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NHL Predictions: Atlantic Division 5 Bold Projections

By Ryan Ritchie

Feb 26, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrate a goal by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Matt Carle (25) during the third period at Prudential Center. The Lightning defeated the Devils 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrate a goal by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Matt Carle (25) during the third period at Prudential Center. The Lightning defeated the Devils 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) and left wing Jonathan Drouin (27) talk during the second period at game five of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) and left wing Jonathan Drouin (27) talk during the second period at game five of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Lightning Win Division… and Presidents’ Trophy

We’re predicting big things from the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016-17. They had a disappointing regular season, but at least managed to claim a playoff spot and make a deep run to the Conference Finals. Distractions were a big problem last season, largely surrounding Steven Stamkos. He has a new lengthy deal and the only other matters to sort out remain between the pipes and with RFA Nikita Kucherov.

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Look for the Tampa Bay Lightning to re-establish themselves a goal-scoring juggernaut. They should be able to challenge the Dallas Stars for most goals for as players such as Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson look to rebound off miserable seasons.

With the late emergence of Jonathan Drouin, the Lightning should have a ton of stability up front (especially in their top six). It wouldn’t be surprising to see Drouin settle in next to Stammer, while the Triplets line once again finds electric chemistry. Both Johnson and Palat are walking into crucial contract years, and we know exactly what happens when a player sees dollar signs on the horizon.

The only thing that can stop the Lightning from dominating the Atlantic Division is a mediocre blue line; that it at least the perception to many in the hockey world.

Victor Hedman and Anton Stralman clearly lead the charge as the top two defenders. Braydon Coburn and Jason Garrison serve as decent secondary options. It’s beyond that top-four where things begin to get interesting. Largely underrated, guys like Nikita Nesterov, Andrej Sustr, and Slater Koekkoek are just in their infant stages of reaching their potential. Nesterov and Sustr are admittedly much closer to that ceiling, but the point is, the talent down in Tampa Bay can help GM Steve Yzerman sleep more comfortably at night. Watch for this defensive group to take that next step in helping the Lightning get over that elusive hump and possibly even reach a Stanley Cup Final.

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