Does anyone else see there being problems in Tampa?

Question

Not to say that they won't finish the season with at least a playoff spot, but the multitude of signings and new faces around the team this season could lead to a slow start. Melrose has not coached in 15 years, the last time he was coaching you could knock blood out of Gretzky's head in a d**n video game (swingers reference). I like the signings but they didn't give him much in terms of assistant coaches, they really needed to pluck a guy from the college or junior system who knows how to incorporate many new teammates together at once.

Just a warning to Bolts fans, you have an excellent team on paper right now, but the boys are going to need time to gel and the coach is going to need to get his groove back before the big results come.

Answer 1

That and the fact that there defense is going to be next to horrible, and their goaltending situation is unstable, a playoff appearance is not garunteed

Answer 2

No.

Answer 3

They're nothing until they get a goalie. Someone needs to let them know that a goalie is what carries a team; much like how Khabibulan carried them to the Cup. Signing Fossil-la Kolzig and shopping Mike Smith around isn't exactly the best way....

Answer 4

there ight but   the only thing i wonder about is how good is there defense??    They signed all the fowards but no DEE.   you need D to win not just Offenese..............i see them winning there divinson easily  bc its the weakest one in the eastern

Answer 5

The easiest thing to do is compare them to the Flyers.  The Flyers were in the same boat last season, finished last in the league, made some smart moves at the trade deadline and free agency and everyone knows what they did this season.

Currently, what I see as the difference is that the Flyers specifically addressed the holes the team had.  While the Lightning definitely upgraded, they didn't address the issues the team really had, particularly goaltending and defensemen.  They still have time but unless they address those issues, I don't see them turning into a legitimate contender.  Untill they do that, expect to see a bunch of 10-9 games.

Answer 6

Well we have seen great teams on paper not do as well as they are expected to (2007-2008 non-stanely cup NY Rangers).  I think you are absolutely right.....they have so many new faces and new styles that it may be a while until the chemistry develops and they become a force....that is to say the chemistry DOES develop (I think it will but you never know).  I also worry about them because they have turned into a one sided team.  The defense has not improved as much as it needs to and goaltending is still going to be a major issue.  It comes down to the fact that you can score 6 goals a game, but if your defense and goalies let up 7 per game then your not going to succeed.

To say the least, they will be exciting to watch and personally I think they will succeed eventually, but if they didn;t then I would not be surprised at all.

I wouldnt expect a 2006-2007 Buffalo Sabres like start (10 in a row) nor would i expect them to be last in the league again....in a few years we might see them back in the finals IF they improve the missing peices  as for now....they have a legit shot at the playoffs and not much morre.....

get ready for a wild ride Tampa

Answer 7

They'll be great. Lecavalier and St. Louis are only getting players that'll allow those two to shine like the stars they are again. Malone and Vrbata will be the best two acquisitions, I feel, any team will have made in this off season. Barry is a coach, not an announcer. He'll gel these players together exceptionally well.