2009-2010 record: 34-36-12 (80 points)
Did not qualify for the playoffs
Captain: Vincent Lecavalier
Alternate captains: Mattias Ohlund, Martin St. Louis
3 players to watch: The present of the Lightning is Martin St. Louis. He doesn't get the headlines that Vincent Lecavalier does, but he is one of the most productive players on the team. His mentorship to Steven Stamkos ensures that the team will be well off in the future. Speaking of the future, Stamkos is the representation of all that the Lightning can become. A 50 goal season in his sophmore year is just the beginning of what could be a bright future. Anything approaching 40 this year would be ideal for Stamkos. Goal is the team's biggest question mark, and the team hopes it can answer it with Dan Ellis. Having lost his job in Nashville to Pekka Rinne, he will be motivated to prove his worth.
Things to look for: Offesnively, the team looks good on paper. Of course, any team that has Stamkos, St. Louis, Lecavalier, and Simon Gagne should be able to at least, coax 30 goals a piece from the foursome. Depth at the forward spot is thin, but if the four produce as they should, then that could cover up this issue to a degree. The blue line is better than it was two seasons ago, but the Lightning is still a ways off from contending. Continued development from Victor Hedman and a return of sorts from Mattias Ohlund would help out here. Ellis and Mike Smith are contending for the starting spot in goal, and both have a lot to prove. Smith struggled last year, and on occasion, was spelled by Antero Niitymaaki, who is now in San Jose. Ellis was knocked out of the starting spot in Nashville and seeks to prove that he can still be a starter in the league. If nothing else, the Lightning should be more stable from top to bottom, as office issues clouded the team's performance the last few years.
Prediction: 5th in the East
Song: Widow-An American Werewolf in Raleigh
Yes, I am aware of the fact that the Lightning play in Florida, but that isn't going to stop me from putting this song up for the team. One front office change later, the Lightning is a new team, much in the same way that someone is a new creature after a transformation into a werewolf.
No comments:
Post a Comment