NHL Season Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning



Last Season's standings: record- 43-33-6 for 92 points. The Lightning finished last season in 2nd place in the Southeast Division, 8th in the Eastern Conference.

In: Andy Delmore D (prev. team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Filip Kuba D (prev. team: Minnesota Wild); Marc Denis G (via trade w/ Columbus Blue Jackets); Ruslan Fedotenko F; Doug Janik D (prev. team: Buffalo Sabres); Dmitri Afanasenkov F; Mitchell Fritz F; Ryan Craig F; Eric Healey F (prev. team: Boston Bruins); Cory Sarich D

Out: Pavel Kubina D (new team: Toronto Maple Leafs); Darryl Sydor D (via trade w/ Dallas Stars); Fredrik Modin F (via trade w/ Columbus Blue Jackets); Fredrik Norrena G (via trade w/ Columbus Blue Jackets); John Grahame G (new team: Carolina Hurricanes)

Season Outlook: Good. The Lightning head into the season having acquired a solid back-up in Marc Denis. Up front they continue to be led by the dynamic duo of Lecavlier and Richards. Filip Kuba should be a solid edition to this young and solid defensive core. Dan Boyle had a good season last year and will look to build on his success this year. Delmore and Luke Richardson should also be a solid combo. If there is any question mark on this team, it will be with the wingers. They will need Sean Burke to rebound from his awful season last year if this team expects to go anywhere.

Season Prediction: The Lightning should rack up 2nd in the Southeast and take the 7th Playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.