Postseason is reason Tampa Bay Lightning brought in Simon Gagne

- "What people remember is how you finish the season, and how you do in the playoffs," Gagne said. "That's what it comes down to. Everybody wants the player who can do the job at this time of the season, not at the start of the season. That's the way I see it.

- "That's the way I've always looked at my career."

- So is this why the Lightning brought Gagne here?

- "I think so," he said. "Yeah, I would think so."


Still, as Steven Stamkos slowed down and Ryan Malone and Steve Downie went out with injuries, Gagne's contributions increased dramatically. His 14 goals in the season's second half were tied for second on the team, trailing only Lecavalier's 18.


Gagne's legacy in Tampa Bay will be tied almost entirely to the coming weeks for it seems unlikely he will be back next season.

When dealing with its unrestricted free agents this summer, the Lightning will probably reserve most of its cash for defenseman Eric Brewer and goaltender Dwayne Roloson. There is also the issue of coming to terms on a long-term deal with Stamkos and, in another year, Victor Hedman.

That may not make Gagne a long shot for an offer, but he is not going to be a priority either. He has expressed interest in remaining in Tampa Bay, but the Lightning will probably not offer anything close to what he might get on the open market.