30 in 30: Reasons for optimism, questions facing Lightning

NHL.com is providing in-depth analysis for each of its 30 teams throughout August. Today, the biggest reasons for optimism and the biggest questions facing the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have come close to winning the Stanley Cup the past two seasons. They lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Cup Final in six games in 2015 and to the eventual champion Pittsburgh Penguins in seven games in the Eastern Conference Final last season.

There has been little roster change in Tampa the past three years, but the subtle moves that have been made have the Lightning hopeful they can finish the job and hoist the Cup.

Here are four reasons for optimism entering this season:

1. Steven Stamkos is back

Stamkos repeatedly said he didn’t want to leave the Lightning, who drafted him No. 1 at the 2008 NHL Draft. He said that winning championships was more important than signing for more money. Stamkos proved his word was his bond on June 29 when he signed an eight-year, $68 million contract that provided the Lightning the financial flexibility to take care of their other core members. With the contract situation resolved, Stamkos, 26, can focus on bringing the Cup to Tampa.

2. No distractions surrounding Jonathan Drouin

It took a demotion, a public trade request and a suspension, but the light turned on for the talented forward late last season, and the future looks bright for the No. 3 pick of the 2013 draft. Drouin had five goals and nine assists in 17 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He made his biggest plays …

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