4 Lightning players making strong early season impressions

Writing for Bolts by the Bay, Harrison Smajovits highlights four Tampa Bay Lightning players who have delivered standout performances early in the 2026-27 NHL season. The analysis focuses on free-agent addition Ilya Mikheyev, young forward Conor Geekie, star center Brayden Point, and veteran defenseman Victor Hedman as key contributors setting a strong tone for the team.

Mikheyev has logged three points and strong two-way play, while Geekie scored a game-winning goal against the Washington Capitals. Meanwhile, Point is rebounding from an injury-affected campaign with two points in early action, and Hedman has excelled defensively with eight blocked shots despite a reduced role.