Tampa Bay Lightning Preview 2021
In the last eight seasons, our Tampa Bay Lightning preview 2021 - 22 observes this team has been to the playoffs six times. In those half-dozen appearances, the Lightning have made the Finals three times, and they’ve won the Cup twice. They did so in 2020 and in 2021. Last year, Tampa Bay posted a 36-17-3 record (75 points), finishing third in the COVID-created Central Division. This year, expect the Lightning to be very competitive once again.
Lightning - Key Skaters
Our Tampa Bay Lightning preview 2021 - 22 notes that this team is rich with centers, overall solid at wing, and lacking depth on defense. At center, Steven Stamkos is a premium player. He’s a top-notch playmaker and constant scoring threat. Additionally, centers Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli are quality performers. Look for wings Alex Killorn and Ondrej Palat to be productive. On defense, 13-year veteran Victor Hedman is the anchor. Yes, these guys will score but is there enough D here to aid the netminder and keep them in the hunt?
Tampa Bay Lightning Preview 2021 – Goaltending
In seven seasons with the Bolts, Andrei Vasilevskiy has been a rock. He comes into this season with a 180-83-19 mark. He has a 2.49 GAA and .920 SV%. Plus, Vasilevskiy has recorded 26 shutouts. Brian Elliott, who’s been in the NHL for 14 years, is a solid backup. He’s appeared in 502 games and started 457. Elliott’s recorded 256 wins, 155 losses, and 49 OTL. Although he has a career 2.54 GAA and .910 SV%, he’s more likely at this point in his career to record a 3.00-plus GAA and under-.900 SV%. Still, the Lightning have a premium starter in goal and a savvy backup.
Tampa Bay Lightning Preview 2021 – Final Word
In nine seasons, head coach Jon Cooper has guided this team to seven playoff appearances, three Stanley Cup Finals series, and two titles. Our Tampa Bay Lightning preview 2021 - 22 has determined that he could do it once again this season. Although we think this team will go deep into the postseason, we don’t believe the Bolts will win a third-straight Cup. Then again, anything is possible.
NHL Atlantic Division - Tampa Bay Lightning Projection 2021
Finish: 2nd
Stanley Cup Appearance
Eliminated Conference Finals