Sports
NHL: Bolts Mark New Franchise Territory with 11th Straight Win
Published
6 years agoon
By
Kasey Hudson
DENVER, Col. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Lightning made franchise history last night with their 11th straight win with an overtime victory against the Colorado Avalanche and what a game it was to watch! Both the Lightning and the Avalanche are known for having very skilled players. Nathan MacKinnon is among some of the most skilled and fastest skaters in the league, making it no surprise that he got Colorado on the board first, thanks to a pass from Mikko Rantanen.
The remainder of the first period went without goals due to solid efforts from both goalies. The Bolts controlled most of the second period. Under five minutes in, Alex Killorn wrapped the puck around the glass in the Avalanche’s offensive zone to Ondrej Palat and Palat fed it back to Killorn for his 23rd goal of the season, tying up the game. This set the momentum train in motion, because less than two minutes after Killorn’s goal, Cameron Gaunce ripped a shot off in traffic to put the Bolts in the lead 2-1. Gaunce said after the game, “it’s been something I’ve been working on a lot, when the puck comes off the board, getting that shot, and seeing it go in has a nice feel.”
As the period began winding down, Brayden Point made a fast effort up the ice in attempts to score, but his shot came off the goalie’s pad, creating another scoring opportunity that Steven Stamkos maximized on. Diving onto the ice to get the puck in the net, sending the Lightning up 3-1. 1:34 before the second period ended; MacKinnon danced through the Lightning o-zone to hit a top shelf goal and his second goal of the game minimizing the Bolts lead.
The third period opened up with Tampa Bay still in the lead 3-2 and continued scoring attempts up and down the ice. With 7:17 left in the third period, Colorado, with some quick puck movement, caused enough confusion for Cale Makar to come down the center and score a wrist shot, tying the game 3-3. The Bolts and the Avs held each other off from scoring, taking the game into overtime.
Strong defensive plays continued and one in particular was the game changer: As MacKinnon skated to set up an opportunity to pass or score, there was just enough room for Kucherov to steal the puck for a breakaway and score in the goalie’s five hole, sealing the Lightning’s 11th straight win with a final score of 4-3, the most consecutive wins in franchise history.
Although an entertaining game nonetheless, Kucherov had a closer perspective and diagnosis of the game, saying, “it wasn’t a good game for us. We need to have the puck on our sticks more, and more puck possession in their o-zone.” But it’s that kind of “we can do better” mentality that separates good teams from great teams and the Lightning have all the potential to be a great team.
The Lightning head off to Las Vegas to face the Golden Knights, and the newest addition to Tampa Bay’s defense will officially join them. Blake Coleman, the Bolts recent trade acquire as of Sunday, February 16, 2020, will make his Lightning debut. In his initial trade statement, Coleman expressed his excitement for this new chapter and how he feels he’ll fit in with this team. Coleman said, he’s familiar with Coach Cooper’s coaching and playbook style after facing him in the USHL. Coleman said, “They’re bringing me in because I have a playoff-type game, a will to compete and a will to win.” We’ll see how this new chapter unfolds and if Tampa Bay can make it 12 wins on Thursday.
___________________________________________
Kasey Hudson is the Associate Sports Editor for Florida National News. | sports@floridanationalnews.com
Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Earn NBA Team International Strategy Award for Second Consecutive Year
Published
5 days agoon
August 1, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
NEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic have been named the recipient of the NBA Team International Strategy Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing the organization’s innovative global marketing efforts as part of the NBA’s 2025-26 Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards.
The award honors NBA teams that develop data-driven international marketing strategies that strengthen brand recognition, create meaningful partnerships and expand fan engagement outside the United States.
Germany Strategy Drives Award-Winning Campaign
Building on last year’s success, the Magic expanded their presence in Germany through a year-long strategy surrounding The NBA Berlin Game 2026.
Rather than focusing solely on the international exhibition, Orlando created a comprehensive campaign that included:
- A summer promotional tour across Germany
- Magic Kiez, an immersive fan experience hub
- Youth basketball clinics
- Business networking summits
- Community watch parties
- Interactive fan activations
- Corporate partnership events
The organization said the strategy helped establish a sustained presence before, during and after the Berlin game while strengthening relationships with German basketball fans and business leaders.
New International Partnerships
The campaign also expanded the Magic’s International Team Marketing Program (ITMP) through collaborations with several new international and global partners, including:
- AIDA Cruises
- Domino’s
- Kellogg’s
- Telekom
- ThreatLocker
- Visit Orlando
The partnerships supported both fan engagement initiatives and business development opportunities throughout Germany.
NBA Recognizes Innovation Across the League
The NBA’s annual Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate excellence in fan engagement, sponsorship activation, innovation, community impact and ticket sales.
This year’s major award winners included:
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| International Strategy Award | Orlando Magic |
| Partnership of the Year | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Partnership Innovation Award | LA Clippers |
| Social Impact & Inclusion Award | Philadelphia 76ers |
| New Sales Campaign | Detroit Pistons |
| Membership Program of the Year | Charlotte Hornets |
| Premium Experience of the Year | Cleveland Cavaliers |
The Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans also received recognition through the NBA’s AI Studio program for innovative applications of artificial intelligence to improve fan experiences.
NBA Executive Applauds Team Innovation
Jonathan Tillman, the NBA’s Executive Vice President and Head of Team Marketing and Business Operations, praised the league’s clubs for continuing to innovate.
“The innovation, creativity and strategic thinking NBA teams demonstrate every day continue to raise the bar for the sports industry while creating deeper connections with fans in their communities and around the world,” Tillman said.
He added that NBA teams are finding new ways to grow their businesses through strategic partnerships, artificial intelligence, ticket sales innovations and community engagement.
Selection Process
All 30 NBA franchises were invited to submit entries for the Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards.
Winners were selected by a committee of NBA league and team executives based on creativity, measurable business results and overall impact.
For the second consecutive season, the Orlando Magic’s international strategy stood out among the league’s entries, highlighting the franchise’s continued commitment to expanding its global brand while strengthening relationships with fans and partners overseas.
Award Highlights
- Orlando Magic won the NBA Team International Strategy Award for the second straight year.
- The award recognized the franchise’s comprehensive marketing strategy surrounding The NBA Berlin Game 2026.
- The campaign featured fan engagement, youth clinics, business summits and year-round activations across Germany.
- New international partners included AIDA Cruises, Domino’s, Kellogg’s, Telekom, ThreatLocker and Visit Orlando.
- All 30 NBA teams were eligible, with winners selected by NBA and team executives.
Central Florida News
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Announce Training Camp Roster Moves Ahead of 53-Man Cutdown
Published
7 days agoon
July 30, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced a series of roster moves Tuesday as the team continues preparations for the 2026 NFL season.
The Buccaneers waived safety Ja’Qurious Conley with a non-football injury designation.
In addition, Tampa Bay placed cornerback Chase Lucas and defensive lineman Haggai Ndubuisi on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List.
Players placed on the Active/PUP List count toward the club’s 90-player offseason roster and remain eligible to return to practice at any point before the NFL’s deadline to reduce rosters to the regular-season 53-player limit.
The moves come as the Buccaneers continue evaluating their roster during training camp in preparation for the upcoming preseason schedule and the start of the regular season.
What the Moves Mean
A player waived with a non-football injury (NFI) designation has sustained an injury or medical condition that did not occur during NFL football activities. If Conley clears waivers, the Buccaneers’ next steps will depend on league rules and his injury status.
The Active/PUP List is reserved for players who are unable to practice because of football-related injuries at the start of training camp. While on the Active/PUP List, Lucas and Ndubuisi may participate in team meetings and receive medical treatment, and they can be activated at any time before the team’s final roster reduction.
Sports
Jaguars Place Two Offensive Linemen on Active/PUP List Ahead of Training Camp
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 27, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
Players on the Active/PUP list count against the 90-man offseason roster but are unable to participate in practice until they are medically cleared. Once cleared, they may return to practice at any time during training camp.
The Jaguars did not disclose the nature of the injuries or provide a timetable for either player’s return.
DiGiorgio and Van Lanen are among the offensive line depth pieces competing for roster spots as Jacksonville prepares for the 2026 NFL season. Their availability during training camp could impact competition along the offensive front as coaches evaluate the roster ahead of preseason play.
The Jaguars continue training camp preparations with veterans and rookies working toward the start of the 2026 season.
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