Welcome to the first edition of the revamped "Sunday Morning Mailbag" where I will be taking the time to answer questions through Twitter or email.
We only have three questions this time around but I am hoping that that number will increase as we continue to do this each we. Although the number of questions are limited today, answering them should provide a little more entertainment than discussing the Lightning losing their third game in four contests last night against Pittsburgh. Even good teams experience a few bumps in the road right?
Anyways, let's get to the mailbag!
you guys are obviously sitting on top of the NHL right now. What team(s) make you feel nervous over a best off 7 series?
— bburelle (@bburelle78) November 20, 2017
Only a quarter into the regular season, it is challenging to look ahead to the spring and determine which teams could give the Lightning fits in the postseason. A lot can happen from now till then which could add or remove teams from the list. Still, I will give you some teams that could strike worry into the hearts of the Bolts if they were to faceoff in the playoffs, breaking them down by division.
In the Metro, I think you have to start with the reigning Stanley Cup Champions and the team that beat the Bolts 5-2 on Saturday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins. There is a reason this franchise has brought home two consecutive Stanley Cups and although they haven't gotten off to the best start to 2017-18, you should never bet against them.
I also really like what the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders have been able to accomplish so far this season. Both not your traditional teams when discussing playoffs but I think either franchise will give the opposition a run for their money.
The Atlantic Division doesn't really pose too many threats in my opinion. Yes, the Maple Leafs are a good team that will surely make the postseason. However, I do not think they are quite there in regards to taking down a team like Tampa Bay in a seven-game series. Now, all it takes is a few deadline moves and we could be having a completely different discussion.
The Central Division holds the team that I think the Bolts should fear the most, and they wouldn't even face each other until the Stanley Cup Championship. The St. Louis Blues have been just as phenomenal, if not more, as the Lightning and it was less expected. Everything has been going their way, playing strong in all aspects of the game, and sitting atop the league standings as a result. If the Blues can keep it up, there is no reason they should not be considered a favorite to bring home the hardware in 2018. Another team in the Central that I would not count out is the Nashville Predators.
In regards to the Pacific Division, I do not believe that there is a team worth fearing. Before the season got started, I was completely on the Edmonton Oilers bandwagon but things are not working out well for that team so far. The team that comes the closest to making the "fear list" is the Calgary Flames, in my opinion, but I'm still not completely sold.
As I mentioned, it is still quite early on in the 2017-18 and I would love to revisit this question further on down the road.
Is Jon Cooper a legit candidate for the Jack Adams? #TBLightning #GoBolts #NHL
— VasyIsMyBFF (@Masungu) November 25, 2017
The simple answer is yes. If this team can maintain the amount of success they have experienced thus far, it would be hard not to give him some serious consideration.
However, I struggle with what it kind of coach should win the Jack Adams Award. When you look at Jon Cooper and the success of the Lightning, how much credit do you actually give him? It could be argued that a team with that much talent should be close to the top of the standings and coaching has little do with it. The award needs to the coach that is "adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success" and I'm not sure Cooper fits the bill for that.
Now whether I think Cooper deserves the award is a conversation for down the road. Regardless, I do believe he will be given strong consideration as long as his team continues to perform the way they have.
Has Vasys stellar play softened the blow for all fans you've talk too in terms of the Bishop trade? #GoBolts #TBLightning #NHL
— VasyIsMyBFF (@Masungu) November 25, 2017
Now, this was the question I found to be the most interesting. Maybe I am just clueless, but I was unaware that fans were bitter about the Ben Bishop trade.
In my opinion, it was clear which direction the franchise was going in, in terms of goaltending, for quite some time. The trading of Bishop most likely came as no surprise to everyone. There was also enough there to show that going with Andrei Vasilevskiy made the most sense.
If there were people out there aggravated by the team's decision to part ways with Ben Bishop, I'm sure that frustration is long gone now. Overall, Vasilevskiy has been stellar this season and provides the Bolts a bright future between the pipes.
Thank you to those of you who participated in this week's "Sunday Morning Mailbag". If you would a Tampa Bay Lightning question of yours to be answered next week, please contact me via Twitter (@JohnPGove) or email (johngovewrites@gmail.com).