<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/auston-matthews">Auston Matthews</a> and the Toronto Maple Leafs will be missing a veteran teammate following a controversial hit. The announcement comes in the wake of Dakota Mermis leaving the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning with a lower-body injury.



Matthews and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Maple Leafs</a> feared the news of a serious injury to Mermis would arrive at any moment in the 2025-26 NHL season. After being on the receiving end of a knee-on-knee hit from Lightning forward Gage Goncalves, the 31-year-old defenseman will now miss time in the campaign.



“The Maple Leafs have placed Dakota Mermis (lower body) on injured reserve retroactive to December 8,” the Maple Leafs announced through their social media, @LeafsPR. According to Professional Hockey Writers Association’s David Alter, Berube announced Mermis is expected to miss at least one month.



“We lose a guy for probably a month at least. There’s nothing. And that hurt,” Berube vividly commented on Mermis’ injury and the fact the NHL assessed no discipline to Goncalves, via The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel on X.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Gage Goncalves received a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing on Dakota Mermis <a href="https://t.co/hGtUJbZjcl">pic.twitter.com/hGtUJbZjcl</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1998223837302079889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Heated game</h2>



Tempers flared at Scotiabank Arena as the Leafs and Bolts met for the first time in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> campaign. For his dangerous hit on Mermis, Goncalves was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct. However, the Department of Player Safety let the incident slide with no fine or suspension handed down.


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Instead, Leafs forward Bobby McMann was indeed suspended for high-sticking <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay</a>’s Oliver Bjorkstrand. As expected, fans on social media erupted with criticism of the league officials’ decision, with many arguing it was a witch hunt against Toronto. 



The outrage only grew louder after discouraging news for Matthews and company were confirmed. Berube didn’t go as far, but he did share his reproval of the suspension. “I know you’ve got to be in control of your stick, but I don’t think it’s worth the suspension,” the Maple Leafs head coach admitted, via David Alter on X.



<h2>Leafs call up replacement</h2>



With Mermis out until—at least—January, the Maple Leafs must come up with a backup plan to fill the hole left by the veteran’s absence. The 31-year-old had appeared in 11 games this season, registering one goal. Now, Toronto has confirmed Henry Thrun will be joining the NHL lineup, joining Matthews and the Buds as they vie to keep spirits high. 



The Maple Leafs have won four of their last five games. Although the one-game suspension to McMann and Mermis’ absence put bumps in the road, the Leafs must stay their current course, as they have seemingly found their footing despite the injury bug. Needless to say, the Buds can’t afford to have the recent drama derail their season.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6939c05de2d53b59fb2f0506" data-title="Do you agree with the NHL suspending McMann?" data-options="4"></div>

NHL News: Craig Berube, Maple Leafs confirm troubling news on Auston Matthews teammate after controversial hit from opponent

NHL News: Craig Berube, Maple Leafs confirm troubling news on Auston Matthews teammate after controversial hit from opponent - Bolavip US

Berube, Leafs confirm troubling news on Matthews teammate after controversial hit

miniaturas

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/auston-matthews">Auston Matthews</a> and the Toronto Maple Leafs knew this was coming. Following Bobby McMann’s high-stick hit against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety has responded with harsh supplementary discipline.



“Toronto’s Bobby McMann has been suspended for one game for high-sticking Tampa Bay’s Oliver Bjorkstrand,” the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced through its X account.



As the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> explained, there were two key points driving the decision behind the one-game suspension. On the one hand, there was the unquestionable fact that McMann committed an intentional high-sticking infraction. 



On the other hand, balancing out the punishment was the fact that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto</a>’s McMann has no history of past infractions. Thus, the Department of Player Safety determined the length of the suspension was appropriate.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Subsequently, Bobby McMann received a match penalty for this slash on Oliver Bjorkstrand 😳 <a href="https://t.co/8QAnwAAoGe">https://t.co/8QAnwAAoGe</a> <a href="https://t.co/UyFFWwVSKb">pic.twitter.com/UyFFWwVSKb</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1998224494788571347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Maple Leafs fans are not happy</h2>



Though a one-game suspension is not the end of the world, missing McMann does complicate Matthews and the rest of the Leafs as they look to build momentum in the 2025-26 NHL season. On that note, many fans in social media argued the penalty was exaggerated. Especially as McMann had already been assessed a match penalty during the game.


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Some called for supplementary discipline to be passed down on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay</a>’s Gage Goncalves, who delivered a knee-on-knee hit during the game on defenseman Dakota Mermis. Goncalves was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct.



<h2>Controversial precedent</h2>



Moreover, others moved the clock’s arms back in time, bringing up a high-sticking infraction committed by (then) New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba on (then) Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic. Back then, the NHL decided a $5,000 fine was sufficient for the Rangers captain, but no suspension was issued.



However, that incident took place during the 2023-24 campaign. Much has changed since, and the criteria have seemingly been different this time around. Still, the fanbase in Hogtown can’t help but believe they are receiving different treatment because of the Maple Leafs logo on the front of McCann’s jersey.

NHL imposes harsh punishment for Auston Matthews’ teammate after candid reaction during Maple Leafs-Lightning

NHL imposes harsh punishment for Auston Matthews’ teammate after candid reaction during Maple Leafs-Lightning - Bolavip US

NHL imposes harsh punishment for Matthews’ teammate after Leafs-Lightning

Mike Sullivan and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Rangers</a> had no answers for Jon Cooper and the Tampa Bay Lightning. After being humbled at home by the Bolts, the Blueshirts head coach’s postgame remarks stood in stark contrast to Cooper’s. So far, their NHL seasons have been like day and night, and their latest comments made that perfectly clear.



Scoreboard watchers could argue that a 4-1 loss—in which the final goal came on an empty net—is far from a tragic outcome in the NHL. However, in this case, the final score doesn’t do the story of the night justice. Sullivan and the Rangers were blown out of the water by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper</a>’s Lightning. If not for Igor Shesterkin, the goal tally could’ve reached season highs. After the game, Sullivan didn’t mince words on his thoughts.



“We got outcompeted from the drop of the puck,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sullivan</a> commented per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “There’s got to be a willingness and a want to be first to pucks, to embrace physicality. We knew the type of game it was going to be. 



“That team, they’ve got hard skill, they compete and they skate. That was the type of game it was going to be. I don’t think we had the wherewithal to match the intensity. I just feel we lost puck battles all over the rink and it’s hard to establish any sort of game that you want to play if you don’t win puck battles.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251130_BUS_536737_mike-sullivan-2_195c82c5.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan" class="wp-image-526054"></figure><figcaption>Mike Sullivan at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Cooper’s postgame comment</h2>



As for Cooper and the Bolts, their stay in The Big Apple couldn’t have been any better. Coming into the campaign with sky-high hopes, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lightning</a> have seemingly managed to exceed expectations. After the commanding victory against the Rangers, Cooper made sure to praise his players for yet another spotless outing.


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“Honestly, we’ve got a really good vibe going,” Cooper admitted. “These back-to-backs are tough. We knew they had it too, and they had a goalie that was playing both games so we thought, hopefully we could jump on them early. Fortunately, we did.”



<h2>Lightning strikes twice—and more</h2>



Tampa Bay has now won seven straight, improved to 16-7-2 (8-2-2 away) on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season, and is shaping up to be the biggest threat in the Eastern Conference. Only a glance around the locker room tells everything that needs to be known about the juggernaut in Cigar City.



The Lightning boast a roster that knows what it takes to win, a head coach whose leadership is second to none, an annual Hart Trophy candidate in Nikita Kucherov, enough depth to intimidate any opponent, and a goaltender in Andrei Vasilevskiy who routinely makes saves the human body shouldn’t be capable of. Needless to say, the Bolts are for real—and they made the most of their stay in New York City to put the league on notice.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251130_BUS_536737_Head-coach-Jon-Cooper-of-the-Tampa-Bay-Lightning-looks-on-during-third-period-action-against-the-Flo_b47ffa5c.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Jon Cooper during a game" class="wp-image-389572" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Jon Cooper at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>The Rangers can’t catch a break</h2>



As for the Rangers, Shesterkin is capable of shutting the door just as well as any goalie in the league. However, with the team registering the fifth-lowest goals per game and the seventh-worst shots per game—2.63 and 25.9, respectively—the Russian netminder often finds himself left hanging out to dry. That’s especially true at Madison Square Garden, where the Blueshirts are 2-8-1 this season and have been outscored 31-17.

Mike Sullivan and Jon Cooper drop completely opposite statements highlighting current trend for NY Rangers and Lightning

Mike Sullivan and Jon Cooper drop completely opposite statements highlighting current trend for NY Rangers and Lightning - Bolavip US

Sullivan and Cooper drop completely opposite statements after Lightning beats Rangers

Just when the sun seemed to be rising on the New York Rangers, another disastrous outing changed the tune. Following the 4-1 loss at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning, captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jt-miller" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">J.T. Miller</a> took it upon himself to deliver a wake-up call for Mike Sullivan and company.



Riding a three-game winning streak, Miller and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rangers</a> returned to Madison Square Garden. So far in the 2025-26 NHL season, the Broadway Blueshirts have consistently let their fans down at home—a lingering issue that remains unresolved. After the catastrophic loss to Tampa Bay, New York only saw that outstanding debt grow even larger.



This time, however, Miller knows exactly whom to point the blaming finger at. After the final horn went off, the captain made sure to address what can no longer be called a slump or a mental block. It seems to be a characteristic of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sullivan</a>’s Rangers—one that could send the season down the drain.



“We did it to ourselves,” J.T. Miller called it as it was after the defeat on home ice, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. New York now registers a 2-8-1 record when playing at Madison Square Garden—the worst home mark in the NHL. The world’s most famous arena has always been a bucket list in New York City. With the Rangers’ current form, it’s become a dream rink for the rest of the league as well.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251130_BUS_536689_mike-sullivan-3_1a07a091.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan of the New York Rangers" class="wp-image-529581"></figure><figcaption>Mike Sullivan at the Prudential Center on September 21, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Miller calls out the team</h2>



Even after allowing three goals in a loss, goalie Igor Shesterkin was named the third star of the game. Far from encouraging, it goes to show just how badly the Rangers were outplayed by the red-hot <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lightning</a>. Miller certainly didn’t let the embarrassing effort go unnoticed.


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“There was no urgency today. We dipped our toe into the game and got outplayed basically the whole time. It’s unacceptable,” Miller added. “We’re trying to develop a standard and an identity around here and that was certainly not it.”



<h2>Lightning couldn’t be any different</h2>



As Tampa Bay bolted into MSG and brought back the ghosts from the not-so distant past to New York, the Lightning extended their great start to the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> campaign. Outshooting the Rangers 35-13, the win was not once at threat during the cold night in the Big Apple. 



After the game, Nick Paul’s comments reflected just how different the season is going for the Bolts. “I just feel like we found our team identity and we’re building on it,” Paul commented per NHL.com. “We found what it takes to win and we’re just buying in every single game.”

NHL News: NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller bluntly sends five-word statement to Mike Sullivan, teammates after loss to Lightning

NHL News: NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller bluntly sends five-word statement to Mike Sullivan, teammates after loss to Lightning - Bolavip US

NY Rangers captain Miller sends Sullivan, teammates five-word message

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a> are facing a harsh reality as their season continues to spiral downward. Once leading the Atlantic Division, the team now finds itself struggling to stay competitive, having lost 11 of their last 19 games. Friday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning highlighted just how steep the climb back to relevance will be.



In Detroit’s 6–3 defeat at Little Caesars Arena, goals from Dylan Larkin and Michael Rasmussen weren’t enough to counter a dominant Lightning squad. Goaltender John Gibson allowed five goals, marking another rough outing for a Red Wings team searching for consistency. Fans and analysts alike have questioned what has gone wrong, but head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/todd-mclellan}">Todd McLellan</a> offered his perspective on the ongoing struggles.



“Our players care, there’s no question about it, but that only takes you so far,” McLellan said, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-detroit-red-wings-game-recap-november-28-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “We gifted them their second goal and the [fifth] one at 4-on-4. We’re not good enough to be giving stuff away for free.” His assessment was blunt: talent exists on the roster, but performance is falling short.



<h2>Can the Red Wings turn things around?</h2>



McLellan didn’t hold back on the team’s deficiencies. “Do we have enough talent? Yes, I think we do. Are we playing well enough? No, we are not.” While dedication is evident, execution has repeatedly failed, leaving the Red Wings struggling in the standings.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Dylan Larkin scores his 14th. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGRW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LGRW</a> <a href="https://t.co/YCVY3BaxZD">pic.twitter.com/YCVY3BaxZD</a>— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) <a href="https://twitter.com/DetroitRedWings/status/1994476947095867573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



For their part, the Lightning continued their winning streak, improving to 15-7-2 and maintaining a lead atop the Atlantic Division. Tampa Bay’s dominance in chaotic net-front situations exposed a Red Wings defense that has been inconsistent all season.


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<h2>Looking ahead to Boston</h2>



Detroit remains fifth in the Atlantic Division at 13-11-1, with plenty of hockey still to play. However, urgent improvements are necessary if the team hopes to climb the standings. On Saturday, the Red Wings travel to face the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a>, another Atlantic Division rival, providing an immediate chance to rebound.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="692b018fe2d53b59fb2f03aa" data-title="Will the Red Wings improve against Boston this weekend?" data-options="3"></div>


“Todd talked a lot about netfront play in the last couple of days,” said Larkin, Detroit’s captain. “And then we gave up two goals from the front of the net. Just about all of their goals were from chaos in front. We’re not winning those battles and it is frustrating.”

Red Wings coach Todd McLellan delivers harsh reality check after Lightning defeat

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NHL News: Todd McLellan delivers brutal reality check to Red Wings after Lightning loss - Bolavip US

McLellan delivers brutal reality check to Red Wings after Lightning loss

NHL News: Todd McLellan delivers brutal reality check to Red Wings after Lightning loss

Life is full of ironies and the New York Rangers seem to be living through them all in their first NHL season under <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mike Sullivan</a>. The goals have finally arrived in bunches for the Broadway Blueshirts, but the new bench-boss is far from pleased with the team’s performance.



No team in the NHL had scored more than five goals against the Tampa Bay Lightning so far in the 2025-26 season. That was until Sullivan and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York</a> travelled down to Central Florida. The Rangers erupted for a seven-goal performance in the 7-3 victory. However, it wasn’t exactly a picture-perfect game for the new head coach in The Big Apple.



“I thought tonight, I don’t think we were at our best,” Sullivan admitted postgame, via The New York Post. “We were opportunistic. We had some pretty good looks and we scored on them. You could say the same about the last game. So, I don’t think they were the cleanest games from an execution standpoint on either side of the puck.”



<h2>The Rangers will gladly take it</h2>



Though Sullivan isn’t fully satisfied with the Rangers’ on-ice product, there are far worse outcomes than a 7-3 road win over the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lightning</a>. Injury-riddled? Yes—but Tampa Bay remains a competitive team capable of holding its own against any opponent in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>. Regardless, when the Rangers visited Benchmark International Arena, New York’s squad painted the town red—along with white and blue. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251113_BUS_526028_mike-sullivan-1_7364a1a1.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan during a game" class="wp-image-524027"></figure><figcaption>Mike Sullivan delivered a clear message on developing Gabriel Perreault</figcaption></figure>



“It obviously gives us a boost of confidence,” Sullivan commented. “The irony of it is, I feel like the games where we didn’t score, the effort and execution on both sides of the puck was really high.“


 

 

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For a team that just days ago had yet to win a game at Madison Square Garden, stringing two victories together—with a combined score of 13-6—is all the Rangers could ask for to turn the tide. Now, they can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Moreover, the Rangers extended their red-hot form away from Manhattan, boasting an 8-1-1 mark on the road.



<h2>All they need</h2>



With their victory over the Bolts, another trend continued for the Rangers. So far in the season, the Blueshirts are undefeated in regulation (8-0-1) when scoring more than one goal. Instead, when scoring one or fewer goals, the Rangers fall to 0-7-1 in the season. One-goal games won’t cut it in the NHL, and New York’s case perfectly exemplifies that.



<h2>Vincent Trocheck: the C-less captain</h2>



Much speculation surrounded New York’s offseason decision on who would become the 29th captain in Rangers history. Among several strong candidates, J.T. Miller was eventually handed the honors. However, many argued Vincent Trocheck was exactly what the locker room needed for a leader. 



It’s far too early to declare the decision a hit or a miss, but Trocheck has made it clear that with or without the ‘C’, he’ll give his best and rally the troops in The Empire City. Making his return from an upper-body injury that sidelined him for 14 games, Trocheck hasn’t missed a beat. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251113_BUS_526028_Vincent-Trocheck-16-of-the-New-York-Rangers-arrives-for-the-game-against-the-New-York-Islanders-at-1024x576_2f63f7c3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers arrives for the game against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on February 25, 2025 in Elmont, New York." class="wp-image-371919" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Vincent Trocheck #16 of the New York Rangers arrives for a game. </figcaption></figure>



In his first two games back, the 32-year-old veteran recorded consecutive two-point performances. He can do it all—against the Nashville Predators, he tallied two assists, and against the Bolts, he did it himself, scoring a brace that halted any comeback attempt from Tampa Bay in its tracks.

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NHL News: Mike Sullivan drops sobering statement for NY Rangers after 7-3 win vs Lightning - Bolavip US

Sullivan drops sobering statement for NY Rangers after 7-3 win vs Lightning

NHL News: Mike Sullivan drops sobering statement for NY Rangers after 7-3 win vs Lightning

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad Marchand</a> and the Florida Panthers will never see eye-to-eye with Jon Cooper and the Tampa Bay Lightning. In the 2025-26 NHL season, that is no different. As the Floridian rivals gear up for their first matchup of the campaign, the latest decision made in the Big Guava could raise eyebrows in Sunrise.



Marchand and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> haven’t forgotten about the heated preseason showdown with the Lightning. Even if Florida wanted to move on, the latest roster moves in Tampa made sure to remind the Cats about it. When the Cats and Bolts meet at Amerant Bank Arena on Nov. 15, a public enemy will return to Sunrise for the first time since being suspended by the NHL.



“The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> have recalled forwards Boris Katchouk and Scott Sabourin from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League,” as announced by the organization through an <a href="https://www.nhl.com/lightning/news/tampa-bay-lightning-recall-forwards-boris-katchouk-scott-sabourin-from-ahl-syracuse-crunch#:~:text=TAMPA%20BAY%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Tampa%20Bay,Manager%20Julien%20BriseBois%20announced%20today." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official statement</a>.



With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper</a> and his staff mired in an injury crisis, changes were expected to the lineup. However, calling up two players known for their physical style could be seen as a warning shot to Marchand and the Panthers. If tempers flared in the preseason, there’s no reason to believe the air will be any less tense when these two despised organizations meet in a crucial Atlantic Division matchup.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251113_BUS_525635_Head-coach-Jon-Cooper-of-the-Tampa-Bay-Lightning-speaks-to-the-media-after-losing-to-the-Chicago-Bla-1024x576_56f324ad.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning speaks to the media after losing to the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 in Game Four of the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on June 10, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois." class="wp-image-388552" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What happened the last time Sabourin faced Marchand and the Panthers?</h2>



Sabourin has yet to make his official debut with the Lightning. However, he made quite a statement during the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> preseason finale. As the Bolts lost 7-0 to the Cats in a meaningless game ahead of the regular season, Sabourin went after defenseman Aaron Ekblad with no other intention but to injure the Panthers’ star blueliner. 


 

 

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As a result, the Department of Player Safety suspended him for four games. While he served his punishment, Sabourin has yet to make an appearance in the 2025-26 campaign. With the game against the Panthers circled in red, he is trending to make his way into the lineup for the Battle of Florida in Sunrise. 



Almost as if fate would have it, Sabourin’s last NHL appearance came during the 2024-25 season—against none other than the Panthers, while playing for the San Jose Sharks.



<h2>The Battle of Florida: Panthers vs Lightning</h2>



When people ask just how much the league has grown and evolved, mentioning that one of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/top-greatest-rivalries-in-nhl-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fiercest rivalries in the NHL</a> now takes place between two organizations in the state of Florida should paint a clear picture. 



Either the Panthers or the Lightning has appeared in each of the last six Stanley Cup Finals, highlighting just how competitive hockey has become in The Sunshine State. Yet, for all they’ve done to grow the sport in Florida, these two teams absolutely despise each other. The Cats and Bolts can’t stand one another, and it makes for guaranteed entertainment whenever they go head-to-head. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251113_BUS_525635_brad-marchand-1-3-1024x576_3c68bc4f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Brad Marchand in action" class="wp-image-517598" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Brad Marchand at Amerant Bank Arena on October 23, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Bad blood between the Cats and Bolts</h2>



Last season, Florida and Tampa Bay met for the fourth time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the Panthers prevailing and tying the all-time playoff series record at two apiece. The depth of their hatred is best reflected in their penalty minutes: during the 2024-25 campaign, the Bolts and Cats combined for a staggering 134 PIMs across four meetings—an average of 33.5 per game. 



As the rivalry renews in the 2025-26 season, expect nothing less—especially with Sabourin expected to join the lineup, carrying a huge target on his back. Marchand and company won’t let the latest incident slide, so fans would be wise to buckle up, grab their popcorn, and get ready for an instant classic.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="691520802d286e1484d5ea7b" data-title="Who will win the season-series?" data-options="2"></div>

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Lightning HC Cooper puts Marchand, Panthers on notice with controversial call-ups

Jon Cooper made his thoughts clear after the Tampa Bay Lightning lost 3-2 to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nathan-mackinnon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nathan MacKinnon</a>’s Colorado Avalanche in the 2025-26 NHL season. After a strong first period, the Bolts let the foot off the pedal, allowing the Avs to rally from behind and walk away with all two points.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay</a> had won five games in a row entering the matchup with Colorado. However, the streak was drastically halted by the Avalanche. With the 3-2 loss in Denver, Cooper and the Lightning suffered their first loss since October 23. After the game, Cooper dropped a powerful wake-up call.



“It was good for a bit, and then we got in our own way. And when we get in our own way, it’s usually going to be tough for us,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jon Cooper</a> commented, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “I loved our first period. It was unfortunate that [there were] untimely penalties. We took those tonight, but they were a better team for periods two and three. So, that was a little disappointing.”



<h2>Top of the food chain</h2>



Though a tough pill to swallow for Cooper and the Bolts, losing to the Avalanche on the road should be far from discouraging. MacKinnon and the Avs sit on top of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> standings with 21 points through the opening 14 games of the 2025-26 season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251105_BUS_521531_Head-coach-Jon-Cooper-of-the-Tampa-Bay-Lightning-speaks-to-the-media-after-losing-to-the-Chicago-Bla-1024x576_03e87661.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning speaks to the media after losing to the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 in Game Four of the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on June 10, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois." class="wp-image-388552" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning</figcaption></figure>



Meanwhile, Tampa registers 14 points, which currently has the Bolts fifth in the Atlantic Division. The Eastern Conference is jampacked at the moment, as no team is currently below the .500 mark. It’s still very early, but the race for the Stanley Cup Playoffs could very well turn into a bloodbath in the East.


 

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<h2>MacKinnon stays hot</h2>



With an assist against the Bolts, the former first overall pick in the 2013 NHL entry Draft extended his point streak. Now, MacKinnon has scored or assisted in seven straight outings. Moreover, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/colorado-avalanche" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Avalanche</a>’s star stays atop the league leaders. Through 14 games, MacKinnon has recorded 10 goals (tied for best in the league) and 10 assists.

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NHL News: Jon Cooper issues harsh reminder to Lightning after loss to Nathan MacKinnon’s Avalanche - Bolavip US

Cooper issues harsh reminder to Lightning after loss to MacKinnon’s Avalanche

Jon Cooper’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> and the Los Angeles Kings have seemingly engaged in a game of hot potato. A handful of games into the 2025-26 NHL season, a recent addition to the Bolts is heading back to the Kings.



Phoenix Copley will surely hope he hasn’t lost the number of his real-estate agent in Los Angeles. After being claimed by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper</a> and the Lightning off waivers prio to the start of the NHL season, the veteran goalie is headed back to the City of Angels.



“The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-kings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kings</a> have acquired goaltender Pheonix Copley from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for future considerations,” as announced by @LAKingsPR on X (formerly Twitter).



<h2>Short-lived stay in Big Guava</h2>



While the 33-year-old netminder hoped a change of scenery might re-ignite his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> career, it simply wasn’t meant to be in Tampa. With rumors of Andrei Vasilevskiy being injured, Copley’s chances to man the Bolts’ crease temporarily increased. However, with Vasilevskiy having played in three of Tampa’s four games, there is no spot for the waiver addition in the lineup.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251015_BUS_509992_phoenix-copley-1024x576_79507c70.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-510034" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Phoenix Copley playing for the Los Angeles Kings</figcaption></figure>



Instead, the goaltender born and raised in North Pole, Alaska (not the actual North Pole, but a town roughly 1,700 miles from the top of the world) is headed back to Los Angeles. The odds of him serving an extended role like he did during the 2023-24 campaign—when he appeared in 37 games—are slim to none, however.


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<h2>Goaltending room in LA</h2>



With Copley’s return to the organization, the Kings now boast a goalie room filled with experience. Darcy Kuemper (35), Anton Forsberg (32), and Phoenix Copley (33) will be competing for ice-time, though the former is the clear-cut starter. Los Angeles boasts one of the oldest goaltending rooms in the NHL.



After trading for Copley, the Kings have assigned 25-year-old Erik Portillo to the AHL affiliate Ontario Reign. In addition to Portillo, the Kings have 19-year-old goalie George Carter, who is signed to his entry-level contract, in their ranks as well.

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NHL News: Jon Cooper, Lightning part ways with recent acquisition being bounced around with Kings - Bolavip US

Cooper, Lightning part ways with recent acquisition being bounced around with Kings

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> and coach Jon Cooper were hit with significant penalties from the NHL following their actions in a preseason game against the Florida Panthers. The league fined the team $100,000 and penalized Coach Cooper an additional $25,000.



The total amount was levied by the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> Hockey Operations department due to “their actions culminating in the events of” the highly contentious matchup as reported by Frank Seravelli. The league stated that the entire sum collected from both the organization and the coach will be directed toward various charitable causes.



It is worth remembering that the preseason matchup was disastrous for both teams: 16 players were ejected, and a stunning total of 312 penalty minutes were reported—a level of chaos almost never seen during a preseason game. With the fines against the Lightning and Coach Cooper, the NHL clearly sought to be as tough as possible.



It should be noted that those were not the only penalties issued. As reported by Chris Johnston, four additional Lightning players were heavily disciplined: Goncalves was fined $3.1 million and Schmidt $2 million, while Sabourin was suspended for 4 games and Moser for 2 games.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Doesn&apos;t matter if it&apos;s preseason, the Battle of Florida will always be pure chaos 🥊 <a href="https://t.co/tJz3UfM2a1">pic.twitter.com/tJz3UfM2a1</a>— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) <a href="https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1973913501669425241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Players Weigh In on Panthers-Lightning Brawl</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> forward Evan Rodrigues acknowledged the chaotic nature of the preseason brawl between the two rivals, admitting that the level of play devolved quickly. Rodrigues conceded that the action “got silly. It got stupid by the end of it,” adding critically that “it wasn’t really hockey out there.”



The Panthers were tipped off about the potential for chaos when the Lightning called up several players, prompting Eetu Luostarinen to say, “It made you think there might be something coming.” Meanwhile, Cooper suggested the melee was overdue, commenting: “I can’t believe it’s taken this long for something like that to happen.”

NHL hits Lightning and Jon Cooper with severe fines after violent preseason game vs Panthers

NHL hits Lightning and Jon Cooper with severe fines after violent preseason game vs Panthers - Bolavip US

Going after <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aaron-ekblad" rel="nofollow">Aaron</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aaron-ekblad" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aaron-ekblad" rel="nofollow">Ekblad</a> and other Florida Panthers stars came at a price for Jon Cooper and the Tampa Bay Lightning. As the NHL’s Department of Player Safety conducted hearings with players involved, a veteran minor-league player in Tampa has been suspended.



The NHL season wouldn’t feel right if there weren’t bad blood already boiling between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> and Lightning. The Battle of Florida is alive and well—and the two organizations have yet to meet in an official game.



Following Scott Sabourin’s roughing call against Ekblad during the preseason finale, the Department of Player Safety stepped in, handing the forward on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lightning</a> a multi-game suspension. 



“Tampa Bay Lightning forward Scott Sabourin is suspended four games for roughing against Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad,” as announced by @NHLPlayerSafety through its X account (formerly Twitter).



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Scott Sabourin RAN OVER Aaron Ekblad and then started throwing punches 😳 <a href="https://t.co/TAMXJnozXM">pic.twitter.com/TAMXJnozXM</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1974615184271372762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>Sent a message</h2>



After a heated preseason game in Tampa, the Bolts and Cats met again in Sunrise for the third and final time in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> preseason. Right from the get-go, the Lightning came out of the gate determined to go after the reigning Stanley Cup champions.


 

 

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Just over two minutes into the game, Sabourin chased Ekblad into the end wall before delivering a body hit. It was all legal up to that point, but the undrafted veteran then struck the former first-overall pick in the face and dropped the gloves, even though Ekblad had no intention of getting into a fight.



It was clear the Lightning weren’t looking to win as much as they were trying to avenge the events of the past game. As a result, three Bolts’ players were ejected in the opening 15 minutes. What was supposed to be an exhibition turned ugly, leading to 322 penalty minutes, 16 ejections, and two suspensions handed out to Tampa Bay.



In addition to Sabourin, blueliner J.J. Moser has been suspended two games for boarding Florida forward Jesper Boqvist. Contrary to Sabourin, Moser might play a big role for Cooper and the Bolts. Last season, he made 54 appearances, recording 14 points (2G, 12A).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251006_BUS_504277_Jon-Cooper-1-1024x576_e7d5d21e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-377367" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jon Cooper attends a press conference </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Can afford it</h2>



While a four-game suspension to start the season would be costly for any NHL team when it comes to key players, Sabourin isn’t quite that for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper</a>’s Lightning. Since 2020, Sabourin has played in just 12 NHL games, being mostly utilized in the AHL. 


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68e43e4d7193bec65e18dbca" data-title="Do you agree with the NHL&apos;s suspension for Sabourin?" data-options="3"></div>


After signing as a free agent in Tampa during the summer, his role isn’t expected to change. His spot on the organization is most likely reserved on the Syracuse Crunch. Thus, him being suspended four games by the NHL is anything but a big blow to the roster in Cigar City.

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NHL News: Panthers' Aaron Ekblad roughing leads to multi-game suspension for Lightning's minor-league veteran - Bolavip US

Panthers' Ekblad roughing leads to multi-game suspension for Cooper, Lightning's veteran

The Battle of Florida never fails to deliver—not even in the NHL preseason. After a chaotic showdown between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> and the Florida Panthers, the league’s Department of Player Safety had its hands full with several fines and hearings handed out.



The Lightning were dismantled in their visit to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> in the preseason finale. Florida got the better of their in-state archenemies en route to a 7–0 victory. As expected, the Bolts didn’t stand with their arms crossed as the Cats ran circles around them. Though an unofficial NHL game, bad blood is always running when the Lightning and Panthers collide.



After a series of scary-looking hits by both sides, all hell broke loose in the Sunshine State. Now, it’s up to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>’s Department of Player Safety to clear the air and address each incident. On that note, they will have a lot on their plate prior to opening night on October 7.



As announced by @NHLPlayerSafety on X (formerly Twitter), Tampa Bay skaters Roman Schmidt and Gage Goncalves have been fined for cross-checking Carter Verhaeghe and Evan Rodrigues, respectively. Schmidt was fined $2,098.52, and Goncalves had $3,125 deducted from his bank account. Both are the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251005_BUS_503693_gage-concalves-1024x576_ad90a9a3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-503745" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Gage Goncalves with the Tampa Bay Lightning</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What’s the max?</h2>



Though both fines are listed as maximum, many fans wondered why Goncalves and Schmidt must pay different amounts. That is largely due to the contracts to which each Bolt is signed to. 


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According to scoutingtherefs.com, fines are capped at 50% of one day’s salary, with a maximum of $5,000 without a hearing. If a hearing takes place, the league can issue a fine up to $10,000.



<h2>Need to have a talk</h2>



Meanwhile, fellow Lightning teammates J.J. Moser and Scott Sabourin have been scheduled for hearings with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. Moser is being investigated for boarding Jesper Boqvist, whereas Sabourin is summoned for roughing Aaron Ekblad. Both hearings’ dates have yet to be decided. As a result, the Bolts could miss the two players with game suspensions.



Though happy with the victory to close out the preseason, the Panthers were visibly upset about the Lightning’s behavior. During his postgame interview, forward Mackie Samoskevich issued a sharp statement directed at Tampa Bay.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251005_BUS_503693_mackie-samoskevich-1024x576_d81e45b7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-437901" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Mackie Samoskevich of the Florida Panthers</figcaption></figure>



“Let them do their thing,” Samoskevich said. “Just trying to protect ourselves. They didn’t really plan on playing hockey tonight. We got bigger things coming ahead.”



The NHL is back, and the Battle of Florida hasn’t lost a step. Back in full swing, the Panthers and Lightning will surely not let go of this past encounter when they meet for the first time in the regular season on November 15. It may seem a long way off, but make no mistake—when it comes to the Cats and the Bolts, they never forget.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68e2a22f7193bec65e18dbb5" data-title="Who will win the Atlantic Division?" data-options="8"></div>

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NHL punishes multiple Lightning players with maximum fines and schedules hearings after heated loss to Panthers - Bolavip US

NHL punishes multiple Lightning players with maximum fines after loss to Panthers

Andrei Vasilevskiy made a late return to the ice during Tampa Bay Lightning’s NHL preseason. However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jon Cooper</a> and company have yet to put him in net for any game, drawing concerns about his health. In the meantime, the addition of another goaltender further feeds the mystery in Tampa.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lightning</a> are welcoming undrafted goaltender Phoenix Copley to their ranks ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season-opener. While an intriguing addition to the team in the Big Guava, most fans see it as a bad sign on Vasilevskiy’s status.



As first reported by Frank Seravalli on X, the Bolts have claimed Copley from waivers, where the Los Angeles Kings had placed him. Though Copley played a big role for the team in L.A. during the 2022-23 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> campaign, he’s since only appeared in nine games in the past two seasons. Copley has spent most of that time with the Ontario Reign in the AHL.



<h2>Next man up</h2>



While reports suggest Vasilevskiy is manning the crease for Tampa Bay during Saturday’s preseason finale, signs indicate the two-time Stanley Cup champion may not be fully healthy. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251002_BUS_502380_phoenix-coplet-1024x576_cdf677f4.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-502405" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Pheonix Copley at UBS Arena on December 09, 2023 in Elmont, New York.</figcaption></figure>



“At first glance, it might be a concerning situation arising as Andrei Vasilevskiy has been absent for most of training camp for what the team has described as ‘player maintenance‘,” as reported by lightninginsider.com on Copley’s waiver addition.


 

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If that’s the case, Cooper and the staff in Cigar City may have to turn to other names in the goaltending room. Jonas Johansson is expected to round out the tandem behind Vasilevskiy and would therefore get the start if the Russian goalie can’t dress for the season opener on October 9 against the Ottawa Senators. Still, Copley could make a lasting first impression and earn his shot in the Bolts’ net.



<h2>North Pole-native</h2>



Born in North Pole, Alaska—1,700 miles from the actual North Pole—Copley is one of the NHL’s more intriguing names. The 33-year-old netminder is now looking to re-establish himself as a viable option in goal. He managed to do just that with the Kings during the 2022-23 season, appearing in 37 games for Los Angeles. 



Since then, however, things have trended downward. Last season, Copley saw the ice only once, coming in for relief of David Rittich, who had allowed four goals on 14 shots. The Kings went on to lose 6-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Copley hasn’t stood between the pipes in the NHL since that rough outing on October 16, 2024.

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Cooper, Lightning add intriguing veteran amid growing concerns around Vasilevskiy

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper">Jon Cooper</a> and the Tampa Bay Lightning had grown accustomed to deep playoff runs in the NHL. The last couple of years were anything but that, though, with consecutive first-round losses to the cross-state rivals, the Florida Panthers. In hopes of turning the tide back in their favor, the Bolts head into a crucial season. However, drama has already emerged for Brayden Point and company.



Cooper and the Bolts have faced adversity before. More importantly, they’ve overcome it multiple times. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning" rel="sponsored nofollow">Tampa Bay</a> knows what it takes to win in the NHL, but its current roster is simply not getting it done at the moment.



Although the lineup is stacked with household names and star talent, something seems off for the organization in the Big Guava. Point, Kucherov, Hedman, Guentzel, and Vasilevskiy are just a few of the elite players in town. Even so, a major absence in the forward group might prove too much to overcome in the opening stretch of the 2025–26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season.



“Forward Nick Paul had surgery last Friday for an upper body injury and is out until early November, per GM Julien BriseBois,” Lightning’s beat reporter Benjamin Pierce stated.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250917_BUS_493567_nick-paul-1024x576_9d83eac4.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-493630" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Nicholas Paul on October 10, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Paul can return to a celebration</h2>



Coming off a 41-point season with the Lightning, Paul will be sidelined to begin the 2025-26 campaign. That means his chase for the career 200-point mark will be put on hold for a while. However, as soon as he returns to the ice in Central Florida he’ll get the chance to reach the accolade, and more.


 

 

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As it stands, Paul is just one point shy of the 200th of his career. The 30-year-old forward is also only three goals away from the 100-mark. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking, but what could be better than a hat trick upon his return to capture both milestones? If that happens, the celebration in the locker room might call for Cigar City to outdo itself in production.



<h2>What’s missing?</h2>



The Lightning aren’t used to losing this early in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After the infamous 2019 sweep at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets—when Tampa Bay was coming off a record-setting regular season—the Bolts had hoped first-round exits were a thing of the past.



Still, the Panthers had other plans. While it’s unfair to pin postseason defeats on a single factor, goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy believes there’s one key area where his teammates keep coming up short.


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“We have to learn to score goals in overtime,” Vasilevskiy boldly said, per The Tampa Bay Times’ Eduardo Encina. “No wonder we can’t win. The home record in the playoffs, terrible, in front of our fans getting (expletive)-kicked. Sometimes you have to play simple instead of trying to make hero plays”

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jon-cooper">Jon Cooper</a> and the Tampa Bay Lightning have decided going back to basics might be for the best after yet another playoff exit in the NHL. Now, a retired three-time Stanley Cup champion is returning to the Big Guava, though in a new capacity.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-lightning">Lightning</a> experienced plenty of success with Pat Maroon in the organization. Therefore, as the tide got rough for Cooper and the Bolts, the recently retired forward is joining the team in Cigar City in a new role off the ice and the action.



Instead, the Lightning announced Maroon will be serving in a full-time capacity as team ambassador. Moreover, the new assignments won’t stop there for the 37-year-old.



“In his new role, he will work closely with the Lightning in a variety of ways, including community appearances, growing the game of hockey in the Tampa Bay Area and supporting the organization in other facets. Maroon will also serve as an analyst for the team’s revamped television broadcast during the 2025-26 season,” the announcement read, via NHL.com.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250905_BUS_485605_jon-cooper-pat-maroon-1024x576_8dfc159a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-485653" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jon Cooper and Pat Maroon during the 2022 Stanley Cup Final</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Excited for the future</h2>



Maroon wasn’t precisely beloved by the rest of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> fanbases, but he was a fan-favorite in Tampa. The Lightning took him in as a free agent in 2019, and since an everlasting bond was built. Now, Maroon is back with the Bolts, following brief stints with the Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, and Chicago Blackhawks.


 

 

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“Being back in Tampa, winning two Stanley Cups, the fans mean a lot to me,” Maroon admitted. “They’ve done everything, sold out hundreds of consecutive games. Now I get the time to chat with some fans and hang out and be part of the community and support the Tampa community. It’s going to be awesome, so I’m really looking forward to that.”



<h2>Just shy of four straight</h2>



Though far from being the fastest or most skilled player on a nightly basis, Maroon thrived in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stanley-cup">Stanley Cup</a> Playoffs. When the space narrowed down and players were hemmed in on the ice, that’s when his big size made the difference.



As a result, it’s no wonder Maroon completed a rare back-to-back-to-back in the NHL. He won his first with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, and followed it up with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins">consecutive Stanley Cup conquests</a> with Cooper’s Lightning in 2020 and 2021. 



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Pat Maroon strikes and the Lightning have goal No. 5️⃣ ⚡️ <a href="https://t.co/GCrxL2bzzU">pic.twitter.com/GCrxL2bzzU</a>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1539064786704486400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2022</a></blockquote></div>



Had it not been for the Colorado Avalanche, Maroon would have hoisted a fourth Cup in 2022. Still, when he called it a career during the 2024–25 season, his trophy cabinet was more than full. Now, he hopes to help the Bolts capture their fourth Cup in franchise history but in a new place.

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