The Tampa Bay Lightning will have a long list of position battles to watch as the NHL prepares for the upcoming training camp and preseason slate. Tampa Bay's depth acquired through the past few drafts will make for some extremely tight competition for NHL minutes.
Head coach Jon Cooper typically rolled out an 11-forward, seven-defensemen lineup last season, which will make the Bolts' competition up front even more difficult to solidify. There are more than enough talented forwards for the Lightning to fill out those line rushes.
On defense, the additions of veterans Jason Garrison and Anton Stralman don't leave much room to battle for a top-four spot. Players like Andrej Sustr, Mark Barberio and Slater Koekkoek will be among the many fighting for the last blue-line spot.
With so much on the line, the upcoming training camp will be a beauty. Even players who seem like locks for the everyday roster could find themselves playing a wide variety of roles.
Here are some of the biggest position battles for the Bolts in 2014.
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Article written by Eric Steitz
Tampa Bay Lightning Position Battles to Watch in 2014 Offseason
August 10th, 2014 by Eric Steitz Leave a reply »
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