Apr 18, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning warm up prior to game two of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN have released their ultimate team rankings and the Tampa Bay Lightning are ranked the sixth best team out of the four main professional leagues.
All 122 teams are ranked on their affordability, coaching, fan relations, ownership, players, stadium experience, bang for the buck and title track.
When the average tallies, that were taken in a fan pole, are added up the Bolts come in at sixth overall and the second best NHL team behind the Anaheim Ducks, who are ranked second.
The Tampa Bay Rays were the next best team from the area as they were ranked 35th. The Orlando Magic are ranked 78th while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 84th.
The results aren’t too surprising. Out of the four teams, the Lightning have the best product and have the best chance of winning a title, plus they have huge support and are affordable to watch.
The Rays lack of support is likely their undoing considering they have been very successful on the field over the last seven years.
As for the Magic, the fact that they have struggled mightily on the court the past two seasons hasn’t helped, and the same can be said for the Buccaneers, who have struggled at the turnstile and on the field.
The full list, and explanation of the process, can be read here.