Anders Lindback Photo by Bridget Samuels/ Flickr

Ladies and gentlemen, Steve Yzerman is pleased to present the victor of the first Goalie Games: Anders Lindback!

Before the ink dried on Adam Hall and JT Wyman’s new contracts, breaking news came out of Tampa. Instead of waiting for the draft to wheel and deal, it was announced that the Lightning traded for 6’7″ Nashville Predators goaltender Anders Lindback.  The Preds received Sebastien Caron, two second round picks this year, and a third round pick in 2013. The Bolts also obtained forward Kyle Wilson and a 7th round pick.

Not bad considering everyone outside of Toronto had Luongo headed back to the Sunshine State. It seems like Steve Yzerman wasn’t trying to disguise his interest in Bobby Lu by feigning disinterest.  Stevie Y was a straight shooter a few weeks ago when he said he preferred to get a younger netminder to build a long term contender.

Here’s the story on Anders. In addition to being a giant Swede, he has some decent numbers. In 38 career NHL games, Lindback is 16-13-2 with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. Tampa needed a number one goalie and he wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity in Nashville with Pekka Rinne as their go to guy. He seems to relish the opportunity ahead of him.

“I’m thrilled and excited to start next season with the Lightning. It’s going to be great playing on such an offensive team. Obviously, having Steven Stamkos, Vinny and Marty on your team is exciting for anyone. It’s the kind of team I want to be a part of and excited to have this new opportunity ahead of me, ” Lindback said.  (Quote Source: Tampa Tribune)

If nothing else, the goaltending tandem got a while lot taller. If you stack them one on top of another, they’ll be able to change the light bulbs in the new jumbotron.