Author: Lauren Burg

Lauren Burg is a Tampa Bay Lightning writer for “Inside the Rink.” A lifelong Tampa Bay Area resident, she graduated from the University of South Florida’s world-renowned journalism program in December 2009. While in college, she discovered hockey and the Tampa Bay Lightning. She quickly became a passionate fan, attending many games over the years. She also experienced an All-Star game in 2018, numerous road games, and, most recently, the Bolts back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. Since graduating college, she’s been working hard to combine her two loves, writing and hockey, hoping to one day make that her full-time career. In her free time, she enjoys attending sporting events (both home & road when possible), taking photos, and traveling.

Preseason: Lightning vs. Hurricanes Standout Players

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes squared off in the first of two meetings this preseason, this one at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. Both teams dressed mainly prospects, though the Lightning iced two forward lines of NHL veterans. The Hurricanes countered by playing their starting netminder at the NHL level, along with […]

Steven Stamkos on the ice for the Tampa Bay Lightning

Stamkos Expresses Disappointment Over Lack of Contract Extension

With training camps getting underway this past week, one of the biggest storylines was Steven Stamkos publicly stating his feelings regarding the Tampa Bay Lightning organization not yet reaching out to begin negotiating a contract extension. Entering the final year of an eight-year deal signed two days before the opening of free agency in 2016, […]

Lightning Make Two Moves Prior to the Start of Training Camp

With training camp set to start in a week’s time, the Tampa Bay Lightning made a couple of moves to get their roster ready for camp and preseason games later this month. General manager Julien Brisebois was forced to place free agent forward Josh Archibald on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. […]

Lightning Must Prioritize Extending Steven Stamkos

With the 2023-24 roster finally taking shape, Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien Brisebois is set to work on assembling future rosters for the Bolts. First, he signed 2022 trade deadline acquisition Brandon Hagel to an eight-year contract extension with a $6.5 million AAV. That won’t kick in until the 2024-25 season. He then inked […]

5 Must Watch Lightning Games in 2023-24

With the offseason in full swing and free agency news dying down, it’s time to turn our attention to the upcoming 2023-2024 season. Schedules for all 32 teams were released about a month ago, with fans of every team circling the matchups they’re excited to see. From former players returning for the first time to […]

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nicholas Paul (20) celebrates his goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs with forward Michael Eyssimont (23) and forward Ross Colton (79) during the third period of Game 5 Thursday night in Toronto.

Lightning Trade Ross Colton to Avalanche

In an offseason that has been fairly quiet until recently, the Tampa Bay Lightning made their first move around noon on Wednesday, June 28. First reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on Twitter, the Lightning have traded forward Ross Colton to the Colorado Avalanche for a 2023 second round draft pick (37th overall). A restricted free […]

Steven Stamkos Captures Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award

With the offseason in full gear, some NHL players, coaches, and general managers gathered at Bridgestone Arena Monday night to honor the best of the best from the 2022-23′ season. For Tampa Bay Lightning fans, a surprise was in store. Captain Steven Stamkos won the 2023 Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award. He’s the first Bolt […]

Lightning Must Re-Sign One of Killorn or Colton

With the 2022-23 NHL season in the books, it’s time for all teams to look at building next year’s roster. The Tampa Bay Lightning enter the 2023 offseason with salary cap issues, as they have approximately $7.3 million to spend. That takes into account their usage of the long-term injured reserve but likely doesn’t include […]

Did The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers Make a Mistake by Letting Marchessault Walk?

With the 2022-2023 NHL season recently coming to a close and the Vegas Golden Knights capturing their first Stanley Cup in their sixth season, it’s time to revisit one of the key pieces in Vegas’ current success. Jonathan Marchessault won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the Golden Knights 2023 Stanley […]

Panthers Eastern Conference Championship Proving Hockey in Florida Works

One day. That’s all that stands between the Florida Panthers and their second-ever trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Tomorrow, the Cats will embark on a journey their brothers to the northwest know all too well, one that will end in triumph or heartbreak. It was 27 years ago that the Panthers made their first […]