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NHL Draft Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning
By admin | June 24, 2010
After a tumultuous 2009-2010 season, the hockey betting favorite, Tampa Bay Lightning franchise has made numerous changes that they hope will get them back to their glory days of 2003-2004. Former Detroit Red Wings star Steve Yzerman was hired as the general manager and hired Guy Boucher to replace Rick Tocchet as the head coach. Yzerman’s next big challenge will come when the NHL hold its annual Entry Draft on June 25.
The Bolts need help on both offense and defense. They gave up the fourth most goals per game last season and scored the 23rd fewest.
Tampa Bay may decide to pick up another offensive threat that could play alongside center Steven Stamkos. Stamkos, who tied Sidney Crosby for the most goals in 2009-2010, would be happy to have someone to share the workload. Someone who could potentially fill that role is RW Brett Connolly. Connolly has come across a stretch of bad luck as of late. He was limited to 16 games last season due to injuries to his hip and groin. If healthy, Connolly has a devastating slap shot and a large frame that allows him to crash the net.
The Lightning may select goalie Jack Campbell. He would be the first goalie selected in the draft. They took G Riku Helenius in 2006, but he has yet to make it to the NHL and appears to be getting further away. Campbell would likely take three years to come to the team; by that time, Stamkos and some of the other young players will be hitting their prime.
Tampa Bay has five picks between 63 and 118-120, followed by one selection each in the sixth and seventh rounds. The front office is optimistic about the depth of the draft and believes they will be better off keeping all of their picks.
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