Peepin' Foes: Tampa Bay Lightning

There are a half dozen games left in the Ranger regular season and they are making their spring Florida swing this weekend. They face Florida on Saturday and take on Tampa tonight (Friday). Just a heads up, the game is on MSG at 7:30, not 7.

Where We Are: Despite putting up more disappointments than happy endings (haha, happy endings), the Rangers are actually in decent shape to make the playoffs thanks to a 3-0-1 run over the last four games. The Blueshirts are in 10th place with 78 points. The roles have reversed and they now have at least a game in hand over the four teams directly ahead of them (two over Atlanta, who has 80 points). Philly, Montreal and Boston hold the last three playoff spots in the LEast but all have 82 points in 77 games. The Thrashers, Bruins and Flyers all lost on Thursday, making this weekend HUGE for the Ranger playoff hopes.

Where They Are: Tampa is the third worst team in the NHL ... despite having just four points less than the Rangers. Some folks call this parity, I just call it pathetic. The Bolts have three wins in their last five games and are coming off of a 2-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.

Who To Watch For: Steve Downie. Somehow the kid often known as Downie Syndrome for his unthinkable idiocy has 46 points and 206 PIM and is the only player on his team positive in +/- with a +14. 14! Steve Stamkos scored his 46th goal in that win over the Pens (that is six more than Gabby). Marty St. Louis recorded two assists to hit the 90 point mark ... 10 more than Gabby and 35 more than New York's second leading scorer, Vinny Prospal. Damn, we are pathetic. Vinny Lecavalier has been a disappointment to many this season and he has 67 points ... 12 more than Vinny. Of course the Rangers have five more players with 20 or more points than Tampa but still ... they are Tampa!

What To Watch For: Another flat first period by the Rangers. How the Tampa goaltending fares; Antero Niittymaki gave up five goals the last time he faced the Blueshirts (in that 8-2 win in January) while Mike Smith allowed four in the pre-Olympic loss. Niitty has been the go-to guy for the Bolts but Smith is the one who held the Pens at bay on Wednesday so who knows who will start and just how good they will be.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: Vinny Prospal and Chris Drury making it three straight games against the Lighting with a goal. P.A. Parenteau to continue his decent play of late and for Corey Locke to make an impression so the team will re-sign them both this summer (P.A. is a UFA, Locke is a RFA). Hank not giving up any soft goals, unlike the pair he allowed on the Isle. With Ryan Malone out with injury, the Rangers giving Hank some lanes to see the puck. An epic bout between Zenon Konopka and Jody Shelley, to determine just who's face looks worse.

Also Check Out: The Hockey Bay, the MSM Lightning Strikes and SBN's Raw Charge are worth checking out.

 "Peepin' Foes: Tampa Bay Lightning - A Deep Dive into the Bolts' Powerhouse"

The Tampa Bay Lightning have become synonymous with success in recent NHL history. With a roster filled with elite talent, multiple Stanley Cup championships, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, the Lightning are a force to be reckoned with. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the Tampa Bay Lightning, exploring their recent successes, key players, and frequently asked questions about the team.

Chapter 1: The Lightning's Recent Dominance

The Tampa Bay Lightning have established themselves as one of the NHL's most dominant teams in recent years. This chapter discusses their back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons and how they achieved this remarkable feat.

Chapter 2: The Superstar Core

At the heart of the Lightning's success is their superstar core of players. We'll take a closer look at some of the standout talents, including Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Victor Hedman, and how they contribute to the team's success.

Chapter 3: A Model of Consistency

Consistency is a hallmark of the Lightning's success. This chapter examines their ability to perform at a high level season after season, making them perennial contenders for the Stanley Cup.

Chapter 4: The Coach's Influence

Coaching plays a pivotal role in the Lightning's success. We'll explore the impact of head coach Jon Cooper and his strategies that have propelled the team to greatness.

Chapter 5: Building for the Future

While the Lightning's present success is impressive, they're also focused on the future. This section looks at their efforts to sustain their winning culture and develop young talent for the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What are the key factors behind the Tampa Bay Lightning's back-to-back Stanley Cup championships?

A1: The Lightning's success can be attributed to a combination of exceptional talent, strong coaching, depth throughout their roster, and a winning culture that emphasizes consistency and excellence.

Q2: How has the Lightning managed their salary cap effectively while retaining their star players?

A2: The Lightning have navigated the salary cap effectively by making strategic player moves, utilizing LTIR (Long-Term Injured Reserve) when necessary, and signing key players to team-friendly contracts.

Q3: What challenges do the Lightning face in maintaining their status as a top NHL team in the coming years?

A3: The Lightning will face challenges related to the salary cap and the need to continually develop young talent. Additionally, they will need to stay competitive in an ever-evolving league.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have become a shining example of what a successful NHL franchise looks like. With their recent Stanley Cup victories, star-studded roster, and commitment to excellence, they are a team that demands respect and admiration. As they continue their pursuit of greatness, the Lightning serve as an inspiration to hockey fans and a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, talent, and a winning mindset.