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2010 NHL Predictions: Tampa Bay Lightning
Today, we will take a look at our NHL Eastern Conference spotlight team for 2010-11.
2010-11 NHL Eastern Conference Spotlight team: Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning have not made the playoffs since 2006-07, but I would be shocked if they don’t get a taste of postseason play in 2010-11. The Lightning had an up and down beginning to the 2009–10 campaign, even though veterans Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier continued to show strong leadership. Despite an overmatched roster on paper, and a team that struggled in the first two periods of many games, the Lightning remained competitive in the playoff race until March.
With new Owner Jeffrey Vinik and new GM Steve Yzerman in place, the Lightning has some stability at the top of the organization for the first time in a long time. Shortly after Yzerman took his post, the former Red Wing great completely revamped the coaching staff and made a multitude of moves in hopes of improving an already talented roster.
Simon Gagne was acquired from the Flyers and will add some nice scoring depth. He played in 58 games and had 40 points in 2009-10. Brett Clark and Pavel Kubina were brought in to shore up the blueline. Kubina returns to the team were he won the Stanley Cup with in 2004. Victor Hedman showed flashes of brilliance last season but needs to stay on the Ice to have a major impact. The Swede was sidelined throughout the season with head and hip ailments. If he stays healthy the Lightning should have one of the best defenses in the SouthEast division.
Dan Ellis, was brought in to secure a goaltending tandem with Mike Smith. Ellis, 30, comes to the Lightning with plenty of starting experience – playing in 111 career games, netting a 50-42-8 record. Ellis, who split time in goal last year with Pekka Rinne in Nashville, finds himself in a similar position again with Smith. Mike Smith should get the bulk of the starts. He has a 2.63 GAA since 2006 and seems to be getting better.
Not to mention the coaching staff overhaul, led by new head coach Guy Boucher, who comes from the American League’s Hamilton Bulldogs and is regarded as player-friendly. I believe he is exactly what this team needs. Great hire!
Another stud on their roster, Steve Stamkos scored 51 goals in just his second NHL season, earning himself a share of the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy by finishing tied for the league lead in goals with Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby. He is a rising star in this league and should have another monster season. Tampa Bay kinda reminds me of the Chicago Blackhawks of two years ago. They have a nice mix up front and they have a lot of size on defense.
The SouthEast division has produced the lowest number of combined points for the last six straight seasons. I would expect the same to hold true this season. Only the Washington Capitals advanced to the playoffs last season from the Southeast Division, giving the Lightning an advantage with a weaker schedule than other teams in the Eastern Conference. With an exciting mix of savvy veterans and young talent, the Lightning have the pieces in place to make a return to the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Book it!
The Lightning went 34-36-12, good for 80 points (12th) in 2009-10. Check out were they will end up this season.
Jeff’s Projected 2010-11 record: 44-32-6, good for 94 points and the 4th seed!
The NHL season begins on October 7th, 2010. I am the #1 documented NHL Handicapper at The Sports Monitor of Oklahoma. Nobody has won more in Hockey over the past 12 years fully documented. I finished #1 in 2002 (NSM) and #1 again in 2006, 2007, and 2009.
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