Tampa Sneaking in ?

(Tampa) - Thanks to 3 games versus the worse team in the league, the Lightning have crept into 8th place of the conference and with 2 games remaining, could possibly sneak into the playoffs. After many deals that saw great players leave, the Bolts were hoping to be 9th or 10th but with the Devils stumbling, Tampa played with a desire to make the playoffs.

"I dealt a lot of players to get the team sorted for next season and seasons to come. Mario, Robert and Jocelyn were moved to teams that I think have a chance to win it all and I was looking towards next season." Gm Sprackman stated. "After the 3 wins vs the Thrashers and being in 8th place, I am extremely happy and hopefully we can pull out 2 more wins and get the team back in the playoffs."

"Everyone thought we would wilt with Thibault being traded. We suffered more goals against then we would have liked but the team has shown flashes of what it can be." Eric Brewer said after practice. "When Mario and Svhela and Jillson were traded for younger players and future help, especially with Mario going to the Devils, everyone said the Devils would be the team to worry about but now we have a chance to put Mario, maybe for the final days of his career, out of a playoff spot. That would be sweet."

The Canes are the next opponent of the Lightning and hopefully the team can continue the ride it is on right now. After that, the Bolts finish versus the Flyers and hopefully a playoff spot will be won. Hejduk, Sullivan and Savard will need to step up and carry the team while the defence has to be much more physical and reliable in their own end to get the team into the playoffs. We shall see....