When betting online, people can bet on anything, one such thing would be the vacant position in Tampa Bay for the Lightning’s general manager job. On Tuesday hockey fans betting on hall of famer and former Detroit Red Wing star Steve Yzerman as the right candidate for the vacancy would have been correct, as he was hired by new Lightning owner Jeff Vinik. Yzerman appears to be a perfect fit for the Lightning as he brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience both as a former player and from his mentoring by Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland. Aside from winning three Stanley Cups as a player, Yzerman recently won gold as the general manager for Canada’s men’s Olympic hockey team. By winning one of the biggest championships in the world, Yzerman became the perfect candidate for a Lightning squad plagued by controversy the last few years.

The last time the Lightning won the Stanley Cup was in 2004, six years ago. Since then, the team has struggled both on and off the ice, as current owner Vinik is the team’s third owner since 2008. On the ice, the team has accumulated the worst overall record in that three year time frame. As a result of such poor performances on the ice, the team has drafted Steven Stamkos first overall in 2008, Victor Hedman second overall in 2009, and at this year’s draft, they will be drafting fifth overall.  Yzerman inherits a team in Tampa Bay that on paper has many fans, general managers and coaches licking their chops. With Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, Stamkos, Hedman, Ryan Malone, Steve Downie, and Mike Smith as the core of the team, many have pondered how this team is a basement dweller instead of a dynasty? Lightning fans watch out, with Yzerman at the helm, this is the greatest thing to happen since the 2004 Stanley Cup victory.