Lightning might not be here without the 2003-04 Flyers

Philippe Myers, Philadelphia Flyers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

While the Philadelphia Flyers did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders are facing off in the NHL Semifinal round. The series is even at one apiece after Tampa’s 4-2 victory in Game 2.

The defending champion Lightning have shaped into one of the premier franchises in the NHL thanks to their explosive offensive firepower, headlined by stars Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos. However, there was a point in time when their status as a young franchise in a non-traditional hockey market clouded the perception of their high-powered attack. That all changed during the 2004…