2011 NHL Playoffs: 6 Reasons Why the Tampa Bay Lightning Can Win the Stanley Cup

Since the Rangers have been eliminated, I have been following the Tampa Bay Lightning closely. Thus far, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been very impressive and are a big favorite to win the Stanley Cup in my mind.

After dispatching of the Washington Capitals in a decisive four-game sweep, the Tampa Bay Lightning have proved they are a force to be reckoned with. Now they await the winner of the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers series. (Boston currently up 3-0 in their series)

This slideshow has six reasons why the Tampa Bay Lightning have a great chance to hoist the Stanley Cup next month.

1) Emergence of Sean Bergenheim

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - MAY 04: Sean Bergenheim #10 of the Tampa Bay Lightning scores at 4:41 of the second period against the Washington Capitals in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the St Pete Times Forum o

Sean Bergenheim is having one hell of a playoff season so far. The Lightning's hottest scorer right now, who only tallied 14 goals in 80 games this year, has been uncharacteristically phenomenal. He is leading the Lightning in playoff goals with seven and an assist in 11 games.

Thus far, Bergenheim has been a huge factor. He scored twice in Game 4, allowing the Lightning to go out in front with a domineering 3-1 lead in the second period.

When you get energy and scoring like this from your secondary players, like Bergenheim, Downie, and Moore, the sky is the limit for the success your team can have.

2) Roly the Goalie

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - MAY 04: Dwayne Roloson #35 of the Tampa Bay Lightning argues a call with referee Steve Kozari #40 in the game against the Washington Capitals in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the St

Dwayne Roloson has a knack of keeping up with the youngsters come playoff time. Dwayne Roloson is a 41-year-old goalie in a young man's game. However the wily vet has posted a 2.01 GAA and a .941 SV percent thus far.

Roloson almost led the Edmonton Oilers to their first cup win since the departure of Wayne Gretzky, when Edmonton made the finals in 2006.

If he can keep up the play he has shown thus far, he will hoist the cup and will earn a most deserved contract extension.

3) Martin St.Louis

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - MAY 04: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his goal at 16:52 of the third period against the Washington Capitals in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the St Pete

Martin St. Louis is having a career year. Fresh off a 99-point season with 31 goals and 68 assists, St.Louis leads all playoff scorers with 13 points.

The speed and hands of St. Louis makes him one of the game's most deadly skaters and snipers. He has been an impact player for the Tampa Bay Lightning all year.

In addition to the prospect of winning the Hart Trophy, if he can keep up his consistent and productive play, given a few rounds, he could be a definite Conn Smythe candidate. While it is way too early to tell, Lightning G.M. Steve Yzerman is smiling that he signed the dynamo to a four-year contract extension.

4) Steven Stamkos

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - MAY 03: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Washington Capitals in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at St Pete Times Forum on May 3, 2011 in Tampa, Florida.

Steven Stamkos has proved he is one of the best players in the league. He is a lethal scorer and a great skater. When you give him some open ice and the puck, he is just scary good.

Stamkos may not have put up big numbers so far this postseason, but he may surprise many in the next round. 

Don't fall asleep when defending Stamkos, because he will make you pay.

5) Guy Boucher

Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

SUNRISE, FL - OCTOBER 1: Head coach Guy Boucher of the Tampa Bay Lightning talks to the team during a time out against the Florida Panthers during a preseason game on October 1, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Lightning defeated t

Guy Boucher has been the best coach for the Lightning since current Rangers bench boss John Tortorella led them to the cup in 2003-04.

I am tempted to compare Boucher to Dan Bylsma, in the sense that Boucher has taken a team that has under-performed in the past and have led them to playoff success thus far.

The Pens went through years of sub-par play similar to the Lightning, built through the draft with players like Crosby and Malkin, and have had playoff success.

The Lightning did the same by drafting Steven Stamkos.

I think it was a crime that Guy Boucher wasn't nominated for the Jack Adams award, but I think he would rather have the Stanley Cup in his trophy case.

6) Vincent Lecavalier

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 15: Vincent Lecavalier#4 of the Tampa Bay Lightning looks to pass the puck during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Consol Energy Center on

Vinny Lecavalier has been a stalwart on the Tampa Bay Lightning for eons. He is their well deserved captain and has contributed with 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) this post season thus far. He brings leadership abilities to the table and playoff experience that gives Tampa a great chance to win.

Vinny Lecavalier would love to add another Stanley Cup to his resume and this Tampa team has the potential. 

Comments, Questions, Concerns?

For More Stanley Cup playoffs and NHL news updates and alerts, follow Tom Urtz on Twitter and at Sports Haze NY.