This is the third installment of a series reviewing the playoff chances of the NHL’s top 10 teams. Today we look at the Atlantic-Division leading Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning Third in the NHL (36-12-6, .722) DraftKings Odds to win Cup: +500, second-best odds Five reasons why the Avalanche can win the Stanley Cup
1. Know what they are doing: The Lightning have won the last two Stanley Cup championships, and their core players are still playing at a high level. Steven Stamkos has 27 goals. Brayden Point has netted 22 in just 40 games. Most of their players are where they need to be. This is still a very dangerous offense.
2. Vasilevskiy hasn’t been dethroned: New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin is rightfully receiving most of the goalie love this season. But don’t think for a minute that the Lightning no longer have the league’s best goalie. Shesterkin hasn’t won anything yet and Andrei Vasilevskiy owns two Stanley Cup rings, a World Championship, a Vezina Trophy and a Conn Smythe. He’s only 27 and boasts a career record of 219-92-23 and .920 lifetime save percentage.
3. Left defenseman have right stuff: The left side of Tampa Bay’s defense – manned by Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh and Mikhail Sergachev – is the backbone of a roster that has an advanced understanding of what has to be done to be successful in the postseason. 4. Lift from cagey veteran: Every championship team needs an inspirational older player to remind everyone that you have to keep pushing to be the best you can. Corey Perry has exceeded expectations with his 15 goals and high level of play. 5. Nikita Kucherov already in playoff form: In 10 road games, Kucherov has eight goals and assists. The Lightning go as Kucherov goes. The team is 14-5 when he has been healthy enough to play. In those wins, Kucherov boasts 27 points.
Three reasons why the Lightning won’t win the Cup
1. Tampa Bay’s depth isn’t what it was: The Lightning lost several players this past offseason, including Yanni Gourde, Barclay Goodrow, Blake Coleman, Tyler Johnson and others. Their replacements have done a good job, but they lack the postseason savvy that the departing players commanded.
2. No buying power: The Lightning are out of cap space and general manager Julien BriseBois seems to have no more tricks up his sleeve. Still believe he might find a way to add a veteran right-shot defenseman or a greasy role player. 3. Competition will be fierce in the East: The Lightning will see more fire-breathing dragons in the East this season.