Season Review:

Coming into the season, the Lightning had a lot of criticism for signing 3 players for about $21M a season. That was almost 1/2 the cap space for three guys. This seemed to prove a fault to a point. Although Tampa Bay had two of the top 5 scorers in the NHL, they still gave up more goals than they scored. Obviously, this was a bad thing and proved to be a problem when the offensively-challenged New Jersey Devils beat them in the playoffs. For a team just two years removed from winning the Cup, a 1st rd loss isn't a good thing.

Offseason Needs:
Besides cap space, the Lightning need better a defense and a more solid goaltending situation. With Holmqvist resigned and Marc Denis apparently not on the trading block, it seems that too much money is tied into goaltending for Tampa to acquire someone else. So, the Lightning have to attempt to improve their blue line. Acquiring a talented winger for Brad Richards after the loss of Fred Modin in an earlier trade would be a smart thing since Richards seemed to struggle with his current linemates.

Next Season Outlook:
The Lightning have enough offense with St. Louis, Lecavalier, and Richards to make the playoffs. Their defense is another story. If the Lightning do nothing to improve their defense, then don't expect anything besides a 1st rd loss. If Ottawa's Heatley/Spezza/Alfredsson can get stoned in the playoffs, then Tampa Bay's fearsome three can have the same thing happen to them.