At first glance, that seems low for the reigning Eastern Conference Champions. Look closer at Tampa Bay as a media market, and you'll realize it is low.
When NBCSN released their schedule of nationally televised games for the 2015-16 season, some quickly noticed that the Tampa Bay Lightning -- the reigning Eastern Conference Champions, and a remarkably fun team to watch -- were only slated to appear 8 times.
NBCSN views @TBLightning as the 12th most-interesting team despite the great SC Final ratings. pic.twitter.com/DXEBlf0VTY
— Bolt Prospects (@BoltProspects) July 27, 2015
That means twelve other teams will get more national TV games than the Lightning.