Sports

NHL: Lightning Playing at Playoff Pace, But Are They Playoff Contenders?

Published

6 years ago

December 4, 2019

Nikita Kucherov (right) scored in overtime with the assist from Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Nashville Predators. Image: NBCSN.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (FNN SPORTS) – Adversity is probably the key word for the Tampa Bay Lightning team right now. They entered the 2019-2020 season with many eyes on them after the way the 2018-2019 season closed out. They’ve been a skillful line-up, but what is skill without the right structure?

Coach Cooper has been working tirelessly to find what will work for his skilled players to find consistency and win games. Starting off the season on a two-week road trip, the Bolts had a lot on their plate. Weirdly, they were pulling off wins against tough opponents and falling short versus teams they were predicted to beat, struggling to play 60 minutes of hockey.

The Bolts’ turning point came during their trip to Sweden, which gave them the chance to reset and bond as mentioned previously, and we saw a more competitive team return.

Sadly, as soon as the Lightning began to find a rhythm, many injuries started amongst key players. Two weeks ago, Kucherov was out for thankfully one game, but then Stamkos was gone for three, while Coburn is now out indefinitely, and Killorn is on a day-to-day basis, counting him out of last night’s match-up versus the Nashville Predators. The Lightning called Cory Conacher back up from Syracuse, who’s been the go-to guy to add to the line since October, but Verhaeghe ended up back in the line-up.

Last night Kucherov, Point and Palat hit the ice as the starting line and McDonagh with Cernak as the starting d-pairing. Both the Lightning and Predators carry a lot of talent on their teams, so the game opened up with fast skating and physicality.

Leave it to Victor Hedman to get the Bolts on the board first through. Hedman has been relentlessly taking more shots on goal since his first of the season on a power play. The Predators tied it up in the 2^nd period and if you thought you saw fast pace and hard skating in the 1^st period of this game, the 2^nd period was way more intense, with many near-fights until Luke Schenn had enough of Tyler, resulting in a real one.

Later in the chippy 2^nd period Brayden Point drew a penalty as he went for the puck and got elbowed in the face. After reviewing the play, the referees felt that it was intentional, dealing the Bolts a 5-minute power play that they unfortunately couldn’t score in because the Predators did a heck of a job holding the Lightning to center ice.

We saw the d-pairings playing way more up than usual; at this point there isn’t really a “stay at home” defenseman, or at least not last night. In the 3^rd period, Nashville tied up the game yet again and both teams really battled for the win into overtime. What better duo than Stamkos to Kucherov could you picture to secure the win for the Lightning? The Bolts left Nashville with two hard-earned points.

Last night’s game was played at a playoff pace and intensity with the Lightning sitting five below the ranking line in the East and Nashville sitting three below in the West. It’s officially that time of the year where every game counts and there are only so many games left before playoffs are here. Will the Bolts be playoff contenders? A short time will tell.

The Lightning head back home to host the Minnesota Wild tomorrow at 7pm.

_________________________________________________________

Kasey Hudson is Sports Associate Editor for Florida National News. | social@floridanationalnews.com

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Orlando Magic Sign Paolo Banchero to Multi-Year Contract Extension

Published

4 days ago

July 8, 2025

FNN SPORTS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced today that they have signed forward Paolo Banchero to a contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to keep Paolo Banchero in a Magic uniform for years to come,” said Jeff Weltman, President of Basketball Operations for the Magic. “At just 22, he’s already an NBA Rookie of the Year, an All-Star, and one of the brightest young stars in the league. This agreement reflects our belief in Paolo’s talent, leadership, and his commitment to winning in Orlando, as well as his belief in this organization and our city.”

Banchero’s Standout Season and Historic Milestones

The 6’10”, 250-pound forward had an exceptional season in 2024-25, playing and starting in 46 games while averaging 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Banchero became one of only three players in NBA history — alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic — to compile 4,000+ points, 1,300+ rebounds, and 900+ assists before the age of 23.

Notably, Banchero became the fourth player in Magic history to score 50 or more points in a game, recording a career-high 50 points against Indiana on October 28. He also logged 20+ points in 20 consecutive games and had a five-game streak of 30+ points, tying for the fourth-longest in franchise history. His outstanding performance earned him NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors for the period ending March 30.

Playoff Heroics and Franchise Records

Banchero elevated his game during the postseason, starting in five playoff games and averaging 29.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He scored 25+ points in seven consecutive playoff games, tying legends Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the longest streak before turning 23.

He also became one of only two players in Magic history — along with Tracy McGrady — to record three or more 30+ point playoff games in multiple series.

Rising Star Since Day One

Selected by Orlando as the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Banchero has played in 198 career regular-season games, averaging 22.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per contest. His accolades include the 2022-23 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, 2023-24 NBA All-Star, and two-time NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors.

Before entering the NBA, Banchero starred at Duke University, where he was named ACC Freshman of the Year, earned multiple All-America selections, and led the Blue Devils to the 2022 NCAA Final Four.

For more Orlando Magic coverage, visit FloridaNationalNews.com.

Sports

Orlando Magic Acquire Draft Rights To Noah Penda From Boston

Published

2 weeks ago

June 27, 2025

FNN SPORTS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic made a draft night move during the 2025 NBA Draft, acquiring the draft rights to forward Noah Penda (32nd overall, second round) from the Boston Celtics.

In exchange, Orlando sent the draft rights to Amari Williams (46th overall), Max Shulga (57th overall), a 2026 second round draft pick (the most favorable of Orlando/Detroit via the L.A. Clippers/Milwaukee), and a 2027 second round draft pick (the most favorable of Orlando/Boston) to Boston.

Penda (6’7”, 242 lbs, born 1/7/05) appeared in 30 games last season with Le Mans Sarthe in France’s LNB Elite league, averaging 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.38 steals per game in 27.2 minutes. He ranked fourth in the league in steals and 13th in rebounding, earning LNB All-Star honors and MVP of the league’s Young Player All-Star Game.

Internationally, Penda helped France capture gold at the 2024 FIBA U20 EuroBasket, averaging 11.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. During the 2023-24 season, he played 36 games with JA Vichy-Clermont of France’s LNB Pro B league, averaging 9.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.25 steals per game. He was named the 2023-24 LNB Pro B Best Young Player.

Penda will wear #93 for the Orlando Magic.

With this trade, the Magic continue to stockpile future assets. Over the next seven years (2026–2032), Orlando holds four first round picks and nine second round picks.

Sports

Orlando City Drops Consecutive Matches, Falls to Chicago Fire FC 3-1

Published

1 month ago

May 31, 2025

Javier Garcia

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando City SC (7-4-6, 27 points) suffered a 3-1 defeat against Chicago Fire FC (6-5-4, 22 points) Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium. The result marked the Lions’ first home loss to Chicago since 2019 and the first time this season Orlando City has dropped consecutive matches.

MATCH SUMMARY:
Chicago wasted no time setting the tone, with forward Philip Zinckernagel scoring just five minutes into the match. The Fire then capitalized on defensive lapses, scoring twice in the span of two minutes. Forward Hugo Cuypers struck in the 31st and 32nd minutes, giving Chicago a commanding 3-0 lead.

Orlando fought to close the gap, outshooting Chicago 28-10, and Defender Alex Freeman found the back of the net in the 39th minute, marking his fourth career goal for the Lions. Despite the attacking pressure, Orlando was unable to mount a comeback.

COACH’S COMMENTS:
Assistant Coach Diego Torres stepped in for Head Coach Oscar Pareja, who was suspended following a red card in the Lions’ last match. After the game, Torres praised the team’s offensive effort despite the result.

“The team created many chances. We’re one of the strongest attacking sides in the league, but sometimes the goal just closes to you. Today, two quick distractions cost us the match, but this team is resilient. We’ve bounced back before and we’ll do it again,” said Torres.

MATCH NOTES:

Assistant Coach Diego Torres led the team due to Oscar Pareja’s suspension.
Midfielder Dagur Dan Thórhallsson made his 100th appearance for Orlando City across all competitions, entering in the 77th minute.
Alex Freeman’s goal in the 39th minute marked his fourth career score.
Martín Ojeda recorded his sixth assist of the season and 29th career assist across all competitions with the helper on Freeman’s goal.
Orlando made two changes to the Starting XI from Wednesday’s match, with Eduard Atuesta and Luis Muriel returning to the lineup.

NEXT MATCH:
Orlando City heads into an international break after completing nine matches in 28 days in May. The Lions will return to action on Saturday, June 14, traveling to face the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

HEINEKEN STAR OF THE MATCH:
Martín Ojeda