Sports

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

Published

7 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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Central Florida News

USF Comes Up Short at UTSA as Late Touchdown Seals 31-24 Loss

Published

1 week ago

October 9, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) crosses the goal line on a 15-yard touchdown run to open the scoring against UTSA Thursday night at the Alamodome. Photo by Stephen Galvin / University of South Florida Athletics.

South Florida held an early advantage and reclaimed the lead late, but UTSA’s second-half execution proved to be the difference Thursday night at the Alamodome.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida gave itself a chance to steal a road win Thursday night, but UTSA answered when it mattered most, defeating the Bulls 31-24 at the Alamodome.

USF struck first behind D.J. Crowther, who broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls an early advantage. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. helped keep South Florida’s offense moving throughout the night as the Bulls continued to respond whenever UTSA threatened to take control.

USF stayed within reach from start to finish, but the second half belonged to a UTSA offense that consistently found a way to finish drives.

UTSA Finds Its Rhythm

Running back A’Marion Peterson became the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, finishing with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

UTSA scored on every second-half possession, gradually shifting momentum away from a USF team that continued to battle offensively. The Roadrunners leaned heavily on their ground game while keeping the Bulls from building any sustained separation.

(more…)

Basketball

UPSHOT Announces Professional Women’s Basketball Franchise for Tampa Bay

Published

1 week ago

October 7, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

Jacksonville Waves battle at the rim against the Charlotte Crown during UPSHOT League action in Jacksonville. Photo by Nisey Spruill/FNN Sports.

New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.

UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.

FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.

UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.

INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.

The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.

– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Announce $20 Tickets, $2–$7 Concessions for Home Games

Published

2 weeks ago

October 1, 2026

FNN SPORTS

New affordability options include ticket offers, merchandise deals and select concessions at Kia Center.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced new affordability options Wednesday, including $20 ticket offers, select concessions priced from $2 to $7 and merchandise starting at $15, aimed at making home games more accessible to fans.

The initiative includes monthly ticket promotions, community ticket programs, designated concession value menus and retail deals at Kia Center.

“Making Magic games accessible to every fan has always been a priority for our organization, and this season we worked closely with the DeVos family to build on that commitment,” said Charlie Freeman, the Magic’s president of business operations.

$20 Ticket Offers and Community Programs

The Magic’s Monthly Steals Program will offer $20 ticket options for every home game, with offers released on the first of each month.

The team also will offer group ticket options, including complimentary tickets through the Jr. Magic and Honor Roll programs. Discounted tickets will be available to Orange County Public Schools staff and through OneBlood donations.

Fans can find more information at OrlandoMagic.com/MonthlySteals or by calling 407-89-MAGIC.

Concession Value Menu Features Items From $2 to $7

The Fan Favorites Value Menu will be available at Slam Dunk in Section 115 and Flavors of Orlando in Section 218.

Select food and beverage items will cost between $2 and $7. Options include hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, nachos, cookies, chips, bottled water, soda and beer.

“From affordable ticket and concession options to retail merchandise deals, we want to make sure a Magic game remains within reach for families across our community,” Freeman said.

Merchandise Deals Start at $15

The Magic will offer an item of the game at every home game, with merchandise starting at $15.

Weekly deals at the Magic Authentics team shop at Kia Center also will feature a $15 hat or T-shirt. The team’s Eighty9 Collection, an affordable private-label merchandise line, will be available in the shop at each game.

SunRail Partnership Supports Game-Day Transportation

The Magic said they will continue working with SunRail to ensure trains operate after weeknight home games, allowing fans to ride free with a game ticket.

According to the announcement, SunRail serves 17 stations across Central Florida, including locations in DeLand and DeBary, and provides access near Kia Center.

Keeping Games Within Reach for Fans

Freeman said the affordability initiative reflects the ownership group’s commitment to maintaining access as the team grows.

“The DeVos family ownership has been clear that growth on the court should go hand-in-hand with keeping this experience affordable for the fans who support us every night,” he said.