BT's 2008-09 NHL Season Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning

Preface: Ok, so after needlessly berating and belittling the Atlanta Thrashers, we're moving on to higher and better things.

Um....well maybe not that much higher or better.

Then again, I guess if you spend enough money, you can win something eventually.

The Yankees tried it for a few years, and are still trying to make it work. The NHL has instituted a cap because of it. And it's what makes the Minnesota Vikings' defense so...well...damn expensive.

Who needs cap room and a balanced depth chart?

I'm not going to lie—I think I learned something during my Atlanta Thrashers preview.

The entire time, I needless talked smack about the Thrashers, and didn't really paint a pretty picture. Granted, the team itself doesn't paint a pretty picture—but you'd at least expect someone to stick up for the Thrash, right?

Wrong.

Maple Leafs fans used to rip anyone who would predict anything less than a Stanley Cup championship. I learned during my preview of the Northwest Division that it's impossible to keep every fan of every Western team happy.

What did I learn during my preview of the Thrashers? The Atlanta Thrashers have NO fans whatsoever. None. Or at least none that will vehemently defend their team.

Will things change in Tampa Bay? Probably. I mean they Lightning were last in the division last year, but it's not like they've been last every year.  Right, Atlanta?

Roster Additions: Steven Stamkos-F (Draft), Ryan Malone-F (F.A.), Adam Hall-F (F.A.), Gary Roberts-F (F.A.), Mark Recchi-F (F.A.), Matt Carle-D (Trade), Olaf Kolzig-G (F.A.), Vaclav Prospal-F (F.A.), Radim Vrbata-F (F.A.), Brandon Bochenski-F (F.A.),  Andrej Meszaros-D (Trade)

Roster Subtractions: Tim Taylor-F (Retirement), Andreas Karlsson-F (F.A.), Brian Rolston-F (F.A.), Andre Roy-F (F.A.), Dan Boyle-D (Trade), Brad Lukowich-D (Trade), Filip Kuba-D (Trade),  Alexandre Picard-F (Trade)

How did 2007-08 go? 31-42-9, 71 points, 15th in Conference, last in Southeast Division.

2008-09 Goal: Don’t finish last.

Let's break 'er down...

There’s changing your roster, and then there’s spending so gratuitously that it may have actually hindered your team more than it helped. As we look out over the roster that the Tampa Bay Lightning—one of last season’s bottom feeders—are putting forth this year, there’s been a lot of cash thrown about, and a lot of lateral movement talent-wise.

Some teams try to mask mediocrity by throwing up the “Work in Progress” sign, and think that by making moves, they’ll give off the impression that they’re better.

Personally, I think this is the strategy being employed by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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