2013-14 record: 46-27-9 (101 points)
Lost to Montreal in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: Steven Stamkos
The Tampa Bay Lightning were supposed to be a rebuilding team that was going to struggle last season. Losing Steven Stamkos for half the season due to a broken leg and later Martin St. Louis in a trade that saw Ryan Callahan come from the New York Rangers would have suggested this to be true. However, a funny thing happened, and the rookies stepped up, and Ben Bishop emerged as a top goalie for the Lightning as they claimed a playoff spot. However, Bishop was hurt, and down went the Lightning's chances of advancing. Stamkos is healthy once again, and the Lightning suddenly find themselves with higher expectations. Even though they're going to miss Calder Trophy candidate Jonathan Drouin for a month, Stamkos will have Callahan, Valtteri Filppula, Tyler Johnson, and Ondrej Palat helping up front, meaning the Lightning will have depth up front. Defense let them down in the playoffs, and other than Victor Hedman, the blue line was mostly in need of better talent. To that end, they traded for Jason Garrison and signed Anton Stralman in free agency. Brian Boyle was also signed to provide the team with badly needed size and a strong presence on the bottom two lines. Bishop seized the starting job last season, but his absence due to injuries was felt, which was why Evgeni Nabokov was signed.
Prediction: 2nd in the Atlantic Division
The Lightning snuck up on last year, and now with higher expectations, they're going to have to prove that it wasn't a fluke. A healthy Stamkos and an improved blue line should ensure that the Lightning won't be a one-year wonder.
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