Bolts Breakdown

Bolts Breakdown
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Hockey
  • Updated Weekly

Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans - to help Bolts Nation follow the team & enjoy their fandom more. Boomer & Tommy release episodes weekly (Thursday mornings) where they talk about all things Tampa Bay Lightning, from game recaps to breaking news to bold predictions. X: @BoltsBreakdown Substack: @BoltsBreakdown Subscribe To Weekly Newsletter: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed

  1. 4d ago

    (Ep. 28) - Let's Talk About The Atlantic Division

    This episode of the Bolts Breakdown podcast is a preview discussion of the Atlantic Division before the 2026-27 NHL season. Boomer and Tommy walk through each of the Lightning’s opponents & discuss last year’s series as well as key additions & subtractions for each club during this offseason. The episode also highlights recent Lightning news, like Nikita Kucherov’s lack of contract extension & injury updates from the recent Lightning media day (linked below). Finally, the ThunderBucket prompt concludes the episode: If you could sneak into benchmark International Arena overnight, would you try on ThunderBug’s costume or ride the Zamboni? ------------- You can find links mentioned in the show below: Atlantic Division Preview: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-tampa-bay-lightnings-atlantic?r=5gsqvk&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web Lightning Media Day: https://www.youtube.com/live/G0g4LFR_Ko0?si=UJXqddt7Oj6DMRKy Pontus Holmberg Highlight: https://x.com/TBLightning/status/1977799828118651019?s=20 Darren Raddysh Highlight: https://x.com/NHL/status/2040576956370976920?s=20 Prospect Episode: https://youtu.be/1Zq97DIg6uM?si=nnOOJopfbcwVLnzx Prospect Article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-tampa-bay-lightning-prospect?r=5gsqvk&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: Boltsbreakdown@gmail.com Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay) ----------- 01:15 - Lightning Prospect Showcase 08:00 - Recent Injuries 09:50 - Nikita Kucherov Extension 18:34 - Atlantic Division Preview 20:48 - Boston Bruins 25:13 - Detroit Red Wings 27:46 - Florida Panthers 32:50 - Toronto Maple Leafs 35:10 - Montreal Canadiens 36:57 - Ottawa Senators 38:38 - Buffalo Sabres 41:00 - Which rival team will be the Lightning's toughest test 43:45 - ThunderBucket

  2. Sep 10

    (Ep. 27) - Let's Talk About Yanni Gourde || Tampa Bay Lightning

    In this episode, Boomer & Tommy discuss how important Yanni Gourde has been to the Tampa Bay Lightning over the course of his career. They talk about his unique path to the NHL. They talk about his tenacity on the ice. They talk about his leadership in the dressing room. ... They ask whether Gourde has done enough to warrant a statue, or a jersey retirement, or a Lightning hall of fame nomination. Plus, there's a 15-question trivia-style game about Yanni Gourde. Tommy scored 28 points; leave a comment with how many you score! Here are a few links mentioned in the episode: Yanni Gourde Article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/yanni-gourde-the-five-things-every ThunderBucket Prompt: bit.ly/thunderbucket Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: Boltsbreakdown@gmail.com Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

  3. Sep 3

    (Ep. 26) Discussing The Lightning's Recent First Round Playoff Losses

    This episode is all about the Tampa Bay Lightning & how they've lost the last four years in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tommy & Boomer remember each series (2023 vs the Toronto Maple Leafs, 2024 vs the Florida Panthers, 2025 vs the Florida Panthers, and 2026 vs the Montreal Canadiens). With each year, they recap the big moments & discuss any trends they have seen. Here are some questions they discuss in the episode: 1) Are there any reoccurring problems or trends from the last four years? If so, have they been corrected for the 2026-27 season? If there aren't, when does bad luck/good opponents become an inexcusable answer? 2) Do the last four years impact your expectations for this upcoming season (2026-27)? 3) Which of the last four years stings you the worst as a fan? Finally, Boomer & Tommy draw from the ThunderBucket to conclude the episode. This week's prompt is this: If Jon Cooper coached a different sport in the Tampa Bay area, which sport would he dominate (Rays, Bucs, Rowdies, USF, etc.)? Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. LINKS: Read The Blog: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/revisiting-the-tampa-bay-lightnings Watch Last Week's Episode: https://youtu.be/YCk8bTUZhLM?si=kMUb0mpKcFEDJmrY Submit A Prompt For The ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: Boltsbreakdown.contact@gmail.com Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay) - Chapters: 01:20 - Lightning News 02:27 - 2023 vs Toronto Maple Leafs 09:04 - 2024 vs Florida Panthers 15:05 - 2025 vs Florida Panthers 20:02 - 2026 vs Montreal Canadiens 21:52 - Reoccurring Problems/Trends 26:30 - 2015 to 2019 Comparison 37:05 - Can you let the past go or do it impact your expectations for 2026-27? 39:10 - Which of the last four years bothers you the most? 42:09 - Which Lightning players have been with the Bolts in all four Round 1 losses? 43:57 - ThunderBucket Prompt

  4. Aug 27

    (EP. 25) Nikita Kucherov's 2025-26 MVP Season & Where It Ranks In Hockey History

    Nikita Kucherov’s 2025-26 season was one for the history books. And in this episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast, Boomer & Tommy relive all the best moments & crazy statistics. The show even includes each of the host’s top five Nikita Kucherov highlights from the 2025-26 season. They discuss (as fans) what makes Kucherov so intriguing. They discuss what about Kucherov’s game irks them. They discuss what he could do next season that would still be surprising. The episode concludes with a drawing from the ThunderBucket. Here are a few important links mentioned in the video: Nikita Kucherov Article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/nikita-kucherovs-2025-26-mvp-season Boomer’s Top Five Highlights: https://substack.com/profile/330545936-bolts-breakdown/note/c-323680065?r=5gsqvk&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web Tommy’s Top Five Highlights: https://substack.com/profile/330545936-bolts-breakdown/note/c-323680408?r=5gsqvk&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket — Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: Boltsbreakdown.contact@gmail.com Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

  5. Aug 20

    (EP. 24) Jeff Viel || A Perfect Fit For The Tampa Bay Lightning

    This episode discusses who Jeff Viel is & why he's a perfect fit for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Signed July 1st, 2026, Jeff Viel joins the Bolts on a 2.5M AAV, 5-year contract. What does he bring to the team? Is he more than just a fighter? What role will he play? How impactful will he be? Boomer & Tommy discuss all these questions & more. They conclude the episode with another offseason game: 10 questions about how Jeff Viel is similar to the other players on the roster. See how you do compared to Tommy (who scored 9 points)! ThunderBucket Prompt: If you could mic up one player 24/7 for a week, which player would you choose? Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. LINKS: Submit a prompt for the ThunderBucket: https://bit.ly/ThunderBucket Jeff Viel Article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/jeffrey-viel-a-perfect-fit-for-the Blog posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: Boltsbreakdown@gmail.com -- Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

  6. Aug 13

    (Ep. 23) TOUGH or CARELESS? Have the Lightning Reclaimed Their Identity?

    This episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast talks about the Tampa Bay Lightning & their physical, in-your-face identity. Boomer & Tommy discuss if fighting 56 times in a season is a good idea, if it’s necessary, if it’s overkill, and much more. Then, they discuss the best five fights from the season, each giving their rankings & discussing their decision. Finally, the episode ends with a drawing from the ThunderBucket. This week’s prompt was this: If you could have two Lightning players switch bodies (freaky-friday style), which two would you switch? Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more. LINKS: Brandon Hagel Podcast (interview at 1:18:00): https://youtu.be/-L-urtQ6igE?is=RRKS_ZgbkZadmdkH ‘25-26 Tampa Bay Lightning Fight Log: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-2025-26-tampa-bay-lightning-fight?r=5gsqvk&utm_medium=ios Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: Boltsbreakdown@gmail.com Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

  7. Aug 6

    (EP. 22) - Discussing The Tampa Bay Lightning '26–27 Forward Group

    This episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast is all about the Tampa Bay Lightning forwards. • What will the line combos look like? • Which rookies will make their debut? • Are there any weaknesses in the group? Tommy & Boomer discuss all of it and more. Plus, this episode features a 10-question game about all the current forwards on the team! Tommy scored 26 of 30 points; can you beat him? The episode ends with another ThunderBucket prompt (Which opposing fanbase cries the most when they lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning?). Dominic James Spotlight: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/who-is-dominic-james Last Week’s Episode (Ilya Mikheyev): https://youtu.be/3kzomW7gVgw?si=-o3vPPMwoYK8_bwA Blog Posts release every Monday. Subscribe for free here: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed Read every previous article: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/ Follow me on X for daily content: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Join the Bolts Breakdown chat (free): https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Email: Boltsbreakdown@gmail.com Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay) ---------------- Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans—to help them know the team & enjoy it more.

  8. Jul 30

    (EP. 21) - Ilya Mikheyev's Story & His Role In Tampa Bay

    This episode of the Bolts Breakdown Podcast talks about Ilya Mikheyev & his role in with the Lightning. Boomer & Tommy discuss the Russian winger's seven season NHL career (including stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, & Chicago Blackhawks) & what Bolts Nation can expect from him in Tampa Bay. Will Mikheyev play top-six minutes? Will his injury history catch up with him? Is he too old to have his breakout season? We answer all these questions & more. Plus, the episode ends with a Dominic James trivia segment: 15 questions to test your knowledge on one of the youngest forwards on the Lightning's roster. At the conclusion of the episode, Boomer & Tommy draw from the ThunderBucket. This week, their prompt deals with OT winners, shutouts, or hat tricks. LINKS: Ilya Mikheyev Story: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/ilya-mikheyev-a-journey-of-unrealized 2026-27 Schedule Breakdown: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/the-2026-27-tampa-bay-lightning-schedule?r=5gsqvk Subscribe For Free Weekly Newsletters⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed X: https://x.com/BoltsBreakdown Substack: https://substack.com/chat/4602433 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltsbreakdown/ Email: boltsbreakdown@gmail.com Bolts Breakdown exists in two formats: as a podcast & as a newsletter. Both are free resources for Tampa Bay Lightning fans. Music: “Energetic Action Sport” by AlexGrohl (Pixabay)

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Bolts Breakdown exists for Tampa Bay Lightning fans - to help Bolts Nation follow the team & enjoy their fandom more. Boomer & Tommy release episodes weekly (Thursday mornings) where they talk about all things Tampa Bay Lightning, from game recaps to breaking news to bold predictions. X: @BoltsBreakdown Substack: @BoltsBreakdown Subscribe To Weekly Newsletter: https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/embed

Information

  • Creator
    Bolts Breakdown
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bolts Breakdown
  • Show Website
    Bolts Breakdown

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