Changes Coming in Tampa Bay?
John Romano, SPTimes.com:
Oh, the Lightning may yet make the playoffs. John Tortorella made a point of guaranteeing it Tuesday night, in apparent hope his players were eavesdropping.
But, understand, it is hard to see how this season ends happily. Or even pleasantly.
The Lightning are in the same position as they were a year ago despite a goaltending change and despite their formidable quartet of Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richards, Martin St. Louis and Dan Boyle all having vastly better seasons than a year ago.
It’s difficult to see how this franchise can improve without moving one of their big three forwards. Can we expect any more out of Lecavalier, Richards and St. Louis than we’ve seen this year?
The Lightning need one of two things to happen: either they have to move one of the above players for added depth throughout their lineup (St. Louis would make the most sense, but Lecavalier would both free up more space and bring a better return, while Richard’s $7.8 million per year is likely unmovable at this time) or they need a rookie or otherwise dirt-cheap goaltender to become a show-stopper overnight.
Imagine what this team could do with an extra $8 million a year to spend on a goaltender and a defenceman to help out Boyle. The Lightning are a perfect example, a warning sign to NHL teams throughout the league, that sometimes you just have to walk away.
I know why they signed Richards to that ridiculous deal - it was overpay for their playoff MVP or watch him sign with a rival. Still, it’s become obvious that Richards could be replaced by someone making substantially less than $8 million with little dropoff. And that contract, more than anything, is what’s truly holding this team back.
It’s tough to even blame Richards. I mean, honestly, how many players can live up to the expectations that come along with that kind of salary?