One of the most consistent performers in the history of the Tampa Bay Lightning was Bobby “the Chief” Taylor, the longtime television analyst for the team.
Now, that role will be taken by Brian Engblom.
The Lightning announced Tuesday that Engblom will work alongside play-by-play announcer Rick Peckham in the game’s telecasts. Taylor, who retired after last season, had been the team’s analyst since the 1993-94 season, and during that time, his voice was a familiar one to Lightning fans.
Prior to joining the Lightning, Engblom served as “Inside the Glass” analyst on both NBC and NBC Sports Network broadcasts, as well as the network’s coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. During his time at NBC, Engblom has also served as an analyst on NHL Live, NBCSN’s pre- and post-game NHL studio show. During that time he also served as color analyst for Winnipeg Jets games on TSN in Canada.
“I am thrilled to be going to such a terrific organization on and off the ice,” Engblom said. “I’ve missed working for a team and that affiliation is something that I really haven’t had in my 20 years broadcasting at the national level. Lightning fans are fortunate to have a young, terrific team. The next step is the most fun, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
“We are very pleased that Brian has elected to join the Lightning broadcast team,” said Lightning CEO Steve Griggs. “We firmly believe that Brian is one of the best in the National Hockey League at what he does and he will work alongside Rick Peckham, himself one of the best play-by-play men in the league, to deliver Lightning fans a national-caliber broadcast on Sun Sports more than 70 times each season.”
A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Engblom played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin, and was Montreal’s third pick, 22nd overall, in the 1975 NHL Entry Draft. He went on to win three Stanley Cups with the team in 1977, 1978 and 1979. During his 11-year NHL career, Engblom played for five different teams: the Canadiens, Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, Buffalo Sabres and Calgary Flames. He retired in 1987 with a career total of 29 goals and 177 assists.
