from Tom Jones of the Tampa Bay Times,

This was supposed to be the season the Lightning raised a Stanley Cup banner. Instead, it feels as if it might be raising the white flag.

Goalie Ben Bishop traded Sunday. Veteran forward Brian Boyle traded Monday. Hard to imagine a postseason run without them. Don't be shocked if another big name such as Tyler Johnson or Valtteri Filppula is dealt before Wednesday's NHL trade deadline.

Bummer.

No one with the Lightning is going to come out and say this season is over. They can't. The pride of a hockey man says that as long as there's a pulse, there's a chance. And there's still plenty of talent and a long way between now and being officially eliminated from playoff contention.

But, let's face it, this season feels over, Monday's 5-1 win over the Senators notwithstanding.

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