NHL Season Secrets: Uncover the Surprising Strengths, Hidden Weaknesses, and Game-Changing X Factors for Every Team
Tampa Bay had eight double-digit goal scorers, and its depth continued to shine on the Lightning’s fifth-ranked power play. Tampa Bay has already shown its potency with the man advantage in the preseason. If the Lightning can come close to getting a repeat performance from their core up front and reasonable support from the bottom six, then Tampa Bay can expect to be contenders again.
Biggest concern: The Lightning have a hard time staying healthy. It’s only the preseason and starting goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and top defender Victor Hedman have already dealt with injuries. Vasilevskiy will be the Lightning’s workhorse in net, and that can easily wear him down again. The same goes for Hedman, who shouldered a team-high 23:05 time on ice per game for Tampa Bay last season. Those are two essential players who make the Lightning elite, and any limitations on them will hurt Tampa Bay in the short and long term.
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