What will the Tampa Bay Lightning do this NHL offseason and beyond? *Update*

The NHL offseason is officially upon us after the Washington Capitals defeated the expansion Las Vegas Knights in the Stanley Cup Final.

And if you're a fan of social media, watching Alexander Ovechkin and company's epic bender is something only the 1986 Mets can rival.

The Tampa Bay Lightning came up short, losing to the eventual Cup champs after surrendering a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bolts had chances in Game 7, but all of the excuses and what-if scenarios won't do the franchise any good now.

Vegas has the Lightning as 9-1 favorites to win it all next season, which is the best among all NHL teams. The Bruins, Leafs, Knights and Jets are all tied for second at 10-1.

So why's Vegas so optimistic? Tampa essentially brings back its entire squad.

Chris Kunitz and Andrej Sustr are the only notable unrestricted free agents. Kunitz has stated he'd like to return, but he turns 39 in September and his playing time diminished with the emergence of the younger Anthony Cirelli.

Sustr is all but gone. His playing time decreased significantly and I cannot see a scenario where he returns considering the amount of defensive talent in Syracuse, specifically fan favorite Slater Koekkoek.

The one guy General Manager Stevie Yzerman will press hard to sign long term is J.T. Miller. The 25-year-old forward is a restricted free agent, which means the Lightning get first crack at terms and I fully expect Yzerman to sign him to a semi-lucrative deal.

Miller is a threat in every aspect of the game. He's a solid defender who can score within three feet of the net or blast one from 20 feet out, and at 215 pounds is a physical presence the Bolts lack at the forward position.

Koekkoek is also restricted, but working out a deal shouldn't be an issue unless Yzerman is done with the former first rounder.

Cedric Paquette will be an interesting re-sign considering he wouldn't cost much and is a scrappy, fourth-line grinder. I don't anticipate Paquette coming back, though. Adam Erne and Matthew Peca are both better fits for what the Bolts are trying to accomplish, and Paquette's a penalty liability.

Peca is unrestricted, but I think Yzerman brings him back.

The 2018-2019 season is loaded with returning talent, but it's after 2019 things get murky.

Nikita Kucherov will be a restricted free agent and will draw a massive payday, especially if he has another huge season.

Defensemen Ryan McDonagh, Anton Stralman, Brayden Coburn and Dan Girardi are all unrestricted after 2019. McDonagh will probably stick around, but I can't see the rest of them, or even wanting the rest of them to return after next season. Possibly Stralman, who'll be 32 when camp begins.

Yzerman will have to pull some more tricks out of his cap if he wants to revamp the defense for the future. Trade Kucherov for an elite defender/defensive prospect anyone?

And speaking of the future, expect defenseman Cal Foote and right winger Taylor Raddysh to get a look or two this upcoming season. Both have been playing exceedingly well in Syracuse.

Alexander Volkov, Mitchell Stephens, and Dominik Masin are a few more names to keep an eye out for.

As for potential free agents the Bolts could bring in - I don't think the fans will see any. At least none that are game breakers. Patrick Maroon may be the one player Yzerman would consider.

Maroon's a bigger forward at 6'3, 225, and plays well on both sides of the ice. He'd be relatively inexpensive at 30 years old, but he is coming off of back surgery.

James Van Riemsdyk would be a dream scenario with his size and skillset, but he'll be garnering a huge payload the Bolts probably can't afford.

There you have it. A peek into the Lightning's future. 2018 is loaded for another Cup run.

It's 2019 where things become unclear.

*Update*

Yzerman has sent goaltender Peter Budaj to the Kings in exchange for forward Andy Andreoff. Andreoff's a bigger version of Paquette, which solidifies my suspicions that Yzerman won't re-sign Cedric.

Carter Verhaeghe has re-signed for a one-year deal. Verhaeghe scored 17 goals and added 31 assists for the Crunch.

Also, I'm hearing fans wishing Yzerman would trade Tyler Johnson before his no-trade clause kicks in July 1st.

Two things: 1. No franchise is taking on that oversaturated deal. 2. It would be an unsavory move causing future potential free agents to not trust Yzerman. It's not how Stevie rolls.

But stranger things have happened.

Where are the Tampa Bay Lightning's premier players? They have none

"Big time players step up in big time games" is an adage used to describe these types of situations.

The Capitals have established players who stepped up, especially after falling in the series 3-2 when the team started 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Washington regrouped, rebounded, and persevered.

The Lightning don't have the elite-level player. No one with that killer instinct. No one to motivate urgency.

Don't kid yourselves, Bolts' Fans, this one was over in Game 6 - not 7. Washington was more physical and inspired with its back against the wall, and it proved its worth shutting Tampa out 3-0 because Braden Holtby, a former Vezina Trophy recipient, played lights out.

He did the same thing last night and now has 159 scoreless minutes against the Lightning on 53 saves.

That's big time.

The defense in front of him blocked shots and leveled every Lightning player on the ice.

Truth is, Tampa wanted nothing to do with it. Fear set in, and no one became the emergent hero the Bolts desperately needed. No St. Louis. No Lecavalier.

Just Holtby.

Oh, you thought I was going to mention Ovechkin? No one can deny his presence - not just offensively, but making crucial plays on the defensive zone, too.

Kuznetzov, Burakovsky, and even the dirtiest of scum bags, Tom Wilson, was laying hits and creating turnovers.

Where was Stamkos? Kucherov? Where was the team that scored 290 goals during the regular season?

The regular season... Perhaps that's all Tampa's good at because the "hump" stigma Ovechkin has fought his entire career is officially on Stamkos and the Bolts.

Tremendous regular-season players. Choke artists in the playoffs. Three out of the last four Eastern Conference Finals appearances. Zero Stanley Cups to show for it.

Heck, Stamkos has yet to earn a single Game 7 point during his 10-year career.

I wonder when those memes will begin to surface because the whispers aren't far behind?

This one's not on Vasilevskiy or Jon Cooper. The Big Cat made some highlight-reel saves and kept the Lighting in it, and Cooper can't go out on the ice and score. The game plan was there and it wasn't executed.

Does this team need an overhaul? No, but it would help to get a little bigger and tougher. It'll be difficult to sign anyone this off season considering the Bolts are already pressed for cap space and J.T. Miller will be a restricted free agent - who is a must-sign.

Will Kucherov be trade bait if the Lightning have an average 2019? A trade like that could easily bring in an elite defender/player.

Losses like these create a ton of questions, none of which will be answered today or tomorrow. It'll stew with the fans throughout the long summer months.

Who is the Lightning's "big time" player(s)?

I don't know.

This is a make or break NFL free agency and draft for Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jason Licht

Jason Licht's on the bubble.

The Buccaneers' general manager has been inconsistent with both his free agent signings and draft picks.

While his early-round picks have panned out pretty well, his late-round picks are atrocious, and the bulk of NFL franchises are comprised of 5th- through 7th-round picks.

The free agency period is about to begin and the draft pundits are doling out mock drafts every 30 seconds. Licht's job, and possibly career, is at stake.

Here are a list of his draft picks since 2014:

2014:

Mike Evans, WR, 1st round - Nothing bad can be said about Evans. Four straight 1,000 yard seasons. One Pro Bowl. Great pick.

Austin Sefarian-Jenkins, TE, 2nd round - Never amounted to anything in Tampa. Was labeled as a lazy, entitled player. Bad pick.

Charles Sims, RB, 3rd round - Utility back that can't carry the load. Solid pass catcher. Struggled between the tackles. Good pick.

Kadeem Edwards, OL, 5th round - Has yet to play a meaningful snap in the NFL. Is no longer in Tampa. Bad pick.

Kevin Pamphile, OL, 5th round - Has started 33 games in Tampa and has played well in key situations. Good pick.

Robert Herron, WR, 6h round - Never played a meaningful down in Tampa. Is no longer in the NFL. Bad pick.

2015:

James Winston, QB, 1st overall selection - First player in NFL history to eclipse 4,000 passing yards in each of his first two seasons. Inconsistencies and turnovers have plagued his young career. Good pick.

Donovan Smith, OL, 2nd round - Has started 47 games at left tackle, but has struggled recently with speedy edge rushers. Good pick.

Ali Marpet, OL, 2nd round - Has started 40 games at guard and center. Scouts questioned his abilities considering he came from a small college, but has proved doubters wrong. Great pick.

Kwon Alexander, LB, 4th round - Surprised since day one and hasn't disappointed. Earned first Pro Bowl in 2017. Great pick.

Kenny Bell, WR, 5th round - Has yet to catch a meaningful ball in the NFL. Is no longer in Tampa. Bad pick.

Kaelin Clay, WR, 6th round - Has six receptions in three NFL seasons. Is no longer in Tampa. Bad pick.

Joey Iosefa, RB, 7th round - Played in two NFL games. Is no longer in the NFL. Bad pick.

2016: 

Vernon Hargreaves, CB, 1st round - Has one interception and 15 passes defensed in 25 starts. Finished 2017 on the IR. Never built on his average rookie campaign. Bad pick.

Noah Spence, DE, 2nd round - Has started six games with 6.5 sacks, but his sophomore year was marred with injuries. Bad pick.

Roberto Aguayo, K, 2nd round - This is Licht's most egregious draft choice; trading back into the 2nd round, giving up a 3rd and 4th rounder, for the FSU kicker. Is no longer in Tampa, and was, until recently, jobless. Bad pick.

Ryan Smith, CB, 4th round - Played special teams and earned ten starts in 2017 due to injuries in the secondary. Has five passes defensed. Bad pick.

Caleb Benenoch, OL, 5th round - Has started six games at tackle and guard the past two seasons. Solid reserve player. Good pick.

Devante Bond, LB, 6th round - Has played mostly on special teams. Earned two starts in 2017 due to injuries. Solid reserve player. Good pick.

Dan Vitale, RB, 7th round - Never played a meaningful down in Tampa. Is no longer in Tampa. Bad pick.

2017:

OJ Howard, TE, 1st round - Was having a strong rookie campaign before missing the last few games due to injury. Fundamental run blocker and has the speed to create mismatches. Great pick.

Justin Evans, S, 2nd round - Started slow, but came on strong towards the end of the season - earning nine starts with three INTs. Good pick.

Chris Godwin, WR, 3rd round - Started two games and earned over 500 receiving yards as a spot player. Great pick.

Kendall Beckwith, LB, 3rd round - Started eleven games at all three linebacker positions. Tremendous athlete. Great pick.

Jeremy McNichols, RB, 5th round - Has yet to play a meaningful NFL down. Is no longer in Tampa. Bad pick.

Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, DT, 7th round - Has yet to play a meaningful NFL down. Bad pick.

Half of Licht's picks are bad picks, and I'm basing this off of productivity. Seeing the field, getting on the field, and making impactful plays equals productivity.

Eight of those picks are no longer in Tampa, and two of those are no longer in the NFL.

Winston is on the bubble and can quickly turn into a bad pick making Licht's resume even worse.

His free agent signings are pathetic:

2014:

Cornerback Alterraun Verner never played well in Tampa and was released in 2016. Left tackle Anthony Collins played one season and is no longer in the NFL. Defensive end Michael Johnson was a complete bust after one season. And defensive tackle Clinton McDonald was the only free-agent signing that panned out.

2015:

Linebacker Bruce Carter played one season and was beat out by a rookie in Kwon Alexander. Henry Melton played poorly for one season and is no longer in the NFL. Safety Chris Conte has been serviceable, yet inconsistent. Cornerback Sterling Moore played well in one season.

2016:

Guard JR Sweezy missed all of 2016 with a back injury and played in 14 games last season. Cornerback Brent Grimes has been an excellent addition to the secondary, but he's 34. Defensive end Robert Ayers never lived up to his lofty expectations, amounting two sacks last season.

2017:

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson didn't have the same impact as he did in Philadelphia, but that may be because Jackson and Winston never got on the same page. Defensive tackle Chris Baker played one season and was a disappointment.

That's six players that stayed in Tampa for one season. Technically, it may be seven if JR Sweezy is released considering he only played one season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans, look above. That is why this team hasn't developed in the last five years. Bad free agent signings and only half of the draft picks having any kind of significant effect.

Sad truth, this team isn't talented. The coaching staff isn't working with impressive players.

Licht's bubble will burst unless he and his staff revamp how they evaluate talent. If not, expect a complete overhaul after the 2018 season.

For the bridge-diving Tampa Bay Lightning fans: by the numbers

Tampa Bay Lightning fans are worried the charmed  ride will end sooner rather than later and unjustifiably so.

Maybe it's because the Buccaneers haven't been to the playoffs since 2007 or maybe it's because the Rays have been making some questionable decisions lately, but the fans in Tampa are anxious.

Why?

The Bolts are 7-2-1 the last ten games and 4-0-1 in its last five with a plus-3 point differential. All five went into overtime or shootout with three of those victories against current playoff teams (Toronto, Dallas, and Philadelphia). 

Buffalo got the best of Tampa recently in a 2-1 OT disappointment, but rebounded against the hottest team in Philadelphia last Saturday in a 7-6 OT rally.

No matter the circumstances, this team has a special sort of resolve and never-surrender attitude. Something playoff mentality teams do.

Is the Buffalo game what's upsetting everyone? Is it the amount of goals allowed or games taken into overtime that has everyone fidgeting?

Let's take a look at a few numbers:

(Florida is currently on the outside looking in the playoff picture, but let's add them anyway since the Panthers are one-point out) 

The Lightning are 13-8 against all current Eastern playoff teams with a plus-21 point differential. New Jersey is 2-0 against Tampa with a plus-2 on them (both games were one-point victories). Boston is 1-0, but the top-two teams in the Atlantic will meet three more times. The lone victory came in Boston on a back-to-back, 3-2.

The rest? 

Washington - 2-1, plus-1

Pittsburgh - 2-1, plus-4

Columbus - 3-0, plus-8

Philadelphia - 2-1, plus-5

Toronto - 2-1, plus-2

Florida - 2-1, plus-4

No one's talking about gaining an integral part of the team when arguably the Lightning's best two-way player, Ondrej Palat, returns soon, as well as gaining Ryan McDonagh, who'll make his debut another game since he was seen practicing with a red, non-contact jersey during the morning skate.

This, and the next 11 out of 16 games are at Amalie where the Lightning have won 76% of the time.

If Bolts fans truly want to worry, out of the next 16, 11 are against teams with a .500 or better record. The good news is the Lightning play up to its level of competition.

Yes, the defense is a concern. Expect to see less Andrej Sustr and more Slater Koekkoek in the coming weeks. 

Barring a severe injury, this team is primed for a Stanley Cup run. The doom-and-gloom attitudes make little sense when the Lightning currently have 94 points and sit atop all standings - not just the Eastern. 

Reinforcements are coming. The team doesn't quit.

Enjoy the ride, Tampa.

Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning make the right moves before NHL trade deadline

It isn't a question of whether the Lightning made a good move. It's the simple idea of proven commodities versus potential.

And the Bolts received instant help at a fair price.

On Monday, General Manager Steve Yzerman traded center Vladislav Namestnikov, two prospects, a first rounder in 2018, and a conditional first rounder in 2019 to the New York Rangers for defenseman Ryan McDonagh and forward J.T. Miller.

The price appears steep, but the Lightning gain a cerebral, veteran defender in McDonagh to shore up a lagging blue-line defense. McDonagh has been known to utilize his athleticism and intelligence to keep offenses at bay, and pairing him with his former Rangers teammate, defenseman Dan Girardi, might rejuvenate the 33-year-old Girardi, who's already having a monster year.

McDonagh has been in the Norris Trophy discussion in the past; most notably during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. The former New York captain is currently a +7 on the season with 26 assists and two goals.

Miller is a bit of an underrated player and galvanizes a glaring weakness - face-offs.

Steven Stamkos is currently Tampa Bay's best face-off option, winning 51.6% of his face-offs, good enough for 48th in the NHL. Miller is 22nd, winning 54.3% of his face-offs. It seems like a simple facet of the game, but becomes crucial down the stretch, in the 3rd period, and could be the difference in preserving a one-goal lead or staving off a fierce rally.

He's also a sneaky scorer, hitting the back of the net 22 times in both 2016 and 2017. Miller is the type of player Yzerman and Jon Cooper love: a two-way grinder that'll mix it up on the penalty kill.

New York is getting a good deal, receiving the youngsters it needs to rebuild a stagnant program.

Namestnikov's roll will increase and he'll become even more of a goal scorer and all-around facilitator for the Rangers, and there's no telling whether the Lightning could've re-signed the center considering he'll be a restricted free agent this summer and will garner a hefty pay raise due to a career season.

The Rangers also gain two young and potentially excellent prospects in forward Brett Howden and defenseman Libor Hajek.

Key word: potential. While Howden and Hajek may become staples for the Rangers, the Lightning are loaded with talented forwards and defensemen in its farm system allowing Yzerman to trade away the prospects.

Proven NHLers far outweigh minor leaguers who have yet to see NHL action, and this move makes Tampa Bay heavy contenders.

It's a win-win for both teams. Tampa gets to go on a Stanley Cup run, while the Rangers get to rebuild a once proud organization.

It was the right move at the right time for both organizations.

The University of Central Florida Knights epitomize everything wrong with competitive sports

Comedian Demetri Martin has a great rant on sports and championships. "I used to play sports. Then I realized you can buy trophies. Now I'm good at everything."

This is how the University of Central Florida Knights will be remembered in 2018.

Not for sending shockwaves throughout the college football landscape by upsetting perennial power, and former No. 1 team in the country, Auburn in the Peach Bowl New Year's Day.

It won't be for going undefeated with an epic overtime win against Memphis in the AAC Championship Game.

Or not for defeating rival USF in what many consider to be one of the best games of the college football season.

Nope. Instead, UCF will be remembered for its persistent whining and blubbering about how the program deserves to be National Champions because it went 13-0 with a win against the Tigers.

So...give it to them.

Yes. Seriously. Why not?

Society has begrudgingly accepted the "Everyone-Gets-a-Trophy" culture and UCF is the quintessential definition of the insufferable juvenile stomping their feet until they get what they want without deserving the rewards.

The Knights defeated a very good Auburn team. An Auburn team that defeated both Georgia and Alabama - both of whom are playing for the National Championship.

But that's where the argument ends.

Even the little brother gets a win against his big brother in a game of hoops once in a while.

According to TeamRankings.com, UCF has the 54th toughest schedule in the nation and Sagarin, who is universally respected in the college football world, has the Knights at 72nd.

Before its New Year's Day victory, UCF has two wins against a Top-25 College Football Playoff ranked team (Memphis twice).

None of this inspires champion, but give it to them anyway. They deserved to be called National Champions, just like 1998 Tulane or 1999 Marshall deserve it.

UCF did itself a disservice and painted a huge target on its back for next season with this abomination. LaVar Ball thinks the Knights complain too much.

The right move was to have a parade to celebrate an undefeated season, but entitlement created a monster because the Knights defeated the likes of FIU and Austin Peay.

What the Knights don't have is consistency. The program could be avoiding all of this if UCF would've continued the winning wave after its victory against Baylor in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. Instead, the momentum quickly ebbed with a forgettable winless record in 2015.

The Knights have zero clout. No tradition. And no legacy.

Florida State had to schedule games at places like Nebraska and LSU, without a return game, to build its program and prestige.

It won. Proving everyone wrong over and again consistently throughout the '80's to be considered a premier power, even with a down 2017 season.

The Knights lack that consistency.

Want to be respected? Then win in 2018. Win in 2019. And so on.

But who're we kidding. The Knights are having a parade.

Congrats to the 2017 National Champions.

Edco must be having a sale.