Tampa Bay Lightning 2014-15 Season Preview

2 of 4
Next

Apr 22, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) before game four against Montreal Canadiens of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

 

2013-14 RECAP

 The Lightning, despite a long-term injury to star Steven Stamkos and controversy surrounding Martin St. Louis and his request for a trade (that eventually happened), managed to finish 2nd in the Atlantic Division, a point ahead of the Montreal Canadiens.  However, their hopes for a long playoff run with Stamkos back in the lineup were dashed when starting goalie and Vezina Trophy finalist Ben Bishop was put out of action with a shoulder injury.

The Lightning never really got going in the series against the Habs and they were swept out in four straight.

Mar 19, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Jason Garrison (5) skates against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

CHANGES

IN – Brian Boyle, Brenden Morrow, Jason Garrison, Anton Stralman, Evgeni Nabokov

OUT- Ted Purcell, Ryan Malone, B.J. CrombeenSami Salo, Brian Lee, Anders Lindback

Malone had some personal issues that led to him missing the playoffs, while Purcell was a salary dump. He was sent to Edmonton for Sam Gagner, who they then flipped to Arizona along with Crombeen for a draft pick (and Tampa kept $1.6M of Gagner’s salary.

Sep 24, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin (27) handles the puck against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators beat the Lightning 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

3 BIG QUESTIONS

 1.  Drouin for Calder? – The Bolts’ top pick from the 2013 draft has an extra year of seasoning under his belt and is one of the leading candidates for rookie of the year.  He broke a finger in traning camp, but could return as soon as opening weekend.  If he gets to play on Stamkos’ wing, he is pretty much a lock for top freshman.

2. Stamkos 100%? – Stamkos missed part of training camp still not at 100% from his broken leg.  If he is at 100%, or even close, the Lightning will be in the hunt to repeat their trip to the postseason.

3.  Shored up “D”? – Garrison and Stralman are an upgrade on what the Lightning iced last season, and the maturation of Victor Hedman gives them a Norris candidate.  The addition of backup Evgeni Nabokov insulates Bishop.

Mar 13, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Ryan Callahan (24) skates with the puck against the Florida Panthers during the second period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

PREDICTION

The Lightning have a lot of talent, leadership and skill.  A full season of Ryan Callahan will have an impact, as will Morrow in terms of leadership, even if the latter is at the tail end of his career.

3rd Atlantic Division

Next