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The Tampa Bay
Lightning is more commonly known as the bolts
and this nickname is referenced on their third
jersey design. They were officially established
in 1992 and have been in Tampa, Florida, US ever
since. Being a Florida based team, they are
naturally part of the Southeast Division of the
Eastern Conference. Unlike their state
associates, the Florida Panthers, the Tampa Bay
Lightning has won a Stanley Cup, reached the
conference championship, and also the division
championship twice. The team is owned by Jeff
Vinik, managed by Canadian Steve Yzerman,
Canadian Guy Boucher, and Canadian Vincent
Lecavalier. Their last time in the Conference
Quarterfinals was in the 2006-07 season with a
loss first to the Senators, and then to the
Devils the following year. They haven’t
qualified for the playoffs since and their
2009-10 season record states they have
thirty-four wins, thirty-six losses, and twelve
overtime losses leading to an eighty point
season finish. With the new ownership of Jeffrey
Vinik came the termination of both Brian Lawton,
and Rick Tocchet and his appointment of Steve
Yzerman and Guy Boucher for their jobs
respectively. As the next season is just
beginning, it is unclear how well they will
handle the Bolts despite the new owners
confidence of a five year contract for the new
general manager.!
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