Tampa Bay Lightning’s blue line is surging, but how will Jon Cooper juggle his defensive stars when Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, and Emil Lilleberg return? Is Hedman’s move to the third pair the secret to playoff dominance, or a risky shift for one of the NHL’s elite defenders?

Nick Morgan breaks down the Lightning’s defensive renaissance, spotlighting standout chemistry from Darren Raddysh and JJ Moser, the rise of Charles-Édouard D’Astous, and the challenge of managing depth without sacrificing momentum. Key topics include McDonagh’s expected return, Lilleberg’s potential role as a healthy scratch, and the strategy behind a seven-defensemen system. Plus: a candid look at the declining Winter Classic ratings, mismatched rivalries, and the need for the NHL to rekindle its outdoor event magic. Can the Lightning set a new standard for defensive depth in the league?

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