Tampa Bay ready to get back to the Dance
The Tampa Bay Lightning, now under the control of General Manager Steve Yzerman are looking like the surprise of the 2010-11 season. With additions up front and the continued development of some very promising rookies, the Lightning look as though they could challenge for the eighth play-off spot in the Eastern Conference next season.
Changes
Yzerman his come in and made quick work getting the Tampa line-up back in shape to compete in 2010-11. He has managed to bolster the defence and goaltending, while putting together two impressive scoring lines.
Yzerman brought back Pavel Kubina to cement the back end and make it a little bit more reliable, something they struggled with last season.
He then acquired goaltender Dan Ellis to take the pressure off the youngster Mike Smith. Ellis is able to trade games with Smith, something that should help the young netminder progress.
Yzerman also managed to ink Martin St. Louis to a four year extension, while bringing in winger Simon Gagne, to add some punch to the second line.
Most recently Yzerman has secured centre Dominic Moore, who should figure well on the team’s third line, as Tampa attempts to get a legitimate shut down threat established before October.
Yzerman took the job in Tampa with the understanding that it would not be a quick turn around back to the Stanley Cup. Nevertheless, he has done a great job putting together a team that should challenge in the Eastern Conference.
Forward Core
Although Yzerman still has some work to do before he has a full forward group, he has done very well thus far, putting together a two lines that will strike fear in any defensive tandem.
The first line is lights out, as Rocket Richard Trophy winner Steven Stamkos returns, and will look to have an even more productive year in 2010-11. Stamkos’ 95-point season was made easier with the help of line-mate St. Louis, who notched 94 of his own last season. In addition, they will once again be joined by power forward Ryan Malone who potted over 20 goals last year.
The big difference for next year will be the strength of the second line. Already with Vincent Lecavelier at centre, Gagne will be parked on the second line for the duration of the season. Gagne brings points to a second unit that will be rounded out by ever- improving rookie Steve Downie, who tallied 46 points last season.
The third line is not yet set, but is expected to be centred around Moore and Ted Purcell who will focus on shutting down the other team’s top line.
Defence-Core
If Mattias Ohlund can get his game back for 2010-11 the top four on Tampa’s blue line will be quite formidable, carrying a lot of size.
Bringing back Kubina will immediately help the team’s power play, as Kubina is a specialist in that end of the ice. In addition Paul Ranger is likely to only get better as he comes back after an injury plagued campaign. In addition, Victor Hedman is going into just his second NHL campaign and the hulking Swede should be better prepared.
Goaltending
Last year Antero Niittymaki shouldered most of the load for the Lightning and is now in Philadelphia with the Flyers. Yzerman filled the hole with Dan Ellis. The Saskatoon native put up great number with the Nashville Predators over the last three years but was not able to get his starts with the rise of Pekka Rinne.
Ellis is an upgrade at backstop. He is reliable and able to give half a season every year. In addition this should help shelter Smith who has had trouble when given the starters role.
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