Changes for Tampa Bay Lightning gets them back to winning ways (Part 2)
This article puts forth a few changes that are predicted to be the key factors as to why a team like Tampa Bay Lightning that was down and out at one time, is one of the main contenders for the Stanley Cup this season.
One of the key factors behind Lightning’s transformation is a major change in the administrative body of the team. There have been a number of replacements with a number of new faces appearing in the Lighting administration.
A major administrative change was a new owner taking control of the team. Jeff Vinik, the new owner, along with a new General Manager, Steve Yzerman, stepped in to get back Lightning to winning ways. In addition, a young and talented new coach, Guy Boucher,
took charge of the team.
Some teams witness a downfall due to changing the core of the team to this extent. However, Lightning has done exceptionally well since the players have accepted the changes and responded positively to everything the higher authority has said so far.
Whenever the players are asked by the coach to try something different or perform the way he wants, the players respond well to the coach’s strategy. If a new player is added to the team, the players readily accept him since they believe that whatever change
the administration is making is in the best interest of the team.
"Everybody that has come in has been a great person and a great hockey mind and I think they just hold everybody accountable and demand the best", Adam Hall said.
Another reason for Lightning’s success may be the quality of work that the team is putting in. With the addition of Boucher as the coach, Lightning has become one of the unique teams when it comes to practice sessions.
Even though other teams have regular sessions, Lightning refrains from a regular training schedule. However, their practice sessions are among the toughest and involve immense physical content which has benefitted them to a great extent.
Boucher has never shown any eagerness to put in practice minutes but has said that it is the quality that matter and not the quantity. He rightfully believes that playing well for 10 minutes is better than lingering on for 20 minutes.
"I think everyone wants to win so everyone has bought in", Ryan Malone said. "We're willing to do whatever it takes. I think that is the biggest thing. The guys who have been a couple years without making the playoffs and some of us have tasted it before
and want to get back because this is the fun time of year. Right now we're coming together as a group".
(Continued in part 3). . . . . . . .
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