"You lose a guy like Stamkos and a heart-and-soul guy like Callahan and it's tough to recover from that," Girardi said. "But this team has a lot of potential and a lot of great young players.
"It's a great team here. They have had lot of success in the past and I'm sure they're going to be just as good this year. It's going to be a little different stepping out there the first time, but it will definitely be fun."
The Lightning hope the additions of Girardi and forward Chris Kunitz, who signed a one-year contract July 1, will make them a tougher team defensively with a more abrasive attitude. Kunitz is a four-time Stanley Cup winner and Girardi has played 122 postseason games.
"That's why I came here," Girardi said. "I want to help this team. [The Lightning] didn't make the playoffs last year so they are extremely hungry. Obviously being bought out makes me [hungrier] to show I can still play and contribute."
Girardi gives the Lightning another veteran defenseman, joining Victor Hedman, Braydon Coburn and Anton Stralman, another former Rangers teammate. Girardi said he's been particularly impressed with Hedman, a Norris Trophy finalist last season.
"That would pretty special if I get to play with him," Girardi said. "Obviously a Norris candidate every year. I was fortunate enough to play with Ryan McDonagh in New York and he is a pretty good [defenseman] too. Whoever they put me with, we'll figure it out. I'm just looking forward to being able to contribute the best I can."
Although Girardi is a physical presence, he has managed to stay out of the penalty box, with 275 penalty minutes in 788 NHL games.