Bolts' best of the decade

The Lightning completed their first full decade since the team began play in 1992, and the 2000s ran the gamut of success.

From the early revolving-door days under General Manager Rick Dudley, to the steady presence provided by Jay Feaster and John Tortorella, to the turmoil experienced under new ownership, Tampa Bay truly went on a ride from the basement to the penthouse before falling back into the cellar once again.

Along the way, the Lightning took fans on an unforgettable four-year run of playoff appearances, highlighted by the team's first-ever playoff-round victory in 2003 and the crowning achievement, the glorious two-month run to the 2004 Stanley Cup title.

Achieving that type of success requires one key element: top-flight players. Tampa Bay had its fair share of stars to help lead the team.

So, before the Lightning embark on a new decade, we present the Bolts' All-Decade of the 2000s Team, consisting of 12 forwards, six defensemen and two goaltenders:

Goaltenders

Nikolai Khabibulin (2001-04) - His acquisition from Phoenix in 2001 provided stability in net and allowed the team to play an up-tempo style. His 16-7 record in the 2004 playoffs, including five shutouts, was Conn Smythe-worthy. Tampa Bay has been trying to replace him since he left as a free agent in 2005.

John Grahame (2002-06) - Though he didn't pan out in his one year as a starter in 2005-06, his 18-9-1 record and 2.06 goals-against average in 2003-04 steadied the season in January and pushed Khabibulin.

Defensemen

Dan Boyle (2001-08) - One of the top offensive defensemen in the game, Boyle blossomed in his days with the Lightning, scoring 66 goals and 253 points in 394 games. Traded last season, the team may need another decade to replace his style of game.

Pavel Kubina (1997-2006) - Solid two-way player turned into a top, shut-down blue liner in the playoffs, matched up against stars the caliber of Jaromir Jagr and Jarome Iginla on a nightly basis.

Others Jassen Cullimore (1997-2004); Paul Ranger (2005-present); Cory Sarich (1999-2007); Darryl Sydor (2004-2006)

Forwards

Vinny Lecavalier (1998-present) - The team's all-time leader in goals, points, games played and trade rumors, Lecavalier has been the face of the franchise since being selected first overall in 1998.

Brad Richards (2000-2008) - A former Calder Trophy finalist and Conn Smythe winner as playoff MVP, Richards was a steady presence during his 552 career games with Tampa Bay.

Marty St. Louis (2000-present) - The heart and soul of the team for the better part of the decade, St. Louis won a scoring title and MVP during the 2004 run, and nobody has scored more playoff overtime winners than St. Louis, including the double-overtime winner in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals.

OthersDave Andreychuk (2001-06); Ruslan Fedotenko (2002-07); Ryan Malone (2008-present); Fredrik Modin (1999-2006); Vinny Prospal (2001-03; 2005-08; 2008-09); Andre Roy (2001-04; 2006-08); Steven Stamkos (2008-present); Cory Stillman (2003-04); Tim Taylor (2001-07).