By Andrew Levengood, Sports Editor
How did the Tampa Bay Lightning go from playoff contender, and what many viewed as a Stanley Cup contender this pre-season, to a team nine points out of the last playoff spot on March 26? The answer has a few parts: first the Lightning do not have a goaltender in the top 30 Goals Against Average Leaders or GAA but St. Louis, Boston, Minnesota, Colorado, Vancouver, and New Jersey all have two goalies in the top 30 GAA. The Lightning’s two goalies this year rank at 39 (Mathieu Garon) and dead last at 46 (Dwayne Roloson).
Most Hockey analysts would argue Goalies win games, with these averages it’s a surprise that the Lightning has done as well as they have. The sole shining point for the Lightning this year is NHL goals leader Steven Stamkos, who has exploded after receiving a huge five year contract in the offseason. Another huge hit is the continuing decline of Vinny Lecavalier, whose goals per season have dropped drastically from his 52 goal year in 2006-2007 and his 40 goal season in 2007-2008. The Lightning accepted their downfall at this year’s trade deadline by moving players Dominic Moore, Pavel Kubina, and Steve Downie.
But hope is not lost for the Bolts future, General Manager Steve Yzerman acquired a number of pieces that can help the Lightning retool instead of rebuild. In sending prospect Carter Ashton to Toronto Yzerman acquired defenseman Keith Aulie, a 22 year old defensemen who could potentially lead the Bolts blue line next season alongside veterans Victor Hedman , Eric Brewer, and Mathias Ohlund. In addition Yzerman acquired 25 year old defensemen Brian Lee from Ottawa and veteran Mike Commodore from Detroit. Yzerman also stockpiled early draft choices for the next draft with two first round picks and a minimum of three second round picks with the possibility of four (depending on the teams outcome).
The Bolts collapse this season was mainly due to a mix of the wrong parts, an old goalie who finally fell apart, an aging defense, and a sputtering offense that didn’t live up to its potential. All of these issues can be fixed for next season, the old goalie’s contract is up and the defense was completely revamped at the deadline. This offseason Yzerman has two things to complete: get a goalie and find more compliments to Steven Stamkos. If he can acquire both of those assets, look for the Lightning to be right on track to be in the playoffs and maybe the Stanley Cup in the near future.
