“Is this even a playoff team?" “This is kinda awful”: NHL fans react to Lightning’s projected lineup for upcoming season after Steven Stamkos trade

The NHL Network recently unveiled its project forward lines for the Tampa Bay Lightning for this upcoming season. While the lineup contains several of last year’s players, the most notable absence is former captain Steven Stamkos.

While the lineup looks solid, fans across the league couldn’t help but poke some fun at the Stamkos-less Lightning lineup.

Let’s look at some choice comments from fans mocking the Lightning’s projected lineup for next season:

“Is this even a playoff team?” a fan chimed in.

“This team is kinda awful,” another fan weighed in.

“Only chance they have to make playoffs is have the entire season with no fans,” this fan expressed.

However, not all comments made poked fun at the Tampa Bay lineup. Some fans predicted that the Lightning will make the playoffs in the post-Stamkos era.

“Wild card playoff spot maybe,” this fan posted.

“3rd in the Atlantic,” this fan posted on social media.

“Good enough to make the playoffs, but that first line is the only thing they got at forward once they get there,” this fan opined.

Tampa Bay will look to continue their playoff appearance streak in a stacked Atlantic Division that features the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs.

The division should also feature an improved Detroit Red Wings club, with the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators looking to improve on last season’s disappointing results.

Tampa Bay Lightning solid up and down the lineup

Despite the loss of Steven Stamkos, the Tampa Bay Lightning look solid overall. Scoring-wise, the Bolts are a top-heavy team.

The arrival of Jake Guentzel should offset the loss of Stamkos’ production. Brayden Point and Hart Trophy finalist Nikita Kucherov should provide much of the offense for Tampa.

Meanwhile, the remaining forward group needs to step up to support the team’s top scorers. But it’s the defensive corps that stands out as a significant strength.

While the departure of Mikhail Sergachev leaves a hole in the Bolts’ defensive group, Darren Raddysh could be poised to become a top-pairing defenseman.

The return of Ryan McDonagh is crucial. He brings experience and leadership that will make up for Stamkos’ departure.

Plus, he is still very much a top-four defenseman despite getting up in age. There may be some questions about the third pairing. But as long as Victor Hedman continues to play at a Norris-Trophy level, the Bolts should be a tough team to play next season.

Overall, the Bolts should be in the mix for one of the top three spots in the Atlantic Division. While this club may lack the scoring punch of previous seasons, there’s no question Tampa will be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.