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THUNDERSTRUCK! Lightning year in review

Started by yave1964, Jun 18, 2015 11:37 AM

PRESEASON OUTLOOK: Lots of kids mixed with Stamkos and the resigning of Callahan gave hope that the Bolts would contend for the division and more importantly for the cup.

FINAL RECORD: 50-24-8 108 points second in Atlantic. Defeated Wings, Canadiens and Rangers before losing SCF to the Hawks

HIGH POINT OF THE SEASON: The Bolts pushed the Hawks hard, actually taking a two games to one lead in the series. That had to be the high point although the season was filled with them.

LOW POINT OF THE SEASON: Down two games to one to Detroit and down two goals late in the third to Detroit, it looked like it would be an early out for Tampa. Of course, Tyler Johnson turned the tide and the Bolts went on to win the series. And the next one. And the next one.

WHAT WENT RIGHT: Start with the Triplets, Tyler Johnson established himself as a star, with Kucherov and Palat putting up damn good numbers on his wings. Stamkos had 43 goals and was solid all year. Ryan Callahan was as good as advertised. Victor Hedman established himself as one of the top d-men in the game. Anton Stralman was as good or better than advertised. Brian Boyle may have been the best fourth liner in hockey. Ben Bishop went 40-13-5. In the postseason Johnson led all scorers with 13 goals. Brayden Coburn was solid after he came over from the Flyers. Killorn established himself nicely, especially in the postseason.

WHAT WENT WRONG: …

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