Anyone else think TB Lightning have a shot at the #1 seed in the east?

Question

I think this team is back to where it was in 04' cup. As long as Holmqvist holds up in goal, i think we got a great chance to get a #1 seed in the east. However i think the west is too strong for TB to win the cup. I could see them making it to the cup, but not winning it. But i look forward to a fun season for the bolts.

you're forgetting that Denise (yes i am saying Denise on purpose) was the starter for more than half the season (who gave up like 5 goals a game). Once Holmqvist got settled in he did very well, and helped the bolts win games. Also, Chris Gratton is a good pickup form the panthers; he is a guy who can stand in front of the net and deflect shots in the net (something we never did last season). Richards line is the only ?

Answer 1

I agree that the Bolts should win the Southeast and could have a shot at #1 in East. Not just because they are in the Southeast but because they will have more grit and more balanced scoring throughout the team.

That being said having Dan Boyle out for 6 - 12 games at the start of the season can be devastating if someone besides Brad Richards isn't able to set up the power play. Dan is invaluable in that role. Goaltending will be an issue but I have faith that Homer can come through and we will have an exciting team this year.

Answer 2

Let me start by saying I'm a fan. I live in Florida, and have enjoyed watching the Bolts on Sunshine Network the past decade. That said, they will be LUCKY if they even make the playoffs. They have three guys, and that's it. It's not enough. Their goaltending is likely the worst in the league. You're not going to go anywhere without a stud goaltender, and they just don't have it. Hoping Holmqvist "holds up" is a pipe dream. Aside of obviously being awesome in the shootouts, he didn't prove anything last year. He had a .893 save % last year. The Bolts won DESPITE him, not BECAUSE of him. Their defense is average at best, aside of Dan Boyle, who'll miss the first month or two with an injury anyway. Their scoring depth is terribly lacking, as was evident late last season and in the playoffs. What did they do to fix that? Nothing. (Gratton? He couldn't stick on a bad Florida team. What makes you think he'll suddenly be any good on Tampa?) After the big three, they have nothing but a bunch of guys that would be lucky to be on a checking line on many other teams. And if Lecavalier or St. Louis go down to an injury, they're doomed. Who's going to score? We barely made it to the playoffs last year. Washington, Philly, Toronto, and Florida improved themselves this summer. Tampa did not. I'm afraid I don't like their chances of making the playoffs at all. #1 seed? Not a chance. I guarantee it.

Answer 3

Well, it's a team that wiggled into the play-offs last year in 7th place but 4 points from 10th place. Actually had more scored against than for. Then they made no significant pick-ups in the off-season, especially in their weaker areas of goaltending and defence. Add to that the fact that their BEST BY FAR DMan is out for the first month or two and I can emphatically say absolutely not.

Answer 4

Not a chance. They'll be lucky to make the playoffs with a revitalized and healthy Carolina, and Atlanta may be in disarray, but they're still pretty strong. Second in division at best. And Ottawa, NYR, and Pittsburgh are still the best in the east right now. Detroit will probalby get #1 again because of their division.

Answer 5

I think the lightning have a good chance because they don't have much competition in the race. Really, only the senators and the penguins are good competition. Lightning will probably lose in the stanley cup though because there are too many good teams in the west, like you said.

Answer 6

Not really. That requires among other things, a goalie so good all the other teams want him. TB doesn't have one of those.

Answer 7

The few, the proud, the lightning fans.