By Mark Pukalo
Did not have time to do a full-blown preview for the Tampa Bay Lightning season, so here's what I came up with a half hour before leaving for the opener.
I'm optimistic, perhaps even more so than the last two years. Why, with the best goalie in the World out injured for two months?
Rest, resolve, more mobility.
Andrei Vasilevskiy will be missed. But Jonas Johansson has talent. He's just never had a full chance. He needs to keep the Lightning afloat until December and I think he will.
The extra rest and the pain of losses the last two seasons will help.
Keys to the season:
1 - The right side of the defense. Eric Cernak must stay healthy. Can we get 70-75 games from him? Nick Perbix and Darren Raddysh must take steps forward. Both were very good at times. If they can show their best side more consistently, that can help JoJo and Vasy.
2 - A third line contribution: Whatever combination of Nick Paul, Mikey Eyssimont, Alex Barret Boulet, Austin Watson, Tanner Jeannot and Waltteri Merela, it becomes, the trio must support the top guys. The fourth line should be better with Luke Glendening and Tyler Motte. They need all 12 contributing and aggressive.
3 - Jon Cooper can earn his first Jack Adams Award this season. He needs to put the puzzle pieces in the right place. It will be a challenge without Vasy, finding that balance between letting the stars take chances and playing responsible defense.
4 - Anthony Cirelli having a big season. Patrice Bergeron is gone. It's time for AC to compete for the Selke with 82 solid games on both ends.
It should be a fun season. The Atlantic Division will be difficult, but I still think the Lightning can win the East without a barrage of injuries.
Drop the puck!
