At the beginning of this past offseason, Lightning management assessed the 2005-06 team and targeted three specific areas for improvement in 2006-07: more consistent goaltending, more mobility on defense and a different look for the third and fourth lines.  The moves that the Lightning made during the past four months addressed all of those areas. 

There was a feeling that in 2005-06, inconsistent goaltending had begun to chip away at the Lightning’s “Safe Is Death” philosophy.  Instead of constantly looking to move and play up-ice, Lightning skaters were becoming slightly hesitant.  An aggressive mind-set is the cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s system and crucial to the club’s success.  With Marc Denis and Johan Holmqvist, the Bolts have two consistent goaltenders whose presence should allow their teammates to return to their go-go-go mentality.  Denis has been a proven No. 1 NHL goaltender since 2000 and has enjoyed a phenomenal won-loss record when he has received three or more goals of support.  Holmqvist led the Swedish Elite League in goals-against average last season and helped Team Sweden capture the 2006 World Championships. 

There’s little doubt that the defense is more mobile – a word that carries a dual meaning.  Filip Kuba, Doug Janik and Luke Richardson (in addition to Andy Delmore, who is starting the season in Springfield) are excellent skaters who are capable of jumping into the play and creating odd-numbered situations.  They have also shown the ability to make a great first pass out of the defensive zone, a skill that enhances overall team speed.  Former All-Star Kuba, having played for Jacques Lemaine in Minnesota, is already well-versed in defensive hockey.  Now Tampa Bay wants him to focus on cultivating his tremendous offensive potential.  Janik first impressed Lightning coaches with his play in the Conference Finals last spring – they noted how instead of trying not to make mistakes, he tried to make a difference on the ice.  He arrived at Tampa Bay’s camp in terrific shape and showed throughout the preseason that he will be a big asset to the Lightning’s blue line.  The veteran Richardson brings to the Bolts not only leadership qualities but also a tremendous work ethic.  He is tough and savvy. 

Tampa Bay wanted to add more scoring and grittiness to the bottom two lines.  Mission accomplished.  Nikita Alexeev is back from Russia and hungry to make an impact in the NHL.  He is skilled enough to score and big enough to provide a physical component.  Andreas Karlsson led the Swedish Elite League in scoring last year and like Alexeev, wants to make the most of this year’s opportunity.  Also back from Europe is Eric Perrin, whose offensive ability is well-documented.  He also has proved throughout the preseason that he is versatile (he can play center or either wing) and a complete player who can be used in any game situation, be it offensive or defensive.  While he was not newly added to the organization this summer, Nick Tarnasky figures to get more ice time this year and he helps the Lightning in terms of the “sandpaper factor” – a player with a crash-and-bang style who isn’t afraid to drop his gloves.  Still with the organization (he was in the AHL last year) is heavyweight Mitch Fritz, who nearly made the Lightning out of camp and could be back with the big club at some point this year.

In finding these players to help their club, the Bolts improved themselves in another area: organizational depth.  Healthy competition for jobs raises the bar for all players and gives Lightning coaches more options.

Now, with the regular season about to begin, we’ll find out if the front office’s hard work over the summer pays immediate dividends.