head coach: Terry Crisp

roster: C - Brian Bradley, Daymond Langkow, Jeff Toms, Allen Egeland. LW - Paul Ysebaert, Rob Zamuner, Vladimir Vujtek, Jason Weimer, Patrick Poulin, Brent Peterson. RW - Dino Ciccarelli, Mikael Renberg, Alexander Selivanov, Mikael Andersson. D - Roman Hamrlik, Cory Cross, Dave Shaw, Karl Dykhuis, Igor Ulanov, Jeff Norton, Yves Racine. G - Daren Puppa, Corey Schwab.
*-Unsigned free agent.

injuries: None.

transactions: 07/15 - Signed defenseman Pavel Kubina, and centers Eduard Pershin and Vadim Yepanchintsev. 08/04 - Re-signed left wing Patrick Poulin. 08/20 - Announced they would not match the five-year, $16.5 million offer by the Philadelphia Flyers to center Chris Gratton; traded first-round picks in the next four NHL Drafts, received in compensation from Philadelphia, back to the Flyers for right wing Mikael Renberg and defenseman Karl Dykhuis. 08/26 - Signed forward Louie DeBrusk and defenseman Viktor Ignatjev; re-signed forward Paul Brousseau. 09/02 - Re-signed center Brent Peterson. 09/03 - Re-signed free-agent goaltender Derek Wilkinson. 09/11 - Re-signed free-agent left wing Jeff Toms.

standings:

1996-97 FINAL RESULTS
RECORD:     
 OVERALL      32-40-10
 HOME         15-18-8
 ROAD         17-22-2       
POINTS:             74 (20th)
GOALS SCORED:      217 (22nd)   
GOALS AGAINST:     247 (17th)
POWER PLAY:      13.8% (24th)
PENALTY KILLING: 84.7%  (8th) 

game results:

PRE-SEASON RESULTS
None.

team news:

by Michael Dell, editor-in-chief

TAMPA BAY FULL OF WOE

After making the postseason for the first time in 1995-96, the men with lightning bolts on their pants had a predictable slide last season and missed the playoffs. The problems were due mainly to injuries to Vezina nominee Daren Puppa and all-time leading scorer Brian Bradley.

Things didn't get any better this summer. It's been a troubling off-season for the Tampa Bay Lightning. First, they lost Chris Gratton, supposedly the cornerstone of their offense for years to come, to free agency. GM Phil Esposito should be commended for snaring Mikael Renberg and Karl Dykhuis away from the Flyers in the process, but it still stings to lose such a promising young talent as Gratton.

But the pain of losing Gratton pales in comparison to the news the team received recently when it was announced that Johnny Cullen, LCS hero and the idol of millions from eight to eighty, did not have his cancer cured by off-season chemotherapy treatments. Cullen will now be forced to undergo a bone marrow transplant and has only a 50-percent chance of survival. How the team copes with their teammates plight could go a long way to determining where they finish this season. One thing's for sure, he'll never be far from their thoughts.

OFFENSE: Bradley's Health Key

Tampa Bay's offense this season can be summed up in one phrase: Bradley to Renberg. If Bradley can remain healthy for the full season, and Renberg can rediscover the scoring touch he had with the Flyers before his hernia surgery a year ago, the Bolts could have quite the potent scoring duo. Bradley is one of the most underrated players in the league. He's got all the skills to act as a playmaker or the main scorer. Team him with Renberg, who's a natural goal scorer, and there could be some fireworks. There better be, because the Bolts don't have much in the way of support.

Dino Ciccarelli is coming off an impressive 35-goal, 60-point season, but the 37-year-old will be hard pressed to match those numbers this season. He was involved in a messy contract dispute with management, but things got worked out and he'll be back to help pace the offense, especially on the man-advantage where he led the club with 12 power-play goals last season.

After Bradley, Renberg, and Ciccarelli, the offense is void of any real scoring talent. With Cullen out and Shawn Burr having been traded to San Jose for a draft pick, Tampa's going to need to get more production out of youngsters Jason Wiemer, Daymond Langkow, and Jeff Toms. Wiemer was a first-round pick (8th overall) back in 1994, but has yet to back up that promise with goals. He has just 19 in his three-year NHL career, including nine last season. He does play a physical brand of hockey and has taken on a leadership role with the team, but Wiemer is going to have to make the jump to the 20-goal range for the Lightning to have success this season.

Langkow's production will definitely rise. The 21-year-old had a nice rookie season last year for Tampa, creating plenty of excitement with his explosive skating and exceptional puck skills. He could be a point-a-game guy within the next couple years.

Toms stepped in late last season and filled in at center for Bradley at times, even though he was previously a left winger. He opened up plenty of eyes with his quick hands and lengthy stride. He could be an important contributor.

Patrick Poulin was once considered a top scoring prospect when he first broke in with the Whale, but those days are solid gone. He has found his niche with the Lightning, however, acting as a checking winger and penalty killer. Paul Ysebaert struggled through an injury-plagued campaign last year, but still sports the "C" on his sweater and can spark the team with his inspired play. The Bolts lost tough guy Rudy Poeschek to St. Louis via free agency, but replaced him by signing Louie Debrusk from Edmonton.

The one wild card up front is Alexander "Knuckles" Selivanov. He has the potential to be a 30-goal, 60-point guy that also plays an agitating, physical game. Unfortunately, he didn't do much of anything last season, posting just 15 goals and 33 points. But Knuckles is an LCS cult hero for a reason. He'll bounce back.

The club's best defensive player, and perhaps one of the five best in the game today, is gritty, gutty Rob Zamuner. The scrappy left winger is a tireless worker that does whatever he can to help his team win. Zamuner is the ultimate team player. He also showed some offensive potential last season, recording career highs in goals (17), assists (33), and points (50).

DEFENSE: Oh, That Hamrlik...

How well Tampa plays on defense hinges entirely on the performance of Roman Hamrlik. If the young Czech Hammer is swingin' like he can, meaning scoring big goals and dishing out hits, then Tampa will be in pretty good shape. He has the talent to be a legitimate impact player. Unfortunately, he seldom plays with the intensity to inspire his teammates. Hell, he seldom plays with any intensity at all. Hamrlik's just a head case. He could be a dominant player in this league, but apparently he doesn't want it bad enough. His constant feuding with coach Terry Crisp could have Hamrlik leaving town. And maybe a change of scenery is exactly what he needs.

Tampa lost Bill Houlder to free agency, but signed Yves Racine from Calgary to take his place. Racine, 28, is a mobile blueliner that moves the puck extremely well. He can also handle the point on the power play if called upon. But those duties, at least on the top unit, will likely be handled by Hamrlik and Jeff Norton. Acquired before the trade deadline last season, Norton is a silky-smooth skater with tremendous offensive skills. He should be a boon to the Lightning power play, which ranked 24th overall last season.

Dykhuis may not have been needed in Philly, but he'll be a welcomed addition to the Lightning blue line. He's a decent skater with enough talent to play the point and can play a physical game. His decision making with the puck often came under fire in Philly, where he was brutalized by the fans and media for every mistake he made. He should have an easier time of it in Tampa.

Corey Cross continues to mature as a defenseman. He still needs to learn to use his 6'5" frame to punish the opposition a bit more, but he's a pretty dependable guy that is just now finding his stride. Igor Ulanov is the agitator along the line that is always willing to throw a big hit or use the stick. The Mad Russian can get under anyone's skin. Journeyman Jamie Huscroft is also still around to add some experience and toughness.

GOALTENDING: The Return of Puppa

The Bolts were crippled last season when Daren Puppa had to undergo back surgery just one game into the season. He tried to return late in the year, but the comeback was a bit premature and it wasn't long before he was back on the shelf. The good news is that Puppa should be back to 100% in time for the start of the 1997-98 campaign. Esposito was so sure of Puppa's status that he sent last season's number one, Rick Tabaracci, back to Calgary for a draft pick. Corey Schwab will likely be the backup, with Derek Wilkinson providing some slight competition. But the backup really doesn't matter. This is Puppa's team. If he isn't in net, the Lightning don't have a chance to make a postseason return.

GEE, THAT'S SWELL

* Daren Puppa and Brian Bradley should be healthy.

* Mikael Renberg gives them a proven scorer from the wing.

* Rob Zamuner is one of the premier defensive forwards in hockey.

TROUBLE

* Not a whole lot of talent up front.

* Roman Hamrlik is nuts.

* Team's thoughts could be elsewhere.

1997-98 OUTLOOK: The Lightning really don't have a playoff team. If Puppa is his old self in net, Hamrlik plays up to potential, and Bradley and Renberg strike a goal-scoring chemistry, the team might be competitive. There's also the factor of Cullen's illness. It could either act as an inspiration or it will weigh heavy on their hearts. But even Cullen's bravery might not be enough to save this team.

PREDICTION: Seventh in the Atlantic and out of the playoffs.

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