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.

Nikita Kucherov Reaches 700 Career Points

There was one bright spot in a game the Tampa Bay Lightning would like to forget. Star winger Nikita Kucherov reached 700 points in a 7-3 beatdown against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Drafted in the second round (58th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft, the Russian native has quickly blossomed into one of the top players […]

Brayden Point Reaches 200 Career Goals

It took nearly two weeks, but Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point hit 200 goals in a 6-1 rout of the Anaheim Ducks Tuesday night. Goal 200 continued a Lightning onslaught that began in the second period. It was part of six straight goals before the Ducks got their first and only tally. Assisted by […]

Lightning Done In By Sloppy First, Lose to Golden Knights 5-4

Coming off a tough shootout loss in the desert Wednesday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning looked to rebound Saturday night in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, a sloppy first 20 minutes proved to be fatal in a 5-4 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The fourth line consisting of Corey Perry, Vladislav Namestnikov, and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, was […]

Elliott Coming Up Big For Lightning So Far This Season

Life as the backup goaltender is not easy. For Tampa Bay Lightning backup Brian Elliott it’s made more difficult because starter Andrei Vasilevskiy is one of the best in the NHL. Elliott has taken it in stride and been a solid, if not above average, netminder behind Vasilevskiy. That gives Lightning head coach Jon Cooper […]

Does Lightning’s Hedman Have What It Takes to Be a Hall of Famer?

In an era dominated by defensemen, there’s no doubt Victor Hedman is among the elite players in the league today. Does the Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner have what it takes to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame once he decides to hang up the skates? The second overall draft pick in 2009, Hedman […]

Making the Case For Lightning’s Stamkos as a Hall of Famer

In an era dominated by defense, the goal scorers don’t always get the recognition they deserve. If they miss substantial time due to injury or illness over the course of their career, the chances of them making it into the Hockey Hall of Fame is probably slim. An honor reserved for the best of the […]

Top Guns Key Lightning’s Statement Win Over Bruins

Coming off a hard-fought win over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning knew they needed a full team effort against the practically unbeatable Boston Bruins if they wanted a chance to win Thursday night. They got that in spades. From Corey Perry fighting Connor Clifton early to Mikhail Sergachev sticking up […]

Hockey Still Has Mental Health Stigma Despite Initiatives to Stomp It Out

For years, the National Hockey League (NHL) has taken part in initiatives that raise awareness for all kinds of issues faced within society. One month is dedicated to finding a cure for cancer, while another recognizes those serving our country in the military. Mental health awareness wasn’t considered a priority until recently. It took a […]

Lightning Beginning to Answer Coach Cooper’s Call For Better Play on Road

The Tampa Bay Lightning are firmly in a playoff spot right now, but that wasn’t always the case thanks to an average, at best, road record. About two weeks ago, following a particularly bad 4-2 loss in Winnipeg that dropped the team to 9-9-0 away from Amalie Arena, coach Jon Cooper challenged his team to […]

Steven Stamkos on the ice for the Tampa Bay Lightning

Steven Stamkos Hits 500 Goals

It took time, but Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos hit 500 goals in a 5-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks late Wednesday night. Goal 500 kicked off a four-goal first period for the team. The period also included goal 501 and tallies from two other stars, Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. Assisted by Alex […]