Tampa's Most Important Player?

[DownIsTheNewUp]

As a Tampa fan, I honestly can't decide. On any given night it could be any of them. Last year I would have leaned Hedman or Point. This year, probably Vasi or Kucherov.

 

[Hisch13r]

How is Hedman winning? The Lightning were literally better this season with him on the bench...

 

[Sky04]

Hedman easily, anyone thinking he's they're better without probably needs some air.

 

[The Moose is Loose]

Hedman does so many little things on both sides of the puck that allow Tampa to be as dominant as they are.

He has my vote with Vasy right behind. The Team was a top 5 team in the NHL without Kucherov, yes his a great winger but he’s not as vital as the other 2.

 

[Krewe]

Hedman does so many little things on both sides of the puck that allow Tampa to be as dominant as they are.

He has my vote with Vasy right behind. The Team was a top 5 team in the NHL without Kucherov, yes his a great winger but he’s not as vital as the other 2.

We were third in our own division.....

We were a top 10 team probably, but getting him back took us to a top 3 team

 

[Voight]

Whoever their capologist is

Or, Floridas tax laws which come clutch when its contract time

 

[Albatros]

Take Hedman away and they won't win a cup.

 

[Fataldogg]

Kucherov. I view him as the catalyst. I don't see the Bolts dominating there way to the Conference Finals without Kucherov returning. I'm not sure they are still playing playoff hockey without him (not sure if they beat the Panthers if Kucherov never returned).

They are a stacked team, the best team since 05-06 lockout by a considerable margin in my opinion, and I think they can contend for a Cup without Kucherov. I just think Kucherov is what seals the deal and makes them far and away the best team in the league.

 

[WSS11]

Without a legit goalie, you can't win a cup. So...

Chicago won with Niemi. As a sharks fan I can tell you that he’s not legit and was fortunate enough to play with two great franchises.

 

[The Moose is Loose]

We were third in our own division.....

We were a top 10 team probably, but getting him back took us to a top 3 team

I’m aware that Tampa was 3rd in their division. They were still a top 5 team in the league

 

[CandyCanes]

As a Canes fan. Vasi single handily just destroyed the Canes this series, so he’s got my vote. He’s easily the best goalie in the game right now.

I think if Vasi isn’t in net that series, Canes would of had a lot better shot of taking the series.

 

[Volica]

The great state of Florida, and the Tampa Bay medical staff get my votes.

 

[Hint1k]

While it can be a different player for a game or a playoff run, overall it is Kucherov.

 

[Ainec]

Vasy ainec

 

[Kcb12345]

Tampa is pretty damn beatable without Vasi

 

[I am not exposed]

I voted Point.

 

[Joel Ward]

Liz Koharski. Vasi is a close number 2.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Vasilevsky
Hedman
Point
Kucherov

 

[HugeInTheShire]

How is LTIR not an option? It was clearly the most valuable to TB

 

[VinikToWinIt]

Hedman
Vasi/Kucherov
Point
Stamkos

It depends if you replace them with replacement level players, or remove them entirely. Replacing Vasy with an average 1G would hurt the team. Taking him off without a replacement would crater them.

 

[LightningStorm]

Hedman is our best player (Kuch close 2nd), Vasy our most valuable.

 

[M88K]

Tampa without Vasi in net has a losing record.
Obviously the backups weren't particularly good for them.
But with that team in front of him, the backup had his worst s% in 13yrs, worst GAA in 6yrs, Obviously being old and on the decline doesn't help...
but they lost 8 of 12games with him in net.

 

[bov]

The cool thing about Tampa is that you have at least 3, arguably 4 legitimate options. I think Vasilevskiy, Hedman and Kucherov all have a case.

That said, there is enough depth on forward and D that TB would be still be really good without the latter two.

Vasilevskiy, I really think he's creeping into the "best player" discussion period. He could very well be the best player on the team.

 

[summer tooth]

The Big Rig

 

[VoluntaryDom]

best and most important are generally the same thing.

i think that's between kucherov and point regardless of how you slice it.