2014-2015 Overall Record: 50-24-8 (108 Points) 3rd in the Eastern Conference

***Lost in GM6 of the Stanley Cup Final to the Chicago Blackhawks***

Tampa Bay Lightning: 2014-2015 Team Leaders

Notable Offseason Losses:

D Mark Barberio (New Team: Montreal Canadiens)

Notable Offseason Acquisitions:

F Eric Condra (Former Team: Ottawa Senators)

F Tye McGinn (Former Team: Arizona Coyotes)

Main Team Stats Breakdown:

GFA (Goals For Average): 3.12 (NHL Ranking: 1st)

GAA (Goals Against Average): 2.48 (NHL Ranking: 12th)

SV% (Save Percentage): .910 (NHL Ranking: 18th)

The Tampa Bay Lightning were more than quiet this offseason, tinkering with only a couple small value acquisitions. Next season (or even during the regular season) all eyes and ears will surround the potential contract of Stamkos, which is still very much up in the air. The Lightning’s franchise player could find himself testing free agency at the conclusion to see what else is out there. This will be significant for the organization and their future as one of the best teams in the league. This is not to say that without Stamkos the Lightning wouldn’t still contend at a high level, but stating that it wouldn’t be a huge loss to the organization would be a blatant misrepresentation of the situation. There are also quite a few other players on the roster that Steve Yzerman is going to have to figure out after next season, but for now, fans can expect another great year of hockey.

In net, Ben Bishop continues to show why he’s one of the best, though his stats took a drop last season as he sported a .916 save percentage and a 2.18 goals against. His numbers did pick up in the Playoffs (.921 SV%; 2.18 GAA); a good sign heading into next season, even with the Stanley Cup Final ousting by the Chicago Blackhawks. One can never fault experience, especially that deep into a Playoff run.

As was greatly talked about during last year’s Playoff run, the Tampa Bay Lightning are a young team with a high upside, great scoring prowess, and the hunger to win on a night to night basis. There is nothing about this team that says they will slip in the standings. In fact, with the further experience they’ve gained, look for them to lead their Division this season. This might just be this year’s Champion when it’s all said and done.

2015-2016 Season Projection: 1st in the Atlantic Division

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