The Tampa Bay Lightning added a nice veteran piece to their defensive corps when former New York Rangers’ blueliner Marek Malik was signed to a one year contract earlier this week. The Lightning have given up 14 goals in only 6 games this season, and with this past offseason’s overhaul and high expectations for the year, the addition of Malik makes a lot of sense for Tampa Bay. Although last season, Malik was injured and played in only 42 games, his previous three seasons, the Czech defenseman finished a +28 or better in each season. 
Tampa Bay gambled a bit when they gave up star defensemen Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich, but with young Matt Carle and the additions of Andrei Meszaros and now Malik, the Lightning should have the defense to support an offense they hope will be potent enough to carry them to the playoffs. If not, Barry Melrose’s return behind the bench may be shorter lived than originally planned.