Tampa Bay Lightning Preview | 
| Last Season | |
| Record | 24-40-18 |
| Points | 66 |
| Conference | 14th |
| League | 29th |
| Offense | 2.52 GPG (25th) |
| Defence | 3.28 GAA (27th) |
| Power Play | 17.8% (19th) |
| Penalty Kill | 78.0% (26th) |
| Points leader | Martin St. Louis – 80 |
| Goals | Martin St. Louis – 30 |
| Team Facts | |
| GM | Brian Lawton |
| Coach | Rick Tocchet |
| Arena | St. Pete Times Forum |
| Capacity | 19,758 |
| 08/09 attendance | 16,497 (21st) |
| AHL Affiliate | Norfolk |
Departures
Matt Pettinger, Marek Malik, Josef Melichar, Cory Murphy, Karri Ramo, David Koci, Noah Welch, Wade Brookbank, Mike McKenna, Richard Petiot, Radim Vrbata, Vinny Prospal, Evgeny Artyukhin
Arrivals
Alex Tanguay, Stephane Veilleux, Todd Fedoruk, Mattias Ohlund, Matt Walker, Antero Niittymaki, Kurtis Foster, David Hale
Forwards
For the first time since Brad Richards left for Dallas, the Lightning boast three of the most talented forwards in the entire league. Vincent Lecavalier is coming off a injury shortened season and his worst point production in the post-lockout era. Martin St. Louis has looked solid so far this pre-season and should have another decent year. Both are looking to make strong impressions for the Canadian Olympic team. The final piece of the puzzle is Steven Stamkos, who will look to improve upon his rookie production of 46 points in 79 games. Two others, Tanguay – coming over from Montreal – and Ryan Malone will look to provide support on the top two lines.
Defenseman
Sporting newcomers Ohlund and draft pick Victor Hedman, the Lightning defence should drastically improve. Ohlund will be paired on the top line with Andrej Meszaros and will be counted on to bring the offensive power he had with Vancouver last season. Foster is finally returning from a devastating injury when he was with the Wild. If he can play anywhere near the level he was at before, he should be a rock in the defensive zone. Hedman will be thrown into the action right away, playing with either Lucas Krajicek or moved up with Foster. He should also see a bit of power play time.
Goalies
With concussion symptoms behind him, Mike Smith will look to have a bounce back season after the tumultuous ’08-09 season. He has all the tools to be a number one goalie. If he falters, Niittymaki will provide backup, and could even start 15-20 games depending on Smith.
Strengths
- If Lecavalier can return to the form that saw him get 108 points in ’06-07, then the rest of the ‘Bolts should follow suit with career years.
- Solid defensive pickups in Ohlund and Foster helps the backend immensely. They, along with Hedman, should help the Lightning improve upon their 27th ranked defence last season.
- When Mike Smith was brought over from Dallas, he was thought to be the goalie of the future. So far, Smith has struggled, especially with injury issues. Now that he is healthy, look for him to have a bounce back year.
Weaknesses
- If Smith struggles in goal, Niittymaki has proven before that he struggles in the starting role. If this happens, the Lightning may be forced to trade or sign and unrestricted free agent goalie.
- Speculation right now is that Steve Downie will flank Lecavalier’s right side on the first or second line. Downie is a tough cookie, and had solid hands in junior, but can he really be the winger Vinny needs to be successful?
Analysis
The Lightning went through one of the biggest roster overhauls this off-season. Frankly, all of the moves they made seem like they will all pay dividends quickly. Tanguay should fit well with St.Louis and Lecavlier if management decides to go that way. Stamkos gained more confidence as the season wound down. He shouldn’t slip into the sophomore jinx that many other players have fallen into over the years. What makes the Lightning a non playoff team? A lack of secondary scoring, the unreliability of Malone, Hedman’s adjustment year, and goalie instability. Give this team two years and they will be back in the playoffs.
Prediction: 10th in the East
Topics: 2009-10 NHL Previews, 2009-10 NHL Season, Alex Tanguay, Antero Niittymaki, Martin St. Louis, Mike Smith, NHL, NHL previews, Ryan Malone, Tampa Bay Lightning, Victor Hedman, Vincent Lecavalier
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