Lightning Held First Training Camp Scrimmage
The Tampa Bay Lightning opened their training camp with a competitive scrimmage at TGH Ice Plex.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Hockey
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The Tampa Bay Lightning held their first training camp scrimmage on September 18, 2026, featuring a 5-0 victory for the White team. Coaches utilized the session to test new line combinations and player pairings.
Why it matters
The team faces a shortened training camp schedule this year, increasing the importance of early competitive sessions for coaches to evaluate players for final roster spots.
The White team secured a 5-0 win over the Blue team during the two-period scrimmage. The team is scheduled to play four preseason games over a span of seven days.
The players
Jansen Harkins
He is a veteran forward participating in his 10th NHL training camp after signing a two-way deal in July.
Anthony Cirelli
He is a center for the Tampa Bay Lightning who scored during the first training camp scrimmage.
Jake Guentzel
He is a professional hockey player who skated on the White team's top line during the scrimmage.
Brandon Hagel
He is a forward for the Lightning who participated as part of the team's top line.
Ryan McDonagh
He is a veteran defenseman for the Tampa Bay Lightning who tallied a goal in the scrimmage.
The details
The White team featured a top line of Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli, and Jake Guentzel, with both Cirelli and Ryan McDonagh recording goals. Sam O'Reilly also contributed a goal against goaltender Mads Sogaard during the session.
Timeline
July 2026: Jansen Harkins signed a two-way deal with the Lightning.
September 18, 2026: The Lightning held their first training camp scrimmage.
September 20, 2026: The Lightning play their first preseason game.
October 1, 2026: The Lightning play their season opener.
Season Trajectory
This condensed training camp schedule forces the organization to finalize roster decisions ahead of a rapid four-game preseason stretch. Evaluating line chemistry now is essential to maintaining competitive balance before the official season opener.
The 5-0 scrimmage result highlights early offensive chemistry among the top-line candidates. Coaches will continue to monitor rotation shifts over the next 48 hours before the first preseason game.
The takeaway
Early intra-squad competition allows coaching staffs to identify depth roles quickly when training periods are limited. Fans should watch for consistent line pairings in the upcoming preseason games as indicators of the projected opening-night roster.
What happens next
The Lightning are scheduled to begin their four-game preseason schedule on September 20, 2026, leading up to their official season opener on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit Tampa Hockey.
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