I think he starts in the AHL or on the bottom six, but if injuries hit—like we saw with Gourde and James earlier—he’s the first call-up. His skill set is too valuable to bury completely.
Nicole: Let’s talk defense then. 'Emily in Chicago' is asking about Erik Cernak and Charle-Edouard D'Astous. With Victor Hedman anchoring the blue line, how do we manage the minutes for the other defenders?
Kevin: Cernak is your shutdown defenseman. He plays heavy minutes against top lines. D'Astous is younger, maybe less experienced, but he’s physical. I think you pair Cernak with Hedman for critical moments, and use D'Astous alongside Ryan McDonagh or John Carlson to provide grit. It’s about balancing skill with toughness.
Nicole: And don’t forget J.J. Moser. He’s been practicing hard. If he can contribute on the power play, he stays in the rotation. Otherwise, it’s a tough spot for him.
Kevin: Alright, Segment Three. Let’s do a fun hypothetical. What if Anthony Cirelli played center for the entire year? No, wait, he is the center. But what if Brayden Point played left wing permanently next to Kucherov?
Nicole: Whoa, hold on. Point on the left? That’s... actually kind of brilliant. Think about it. Point is a elite playmaker. On the left, he can shoot off the rush. Kucherov can drive the middle. Who guards that?
Kevin: It’s disruptive. Defenses prepare for Point in the middle. Moving him creates mismatches. Plus, Gage Goncalves or Brandon Hagel could slide to center. It forces the opponent to adjust their whole lineup. I love it.
Nicole: Okay, lightning round! Quick takes. Question from '@HockeyFan99': Is Scott Sabourin ready to be a regular scorer?
Kevin: No. He’s a role player. Great energy, good shot, but not a primary scoring threat yet.
Nicole: Next: Will the Lightning win the Atlantic?
Kevin: They’re built for it. Depth is key. I think they finish first.
Nicole: Last one: Best rookie to watch?
Kevin: Conor Geekie. He’s huge, fast, and skilled. Keep an eye on him.
Nicole: There you have it, fans. From Vasilevskiy starting in New York to the potential line shuffles, we’ve covered it all. The Lightning are poised for a deep run. Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you listen. Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear about Point’s new spot. Go Bolts!