In a season full of hovering storm clouds, complete with drenching rain and frequent lightning strikes, some sunshine could finally be breaking through for Tampa Bay.
The Lightning hit the jackpot Monday, winning the NHL draft lottery and retaining the No. 1 overall selection in the June entry draft. The prize is expected to be Sarnia Sting center Steven Stamkos, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound potential star who is the consensus top prospect in a draft considered to be among the best in recent seasons.
Stamkos is the type of player believed to be NHL-ready and someone who could immediately step into the Lightning's second line and make an impact next season.
"To have the opportunity to have the No. 1 pick in this draft, to have the player we think is NHL-ready be a forward, that's a real nice position for our franchise to be in to be able to look at that player at this stage," Lightning general manager Jay Feaster said.
Lightning Win Lottery, Likely To Take Stamkos
Lightning Win Lottery, Likely To Take Stamkos
Lightning Win Lottery, Likely To Take Stamkos 
