Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
13. Pavel Kubina
Single Season High Goals: 17
Career High Goals: 110
If you were to rank the top five defenseman in Tampa Bay Lightning history, you would surly see the same Pavel Kubina on that list. One of the longest serving members of the Lightning, Kubina would spend 10 season in Tampa Bay, providing offense and quality defensive play during this tenure.
When Kubina began his NHL career with the Lightning during the 1997-98 season, he struggled to find his game that made him successful in Europe. Time in the NHL helped Kubina get his confidence back, and when the 1998-99 season started, Kubina became an important part of the Lightning blue line.
During his 10 seasons with the team in two separate stints that included a Stanley Cup championship in 2004, Kubina would tally 72 goals, including 17 during the 2003-04 season. Along with Dan Boyle, the duo combined to become two of the better offensive defenseman in the league and help the Lightning win a Stanley Cup championship.
Lightning fans were able to watch the 6’4 258 lb Czech Republic native grow up during his time in Tampa Bay. From a player that struggled to find his footing in a new league to a shutdown, top pair defender, Pavel Kubina will be remembered for his impressive play in Tampa Bay during the early 2000’s and later in his second stint in Tampa Bay later in his career.
Next: Game 7 Hero