Tampa Bay Lightning Summer Playbook

The Tampa Bay Lightning were one of the huge surprises in 2010-11 after a disappointing season the year before. A new owner, GM and coach brought the team all the way to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost out to the Boston Bruins. The Lightning enter the offseason looking to build on that success, but it certainly won’t be easy. Midseason acquisition Dwayne Roloson was re-signed to be Tampa’s #1 goaltender, but as his age he will need a very good backup capable of starting 20-25 games. Their defense will be better in 2011-12, as they will get a full season out of Eric Brewer, and they expect Victor Hedman to continue to raise his game as he gains more experience in the league. The forwards are where things will get interesting, as Steven Stamkos is without a contract, Ted Purcell may be going to arbitration and it is unlikely that Simon Gagne and Sean Bergenheim will be re-signed. Tampa had major changes last year at the forward position, and did justfine, so p...