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Lightning’s Defensive Depth Faces Early Test

Last season, injuries forced Tampa Bay to constantly shuffle its blue line, and in the process, a number of new players rose stepped in to fill key roles. One of the biggest questions heading into the new season was how…

Published: Monday, 5 October 2026 at 1:14 AM
Lightning’s Defensive Depth Faces Early Test
Key Things to Know
  • Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg exited Saturday's game with an injury and underwent further medical evaluation.
  • Assistant coach Rob Zettler indicated the Lightning expect a clearer status update on Lilleberg by Monday morning.
  • Lilleberg engaged in a second-period fight with Vincent Desharnais before suffering his third-period injury.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg sustained an injury during Saturday's game and did not return for the third period. Lilleberg had earlier fought Vincent Desharnais in the second period while playing as the team's seventh defenseman. Assistant coach Rob Zettler stated Sunday that Lilleberg is undergoing further evaluation, with an official update expected Monday morning.

The injury presents an early test for Tampa Bay's blue line rotation after entering the season with eight NHL defensemen. If Lilleberg cannot play, Max Crozier is expected to step into the lineup should the team continue using an 11-forward, seven-defenseman structure.

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