Lightning's Brandon Halverson: Set to Start in Preseason Game Against Panthers

What's Happening?

Brandon Halverson, a goaltender for the Tampa Bay Lightning, is expected to start in Thursday's preseason game against the Florida Panthers. This game is significant for Halverson as it may be his last chance to play for the Lightning before the regular season begins. At 29 years old, Halverson has only made two regular-season appearances in the NHL. He is anticipated to spend most of the 2025-26 season with the AHL Syracuse team. The decision to start Halverson comes as the Lightning evaluate their roster and make final adjustments before the regular season.

Why It's Important?

The decision to start Brandon Halverson in the preseason game is crucial for both the player and the team. For Halverson, it represents a significant opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially secure a more permanent position with the Lightning. For the team, it is a chance to assess Halverson's performance under game conditions, which could influence their goaltending strategy for the upcoming season. This move also highlights the competitive nature of roster spots in the NHL, where players must consistently prove their worth to maintain or advance their careers.

What's Next?

Following the preseason game, the Lightning will likely finalize their roster decisions for the regular season. Depending on Halverson's performance, he could either solidify his role within the team or continue to play primarily in the AHL. The team's coaching staff will be closely monitoring his performance, as well as that of other players, to ensure they have the best lineup possible for the start of the season. Fans and analysts will be watching to see how these decisions impact the team's performance in the early games of the regular season.