Backchecking the Bolts

Jason Linkes
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Hockey

Backchecking the Bolts is your cup of coffee to get you the latest on the Tampa Bay Lightning.  We’re breaking down the Lightning’s most recent games and telling you what the box scores didn’t tell you.   From tactical breakdowns to player impact, it’s time to look beyond the highlights with host Jason Linkes and the managing editor of Raw Charge (www.rawcharge.com) Justin Godfrey. Please visit our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@BackcheckingtheBolts Follow Backchecking the Bolts on the following platforms. RawCharge: www.rawcharge.com Twitter: Tampa_Bolts_Pod Instagram: Backchecking_the_Bolts Facebook: Backchecking the Bolts Email: backcheckingthebolts@yahoo.com

  1. 2d ago

    Lightning Season Preview: Burning Questions, Bolts Blueprint & 2026-27 Opening Night Roster

    The 2026-27 Tampa Bay Lightning season is here! The Bolts open the regular season Thursday night in New York against the New York Rangers, and Backchecking the Bolts gets you ready for Opening Night. Raw Charge Managing Editor Justin Godfrey and Jason Linkes break down the biggest questions surrounding the Lightning as Tampa Bay begins another run at the Stanley Cup. ⚡ On this episode: 🔥 Justin’s Burning Questions — The biggest questions facing the Lightning entering the 2026-27 season and the answers that could help define Tampa Bay’s year. ⚡ Jason’s Bolts Blueprint for Success — Jason examines the trends and strategies Tampa Bay needs to improve from last season, including managing minutes for veterans, face-offs, defensive-zone draws, scoring first and other areas that could make the difference in 2026-27. 🏒 The 2026-27 Lightning Roster — We break down Tampa Bay’s Opening Night roster: Who made it? Who didn’t? And what could the lineup look like when the Lightning take the ice against the Rangers? Plus, Jason and Justin discuss what they’ll be watching for as the Tampa Bay Lightning open the 2026-27 NHL season at Madison Square Garden. If you’re a Tampa Bay Lightning fan, subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Lightning news, analysis, interviews, game previews and reaction throughout the 2026-27 NHL season. Backchecking the Bolts — your home for Tampa Bay Lightning talk. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #TBLightning #TBL #TampaBay #StanleyCup #BackcheckingTheBolts

  2. 5d ago

    Ben Clymer Interview: Tampa Bay Lightning 2004 Stanley Cup Champion | Stanley Cup to Wall Street

    What does it take to go from Minnesota high school hockey to becoming a Stanley Cup Champion? Former Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ben Clymer joins Jason Linkes and Justin Godfrey on Backchecking the Bolts for an exclusive interview about his remarkable hockey journey, winning the 2004 Stanley Cup, and building a successful career after the NHL. Growing up in Bloomington, Minnesota, Clymer developed his love for hockey in one of America's most passionate hockey communities. From winning a Minnesota high school state championship to reaching the NHL, Ben shares the experiences, challenges, and memories that shaped his career. We look back at his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, including the unforgettable 2004 Stanley Cup championship season, his years playing under John Tortorella, and his eventual move to the Washington Capitals. But Ben's story doesn't end when he hangs up his skates! Today, Clymer is the Managing Partner at Abbey Street in the Twin Cities, where he has transitioned from professional hockey into financial and wealth management. We discuss what attracted him to the financial industry, the lessons he carried from the NHL into the business world, and his perspective on life after professional sports. In this episode: Growing up in Bloomington, Minnesota, and discovering hockeyWinning a Minnesota high school hockey state championshipThe journey from Minnesota to the NHLPlaying for the Tampa Bay LightningMemories of John Tortorella and the 2004 Stanley Cup championshipHis time with the Washington CapitalsTransitioning from professional hockey to financial managementHis role as Managing Partner at Abbey StreetLife after hockey and the lessons learned along the wayPlus, Ben steps into the penalty box for our rapid-fire segment, Two Minutes in the Box! Whether you're a longtime Tampa Bay Lightning fan, a Minnesota hockey enthusiast, or simply interested in what professional athletes do after their playing careers, this conversation offers a fascinating look at life on and off the ice. Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for more Tampa Bay Lightning news, analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the NHL. Hosted by Jason Linkes and Justin Godfrey, Managing Editor of Raw Charge. Follow Backchecking the Bolts: YouTube: Backchecking the Bolts X: @Tampa_Bolts_Pod Email: backcheckingthebolts@yahoo.com Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio. #TampaBayLightning #BenClymer #StanleyCup #NHL #TBLightning #MinnesotaHockey #TBL

  3. Sep 11

    Lightning Prospect Tournament Preview + 3 Burning Questions Is Chris Kreider a Fit in Tampa

    The Tampa Bay Lightning are getting closer to the 2026-27 NHL season, and on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we break down some of the biggest questions surrounding the Bolts as training camp approaches. We start with the Lightning Prospect Tournament in Raleigh, September 13-15. Which Tampa Bay prospects have the most to gain, and which players need to make an impression if they want to push their way into the NHL roster conversation? Then it's time for our 3 Burning Questions heading into the 2026-27 season. Who grabs the second-line left wing spot? Who wins the battle for the sixth defensive position? And can the Lightning power play get back on track? We also debut Fringe, Rise or Regression, as we look at six Lightning players and predict what their upcoming seasons could look like. Are they on the fringe, ready to rise, or candidates to regress? Finally, Chris Kreider has been released by the Anaheim Ducks. The veteran forward is now available — but would he actually make sense for Tampa Bay? We look at Kreider's production, potential role and whether the Lightning should have any interest. On this episode: Lightning Prospect Tournament preview from RaleighProspects who need to impress3 Burning Questions for the 2026-27 LightningSecond-line left wing competitionTampa Bay's sixth defenseman battleCan the Lightning power play rebound?Fringe, Rise or Regression: 6 Lightning playersChris Kreider released by AnaheimCould Kreider be a fit in Tampa Bay?Subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Tampa Bay Lightning analysis, NHL news, prospects, roster discussions and conversations that go beyond the box score. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #TBL #BackcheckingTheBolts #ChrisKreider #TBLightning

  4. Sep 1

    Tampa Bay Lightning Kucherov Contract, Point vs. Hedman + Hellebuyck Wants a Trade

    The Tampa Bay Lightning are heading toward training camp with some major questions, and on this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we break down the biggest storylines surrounding the Bolts and the NHL. What will the Lightning do with Nikita Kucherov’s next contract, and what does the future hold for Jonas Johansson? With training camp approaching, we discuss the contract situations Tampa Bay will have to address and what Kucherov could command on his next deal. We also debate one of the biggest questions facing the Lightning this season: Who does Tampa Bay need a bounce-back season from more — Brayden Point or Victor Hedman? Both are critical pieces of the Lightning core, but which player returning to top form would have the greater impact? Plus, a potentially massive NHL storyline: Connor Hellebuyck has requested a trade. What could that mean for the Winnipeg Jets, what kind of market could develop for one of the NHL’s premier goaltenders, and which teams could potentially get involved? Finally, with NHL expansion continuing to loom on the horizon, could expansion finally lead the league to rethink the Stanley Cup Playoff format? We discuss possible changes and whether the current wild-card system should survive an expanded NHL. On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts: Nikita Kucherov’s next contract — what’s his number?What happens with Jonas Johansson?Brayden Point vs. Victor Hedman: Who needs the bigger bounce-back season?Connor Hellebuyck requests a tradeCould NHL expansion change the playoff format?If you’re a Tampa Bay Lightning fan or follow the NHL, subscribe to Backchecking the Bolts for Lightning analysis, NHL news, rumors, trades, contracts and discussion that goes beyond the box score. #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #NHL #TBLightning #TBL #NHLNews

  5. Aug 10

    Syracuse Crunch 2025-26 Season Recap | Lukas Favale on Tampa Bay’s Top AHL Affiliate

    What makes the Syracuse Crunch and Tampa Bay Lightning partnership one of the best in the AHL? We go behind the scenes with Lukas Favale, the voice of the Syracuse Crunch, to take a deep dive into the Crunch's 2025-26 season and the players who could be part of Tampa Bay's future. Lukas joins Backchecking the Bolts to recap Syracuse's season, discuss why the long-running Lightning–Crunch affiliation works so well, and identify some of the young players Lightning fans should keep an eye on. We also talk about one of the most entertaining features on the Crunch's social media: Walk and Talk, where Lukas catches up with Crunch players as they walk to the arena and gives fans a more personal look at the players behind the jerseys Follow Lukas Favale on X and Instagram @LukasFavale Do you want to watch the Walk & Talks? Go to the Syracuse Crunch Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/syracusecrunch Find out more information on the Syracuse Crunch at: www.syracusecrunch.com Watch their games on AHL TV at FloHockey Listen to the Crunch at www.espnsyracuse.com (ESPN 1200 AM or 97.7 PM) #TampaBayLightning #SyracuseCrunch #TBLightning #TBL #GoBolts #CrunchTime

  6. Aug 6

    Why the NHL Wants Houston: Expansion, Obstacles & the lure of Hockey in Houston

    The NHL continues to explore expansion opportunities—but could Houston become the league's 33rd franchise? In this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, host Jason Linkes is joined by Matt Savage from the Mission Control: Houston Hockey Podcast to discuss one of hockey's hottest topics. 🏒 Topics include: Why Houston is considered a leading NHL expansion candidateWhy the NHL values Houston as one of America's largest media marketsThe challenges of launching another professional sports franchise in an already crowded marketHouston's hockey history and fan supportWhat ownership and arena questions still need to be answeredHow Houston compares to other expansion candidates If you're interested in NHL expansion, Houston hockey, the future of the NHL, or the business of professional sports, this episode is packed with insight. Guest: Matt Savage – Mission Control: Houston Hockey Podcast Host: Jason Linkes Mission Control: Houston Hockey Podcast X: @MCHockeyPodcast Instagram: @MCHockeyPodcast YouTube: @MCHockeyPodcast #GoBolts #NHL #NHLExpansion #HoustonNHL #HoustonHockey #Hockey #NHLtoHouston #NHL33

  7. Jul 24

    Are the Tampa Bay Lightning Better on Paper? | Vasilevskiy Concerns & Kucherov's Next Contract

    Are the Tampa Bay Lightning actually better on paper heading into the new NHL season? On this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, we take an in-depth look at the Lightning's offseason roster changes and whether they've improved enough to contend for another Stanley Cup. We also tackle one of the biggest questions facing Tampa Bay: Could the Lightning survive a long-term injury to Andrei Vasilevskiy? How much of the team's success still depends on one of the NHL's elite goaltenders? Plus, we discuss the future of franchise superstar Nikita Kucherov. When his current contract expires, what would a hometown discount look like for the Bolts? Leave your thoughts in the comments: Are the Lightning better than they were when last season ended? #GoBolts #TBL #TBLightning #NHL #HockeyPodcast #TampaBayLightning

  8. Jul 20

    Victor Matheson Explains NHL Salary Caps, No State Income Tax & Arena Financing

    How much of an advantage do NHL teams in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Nevada, and other no state income tax states really have under the NHL salary cap? In this episode of Backchecking the Bolts, host Jason Linkes sits down with renowned sports economist Victor Matheson, Professor of Economics at Holy Cross, to break down one of hockey's most debated topics. Does the salary cap truly create competitive balance, or do tax laws give certain franchises a significant edge? The conversation also explores many of the biggest business issues facing professional hockey, including: 🏒 Do no state income tax teams have a real salary cap advantage? 💰 The economics behind NHL arena financing and taxpayer-funded stadiums 📈 Why franchise values have skyrocketed in recent years 🏟️ Which cities could become future NHL relocation destinations 🌎 Expansion vs. relocation: What's next for the NHL? 📊 The biggest economic challenges the NHL will face over the next decade 💵 How salary caps influence competitive balance across professional sports Whether you're a hockey fan, sports business enthusiast, or simply interested in the economics behind professional sports, this episode provides an in-depth look at the financial forces shaping the NHL today and into the future. 🎙️ Guest: Victor Matheson – Sports Economist & Professor of Economics, College of the Holy Cross 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Turn on Notifications for more interviews covering the Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL news, player analysis, salary cap discussions, and the business of hockey. #NHL #SalaryCap #VictorMatheson #SportsEconomics #TampaBayLightning #NHLBusiness #SportsBusiness

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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Backchecking the Bolts is your cup of coffee to get you the latest on the Tampa Bay Lightning.  We’re breaking down the Lightning’s most recent games and telling you what the box scores didn’t tell you.   From tactical breakdowns to player impact, it’s time to look beyond the highlights with host Jason Linkes and the managing editor of Raw Charge (www.rawcharge.com) Justin Godfrey. Please visit our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@BackcheckingtheBolts Follow Backchecking the Bolts on the following platforms. RawCharge: www.rawcharge.com Twitter: Tampa_Bolts_Pod Instagram: Backchecking_the_Bolts Facebook: Backchecking the Bolts Email: backcheckingthebolts@yahoo.com

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Linkes
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jason Linkes
  • Show Website
    Backchecking the Bolts

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