Lightning still have a solid core and good overall depth, but their defense is not the same as the one that won the Cup. Shattenkirk and Bogosian were both better than advertised. Schenn, Rutta, and Savard is probably the weakest right-side defense of the teams remaining in the playoffs. Cernak is the only thing keeping that right side together. The left side is still a murderer's row, even with Hedman playing at less than 100%.
- GalacticStone
Don't disagree with you that they have lost some quality defenseman, but they can still bunker up when they need to. Plus, Savard is good shutdown guy. And I like Kevin Shattenkirk as an offensive guy, but every coach that has ever had him wanted more from him defensively. You know the Lightning. Thanks for reading.