The new & improved Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning are now far more American than they once were. Of the players that were signed in the last few days, two (Malone & Hall) of the five are from the States. The other three are Czech (two – Prospal & Vrbata) and Canadian (one – Roberts). They were trying to acquire Brian Rolston, who is also American, but that deal fell thru.

They picked up yet another American (Halpern) at the trade deadline, and from what I understand that was orchestrated by the new ownership team as well. I find that to be curious. Makes me wonder if it’s all by accident or by design. I don’t have a problem with it, I just think it’s interesting.

As the team stands, I think they can go deep into playoffs – assuming that the coaching piece of it falls into place. Melrose is still something of an unknown quantity right now, so we’ll see how that goes. As for the talent, chemistry will be the biggest hurdle. My gut feeling is that it’ll work out great, but I’m trying to keep an open mind until I see them all play together.

I’m going to do something a little uncharacteristic for me. I’m going to throw out my line combinations, defensive pairings, and goaltenders with the roster as it currently stands, only adding in Stamkos as well since he’s pretty much a given to play next season. Don’t get too excited; I’m just in a mood. And, don’t worry, it probably won’t happen again.

Forwards:
Prospal – Lecavalier – St. Louis
Malone – Halpern – Vrbata
Roberts – Stamkos – Hall
Jokinen – Tarnasky – Ward
Ouellet (reserve)

Defense:
Boyle – Ranger
Lukowich – Picard
Lundin – Kuba
O’Brien (reserve)

Goaltenders:
Smith (starter)
Kolzig

Now, wasn’t that fun? That’d probably be my team. Of course, that’s on paper. It might be entirely different if I see them play together. But, there you go.

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