Victor Hedman is back with Lightning, working toward on-ice return

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Sunday, Apr 19, 2026

 

Lightning go into NHL playoffs with a new identity fueled by emotion

After losing in the first round the past three seasons, Tampa Bay has altered its DNA to become more angry, physical and active. Read more.

 
 

Victor Hedman is back with Lightning, working toward on-ice return

The captain and defenseman has been on a leave of absence since March 25. The door is open for a return in the playoffs. Read more.

 

The preliminaries are over. The Lightning have something to prove

After three consecutive first-round exits, the Bolts are looking to recapture the edge that once made them the NHL’s best. Read more.

 

Lightning’s Dominic James was determined to return for playoff opener

The 23-year-old center’s speed will give Tampa Bay a boost against a fast Montreal team. Read more.

 

Bucs’ draft approach has netted starters and a handful of Pro Bowlers

As he enters his 13th draft this week, general manager Jason Licht continues to teach patience in a win-now league. Read more.

 

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Dive deep every weekday into all things Bucs, Rays, Lightning, USF and more with award-winning Times journalist Rick Stroud. If it’s major Tampa Bay sports news, he’s talking about it. 

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How going retro with a small-ball approach has paid off big for Rays

Running and stealing is the physical part of making small ball work in a diverse offense. Getting the players to buy in is another factor. Read more.

 

Rays put good finish on long, weird, wet day by beating Pirates in 13

An early deficit, a long rain delay, an impressive comeback, a couple of lost leads and a big home run are all part of a marathon day. Read more.

 

Brandon Lowe has ‘no hard feelings’ over trade from Rays to Pirates

Notes | A hot start with his new team helps, and his son, Emmett, thinks being a pirate is really cool. Read more.