Tampa Bay Lightning: Has the core group ossified?
The Tampa Bay Lightning entered the 2025 playoffs as strong contenders, especially facing a seemingly weakened Florida Panthers team in the first round. However, their early exit in just five games left many questioning whether the core group has become stagnant or "ossified." Despite the promising regular season, the Lightning struggled to adapt during the playoffs, appearing outmaneuvered and unable to respond effectively - much like a boxer caught in a rope-a-dope strategy, wearing down without a strong counterattack.
One notable aspect was the team's decision to maintain the roster they had at the trade deadline without making significant changes. This conservative approach may have contributed to their inability to shift momentum or inject new energy when it mattered most. While the core players remain under contract and the team boasts promising young talent pushing for bigger roles, the lack of bold moves during the postseason raised concerns about whether the Lightning’s championship window is closing or if they can still evolve and compete at the highest level.
General Manager Julien BriseBois expressed pride in the team’s effort and competitiveness, emphasizing a realistic yet ambitious outlook for the future. Head Coach Jon Cooper and captain Victor Hedman echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the narrow margins in playoff hockey and the need for timely execution. The Lightning’s offseason moves, including re-signing key players like Yanni Gourde and adding depth, suggest a focus on building around the existing core while integrating fresh contributors.
In summary, while the Lightning’s core may appear to have plateaued in recent postseason performance, the organization remains optimistic about growth and continued contention, balancing respect for their veterans with the infusion of new talent.
Alumnus Maroon returns to Lightning organization as ambassador
Maroon will represent the Lightning and Vinik Sports Group at community, youth hockey, Bolt for Life, suite holder and partner appearances throughout the season.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have hired Pat Maroon as an Alumni Relations Brand Ambassador, the team announced today.
Maroon will represent the Lightning and Vinik Sports Group at community, youth hockey, Bolt for Life, suite holder and partner appearances throughout the season. Paired with his work in the community, Maroon will be part of the new and exciting Lightning television broadcast on Scripps Sports.
Maroon, 37, announced his retirement from the NHL this summer following an accomplished career. The “Big Rig” appeared in 848 regular season games during his NHL career, tallying 126 goals and 323 points between the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Lightning, Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks across 14 NHL seasons. He also played in 163 career playoff games and posted 23 goals and 53 points, lifting the Stanley Cup three years in a row from 2019 to 2021. Maroon won his first Stanley Cup Championship in his hometown of St. Louis with the Blues in 2019 and followed it up with back-to-back Stanley Cup wins with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
Maroon was originally selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the sixth round, 161st overall, of the 2007 NHL Draft.
Dre Greenlaw’s Struggles in Denver Raise Concerns About $31.5 Million Investment
The Denver Broncos were one of the biggest surprises in football last season, winning 10 games and making it to the playoffs in spite of fielding a rookie quarterback.
The Broncos then doubled down and made some huge additions during the offseason, which has some labeling them a major sleeper in the AFC. However, one of Denver's biggest acquisitions might already be a disappointment.
The Broncos signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw to a three-year, $31.5 million contract in free agency, hoping he would bolster an already fearsome front seven. They knew there was risk involved, as Greenlaw tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers in February 2024 and has barely played since.
But, because Denver knows what Greenlaw can do when he is healthy, it decided to sign him to a multi-year contract.
Unfortunately, Greenlaw suffered a quad injury back in April, an issue that has plagued him ever since. He was expected to be ready for the season opener, but now, he has been ruled out for the Broncos' Week 1 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, via Nick Kosmider of The Athletic.
Greenlaw returned to the field with the 49ers late last year, but it didn't take him long to sustain a calf injury that placed him back on the sideline.
Denver handed Greenlaw $11.5 million in guaranteed money, so his deal is heavily laced with incentives.
However, the Broncos were expecting the 28-year-old to represent a significant part of their defense in 2025.
The fact that Greenlaw is already having difficulty getting back onto the football field is certainly not a good omen moving forward.
In his last healthy campaign in 2023, Greenlaw racked up 120 tackles, 1.5 sacks and four passes defended. He is a terrific player when he is available, so hopefully, he can make a full recovery for Denver.
But clearly, the early returns are not looking great.
