The ‘Bulin Wall’
While the 2001-02 season was one in which the Lightning missed the playoffs, goaltending in the NHL was turning over a new leaf, and the Lightning were adjusting. For context, Nikolai Khabibulin posted the best season in a Lightning net in franchise history up to this point, and the Bolts still had the 20th ranked goals-against in a 30 team league. However, Khabibulin’s 2.36 GAA mark and .920 save percentage were something to build on, and build a team around. That’s exactly what the Lightning did.
Behind Khabibulin, Tampa Bay would soon win their first playoff series in ’02-03, taking down the Washington Capitals in six games. Their goaltending situation would only be further reinforced by the presence of John Grahame for the following season. Starting 29 games, Grahame eased the burden on Khabibulin, who played 55 contests. Those were the magic numbers for the Bolts, as they would win their first Stanley Cup behind a fantastic performance from Khabibulin in game seven of the cup final. The first spectacular goalie the Bolts had ever had led to their first cup. Probably not coincidental.
Revolving door, part two: The sequel
Johan Holmqvist. Karri Ramo. Antero Niittymaki. You know the names, but have you heard the story? This chapter of the Lightning’s goaltending saga is a massive regression. They went from being carried through the playoffs by an other-worldly goaltender to Johan Holmqvist in two years. While Holmqvist’s numbers, in his defense, were adequate at times, he, along with every other name previously mentioned, will be remembered as synonymous with with an era of mediocrity for the Bolts.
Mike Smith was the best of the worst in 2008-09, posting a 2.62 goals-against. Unfortunately, that would be the best mark the Lightning would see until 2013-14. However, within that era of adequacy, one man turned it on at the right time, and had one of the most memorable individual performances in Tampa Bay history.
‘Roli the goalie’
Dwayne Roloson, despite the brevity of his tenure, will go down as a Lightning legend. Why? One spectacular performance. His first round, game seven shutout of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2011 was so miraculous he was featured in an NHL advertising series, ‘History will be made’. His 2.56 goals-against average and .912 save percentage would drop dramatically the following season, his last in the NHL before retirment. Then, the torch found capable hands once again in 2013-14.
