Burning Questions Ahead of the 2014-15 Tampa Bay Lightning Season

The Tampa Bay Lightning's preseason schedule is complete, with the team now focusing its attention on the upcoming 82-game schedule and a hopeful return to the postseason. As the regular season starts, the Lightning have some burning questions heading into the 2014-15 campaign.

Tampa Bay went 5-1 in the preseason thanks to its explosive offense. The Bolts scored three goals or more in five of the six contests, including hitting the five-goal mark twice. 

It wasn't just offense, though, as the Lightning kept opponents to one goal or less in four of the six games. Preseason success should be taken lightly. But for a team that is still very young, the early success should be a great confidence boost heading into the regular season.

Opening night is Oct. 9 against Florida. Here are the burning questions for the Lightning ahead of the 2014-15 season.

Is This Kucherov's Time?

Associated Press

Nikita Kucherov netted a team-high six goals this preseason.

Nikita Kucherov has done everything in his power to solidify his spot on the Lightning roster. He led the team with six goals this preseason and is playing a far more confident game.

Last season, Kucherov's numbers weren't there, but he ran into a handful of unlucky bounces. This year, it seems like he can't do anything wrong. 

This offseason, I have mentioned that Kucherov could be on his way to a breakout season. His strong preseason performance supports that notion, but he has to continue to play at a high level when the games matter.

Are Lightning fans on the verge of witnessing another breakout star? Kucherov could steal the spotlight from an already long list of weapons in Tampa Bay.

How Much Is Left in the Tank?

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Lightning fans probably took a deep breath after watching Evgeni Nabokov against Florida.

With the Lightning offense producing at a high rate, it's easy to overlook the back end. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, the crease was a consistent reminder of heartbreak last season due to injuries and underperforming backups. 

The Lightning brought in 39-year-old veteran goaltender Evgeni Nabokov to help take some of the load off No. 1 Ben Bishop. Nabokov showed exactly what he was brought in to do with a strong preseason.

On Oct. 2, Nabby picked up a win thanks to a 21-save shutout effort. He was razor sharp this preseason and looks like he will keep the crease under control if Bishop needs some extra days off in the early part of the season.

It looks like the crease has taken another step forward this season. Now we question how much we will see of Nabokov this season. He has already shown he can be a capable goaltender in relief of Bishop. 

To Kill or Not to Kill?

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Will Gudas be an asset or a liability on special teams this year?

The Lightning finished 23rd in the NHL last season on the penalty kill. It may only be the preseason, but they killed off 27 of 28 penalties in six tune-up games.

Again, take this statistic lightly, as teams constantly experiment with new personnel and strategies throughout the preseason in preparation for the regular season. With that in mind, killing nearly 100 percent of penalties is still worth noting, even in the preseason.

The Lightning fixed holes on defense and have a strong group of forwards that can turn the penalty kill into an opportunity to score. The PK unit won't be anything to overlook this season.

Can the Lightning be a top penalty-killing team in 2014-15? 

How Good Can This Team Be?

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Steven Stamkos captains one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference this season.

It hasn't been easy to be a Lightning fan the last few years. The Bolts go from being overachievers to underachievers and back at the expense of the fanbase's emotions. They are hoping this year bucks the trend.

There are a variety of things working in the Lightning's favor this season, including a top-tier goaltender, potent offense, deep defense and quality coaching. But the NHL seems to find ways to do the unthinkable.

Even the best predictions can be washed away when a team is bitten by the injury bug or finds itself on the wrong side of a lucky bounce. Tampa Bay has every reason to be excited about this season, but recent history provides reasons to stay grounded.

Led by Steven Stamkos, the Lightning will look to return to the postseason and fare better than they did in 2013-14.

Is This the Year?

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

The Lightning have all the pieces, but can they put it together?

The Eastern Conference won't be as loaded as the West again this year. But the East has perennial playoff teams that can beat anyone at any time. Teams like Boston, Pittsburgh and the New York Rangers are all high-quality teams that will be vying for conference supremacy. The Lightning should be in that mix come April.

Tampa Bay has a Norris-caliber defenseman in Victor Hedman, a Hart Trophy candidate in Steven Stamkos, a Vezina-caliber goaltender in Ben Bishop, a possible Calder Trophy candidate in Jonathan Drouin and a strong-enough supporting cast to win on a nightly basis.

After finishing third in the East last season, this team has only gotten better. Can young head coach Jon Cooper put together another magical season? Will the Lightning live up to the preseason expectations? Will this team take the next step to becoming a perennial power?

Or possibly, could this be the year?