A skilled team that got eliminated early in the playoffs by a tougher opponent a few years removed from a Stanley Cup Final loss signed a forward with his name engraved on the trophy and a big defenseman hungry to win after years of not being in contention.Rewind to 2019 and early 2020 and that description fits the Tampa Bay Lightning, who added some grit and toughness to their talented core and went on to win the Stanley Cup.
In the present day, it's the Nashville Predators, who are among the many contenders copying Tampa Bay's blueprint to try to get over the hump.The Lightning effect was clear as soon as NHL free agency opened.