The frenzy has settled from free agency, trades are at a trickle, it’s vacation time across the NHL. That makes it a good time to take a look around the Eastern Conference and evaluate each team and the chance it has of claiming one of the same eight playoff spots open to the Red Wings.
Today’s focal point: The Tampa Bay Lightning
RECENT NOTABLE DOINGS: Added forward Erik Condra. Subtracted forwards Brenden Morrow and Carter Ashton.
ANALYSIS: The Lightning rode the NHL’s top offense (3.16 goals per game) all the way to the Stanley Cup finals before finding it impossible to score against the Chicago Blackhawks.