Tampa Bay Lightning fans are excited about the upcoming 2014-15 season. And rightfully so. Here are the top ten reasons that Bolts fans should be (and are) excited about this next year.
1) A Healthy Steven Stamkos
You know how they say you can never have too much of a good thing? Well, 37 games of Steven Stamkos wasn’t enough in 2013-14. After breaking his leg early in the season, Stamkos was forced to miss most of his team’s action. Even so, he still managed to rack up 25 goals; that’s a great FULL season for most guys. Getting a healthy, strong Stamkos back for 2014-15 will be a huge boost to the Lightning.
2) Jonathan Drouin
It’s not often that a team as good as the Lightning gets to add a prospect as phenomenal as Jonathan Drouin. That’s exactly what’s going to happen this year though. After being sent back to Junior last year, Drouin will likely get an opportunity with the big club this season. In his last two seasons with the Halifax Mooseheads, he compiled 213 points in just 95 games. He’s got elite scoring potential. If you, as an opposing team, weren’t already scared of Tampa’s offense, you probably are now.
3) Anton Stralman
It’s not exactly a secret that the Lightning’s defense was a weakness last season. GM Steve Yzerman set out to fix that problem on July 1st, and he did so by signing Anton Stralman. A stunningly consistent possession powerhouse, Stralman is exactly what the Lightning’s blue line needs. He’s not going to wow you with anything flashy, but he will go about his business quietly and solidly. His Corsi numbers showcase his knack for getting the puck out of trouble and moving it up ice.
4) A More Complete Roster
As good as the Bolts were last year, there were a few holes in the roster. I’ve already referenced the blue line issues. The backup goaltending position was a little bit of a drag. The group’s special teams were woeful. Good news, Bolts Nation. Steve Yzerman has done a little something to hopefully fix each and every one of those things heading into 2014-15. The Bolts team that will take to the ice this October is infinitely more complete (at least on paper) than the one that took to the ice last October.
5) Jason Garrison
I just noted that Tampa’s special teams left something to be desired last year. One guy who should be able to help with the power play is Jason Garrison. He’s not exactly a quarterback, but he doesn’t need to be (the Bolts have Victor Hedman for that). What Garrison can be, however, is a guy with a booming shot. Imagine Hedman having the option to feed either Stamkos or Garrison for the one-timer. You’re drooling, aren’t you?
6) Continued Development of Young Players
When you have two players nominated for the Calder Trophy, you know you’re doing something right with your young guys. Both Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat had amazing rookie seasons. Along with those two, players like JT Brown, Richard Panik, and Alex Killorn, among others, will be given more big opportunities in 2014-15. Under the guidance of a great head coach, it’s exciting to think about what those guys might be able to accomplish as they continue to develop.
7) A More Experienced Head Coach
Speaking of the coach, Jon Cooper is another year older and another year wiser. Last season was his first full NHL campaign. With that and a little bit of playoff experience under his belt, Coach Cooper will be much better prepared to deal with the ups and downs of a season in hockey’s best league. There are things he wouldn’t have known last year that he does know now. He was super in his first year. From here on, the sky is the limit.
8) The Eastern Conference is Wide Open
There’s a reason that many pundits are picking the Lightning to challenge for the Stanley Cup next season. Not only have the Bolts added some nice pieces, but the Eastern Conference is also wide open for the taking. There is no clear favorite at the top of the board. Instead, a small handful of teams sit near the top, and the Lightning is one of them. It’s not completely unreasonable to suggest that Tampa *might* be able to make it out of the East.
9) Two More First Round Draft Picks
Regardless of what happens during the season, Steve Yzerman and Al Murray will have two first round picks, their own and the New York Rangers’, to play with at next year’s draft. In what is widely regarded as one of the deepest drafts in recent memory, the Lightning will have the opportunity to add not one, but two great prospects to an already strong crop. The depth in Lightning-land is crazy, and it’s only going to get better. You can thank Marty St. Louis for this.
10) They Moved to the CHL
It’s much easier to win championships when you’re the only team competing. The Lightning are the first team to join the
Corsi Hockey League. This blogger couldn’t be happier.
Let me know why you're excited about the 2014-15 Lightning!
As always, thanks for reading.
Michael Stuart has been the Tampa Bay Lightning writer for HockeyBuzz since 2012. Visit his archive to read more or follow him on Twitter. 
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