NHL 2010 Outlook: Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning have made the playoffs only five times in their history and twice since their Stanley Cup in 2004.

However, with new GM Steve Yzerman and several high draft picks on their team, this season could be their best since they last made the postseason in 2007.  Led by Rocket Richard winner Steven Stamkos, who tied Sidney Crosby with 51 goals in 2009-10, the Lightning are in the best position they have had in a while to return to the playoffs. 

They have only five 20-goal scorers from last season, but with the additions of Simon Gagne and Brett Connolly, that number is almost certain to go up at least some. 

Therein lies their problem: Tampa Bay had the 24th ranked offense as well as the 27th ranked defense in the NHL last season, a combination that is certain to keep a team out of the playoffs year-in and year-out. 

Dan Ellis, who will most likely be their starting goaltender in 2010-11, must play well enough in net for the Tampa Bay Lightning to win many close games.  He will be the difference if the Lightning are to make a good playoff push throughout the season, especially if the personnel of the team does not change much between now and January. 

Moreover, two other players must also step up: Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis.  In the 2006-07 season, the pair put up a combined 210 points as they both had their first (and only) seasons in the NHL in which either player scored over 100 points.  However, both players have seen much better days and most likely won't see any more 100-point seasons, as Lecavalier is now 30 years of age and St. Louis is 35.  

With that in mind, Steven Stamkos and Brett Connolly must pick up each other's respective game in order to put goals in the net for the Lightning.  Either way, they will have to have a defense in the top-10 in the entire NHL to change their fortunes for next season...or anytime soon for that matter.

In regards to the back end, the only players who are potentially good enough to keep the Lightning's opponents from scoring are Victor Hedman, Pavel Kubina and Mattias Ohlund. 

The three were a combined minus-11 last year but with no one else who could help them out, and unproven goalie Dan Ellis in net, there is not much chance in their defense ending up in the top-10 in the Eastern Conference, much less the league, next season.

The Lightning have yet to put the correct pieces together in order to produce a winning team since 2007 and this season does not look any different.  Sorry, Mr. Yzerman; this just won't cut it if you are to be a good GM in the NHL.

Preseason Pick: Third in the Southeast.

Playoff Chances: Fair.