Lightning are finally putting things together after tough start 

One of the teams expected to stand out in the Atlantic Division is starting to look like its former self.

The Tampa Bay Lightning had a rough start to the 2025-26 season, losing six of their last seven games, five of which came in regulation. However, the team has quickly put the train back on track with wins in each of the team’s last three games, including a solid 2-1 overtime win over the Vegas Golden Knights this past Sunday.

With the Atlantic looking very top-heavy, Tampa can ill afford to fall too far behind this early in the season. Thanks to a couple of notable wins, the team is starting to build up the confidence it needs to hang with the best in the division.

On Wednesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton discuss what has led to the Lightning’s quick turnaround.

Tyler Yaremchuk: Who needed the winning streak more? It’s a pick-em. Are you going Dallas [Stars] or Tampa?

Carter Hutton: Tampa. I think Tampa needed it more just because of the success that they’ve had in the past and I guess maybe the contracts and some of the deals that they’ve made they’ve given up so many draft picks for them to not have a good regular season, to not be in the mix and to really really fall behind in the Atlantic seems like a daunting task to get back in it. With Dallas, I don’t worry as much…their lineup, their depth, where they’re at. They’ve been good for so many years. So, it felt like it was just a matter of time until they got going.

With Tampa, I do like their lineup. Their top six is really good, but I do see holes in their lineup and when Vasilevsky isn’t going, I worry a little bit about Jonas Johansson carrying the mail, trying to be that good backup. So, for me, Tampa was the team that I thought needed a little kickstart here and it was obviously a great winning streak to get them going. 

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…