Unexpected Lightning Strike
By Eric Rosenhek
The Tampa Bay Lightning have become the most dangerous team in the National Hockey League.
As of February 4, the team leads the Southeast Division with 69 points. Tampa also has the third best record in the NHL and had won five in a row before the All-Star break.
But no one seems to care.
Headshots, the just concluded All-Star game, the upcoming Heritage Classic, and the trade deadline are occupying the minds of the hockey media. The only teams that appear to get any attention these days are the Flyers and Canucks (for good reason) and the Maple Leafs (for all the wrong reasons).
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s successful season has been a moot point.
Is it because the Lightning play in a non-traditional hockey market? Does the hot Florida sun and lack of snow diminish the team’s credentials? Could it be the lack of a well-structured legacy? (The team’s history only goes back 19 years.) Perhaps it has to do with the fact that Tampa hasn’t made the playoffs in three seasons.
Regardless of the reason, it’s time for the hockey world to take notice. It’s time to fear the Tampa Bay Lightning!
If you’re not convinced, here are 10 reasons why teams should refrain from having anything metallic inside the St. Pete Times Forum:
1. General Manager Steve Yzerman
By now, you’re probably aware of how the H-54 staff feels about Stevie Y. Can you blame us? Everything he touches turns into gold…. literally.
Two short seasons ago, the Lightning finished with 66 points. In comes Yzerman who tinkers with the lineup and has turned the team around. Not bad for a rookie GM.
2. Head Coach Guy Boucher
Boucher was named the American Hockey League’s coach of the year after guiding the Hamilton Bulldogs last season to an impressive 115-point performance and coming one game shy of making the Calder Cup Final.
Whatever Boucher was doing in Hamilton has carried over to Tampa, making him a likely candidate for the Jack Adams Trophy.
3. Vincent Lacavalier
The captain and leader of the Bolts.
Lecavalier has experienced the highs and lows playing in Tampa. From being originally stripped of his captaincy and clashing with former coach John Tortorella, to hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2004 and winning the Rocket Richard trophy three years later.
His experience is paramount. It’s also something he can turn to when inspiring his teammates.
4. Dwayne Roloson
Still going at 41-years-old.
Roloson was recently acquired from the New York Islanders. Getting a fresh start by getting out of Long Island was incredible motivation for the veteran goalie. In 11 games, Roloson is 8-3-0, with a .932 save percentage and four shutouts. His past playoff performances – including his sensational play with Edmonton in 2006 – will also be a valuable asset.
5. Dominic Moore
After playing for seven teams in seven seasons, Moore has finally found some stability in Tampa. It’s good timing too. Moore was part of Montreal’s playoff run last season where he scored four goals and added an assist in 19 post-season games.
Moore is not a prolific scorer. However, his specialty is with face-offs - one of the reasons why Yzerman added him to the roster.
6. Ryan Malone
Malone is third in team scoring (33 points) and first in hits (104). He’s able to put the puck in the net and uses his size when warranted. Malone is also somewhat of a power play specialist, scoring nine of his 11 goals with a man-advantage.
7. Teddy Purcell
Purcell is on a hot streak: seven points in three games. This season has been a memorable one for the 25-year-old forward. Last year, he only had six goals and nine assists in 60 games. This year (after just 51 games): 10 goals and 22 assists.
8. Simon Gagné
Yes, he’s hampered by injuries. But Gagné is very productive when healthy. He missed 18 games earlier this season due to an injury. However, the Quebec native appears to have fully recovered. In his last three games, Gagné has notched three goals and two assists.
9. Martin St. Louis
St. Louis defines character, commitment and heart. The veteran forward has achieved an incredible amount of success. Like Lacavalier, he also has experienced the highs and lows playing in Tampa.
At 35, St. Louis is still in the prime of his career, attaining 80 or more points in the last four seasons.
10. Steven Stamkos
Steven Stamkos is the best player in the NHL. He’s also the most underrated player.
While the media, fans and the NHL’s marketing department focus mostly on Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, the soon-to-be 21-year-old Markham, Ontario native quietly goes about his business, leading the league in goals, points, power play goals and game winning goals. Don’t forget about his dangerous one-timers or winning the goal-scoring title last season.
In a way, Stamkos resembles his general manager. How many times did the accomplishments of Steve Yzerman receive polite applause, while the efforts of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemeiux were loudly lauded?
If Tampa goes far in the Stanley Cup playoffs this year, fans and the media will witness Stamkos’ “coming out party.”
The Lightning have been non-existent since winning the Stanley Cup seven years ago. But over the last year, Tampa has turned it around and is now a threat to the top teams. With about two months left in the regular season, one should watch out for lightning strikes.
