Benjamin Pierce
@boltsben.bsky.social
Beat Writer, Manager of Media Relations for the Tampa Bay Lightning | http://nhl.com/lightning/news
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Lightning players unbeaten in NHL’s return to Olympics Wednesday | Tampa Bay Lightning
Sweden (Hedman & Holmberg) and Slovakia (Cernak) both picked up wins in the opening games in Milan
www.nhl.com
It was a near perfect start for all three #GoBolts participating in the NHL’s return to the #WinterOlympics on Wednesday.
Erik Cernak helped Slovakia upset Finland, and Victor Hedman scored his first Olympic goal alongside Pontus Holmberg & Sweden in a 5-2 W over Italy.
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Erik Cernak helped Slovakia upset Finland, and Victor Hedman scored his first Olympic goal alongside Pontus Holmberg & Sweden in a 5-2 W over Italy.
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
It was a near perfect start for all three #GoBolts participating in the NHL’s return to the #WinterOlympics on Wednesday.
Erik Cernak helped Slovakia upset Finland, and Victor Hedman scored his first Olympic goal alongside Pontus Holmberg & Sweden in a 5-2 W over Italy.
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Erik Cernak helped Slovakia upset Finland, and Victor Hedman scored his first Olympic goal alongside Pontus Holmberg & Sweden in a 5-2 W over Italy.
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Lightning players unbeaten in NHL’s return to Olympics Wednesday | Tampa Bay Lightning
Sweden (Hedman & Holmberg) and Slovakia (Cernak) both picked up wins in the opening games in Milan
www.nhl.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:37 PM
It was a near perfect start for all three #GoBolts participating in the NHL’s return to the #WinterOlympics on Wednesday.
Erik Cernak helped Slovakia upset Finland, and Victor Hedman scored his first Olympic goal alongside Pontus Holmberg & Sweden in a 5-2 W over Italy.
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Erik Cernak helped Slovakia upset Finland, and Victor Hedman scored his first Olympic goal alongside Pontus Holmberg & Sweden in a 5-2 W over Italy.
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Your first #GoBolts point at the 2026 #WinterOlympics goes to Lightning captain Victor Hedman.
Hedman just scored into the empty net to make it 5-2 late for Team Sweden against Italy.
Hedman just scored into the empty net to make it 5-2 late for Team Sweden against Italy.
February 11, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Your first #GoBolts point at the 2026 #WinterOlympics goes to Lightning captain Victor Hedman.
Hedman just scored into the empty net to make it 5-2 late for Team Sweden against Italy.
Hedman just scored into the empty net to make it 5-2 late for Team Sweden against Italy.
Well, how’s that for a start to the men’s hockey tournament at the Olympics? Erik Cernak and Slovakia upset Finland in a 4-1 win.
The #GoBolts are 1-0 at the Olympics, and now Victor Hedman and Pontus Holmberg get their turn this afternoon versus Italy.
The #GoBolts are 1-0 at the Olympics, and now Victor Hedman and Pontus Holmberg get their turn this afternoon versus Italy.
February 11, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Well, how’s that for a start to the men’s hockey tournament at the Olympics? Erik Cernak and Slovakia upset Finland in a 4-1 win.
The #GoBolts are 1-0 at the Olympics, and now Victor Hedman and Pontus Holmberg get their turn this afternoon versus Italy.
The #GoBolts are 1-0 at the Olympics, and now Victor Hedman and Pontus Holmberg get their turn this afternoon versus Italy.
The last Tampa Bay Lightning player to win Olympic gold was Freddy Modin in Turin, Italy in 2006.
With NHLers back in Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics 20 years later, his advice to #GoBolts?
Embrace your role (and mix in some Italian pizza and pasta).
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
With NHLers back in Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics 20 years later, his advice to #GoBolts?
Embrace your role (and mix in some Italian pizza and pasta).
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Pizza, playing a role and Italy gold: Modin talks Olympics 20 years later | Tampa Bay Lightning
Forward Freddy Modin was last Bolt to win gold medal at Turin 2006
www.nhl.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:22 PM
The last Tampa Bay Lightning player to win Olympic gold was Freddy Modin in Turin, Italy in 2006.
With NHLers back in Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics 20 years later, his advice to #GoBolts?
Embrace your role (and mix in some Italian pizza and pasta).
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
With NHLers back in Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics 20 years later, his advice to #GoBolts?
Embrace your role (and mix in some Italian pizza and pasta).
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
20 years ago, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Freddy Modin stood atop the hockey world.
Modin helped Sweden win gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, less than 100 miles away from the 2026 tournament.
His advice to #GoBolts? Try the pizza & embrace the moment.
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Modin helped Sweden win gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, less than 100 miles away from the 2026 tournament.
His advice to #GoBolts? Try the pizza & embrace the moment.
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Pizza, playing a role and Italy gold: Modin talks Olympics 20 years later | Tampa Bay Lightning
Forward Freddy Modin was last Bolt to win gold medal at Turin 2006
www.nhl.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:55 PM
20 years ago, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Freddy Modin stood atop the hockey world.
Modin helped Sweden win gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, less than 100 miles away from the 2026 tournament.
His advice to #GoBolts? Try the pizza & embrace the moment.
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Modin helped Sweden win gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, less than 100 miles away from the 2026 tournament.
His advice to #GoBolts? Try the pizza & embrace the moment.
www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Another #GoBolts Olympic leader was announced today.
Lightning forward Zemgus Girgensons will be an alternate captain for Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Girgensons ranks third among Latvian-born players in NHL history for games played, goals, assists and points.
Lightning forward Zemgus Girgensons will be an alternate captain for Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Girgensons ranks third among Latvian-born players in NHL history for games played, goals, assists and points.
February 10, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Another #GoBolts Olympic leader was announced today.
Lightning forward Zemgus Girgensons will be an alternate captain for Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Girgensons ranks third among Latvian-born players in NHL history for games played, goals, assists and points.
Lightning forward Zemgus Girgensons will be an alternate captain for Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Girgensons ranks third among Latvian-born players in NHL history for games played, goals, assists and points.
Into the Blue: We talk about this crazy #GoBolts run as the Olympic Break is here, look forward to the Lightning players participating in Italy and more trade deadline/roster talk on this podcast.
Thanks for listening to @boltsradio.bsky.social!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i...
Thanks for listening to @boltsradio.bsky.social!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i...
Into The Blue - February 9, 2026 - Olympics Break
Podcast Episode · Into The Blue - Tampa Bay Lightning · 02/09/2026 · 29m
podcasts.apple.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:24 PM
Into the Blue: We talk about this crazy #GoBolts run as the Olympic Break is here, look forward to the Lightning players participating in Italy and more trade deadline/roster talk on this podcast.
Thanks for listening to @boltsradio.bsky.social!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i...
Thanks for listening to @boltsradio.bsky.social!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i...
The doors at Benchmark International Arena served as a sort of transglobal portal last week, warping usual #GoBolts allies into international rivals.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics set to begin on Wednesday, Lightning players are ready to become foes.
STORY: www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
With the 2026 Winter Olympics set to begin on Wednesday, Lightning players are ready to become foes.
STORY: www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Let the games begin: Lightning teammates eager to face one another at Olympics | Tampa Bay Lightning
The men’s preliminary Olympic hockey schedule begins Wednesday
www.nhl.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:05 PM
The doors at Benchmark International Arena served as a sort of transglobal portal last week, warping usual #GoBolts allies into international rivals.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics set to begin on Wednesday, Lightning players are ready to become foes.
STORY: www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
With the 2026 Winter Olympics set to begin on Wednesday, Lightning players are ready to become foes.
STORY: www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Congratulations to #GoBolts defenseman Erik Cernak, who was just named an alternate captain for Team Slovakia at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
February 9, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Congratulations to #GoBolts defenseman Erik Cernak, who was just named an alternate captain for Team Slovakia at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Reposted by Benjamin Pierce
Congratulations to #GoBolts defenseman Victor Hedman, who will be an assistant captain for Team Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Sweden’s leadership group:
C: Gabriel Landeskog, F (COL)
A: Victor Hedman, D (TBL)
A: Erik Karlsson, D (PIT)
Sweden’s leadership group:
C: Gabriel Landeskog, F (COL)
A: Victor Hedman, D (TBL)
A: Erik Karlsson, D (PIT)
February 8, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Congratulations to #GoBolts defenseman Victor Hedman, who will be an assistant captain for Team Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Sweden’s leadership group:
C: Gabriel Landeskog, F (COL)
A: Victor Hedman, D (TBL)
A: Erik Karlsson, D (PIT)
Sweden’s leadership group:
C: Gabriel Landeskog, F (COL)
A: Victor Hedman, D (TBL)
A: Erik Karlsson, D (PIT)
Hi y’all!
There will be one last Into the Blue podcast released on Monday for @boltsradio.bsky.social before several #GoBolts players begin Olympic play this week.
So…asking for any questions you Bolts fans might have now that we’ve reached the break?
Thank you!
There will be one last Into the Blue podcast released on Monday for @boltsradio.bsky.social before several #GoBolts players begin Olympic play this week.
So…asking for any questions you Bolts fans might have now that we’ve reached the break?
Thank you!
February 8, 2026 at 12:40 AM
Hi y’all!
There will be one last Into the Blue podcast released on Monday for @boltsradio.bsky.social before several #GoBolts players begin Olympic play this week.
So…asking for any questions you Bolts fans might have now that we’ve reached the break?
Thank you!
There will be one last Into the Blue podcast released on Monday for @boltsradio.bsky.social before several #GoBolts players begin Olympic play this week.
So…asking for any questions you Bolts fans might have now that we’ve reached the break?
Thank you!
Roster update: The St. Louis Blues have claimed forward Jack Finley on waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The 6’6” center with 2 G, 1 A in 22 GP for the Lightning was placed on waivers by the #GoBolts yesterday.
The 6’6” center with 2 G, 1 A in 22 GP for the Lightning was placed on waivers by the #GoBolts yesterday.
February 7, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Roster update: The St. Louis Blues have claimed forward Jack Finley on waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The 6’6” center with 2 G, 1 A in 22 GP for the Lightning was placed on waivers by the #GoBolts yesterday.
The 6’6” center with 2 G, 1 A in 22 GP for the Lightning was placed on waivers by the #GoBolts yesterday.
All bets were off for the final rendition of the 2025-26 Battle of Florida on Thursday night.
Andrei Vasilevskiy was spectacular, the rivalry was fierce as usual and the #GoBolts Olympians warmed up by torching the Panthers in a 6-1 demolition derby.
The Backcheck: www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Andrei Vasilevskiy was spectacular, the rivalry was fierce as usual and the #GoBolts Olympians warmed up by torching the Panthers in a 6-1 demolition derby.
The Backcheck: www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
The Backcheck: Lightning enter Olympic break with demolition of Florida Panthers | Tampa Bay Lightning
Beat writer Benjamin Pierce recaps Thursday's dominant win over the Panthers
www.nhl.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:56 PM
All bets were off for the final rendition of the 2025-26 Battle of Florida on Thursday night.
Andrei Vasilevskiy was spectacular, the rivalry was fierce as usual and the #GoBolts Olympians warmed up by torching the Panthers in a 6-1 demolition derby.
The Backcheck: www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Andrei Vasilevskiy was spectacular, the rivalry was fierce as usual and the #GoBolts Olympians warmed up by torching the Panthers in a 6-1 demolition derby.
The Backcheck: www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
February 6, 2026 at 5:14 AM
#GoBolts Victor Hedman on having six different goalscorers today: "We have four lines that can contribute offensively and defensively as well. I think Kuch probably led our team in hits today, so that's another thing with this team."
Kucherov did in fact co-lead in hits (5 - also: Scott Sabourin)
Kucherov did in fact co-lead in hits (5 - also: Scott Sabourin)
February 6, 2026 at 4:29 AM
#GoBolts Victor Hedman on having six different goalscorers today: "We have four lines that can contribute offensively and defensively as well. I think Kuch probably led our team in hits today, so that's another thing with this team."
Kucherov did in fact co-lead in hits (5 - also: Scott Sabourin)
Kucherov did in fact co-lead in hits (5 - also: Scott Sabourin)
#GoBolts forward Hagel on his fight in tonight’s Lightning win against
Tkachuk: “Listen, Nikita Kucherov’s our best player. He just continues to do incredible things, so probably stay away from him.”
Tkachuk: “Listen, Nikita Kucherov’s our best player. He just continues to do incredible things, so probably stay away from him.”
February 6, 2026 at 4:02 AM
#GoBolts forward Hagel on his fight in tonight’s Lightning win against
Tkachuk: “Listen, Nikita Kucherov’s our best player. He just continues to do incredible things, so probably stay away from him.”
Tkachuk: “Listen, Nikita Kucherov’s our best player. He just continues to do incredible things, so probably stay away from him.”
FINAL: #GoBolts 6, Florida 1
Tampa Bay obliterates the Panthers to end their schedule before the Olympic break. Lightning are 37-14-4 and 19-1-1 in their last 21 GP.
Holmberg, Bjorkstrand both 1 G, 1 A
Six different TBL goalscorers Vasilevskiy 33 SVs
145 combined PIM
Tampa Bay obliterates the Panthers to end their schedule before the Olympic break. Lightning are 37-14-4 and 19-1-1 in their last 21 GP.
Holmberg, Bjorkstrand both 1 G, 1 A
Six different TBL goalscorers Vasilevskiy 33 SVs
145 combined PIM
February 6, 2026 at 3:29 AM
FINAL: #GoBolts 6, Florida 1
Tampa Bay obliterates the Panthers to end their schedule before the Olympic break. Lightning are 37-14-4 and 19-1-1 in their last 21 GP.
Holmberg, Bjorkstrand both 1 G, 1 A
Six different TBL goalscorers Vasilevskiy 33 SVs
145 combined PIM
Tampa Bay obliterates the Panthers to end their schedule before the Olympic break. Lightning are 37-14-4 and 19-1-1 in their last 21 GP.
Holmberg, Bjorkstrand both 1 G, 1 A
Six different TBL goalscorers Vasilevskiy 33 SVs
145 combined PIM
February 6, 2026 at 3:20 AM
February 6, 2026 at 3:14 AM
Florida gets on the board with a power-play goal from Samoskevich, it's 5-1 with 10:10 remaining
February 6, 2026 at 3:12 AM
Florida gets on the board with a power-play goal from Samoskevich, it's 5-1 with 10:10 remaining
Tarasov helped to the bench with an apparent injury, Bobrovksy takes over in net for the Panthers with 13:51 remaining in the game
February 6, 2026 at 3:03 AM
Tarasov helped to the bench with an apparent injury, Bobrovksy takes over in net for the Panthers with 13:51 remaining in the game