The acquisition of Roloson was obviously a key, but an argument could be made that Brewer's arrival had an even greater impact.

In the 39 games before Roloson came aboard, the Lightning was giving up an average of 3.08 goals per game. In Roloson's first 19 games, the average remained steady at 3.11.

Yet, once Brewer arrived in mid February from the Blues, that average dropped dramatically, to 2.29 goals per game in the regular season and 2.0 in the postseason.

"It's more than just one thing. It's a combination of everything," Boucher said. "It's Hedman growing up, it's (Brett) Clark stepping up a notch and (Mike) Lundin being consistent. It's our young forwards — how do I say this? — diminishing their unawareness.

"You get a guy like Roli coming in, and a calming atmosphere sets in, and that helps two or three guys. Then you get an example like Brewer to follow, and all of the sudden one more guy figures it out. It's a trickling effect, a domino effect from guy to guy."