TAMPA — The Devils desperately need reasons to hope, sparks to rekindle the fire that has gone out. Brian Rafalski is one.

As they visit the lame-duck Lightning here tonight in a game the Devils must win to expect to claim their fourth straight conference title, they have at least seen their defense start to stabilize after a wild month on the usually glorious backline.

Rafalski may be the best candidate for Rookie of the Year, not only on the team, but in the league, yet it seems unlikely that the 26-year-old will outpoll teammate Scott Gomez. Having earned his spot as the early favorite for the award with an awesome start, Gomez became, without asking, the darling of the the league’s diversity promotion. His production has slowed in the second half, but he remains the frontrunner on the basis of his early lead.

There was no mistaking, however, the sizable impact Rafalski made in his return to the Devil lineup in Friday’s 6-0 blowout of Atlanta. He returned from torn rib cartilage to rejoin Scott Stevens, giving the Devils a reminder of the great backline they used to have.

In less than a month, Lyle Odelein was traded for Deron Quint; Quint was kicked off the team; Scott Niedermayer was suspended; and Rafalski was injured. And Vladimir Malakhov hasn’t been a steal for Sheldon Souray, either.

The backline became a mess, and the Devils aren’t used to such a situation. Rafalski’s return cleaned up some of that. At least they had one pair intact, their best pair.

“I can’t believe the difference in our team with him back there,” Larry Robinson said. “He’s skating the puck out, and he gives our team a different look.

“It elevates Scott Stevens’ game as well.”

Bryan Berard in 1997 was the last defenseman to win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the Year, preceded by Brian Leetch (1989) and Gary Suter (1986). It doesn’t happen often, and as deserving as Rafalski is, Gomez is too.

“It’s tough for a defenseman. The game is so hard coming in,” said Stevens. “A guy who is offensive could get noticed.”

Rafalski hasn’t been a reckless wonder, although he is beginning to move up offensively. His steady play, and his sharp breakouts have been among his strongest suits. His 5-9 size was his weakest suit, at least to GMs who didn’t draft him and left him playing four seasons in Europe before joining the Devils this season.

“I’m surprised he wasn’t in the league sooner. He plays the body so well, and he’s so strong,” Stevens said. “He’s knocked a lot of guys down. Big guys.”

He was named NHL Rookie of the Month for February, and instead of being an erratic first-year backliner, he has become as relied-upon as a vet.

“What’s wrong with being a dependable rookie?” Rafalski asked. “It’s a role I’ve become used to. That’s what I strive to be. If I’m not, that’s what I want to be.”

Without Niedermayer until Game 2 of the playoffs, the Devils will be depending on Rafalski. Heavily.

Devils visit Panthers tomorrow … Lightning beat Devils 3-1 at Meadowlands March 17 … New Jersey is 7-12-2 in last 21.

Devils have lost two straight on road … Robinson is 2-2 since replacing Robbie Ftorek.