Tampa Bay Lightning Season Forecast: Forward Edition

Apr. 14, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing

(12) tries to screen Buffalo Sabres goalie

(1) during the third period at First Niagara Center. Buffalo beats Tampa Bay 3 to 1. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

#12 Ryan Malone
2013 (NHL) 24-6-2-8

It was a forgettable season for the once-coveted power forward. Malone stayed healthy for exactly half the season, and when he played, there were no guarantees he would play well. Jon Cooper, near the end of the season, commented that Malone sometimes looked asleep on the ice. (To be fair, he also said, that Malone sometimes looked like the team’s best player.)

Between lower body injuries, shoulder injuries, and the flu, Malone could never get himself into a rhythm. But you might be surprised to learn that in 2011/2012, Malone actually scored at the highest rate of his NHL career – 0.71 points per game. That could sway one to believe he still has plenty in the tank.

It’s no secret that the Lightning thought long and hard about buying out Malone’s contract during the off-season. And it’s also no secret that GM Steve Yzerman shopped Malone to any team that would listen, reportedly asking for a 3rd round pick in return. Malone was very open about wanting to prove his detractors wrong, and prove that his best days aren’t behind him. He has plenty of motivation for a good season.

And he’s in a good position to have one. Malone, 33, is expected to start this year on the top line alongside Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis. That’s not going to hurt anyone’s production. If Malone can provide a feisty physical presence to balance out his linemates’s dispy-doodling, he’ll stick with them for a good portion of the season.

But there are huge question marks around Malone this season. And when all is said and done, he might prove to be the team’s biggest X-factor. A big season from Malone, at this point, is barely expected by anyone. But if it happens?  Suddenly the Lightning have a much more balanced scoring attack.  Without Malone, the scoring lines are a bit on the soft side — too much silk, not enough sandpaper.

But remember, we’re only one season removed from 2011/2012’s 0.71 points-per-game average…

Now, if only he can stay healthy.

What he provides: Top-end physical presence, good scoring, PP dirty work.

Where he’ll play: 1st Line, occasionally 2nd Line, possibly 3rd Line.

Best case scenario: A return to form, gutsy physical play, 70+ games played.

Worst case scenario: An injury plagued season, traded for a late round pick.

Forecast: Continued injury issues. 35-40 points in 55-60 games. Good play when healthy.