TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING NEWS

NHL top 25 under 25: Ranking hockey's best young stars (21-25)

The NHL is enjoying a renaissance with so much young, star talent entering the league. Sporting News names the 25 best players under 25 that hockey has to offer for the 2018-19 season.

Brandon Schlager

NHL offseason power rankings: Predators, Lightning still on top after dust settles

The Maple Leafs and Blues scored major points for their offseason moves. But sometimes, less is more, as shown by the teams at the very top of Sporting News' first 2018-19 power rankings.

Evan Sporer

Lightning GM Steve Yzerman on Erik Karlsson trade rumors: 'It's very inaccurate'

Steve Yzerman did acknowledge he's entertaining the possibility of making an addition of significance this offseason and discussed the salary complications that would come with it.

Brandon Schlager

NHL Rumor Roundup: Artemi Panarin, Blue Jackets split seems likely — but when?

The Blue Jackets are confirmed to be shopping the star scorer amid contract uncertainty. Plus, the latest on the Erik Karlsson trade front, which has gone quiet.

Lyle Richardson

NHL Rumor Roundup: Lightning take lead in Erik Karlsson trade talks; Stars out?

The field has narrowed in the race to acquire the Senators' superstar, with the Lightning emerging as reported front-runners down the home stretch. Will the Stars or another team jump back in?

Lyle Richardson

Stanley Cup odds 2019: Maple Leafs new favorites after John Tavares signing

John Tavares and the Maple Leafs are 7-1 favorites to win the 2019 Stanley Cup, according to Las Vegas oddsmakers.

Jim Cerny

'Did this actually happen?': Behind the scenes of June 29, 2016 — the craziest media day in NHL history

On June 29, 2016, 23 minutes changed the landscape of the NHL. The reporters and insiders who worked that day tell the story of one of the most hectic afternoons in hockey history.

Evan Sporer

NHL Rumor Roundup: Tavares watch in full effect following free agency meetings

John Tavares' Los Angeles free agent summit has concluded, and the entire hockey world is hanging on his free decision.

Lyle Richardson

NHL free agent rumors: John Tavares to meet with six teams, report says

John Tavares will reportedly enter the NHL's free agent negotiating window and meet with five teams about the possibility of leaving the New York Islanders.

Evan Sporer

NHL Rumor Roundup: John Tavares holding up free agency market

While the trade market has been slow in the weeks leading up to NHL free agency, teams may be waiting for the John Tavares domino to fall before making any other moves.

Lyle Richardson

NHL free agency rumors: John Tavares gets bagel-bribe to re-sign with Islanders

John Tavares will hear a number of pitches as to why he should sign with a certain team this week, but one local business owner is attempting to keep him in New York.

Evan Sporer

All capsized: A not-so-brief history of Capitals playoff collapses

No team in the history of the NHL (and really, all professional sports) has proven so proficient at blowing leads in the playoffs as the Capitals. It's become a sick time-honored tradition.

Brandon Schlager

NHL Rumor Roundup: Penguins facing another Phil Kessel trade conundrum

Phil Kessel's purportedly sour relationship with coach Mike Sullivan has birthed speculation the Penguins may look to move the star winger this summer. Is that their best course of action?

Lyle Richardson

Lightning's Ryan Callahan out for five months following shoulder surgery

Ryan Callahan will miss the next five months following shoulder surgery, but his injury could put Tampa Bay in a tough position during the offseason.

Alec Gearty

Conn Smythe power rankings: It's Marc-Andre Fleury's MVP award to lose

Marc-Andre Fleury is leading the most unlikely playoff run in NHL history and might win playoff MVP even if Vegas loses the Stanley Cup. Here’s who can take it away from him.

Brandon Schlager

Steven Stamkos takes blame for Lightning's loss to Capitals: 'You feel like you let your teammates down'

The Tampa Bay Lightning went scoreless in the final two games of the Eastern Conference Final. Steven Stamkos says offensive leaders are at fault.

Alec Gearty

Alex Ovechkin overcome with emotion of first Stanley Cup Final trip: 'It's unbelievable'

In his 13th NHL season, Alex Ovechkin is finally going to the Stanley Cup Final. He was so emotional following Wednesday's Game 7 victory he could hardly speak.

John Arlia

NHL playoffs 2018: Alex Ovechkin, Capitals join Golden Knights in unlikely Stanley Cup Final

For the first time since 2007, the NHL is guaranteed a new Stanley Cup champion. The Capitals finally broke their curse with a win in Wednesday's Game 7 and join the expansion Golden Knights in this year's Final.

Brandon Schlager

NHL playoffs 2018: Hockey's cruel nature claimed Predators, Jets; who's next?

To win the Stanley Cup, you need not only to be good, but circumstantially good. Sometimes, anything less than that isn't enough.

Evan Sporer

NHL playoffs 2018: A 'different' Capitals team faces another familiar demon — Game 7

The Capitals are acutely aware of their Game 7 shortcomings. After staving off another series collapse in Game 6, now is their chance to shed the choker label and reach the Stanley Cup Final all at once.

Ted Starkey

NHL playoffs 2018: Capitals' Braden Holtby makes 24 saves, records first shutout of season in Game 6 win

Braden Holtby faced criticism throughout the regular season but with the Capitals facing elimination, Holtby was there to force Game 7.

Alec Gearty

NHL playoffs 2018: Oshie helps Capitals stave off elimination, force Game 7 against Lightning

TJ Oshie scored twice as the Washington Capitals staved off elimination with a 3-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sporting News provided live updates from Game 6.

John Arlia

NHL playoffs 2018: Lightning strike early in Game 5, take 3-2 series lead over Capitals

Ryan Callahan had a goal and an assist in the Lightning's Game 5 win over the Capitals.

Alec Gearty

NHL playoffs 2018: Alex Ovechkin tried to single-handedly tie Game 5 in final minutes

Alex Ovechkin nearly dragged the Capitals back into Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, but ultimately could not overcome the Lightning.

Evan Sporer

NHL playoffs 2018: Lightning's Cedric Paquette scores 19 seconds into Game 5

Cedric Paquette got the Lightning on the board 19 seconds into Game 5, the second-fastest goal to open a playoff game in franchise history.

John Arlia

NHL playoffs 2018: Capitals fighting own playoff history after series lead vanishes

The Capitals arrived home with a 2-0 series lead; they depart with the baggage of past coughed-up playoff series. They played just well enough in Game 4 to lose a frustrating nailbiter.

David Steele

NHL playoffs 2018: Familiar feeling creeps in for Capitals after Game 4 loss to Lightning

Nicklas Backstrom's return wasn't enough to help the Capitals keep their edge in the Eastern Conference finals. The Lightning tied the series with a 4-2 win in Thursday's Game 4.

Brandon Schlager

NHL playoffs 2018: Nicklas Backstrom's return biggest Game 4 question facing Capitals, Lightning

The Lightning woke up from their two-game slumber against the Capitals and looked more like the team favored in the East finals. That could change when, or if, Nicklas Backstrom returns

David Steele

Conn Smythe power rankings: Top 10 candidates for NHL's playoff MVP so far

Who's the favorite to be named this year's Stanley Cup playoff MVP? Sporting News ranks the top 10 candidates through the conference finals.

Brandon Schlager

NHL playoffs 2018: Tom Wilson calls out double standard on 'dangerous' hit from Anton Stralman

Tom Wilson takes issue with Anton Stralman's hit during the first period of Game 3.

Alec Gearty

With Andrei Vasilevskiy stopping fall, Lightning begin climb back into East finals vs. Caps

Tampa Bay was in a 2-0 hole as the series moved to Washington. Another loss would have all but finished the Bolts. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, with a little help from his teammates, didn't let it happen.

David Steele

D.C. Metro to stay open late for Game 4 of Capitals vs. Lightning thanks to Qatar

The tiny, wealthy nation of Qatar wants to help Capitals fans avoid a postgame D.C. Metro nightmare.

Gabe Fernandez

Vasilevskiy makes 36 saves, Lightning jump back into series with Game 3 win over Capitals

Andrei Vasilevskiy stops 36 of 38 shots. Kucherov, Stamkos and Hedman combine for 7 points in Lightning's Game 3 win over the Washington Capitals.

Alec Gearty

NHL playoffs 2018: Capitals' incessant ability to fill holes has Lightning in deep for Game 3

The Capitals are at home, with a 2-0 lead over the Lightning, and are surviving and thriving without Nicklas Backstrom. The omens are in their favor, so far.

David Steele

NHL Mixed Bag: Are the Capitals (finally) closers? Stay tuned to find out

Either something has gone horribly wrong for the Lightning or the Capitals have suddenly found the extra gear they’d been searching for the last 20 years.

Rob Mixer

NHL playoffs 2018: Capitals continue road success, dominate Lightning in Game 2

The Capitals improved to 7-1 on the road this postseason with a 6-2 victory over the Lightning in Game 2 Sunday in Tampa.

John Arlia

NHL playoffs 2018: Capitals claim Game 1 from slow-starting Lightning

Call it beginner's luck, but Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist to help the Capitals win their first conference finals game since 1998, a 4-2 decision over the Lightning.

Brandon Schlager

NHL playoffs 2018: Nikita Kucherov's waved-off goal starts twisted turn of events in Game 1

A too many men on the ice penalty took away a brilliant Nikita Kucherov goal that would have tied Game 1. What happened next was even more painful.

Brandon Schlager

Lightning vs. Capitals: Predictions, odds, schedule for Eastern Conference finals

Everything to know about the Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals as they meet in the Eastern Conference finals for a chance to play for the Stanley Cup.

Brandon Schlager

NHL Playoffs 2018: Capitals' Tom Wilson did not agree with three-game suspension

Washington's rugged forward served his three-game suspension, but voiced his displeasure with the ruling ahead of Game One of the Eastern Conference Final.

Sammi Silber

On Tom Wilson and becoming an NHL villain, from someone who would know

What is it like to play the villain (and play against one)? Capitals analyst and former NHL enforcer Alan May talks Tom Wilson's suspension and the art of becoming the guy everyone loves to hate.

Ted Starkey

NHL playoffs 2018: J.T. Miller scores Game 5 winner, Lightning eliminate Bruins

J.T. Miller scored the series-clinching goal in the second period as the Lightning advanced to the Eastern Conference finals.

John Arlia

NHL playoffs 2018: Bruins' Backes leaves Game 5 after collision with Lightning's Miller

Bruins forward David Backes had to be helped off the ice in the second period of Game 5.

John Arlia

Sean Avery says Brad Marchand's playoff act isn't worth a lick: 'It’s stupidity'

Sean Avery, the most infamous of the NHL's modern-day miscreants, isn't impressed by Brad Marchand's strategy to get under opponents' skin during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Dave McCarthy

NHL warns Bruins' Brad Marchand: Keep tongue to yourself, or face consequences

Brad Marchand's newfound desire to lick opponents is becoming a problem during the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the NHL has had enough of his "unacceptable" behavior.

Brandon Schlager

NHL playoffs 2018: Dan Girardi the unlikely OT hero for Lightning in Game 4 win

Prior to Tampa Bay's Round 2 series with Boston, Dan Girardi hadn't scored a playoff goal since 2014.

Kaylee Pofahl

NHL playoffs 2018: Bruins' Brad Marchand licks again, this time Lightning's Ryan Callahan

Brad Marchand was up to his old tricks during Game 4 of the Bruins-Lightning series as he licked the face of another opponent.

Evan Sporer

NHL playoffs 2018: David Pastrnak bats in Bruins' first goal of Game 4

David Pastrnak opened up scoring for Boston Tuesday night against the Lightning with a baseball-stye goal.

Kaylee Pofahl

NHL playoffs 2018: Lightning's Point weaves through Bruins' defense to open Game 4 scoring

Brayden Point opened the scoring for the Lightning in Game 4 with a fantastic individual effort to beat the Bruins.

Evan Sporer

NHL playoffs 2018: Bruins' youngsters adjust to ebbs and flows of postseason

Boston leaned on its rookies during the regular season, and they passed every test. It's been a different experience under the microscope of the playoffs.

Marisa Ingemi

NHL playoffs 2018: Lightning's Palat scores fastest pair of goals to open a playoff game since 1996

Ondrej Palat struck twice to put the Tampa Bay Lightning up 2-0 just 3:19 into the first period on Wednesday.

Rudi Schuller

NHL playoffs 2018: Pastrnak penalized after Hedman hits himself with own stick

Bruins forward David Pastrnak was wrongfully assessed a double-minor penalty for high-sticking.

John Arlia

NHL playoffs 2018: Tuukka Rask livid after skate blade malfunction leads to Lightning goal

Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask unsuccessfully pleaded for a whistle after his skate blade fell off mid-play during Saturday's Game 1. Mikhail Sergachev took advantage.

Brandon Schlager

NHL playoffs 2018: Bruins' Nash scores on pretty deflection through his legs

Rick Nash scored a sleek goal to put the Bruins ahead 1-0 in Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Evan Sporer

Reminder: Steven Stamkos, NHL's forgotten superstar, is still among elite

Steven Stamkos has the Lightning back in Stanley Cup contention. Even though we don’t always seem to talk about it, this season showed why he's still one of the NHL's best players.

Adam Gretz

NHL playoffs 2018: Odds, predictions to win second-round series, Stanley Cup

AccuScore simulates the 2018 NHL playoffs and probabilities of reaching the conference finals and winning the Stanley Cup.

AccuScore

Predators, Jets thriller a reminder of broken NHL playoff format

Some of the best possible playoff matches will take place in the opening rounds of the NHL playoffs, depriving fans of the best possible conference finals.

Evan Sporer

NHL playoffs 2018: Nikita Kucherov avoids suspension for Game 4 hit; Sami Vatanen 'day to day'

The Lightning star won't face discipline for the NHL's Department of Player Safety.

Brandon Schlager

NHL playoffs 2018: Nikita Kucherov in middle of everything as Lightning beat Devils in Game 4

Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov scored twice, recorded an assist and delivered a controversial hit on New Jersey's Sami Vatanen in the Lightning's 3-1 win over the Devils in Game 4 on Wednesday.

Jim Cerny

NHL Mixed Bag: Capitals combat history, circumstance entering pivotal Game 3

The Capitals have been the better team in their first-round series against the Blue Jackets, yet trail 0-2. They now face a razor-thin margin for error or else risk elimination.

Rob Mixer

NHL playoffs 2018: 'Emotional leader' Taylor Hall paces Devils to Game 3 win over Lightning

Taylor Hall had a goal and two assists as the New Jersey Devils defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Monday.

Jim Cerny

NHL Playoffs 2018: Vets Johansson, Schneider return for Devils' Game 3 clash with Lightning

Trailing their best-of-seven series with the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0, the New Jersey Devils return home Monday and will have veterans Marcus Johansson and Cory Schneider back in their lineup for Game 3.

Jim Cerny

NHL Hart Trophy race: Nathan MacKinnon, Taylor Hall hold slim edge in MVP free-for-all

No fewer than a half dozen candidates can stake a legitimate claim to hockey's top individual prize in 2017-18.

Brandon Schlager

NHL playoffs 2018: Predictions, odds for Lightning vs. Devils first-round series

Everything to know about the Tampa Bay Lightning and New Jersey Devils before their first-round series in the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Brandon Schlager

NHL playoffs 2018: Underdog Devils 'hungry for more' against favored Lightning

The New Jersey Devils carry a major chip on their shoulder facing the heavily-favored Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Jim Cerny

NHL playoffs 2018: Stanley Cup picks, predictions from SN's experts

Sporting News' NHL experts break down each 2018 playoff series, predict the eventual conference champions and make their Stanley Cup picks.

Brandon Schlager

Steven Stamkos injury update: Lightning captain 'day-to-day', likely back Thursday

The Lightning will be without captain Steven Stamkos on Monday, who will be out for what sounds like nothing more than a night off.

Evan Sporer

Ryan McDonagh Q&A: Lightning defenseman reflects on trade, time with Rangers

In a one-on-one interview with Sporting News, Ryan McDonagh opens up about the blockbuster trade deadline deal that threw him into the thick of a Stanley Cup run.

Jim Cerny

Auston Matthew injury update: Leafs forward won't return against Lightning

Auston Matthews will not make his return to the Maple Leafs lineup Tuesday against the Lightning, though a return is drawing closer.

Evan Sporer

Bruins' David Backes cut by skate blade in net-front collision, leaves game

The Bruins forward was involved in a scary collision with the Lightning's Yanni Gourde where he appeared to suffer a laceration to an unpadded area on his right leg.

Brandon Schlager

NHL Rumor Roundup: Max Pacioretty might have played his last game for Canadiens

The Canadiens captain is out for the rest of the 2017-18 season with injury. Trade rumors are dormant now, but are certain to resurface as the offseason nears.

Lyle Richardson

NHL Mixed Bag: Panthers surge into playoff picture, making most of games in hand

Seemingly forgotten earlier in the season (and a quiet non-player at the trade deadline), the Panthers are flying up the Eastern Conference standings.

Rob Mixer

NHL Power Rankings: Chase tightens behind Lightning, while Blues, Rangers tumble

The trade deadline passed, and the Lightning still sit atop Sporting News' NHL power rankings, though the Predators, Jets, Bruins and Maple Leafs are closing in on the top spot.

Jim Cerny

Evander Kane trade grades: Sabres' Jason Botterill flunks first deadline test

The Sabres gifted Evander Kane to the Sharks at Monday's NHL trade deadline. San Jose GM Doug Wilson took it and ran — possibly all the way to the Stanley Cup.

Brandon Schlager

Ryan McDonagh trade grades: Lightning beef up for Cup run; Rangers plot future

Sizing up a blockbuster trade between the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers, two teams headed in opposite directions.

Jim Cerny

NHL trade deadline: Rangers deal Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller to Lightning

In a trade-deadline blockbuster, the Lightning acquired Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller from the Rangers.

Jim Cerny

Lightning's Stamkos fights Alzner after hit on Kucherov

Steven Stamkos dropped the gloves for just the third time in his career.

John Arlia

NHL Rumor Roundup: Let the Erik Karlsson trade sweepstakes begin

A combination of the Senators' lousy season and uncertainty over captain Erik Karlsson's future with the club has made the All-Star defenseman a lightning rod for trade speculation.

Lyle Richardson

Nikita Kucherov uses trademark move to score on Braden Holtby again

Nikita Kucherov added to his highlight reel in the Lightning's 4-2 win Tuesday.

John Arlia

Maple Leafs edge Lightning, creep closer in Atlantic Division

Toronto has now won eight of its last nine games.

John Arlia

NHL Finishers Series: The deceptions of Nikita Kucherov

Now you see it, now you don't: Nikita Kucherov, the NHL's leading scorer, is a rare blend of trickery, power and dexterity, making him a nightmare for goaltenders.

Paul Campbell

NHL Power Rankings: Bruins, Predators push for top spot, while Wild make their move

As several teams assert themselves in the league's upper echelon, the Rangers continue to tumble.

Jim Cerny

Connor McDavid scores four goals to carry Oilers past Lightning

Connor McDavid outscored the Lightning on his own Monday night in Edmonton's 6-2 win.

John Arlia

Flames lose another third-period lead, fall to Lightning

Calgary gave up four answered goals in the third period on Thursday night.

John Arlia

NHL Power Rankings: Here come the Bruins, there go the Devils

At the All-Star break, the Lightning remain at the top of Sporting News' NHL power rankings, but the red-hot Bruins are clearly a team on the rise.

Jim Cerny

NHL Mixed Bag: Bruins have league-leading Lightning on notice for stretch run

After hosting All-Star Weekend, it sure seems like the Lightning are the odds-on favorite to win the Stanley Cup. But the biggest threat might be right under their noses in the Atlantic Division.

Rob Mixer

2018 NHL Playoff Matchups: All-Star break comes with tight races in East, West

The NHL regular season ends in April, but it's never too early to start thinking about the playoffs.

Evan Sporer

NHL Mixed Bag: Blackhawks fading fast in competitive Central; Flyers add to Philly fun

The Blackhawks are quickly falling out of favor in the Central Division, which they’ve owned in the Patrick Kane-Jonathan Toews era. Is there enough time to course correct?

Rob Mixer

How a 32-year-old rookie could determine the Blackhawks' playoff fate

Jeff Glass, a 32-year-old journeyman goalie, took the long road to the Blackhawks' crease. Now that he's here, Chicago needs Glass more than it bargained.

Brian Sandalow

NHL schedule, Jan. 22-28: A viewer's guide to the week ahead

Before breaking for the All-Star Game, the Lightning will have to fend off several contenders for the No. 1 overall spot, including a possible Stanley Cup finals preview.

Brandon Schlager

NHL Power Rankings: Scalding Flames surge, Penguins also on the move

The Flames and Avalanche, both riding seven-game win streaks, make major leaps in this week's NHL power rankings as the Penguins and Bruins also do some climbing.

Jim Cerny

Golden Knights beat Lightning, reach 30-win plateau

The Vegas Golden Knights have won 30 of the franchise's first 44 games.

John Arlia

NHL's decision to make Kid Rock All-Star headliner causes controversy

The Michigan musician has been accused in the past of racism, sexism and homophobia in his work and in his public statements.

Flames stay scorching, roll over Lightning for fifth straight win

Calgary extended its winning streak to five games with its 5-1 win over league-leading Tampa Bay.

Kaylee Pofahl

Lightning scores hat trick vs. Carolina, but Hurricanes give fans 'fat trick'

The Hurricanes lost to the Lightning when Tyler Johnson recorded a hat trick, but fans of the Raleigh-based team were rewarded with a trio of food freebies, dubbed the "fat trick", during the game

Jim Cerny

Lightning’s Tyler Johnson nets hat trick in win over Hurricanes

Tampa Bay held on for a 5-4 victory over Carolina on Tuesday.

E.Jay Zarett

Dan Girardi leaves Lightning game after blocking slap shot with head

Dan Girardi left the Tampa Bay Lightning game Sunday after taking a slap shot to the side of his head.

Evan Sporer

U.S. Olympian Bobby Butler shares the story behind viral moment with dad

You watched the heart-melting moment when Bobby Butler told his father he'd made the 2018 U.S. Olympic roster. Here's the story behind the viral video.

Murray Pam

NHL Power Rankings: Vegas charges into top five, Lightning steady at No. 1

The top and bottom teams remain the same as our weekly NHL rankings cross into 2018, but there is much change in between.

Jim Cerny

Leafs honor Johnny Bower with pre-game tribute

The Maple Leafs returned to Air Canada Centre for the first time since Bower's passing on Dec. 26.

John Arlia

Kadri to return to Maple Leafs lineup Tuesday against Lightning

After missing one game with an upper-body injury, Nazem Kadri will be back in the Maple Leafs lineup Tuesday.

Evan Sporer

NHL trades: Sergachev, Lightning beat Drouin, Canadiens in first meeting since deal

The Lightning and Canadiens faced off Thursday for the first time since last June's trade of key young players.

Jim Cerny

'Tis the season of giving: Holiday wish lists for each of the 31 NHL teams

It's the holiday season, and a time for giving, so Sporting News granting each of the 31 NHL teams a holiday surprise from their wish lists.

Evan Sporer

NHL Power Rankings: Capitals, Rangers, Devils make moves on Lightning

Three Metro teams make significant moves into the top 10 of this week's NHL power rankings, though the Lightning retain the top spot for a sixth straight week.

Jim Cerny

NHL Power Rankings: Streaking Lightning stay on top; Leafs, Kings, Caps move up

Tampa's winning streak keeps things status quo at No. 1. After that, the Maple Leafs, Kings, Capitals and Flyers trend up, while the banged-up Canucks slip again.

Jim Cerny

Brayden Point nets overtime winner to lead Lightning past Jets

The loss extended Winnipeg’s losing streak to three.

E.Jay Zarett

NHL Power Rankings: Lightning bolt back to top while Predators surge to No. 2

There's a shakeup at the top of this week's NHL power rankings after the Blues hit their first rough patch of the young season.

Jim Cerny

The NHL is political, whether you like it or not

The NHL prefers its players stick to sports. But vastly different public responses to the recent socio-political statements by J.T. Brown and Alex Ovechkin illustrate hockey's double standard.

Patrick Kearns

NHL Power Rankings: Blues back on top as Islanders, Predators, Vegas also move up

The Blues and Lightning are clearly the two best teams in the NHL. But there's been a bunch of shifting beneath them during the month of November.

Jim Cerny

NHL Power Rankings: Jets, Jackets trending up while Oilers, Canadiens slide

What has happened to the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens? These two teams continue to lose — and in ugly fashion — while falling further behind in SN's power rankings.

Jim Cerny

NHL Power Rankings: Lightning ride West Coast sweep back to the top

The Rangers, Maple Leafs, Jets and Wild are all on the rise, but it's the Lightning who own the top spot again.

Jim Cerny

NHL Power Rankings: Blues overtake Lightning, Penguins sneak back into top five

Mike Yeo's Blues are the most complete team in the NHL right now. But the Lightning, Kings, Sharks and SN's preseason No. 1 Penguins are close behind.

Jim Cerny

NHL fines Stamkos, Hayes and Killorn after Rangers and Lightning water squirt battle

Not everyone thought squirts from water bottles were so funny Thursday when the Rangers beat the Lightning 2-1.

Jim Cerny

NHL Power Rankings: Red-hot Blues breathing down Lightning's neck for top spot

Despite myriad injuries, the St. Louis Blues keep winning games, and they've jumped into the No. 2 spot in our weekly NHL power rankings.

Jim Cerny

Steven Stamkos' 'new norm': Reinvented NHL scoring leader has never looked better

Steven Stamkos readily admits he may never be 100 percent again, but he's leading the NHL in scoring by playing his most complete hockey yet. You could argue he’s better than ever.

Andrew Berkshire

Sorting out NHL contenders, pretenders one month into the season

After a topsy-turvy October, which teams are truly at the top of the NHL, and which are pretending to be?

Evan Sporer

Sarnia Sting to retire Stamkos' number

Steven Stamkos' No. 91 will be retired by the Sarnia Sting.

Alec Gearty

Lightning in a bottle: Nikita Kucherov's case to create 'world's best' quartet

It's clear Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and Erik Karlsson rate as the three best players on the planet. But Nikita Kucherov, the NHL's hottest scorer, is carving out his place among them.

Adam Gretz

NHL Power Rankings: Lightning bolt to No. 1, Kings crack top five

There's a new team atop our weekly NHL power rankings, and keep an eye on the fast-rising L.A. Kings and Vegas Golden Knights.

Jim Cerny

Nikita Kucherov continues hot start with two goals in Lightning win vs. Penguins

The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Penguins on Saturday behind a pair of goals from Nikita Kucherov.

Evan Sporer

Dan Girardi 'everything our team needed,' says Lightning coach

Veteran defenseman making his mark on and off the ice for new team.

Jim Cerny

Lightning's Kucherov continues scoring streak

Nikita Kucherov scored his eighth goal in seven games.

Alec Gearty

Lightning's Kucherov scores seventh goal in six games

Nikita Kucherov's extended his goal streak to six games.

Alec Gearty

Lightning's Steven Stamkos scores first goal in nearly a year

The Tampa Bay Lightning star missed almost 11 months recovering from a knee injury.

Rudi Schuller

Lightning's Koekkoek scores first two NHL goals

Koekkoek records a personal milestone.

Alec Gearty

WATCH: Point deflects game-winning goal to lead Lightning over Capitals

Point's goal gave Tampa Bay a 4-3 overtime victory on Monday night.

E.Jay Zarett

Lightning's J.T. Brown says he has received death threats after protest

Brown reiterates he's concerned about police brutality, racial injustice and inequality.

Alec Gearty

Lightning's J.T. Brown first NHL player to protest during U.S. anthem

The 27-year-old Brown, one of about 30 black players in the NHL, has said he hoped to join other athletes in bringing attention to police brutality and inequality for minorities.

Brandon Schlager

Panthers lock up Michael Matheson for eight years, $39 million

A core component to the Panthers' defense corps present and future has signed on long term.

Brandon Schlager

Atlantic Division 2017-18 predictions: Lightning surge leaves Senators as odd team out

The last two Atlantic champions missed the playoffs a year before winning the division. Odds are good the Lightning are about to become the third, and that means someone will pay the price.

Brandon Schlager

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