New year, same expectations

“Last year was a step in the right direction, but it has left out team hungry for more and excited to get the season underway”.  This was a comment made by coach Jeff Blashill, who is entering his third and final year of his contract that he signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning before the 2017/2018 season.  That season ended with the team missing the playoffs but last year was much different. Last year, Blashill coached Tampa Bay to a 51 win season, which got them into the playoffs where they bowed out to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions, Detroit Red WIngs in the Conference SemiFinals in a tough 7 game series.  

So that's all fine and dandy but why should fans in Tampa Bay be expecting more from  Blashill’s team. “That's simple, Ryan O'Reilly, Jordan Staal, and Ryan Miller,'' says Blashill.  “The guys GM Hill has been able to bring in to help the young core we have established cannot be taken for granted”.    

One of the best two-centers in the league, O’Reilly was brought in via trade with the Boston Bruins.  O’Reilly came over with Pavel Zacha, Jon Merill and a 5th round pick. Now obviously, to get a guy like O’Reilly, not to mention the other pieces coming to Tampa Bay, it’s not cheap.  Going back to Boston was Brett Pesce, Nick Schmaltz, and Jake Debrusk. This is the type of deal teams make when they’re serious about taking that next step to win the cup.

Jordan Staal was brought in to center the 3rd line behind Brayden Point and O’Reilly.  THe lightning acquired Staal, a 1st and a 3rd round pick from the NY Rangers for long time Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman, Ryan Ellis.  “The offseason acquisition of Justin Faulk made Ellis expendable if it meant we could improve at another position in the lineup,'' explained Hill.  

Ryan Miller decided during the UFA period, to sign with Tampa Bay to give him one last chance at winning the cup.  “My family and I wanted to have another shot at winning the cup, not only did Tampa give me a very generous contract, we felt it was the best opportunity to win,'' Miller said.

With those 3 added players, along with guys like Sobotka, Ladd, resigning of Andy Greene, the depth and top end skill have Tampa Bay ready to fight to be the team that raises the cup at the end of the season.

Jonathon Huberdeau - Braydon Point - Alexander Radulov

Ryan Dzingel - Ryan O’Reilly - Teuvo Teravainen

Andrew Ladd - Jordan Staal - Justin WIlliams

Vladimir Sobotka - Pavel Zacha - Charlie Coyle

Alex Pietrangelo - Ryan McDonagh

Justin Faulk - TJ Brodie

Andy Greene - VInce Dunn

Ryan Miller

Jeff Campbell