Tampa Bay Lightning: Everything you need to know before the playoffs begin

The Tampa Bay Lightning are back in the mix. Despite having a rough record post the All-Star break, the Lightning still sit in third place in the Atlantic Division and will likely look ahead to a probable rematch with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Watch out for those fireworks if that series happens.

This Tampa Bay Lightning team isn’t as stocked as previous Stanley Cup runs, and that’s because of massive contract extensions for Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli. Despite the lack of depth, the top-end talent is still there, and they know what to do in June.

Here’s a look at where the Tampa Bay Lightning stand as they contend for the NHL playoffs.

Forwards

It’s all the same names as usual for the Lightning. Stamkos, Kucherov, Point, and Cirelli are all still at the height of their powers. The Tampa Bay Lightning also has some sneaky good players like Brandon Hagel and Ross Colton. Don’t forget about Patrick Maroon and Corey Perry, two players who have proved they know how to win in the postseason.

The Tampa Bay Lightning left at the deadline and overpaid for their version of Tom Wilson. Tanner Jeannot is not Tom Wilson, but he does bring an element to the Lightning that they were sorely missing. Is this a cup-winning forward group? Yes, and they’ve proved it before.

Defensemen

This group is just an odd combination. The Lightning was so financially strapped at the NHL Trade Deadline, they couldn’t upgrade their blue line. With an injury to Victor Hedman, the Lightning defense has been gashed recently.

Victor Hedman, when he returns, will be a massive addition to this blue line, so take their recent play with a grain of salt. The depth is just not there on the blue line. The Lightning will have to rely on their top two pairs more than they have in past playoff runs.

Goalies

For the last month, Andrei Vasilevskiy has looked like a shell of his former self. The Lightning goalkeeping has been lackluster and the Lightning has struggled to keep the puck out of the net, a key reason why they’ve been on their recent skid.

If Vasilevskiy finds his form, he’s still one of the best goalies in the NHL. the question has to be asked whether the Tampa Bay Lightning riding their A1 goaltender for 60 games out of the 82-game season the last four years, including deep playoff runs, has taken its toll on the goaltender.