Winning fixes everything. Unless you are the Souoth Carolina Gamecocks football team or the Chicago Cubs, winning puts butts in seats, which sells concession-itmes, parking spaces, merchandise, etc. Just ask the fans of the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Redsox or New Orleans Saints how much pain from losing seasons can be undone with one championship run.
There's been plenty to be frustrated and/or embarassed about when it comes to the Tampa Bay Lightning recently. Sure, they won a cup in the 90s, but that championship is getting further and further back in the rearview mirror for Lightning followers.
Enter Steve Yzerman...
Yzerman has totally changed the look of the Lightning since taking over the ship. Following today's addition of Simon Gagne, the Bolts now boast a forward group of Vinny Lecavalier, former league MVP Martin St. Louis, Steve Downie, Maurice Richard co-winner Steven Stamkos, and the physical Ryan Malone. That's 2 players who have scored 50 goals in a season (Lecavalier and Stamkos), a five time 30 goal scorer (St. Louis), and a sniper who has scored 25 goals 5 times (twice eclipsing 40 goals) in Gagne. Malone is a physical force who can make opponents pay for taking liberties against his skilled teammates while burying at least 25 of their beautiful passes. Downie should grow into the same type of role, but carries an upside of potentially scoring 30+ if he can keep his antics under control and cut his penalty minutes down from the 200+ he registered this season.
This team has the ability to score with anyone in the league, but can they keep the biscuit out of their own basket? Yzerman looks to have upgraded in goal, replacing the inconsistent Antero Niittymaki with Dan Ellis. Ellis won't dominate, but he should bring a steady performance level to the tandem he shares with Mike Smith. Smith battled injuries last year, and having ellis as a fall back option should ease the crease concerns.
The blueline has long been a trouble spot for the Lightning, but it appears better today than it did last season. Franchise blueliner Victor Hedman is sure to progress after a rookie season where he held his own. Mattias Ohlund is a shutdown veteran who can mentor him and cover when Hedman gets caught learning when not to pinch. Pavel Kubina brings his 6-4, 245 lb frame back to Tampa. Kubina is a solid all around defenseman who can log big minutes and fill the net, both from his impressive point shot as well as with a breakout pass ot the talented forwards. Mike Lundin is a fluid skater who can eat up minutes if need be, and Yzerman brought Brett Clark in from Colorado. Clark has shown excellent mobility as well as a knack for shot-blocking. Matt Smaby is a punisher in reserve, while Matt Lahoff could develop into at least a quality #4 some point soon. Veteran Paul Ranger, if he resigns and gets over his off-ice issues, could give them 9 NHL-quality blueliners.
That depth is something that hasn't been seen in Tampa since their championship season. Don't forget that they play in what is considered to be the weakest division in hockey. The Southeast division struggles in most seasons to send a 2nd team to the playoff dance (division winners are guaranteed at least the 3rd seed, no matter what their record is). As Carolina rebuilds with youth, and Atlanta does the same, it appears the Lightning only have to catch the President's Trophy winning Washington Capitals within the division. That looks a lot more likely with today's roster than the one that finished last season.
The ownership situation has stabilized, Yzerman has a coach he chose to run his ship, and has added proven pieces to the team that have produced at the highest level.
Steve Yzerman was the picture of class and determination during his playing days in Detroit. After a month as Tampa's GM, he appears to be on his way to continuing his legacy as a GM.
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