The next team up for the team overviews is the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning have been to the Stanley Cup finals for the past 3 years, winning 2 of the 3 years. Last season the bolts dealt with some injuries, primarily to their best players, Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. When they came back they made a huge difference and helped propel the Lightning to their 3rd straight cup final. This offseason, the Lightning lost some key players. The lost Ondrej Palat to the Devils in free agency and had to trade Ryan McDonagh for salary cap reasons. Each of these guys have been vital parts of those cup runs and regular season success since they arrived in Tampa. The Lightning's forwards have been the strongest part of their team in the past, but this year they are not as strong. They have their first line with Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Brayden Point, all premier players in the league, but other than that line, they are not deep. Anthony Cirelli is there second line center and has become a great 2way center for the Lightning, but he is going to be out for half of the season. As it stands, they have Nick Paul, a 3rd line center bumped up in their lineup on the second line. They have Brandon Hagel and Alex Killorn slated on his wings, and they are good players, but this second line is not what it used to be. Their third line is decent and has a player named Ross Colton, who really excelled in their past 2 playoff runs, he is a player that could make a jump this season. The Lightning also have arguably the best 4th line in the league. Their fourth line is the definition of a energy line and goes out and sets the tone physically each game. Tampa's defense is headlined by arguably the best defenseman in the league, Victor Hedman. Hedman is a huge body standing at 6'6" 240 lbs and skates like a gazelle. His long strides and long reach make him that much better than other defensemen in the league. He has incredible playmaking abilities and is shutdown in the d zone. The Lightning also have 2 stellar defensemen on their second line of defense with Erik Cernak and Mikhail Sergachev. Both of these guys are outstanding defenders and are also good in the offensive zone. Their other defensemen are young but solid options. The Bolts also have the best goalie in the league, Andrei Vasilevskiy. Vasy is flat out incredible. He makes saves that you don't think are possible and makes them look easy. His play elevates his team and gives them a chance to win every game. When Vasy is on his game he is unstoppable, especially in the playoffs. The Lightning are not going to be the same team they have been in the past couple years this year, but they will still be a force to be reckoned with.
Record Prediction- 49-24-9
Playoffs- Yes
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