Post by manameis on Dec 23, 2009 12:11:13 GMT -5
This marks the 4th straight season in which the Tampa Bay Lightning have not made it to the post season. Skill and Talent wise the season 4 team wasn't too far off the Season 8 team. In the past they had Datsyuk, Bouwmeester, Kovalev and Emery while the current team now has superstars such as Kopitar, Doan, Carter and Bryzgalov. So then what exactly is this missing piece which is preventing the Lightning from making the playoffs?
Is it the Offense, Defense, Goal tending, Management or just the lack of effort? GM manameis, answers the question for all of us;
"I think our offense and goaltending is one of the best in the league. Our top six forwards are amazing with all of them recording over 50+ on the second line and 70+ points on the first line. Bryzgalov is quickly becoming one of the better goalies in the league and his numbers say it all. Our management is obviously superb as the few trades we've made have benefited us the most. The problem here is the Lack of effort from the bottom six and the bottom 2 defensemen. I expect the 3rd line to post up 30+ points while the 4th should be albe to get 15+ points. If they can't do this then they dont deserve to be in the NHL. 3rd Line defensemen should obtain 15+ points as well."
The problem here might actually be the fact that the Lightning don't have a star defensemen like they did in season 4. "yes, we'll probably be looking to package a couple of the defensemen for a star defensemen 85+. One of our draft picks should allow us to get an 83 and add Barker into the deal and there's no reason why we shouldn't have a defensemen around 85."
GM manameis also mentioned that the results of Season 9 will be drastically different than those of season 8. "It's quite obvious we'll make the playoffs next year. We screwed up in the beginning this year because we didnt have a good starting goaltender. I believe we were about 8-15-1 and one Bryz and Barker came in we pushed ourselves to be in contention of a playoff spot. Next season, we'll have these two for the whole year. Not to mention Dumont whose established himself as a top 6 forward on our team."
Things really are looking good for the Thundering city as it seems like next year will be the year in which TBL breaks its playoff drought. However, one question still lingered in our minds; What if TBL failed to make the playoffs next season? "Well, if we cant make it next season..... Then we'll either trade away our entire core and start from scratch or give it one more shot as a western conference team."
The Players and Management will now take any questions.
Is it the Offense, Defense, Goal tending, Management or just the lack of effort? GM manameis, answers the question for all of us;
"I think our offense and goaltending is one of the best in the league. Our top six forwards are amazing with all of them recording over 50+ on the second line and 70+ points on the first line. Bryzgalov is quickly becoming one of the better goalies in the league and his numbers say it all. Our management is obviously superb as the few trades we've made have benefited us the most. The problem here is the Lack of effort from the bottom six and the bottom 2 defensemen. I expect the 3rd line to post up 30+ points while the 4th should be albe to get 15+ points. If they can't do this then they dont deserve to be in the NHL. 3rd Line defensemen should obtain 15+ points as well."
The problem here might actually be the fact that the Lightning don't have a star defensemen like they did in season 4. "yes, we'll probably be looking to package a couple of the defensemen for a star defensemen 85+. One of our draft picks should allow us to get an 83 and add Barker into the deal and there's no reason why we shouldn't have a defensemen around 85."
GM manameis also mentioned that the results of Season 9 will be drastically different than those of season 8. "It's quite obvious we'll make the playoffs next year. We screwed up in the beginning this year because we didnt have a good starting goaltender. I believe we were about 8-15-1 and one Bryz and Barker came in we pushed ourselves to be in contention of a playoff spot. Next season, we'll have these two for the whole year. Not to mention Dumont whose established himself as a top 6 forward on our team."
Things really are looking good for the Thundering city as it seems like next year will be the year in which TBL breaks its playoff drought. However, one question still lingered in our minds; What if TBL failed to make the playoffs next season? "Well, if we cant make it next season..... Then we'll either trade away our entire core and start from scratch or give it one more shot as a western conference team."
The Players and Management will now take any questions.