For the first time in a while, the Tampa Bay Lightning have something to celebrate.
The Lightning won Monday's NHL draft lottery, earning the right to select first overall in June's entry draft. Tampa Bay entered with a 48.8-per-cent chance of winning the lottery after stumbling to a 31-42-9 record in the regular season, finishing last in the league just four years after winning their first Stanley Cup.
In a campaign marred by injuries and inconsistency, the Lightning were desperate to take something positive into next season. The opportunity to draft a future superstar certainly qualifies.
"From management right on through to ticket sales, electricians and plumbers, this is the first piece of good luck that we have had since last August," said Lightning general manager Jay Feaster. "We feel as though we've had no positive luck.
"This is what we hope will be the break we've needed."
The Lightning will...