Sharpen up the skates, bust out the chirps and set aside your choppers.
The 2022-23 NHL season is upon us.
The action starts with an opening night doubleheader on ESPN that includes a rematch of the 2022 Eastern Conference Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers. That series ended with the Bolts catching fire on the way to their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance.
This year’s team motto?
“Not done yet.”
Which, from a fan perspective, say no more.
We’ve been jonesing for our Monday-to-Friday sports fix since, well, 72 hours ago when the Rays dipped out in Cleveland. Leave it to the Tampa Bay community’s most beloved and successful sports brand to save us from our dire midweek desolation.
If you’re as jacked up as we are (which is somewhere around the level of “Steven Stamkos pounding Alexis Lafreniere’s face in” jacked up), here’s every link, preview, and social media account to keep an eye on heading into the new season. If you see it below, we suggest you give it a follow.
Opening Night Bolts Hits
#AskKrenner: A Bolts mailbag ahead of the 2022-23 season | Is a 125-point campaign possible from Kuch? What can we expect from Cal Foote? Lightning beat writer Chris Krenn answers the hard-hitting questions ahead of Lightning-Rangers and the new season. (Lightning)
Bolts-Rangers Preview | Projected opening lines and every link imaginable related to tonight’s primetime rematch. (Raw Charge)
What to watch in Rangers-Lightning, Kings-Knights on ESPN | The worldwide sports network airing 2022’s initial puck drop gives their top players and storylines to keep an eye on Tuesday. FWIW, the Lightning’s Stanley Cup odds are currently +1000, the best of anyone playing tonight. (ESPN)
Twitter Handles to Follow
Chris Krenn, @Chris_Krenn
Consider the aforementioned Bolts writer your go-to resource for daily team updates.
Andrew Weiss, @WeissHockeyTalk
The Lightning Meme Lord’s seamless timeline of insight and humor make him one of the most entertaining hockey follows on the internet.
Eduardo A. Encina, @EddieInTheYard
Lightning beat writer for the Tampa Bay Times, the local maestro on daily Bolts takes.
Gabby Shirley, @Gabby_Shirley_
The official reporter for the Lightning and Bally Sports—official photographer for Bolts players boarding private jets.
Bolts Jolts, @BoltsJolts
If you want to feel like you’re sitting in the wildest unfiltered section of Amalie Arena, @BoltsJolts is your guy for the hot takes.
Lightning Radio, @BoltsRadio
Strictly for the unbridled Dave Mishkin radio calls.
Lightning Insider, @Erik_Erlendsson
Former Tampa Tribune Bolts writer and longtime hockey insider on everything from daily social media updates to in-depth longform content.
Channelside Sports Network, @chsidesports
A burgeoning hub for fun local sports engagement.
The Identity Tampa Bay, @TheIdentityTB
Shameless plug alert! Come for the memes and commentary, stay for the general buffoonery.
In-Season Content
Recharge | The Lightning’s own 30-for-30-esque mini-doc is an Emmy Award-winning look at the lives of the players and staff. (Lightning)
Mishkin’s Musings | The Radio God’s calls are one-of-a-kind, but he’s got some weekly writing chops to boot. (Lightning)
The Block Party with Seth Kushner | Lightning Radio’s official podcast has some big news and announcements coming soon. (Lightning Radio)
Whatever The Athletic is doing | Expect The Athletic to keep its exceptional coverage right on the pulse, even with Joe Smith departing for the Minnesota Wild. (The Athletic)
Bolts Gaming | For the sims. (Twitter)
From the Vault
In Praise of Brandon Hagel, Lightning Man of the People
When New York’s Frank Vatrano came catcalling, unlikely combatant Hagel responded, “Say less.” A recalling of Brandon Hagel’s fan-revving fisticuffs from last year’s playoff run.
10 Rumors That Could Derail the New York Rangers’ Postseason
Necessary “ICYMI” content ahead of tonight’s matchup.