The Tampa Bay Lightning are gearing up for the new season after a disappointing first-round playoff exit last year. With a record of 45-29-8, they lost to the Florida Panthers. Coach John Cooper, who has led the team to two Stanley Cup titles, will be looking to maintain the team's competitive edge despite the departure of longtime captain Steven Stamkos.

Key offseason additions like Jake Guentzel and Ryan McDonagh aim to bolster the roster, while the Lightning still boast a strong core, including Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy. Expectations remain high as they seek to reclaim their status as championship contenders.