Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Talking Bolts, Ducks, Yotes And More

08/13/2014 at 2:02pm EDT

Craig Custance of ESPN just held an online chat...

Realistic expectations for the Lightning this year? Especially in regards to Bishop, Drouin, Stamkos, and the revamped blue line. Thanks.

Craig Custance I like Tampa. They've been patient with their young players and the payoff is coming now. There will be competition for spots among some really, good talented players. Drouin is a guy I expect to challenge for the Calder. I think it's asking a lot for Bishop to repeat last year's success, so I'd expect a little downgrade there. But there's so much good young talent there in Tampa that they can make up for it. They're definitely headed in the right direction.

What's your outlook on the ducks this season? How does their goaltending situation shake out? Do they have enough to take home the cup? Thanks!

Craig Custance Bob Murray is taking a pretty calculated risk in going young with his goalies but it allowed him to bolster his team elsewhere. Plus, if it goes sideways, he's left himself enough flexibility to add a goalie later if need be. But Gibson is a stud, I would have made the same decision. If Kesler is healthy come playoff time, I like the Ducks a lot. The West is ridiculous so it will come down to matchups but they're in that group of teams capable of winning it all.

Mike Smith has had one really good year in an 8-year career. Seems to me the seven years of mediocrity are more indicative of how good he is than the one outlier year. So why do analysts assume he can return to 2011-12 form? Arizona is going to regret that contract, if they don't already.

Criag Custance I think it's asking a lot of Mike Smith to be a .930 goalie and I agree, that year definitely jumps out at you. But his style of play, the way he plays the puck so well, fits what Phoenix does. It's such a weapon to have when your goalie can be such a part of the puck retrieval process. That, to me, is what makes Mike Smith special. Signing any goalie to term is risky, especially one who doesn't have a long track record.

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About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

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