Regardless of finish, the Tampa Bay Lightning have had a hugely successful season. The turnaround as a franchise — and as a team — has been self-evident and dramatic.
It would not have happened without these four individuals:
*Jeff Vinik, new owner. The Bolts went from laughing stock to preferred stock. A cash buyer with class and commitment makes that big a difference. He didn’t have a tough act to follow, but he had to recast the entire operation.
*Steve Yzerman, new general manager. The Hall of Famer brought instant credibility and savvy. It sent the ultimate signal of professionalism throughout the league.
*Guy Boucher, new head coach. Smart, charismatic, driven. Was coach-in-waiting for Montreal until Yzerman wooed him to the parallel universe that is hockey in Florida.
*Marty St. Louis, best player. More than an institutional link to the 2004 Stanley Cup glory. No better leader than one who leads by example. Still the heart and soul of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Undersized, unselfish, inspirational, gifted.