
Stanley Cups: 1
2011-'12 record: 38-36-5-3, 84 points (3rd in Southeast, 10th in East)
2011-'12 playoffs: Did not qualify
Coach: Guy Boucher (84-61-19, 3rd NHL year, 1st team)
Top returning scorer: C Steven Stamkos (60 goals, 37 assists, 97 points)
Top returning goalie: Mathieu Garon (23-16-4, 2.85, .901)
Key additions: G Anders Lindback; D Matt Taormina; C Kyle Wilson; LW Benoit Pouliot; D Sami Salo; D Matt Carle; RW B.J. Crombeen.
Key subtractions: G Sebastien Caron; RW Michel Ouellet; D Brett Clark; D Bruno Gervais; RW Ryan Shannon; RW Tim Wallace; C Trevor Smith; D Mike Commodore; G Dwayne Roloson.
Goaltending: Lightning hope that Predators back-up Lindback can solve the goaltending woes that sunk the team from Eastern Conference finalists to playoff spectators in one season, or that at least he can keep the net warm until high-end prospect Andrei Vasilvesky is ready for NHL action.
Player to watch: LW Cory Conacher. Undersized forward led AHL in goals (39) and was league’s rookie of the year in 2011-12. Has been compared to Lightning star Martin St. Louis, another small forward who made a big breakthrough.
Icing: Cap settling at $64.3 million instead of $60 million was relief for Lightning GM Steve Yzerman, who has $58 million already invested in 15 players . . . Entire Lightning team signed autographs for fans on first day of training camp . . . Boucher placed the emphasis on team bonding as much as on conditioning during the club’s brief camp.
PHT: The Penguins' win in Game 4 shoved the Senators to the brink of elimination, but Ottawa has vowed to bring a better effort tonight (Coverage at 6:30 p.m. ET; Live Extra, NBCSN).
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Video: NHL from NBC Sports |
I was there: Bruins stun Maple Leafs in Game 7 Fans who watched the Bruins' amazing comeback over the Maples Leafs in Game 7 of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs react to being in the building and witnessing the incredible game in person. |
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NBCSports.com |
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NBCSports.com |
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Stanley Cup winners A look at the teams that have earned the right to hoist Lord Stanley's prize since 1965. NBCSports.com |
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