Mark Barberio Photo by Linda Hamilton

Sunday night’s loss against the Washington Capitals pretty much sealed the season for the Lightning. They were playing well enough to win but mistakes hounded them and two points against a division rival were lost. So what now?  The front office seems to be signaling that they are starting to get a feel for next season’s blue line. Defenseman Mark Barberio was called up today, Matt Taormina was reassigned to the Syracuse Crunch.

Through 70 games with the Crunch this season, Barberio has eight goals and 44 points. He leads all Syracuse defensemen in goals, points, and assists.

In a stroke of luck, Barberio’s parents were going to vacation in Florida soon and were able to come down a bit early to see their son play. He is expected to make his NHL debut in tomorrow’s game against the Ottawa Senators.

Photo by Linda Hamilton

It seems as though it’s been predicted all season long, but it’s finally happened. The Lightning have fired Guy Boucher as their head coach this morning. Assistant coaches Dan LaCroix and Martin Raymond will handle coaching duties behind the bench in tonight’s game at Winnipeg.

Boucher leaves the Lightning with a record of 84-62-16. After experiencing wild success in his first season as head coach, the Lightning never seemed to live up to the promise of the 2011 playoffs. As of today, the Bolts are 13-17-1 and sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference.

GM Steven Yzerman issued the following statement when announcing the news:

Via the Official Lightning Website:

“Guy has poured his heart and soul into the Lightning organization for these past three years and we appreciate all the work he has done. But ultimately I am not satisfied with the direction we are heading and I believe making a change today is in the best interest of our franchise.”

» Continue reading “Lightning Release Guy Boucher As Head Coach”

Vincent Lecavalier Photo by Linda Hamilton

Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier wasn’t out on the ice for morning skate today and for good reason. Per the team, Vinny is out indefinitely with an unspecified lower body injury and has been placed on injured reserve. It doesn’t sound like surgery is necessary, but the IR move does mean he’ll be out a minimum of 7 days.  The injury appears to have been sustained in the third period of Tuesday’s game against the Panthers.

As with most things in life, you take the good with the bad. In losing Lecavalier, the Lightning lose their leader. Vinny was also second on the team in face off percentage and leading the squad in hits. He also sees a significant amount of time on the power play. That’s bad.

The good? Center Tyler Johnson has been called up from the Syracuse Crunch and will make his NHL debut tonight against the New York Islanders. Through 59 games with the Crunch, Johnson has 31 goals and 57 points. 11 of those goals came on the power play. He did take part in the Lightning’s abbreviated training camp in January before the start of the season. Johnson will wear #63 on his sweater this evening.

So what happens now? The Lightning continue to struggle or they channel the Ottawa Senators and keep right on playing. The latter is infinitely more appealing.

Radko Gudas Photo Credit: Syracuse Crunch Facebook Page

It’s been a long time coming, but many Lightning fans are cheering this afternoon with the news that defenseman Radko Gudas was recalled by the parent club this afternoon. The gritty blueliner has made a name for himself with hard hits, fights, and a beard so outstanding it recently inspired a theme night at a Syracuse Crunch game.

For those who aren’t too familiar with Gudas, here’s a brief tutorial. Originally selected by Tampa in the 3rd round of the 2010 NHL Entry draft. The Czech native played for the Everett Silvertips of the WHL before joining the then Lightning AHL Affiliate in Norfolk. He played two seasons with the Admirals including last year’s Calder Cup winning campaign. He represented the Eastern Conference at this year’s All Star Event. Through 57 games with the Crunch this year Radko has 4 goals, 20 points, and 207 penalty minutes.

A little trivia for you: he will be the first player in Lightning history to don the number 75 on his sweater.

Words alone can’t convey the magnificence of Gudas. Buckle up and enjoy:

» Continue reading “Fear The Beard: Lightning Recall Radko Gudas”

Mathieu Garon Photo by Linda Hamilton

Early in the second period of last night’s loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mathieu Garon moved to his left to make a save on Evgeni Malkin. As he drifted across the crease, it was clear that something was wrong. Tommy Mulligan came out to talk to the netminder for a moment before Garon gingerly left the ice under his own power. Anders Lindback went in in relief and Lightning fans are left with linger questions about another groin injury for Garon. A torn did end his 2011-12 season in March of last year. The team’s word so far is an undisclosed lower body injury, but it’s easy to read between the lines.

The injury brings roster moves. The team has officially announced that Cedrick Desjardins has been recalled from the Syracuse Crunch. Desjardins was re-acquired by the Lightning in mid-February. He’s plaed 28 AHL games this season, amassing a 2.70 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage.

Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times relayed coach Guy Boucher’s statement that Anders Lindback will get the start in goal tonight against the New Jersey Devils.

Pierre Cedric Labrie Photo by Linda Hamilton

- Lightning GM Steve Yzerman made an announcement about some roster alterations this afternoon. Defenseman Brendan Mikkelson and forward Pierre-Cedric Labrie have been assigned to the Syracuse Crunch for a conditioning stint. Not a bad idea.

Mikkelson has skated in 2 games so far this season and did suffer a scary injury where he collided with the boards in practice. Labrie has seen time in 3 games and has garnered 5 penalty minutes. Neither has seen a lot of time and this will serve them better than sitting in the press box.

- Anders Lindback missed his start against the Washington Capitals due to a bout of the flu. Per head coach Guy Boucher, the goalie is feeling much better. Lindback practiced today and is anticipating to start in Saturday’s matinee game on the road against the Florida Panthers.

» Continue reading “Nuts & Bolts: Syracuse Assignments, The Beard, & Hockey Weekend Across America”

The Lightning are set to take on the Washington Capitals tomorrow evening. February 14th may be known more for romance, but there’s going to be few fuzzy feelings on the ice. That doesn’t mean love won’t be in the air in other ways.

Last year we enjoyed pink and red heart graphics on the video board. During a trip to the team store last weekend, there were pink Valentine’s day pucks for sale. A perfect gift for the sweetheart in your life? Sure, why not.

The Syracuse Crunch are also getting in the spirit of the day. They took to Youtube to share some of the things they love most. And it’s a must see.

» Continue reading “Tampa Bay Lightning & Syracuse Crunch Feel The Love”

Ryan Malone Makes New Friends Photo by Linda Hamilton

Tampa’s improved depth is going to be put to the test going into tonight’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. LW Ryan Malone suffered an undisclosed lower body injury prior to Sunday’s game against the New York Rangers.  Many players take part in a pre-warm up skate soccer game and that seems to be what aggravated a lingering ailment.

Lightning head coach Guy Boucher estimated that Malone could miss as much as 3-4 weeks. Bugsy is hoping that he’ll miss less time. This marks the third consecutive season that the winger has missed time due to injury.

With Malone’s movement to the IR, the Lightning have recalled Richard Panik from the Syracuse Crunch. Panik has 21 goals and and 14 assists through 43 games with the Crunch this season.

“Panik is a big guy with tremendous speed,” Guy Boucher said. “He’s a solid hockey player. He’s got unbelievable hands and skills, and sometimes has shown flashes of brilliance.” (Quote Source: NHL.com)

It’ll be a big night for two of Tampa’s prospects. Panik will make his NHL debut and Alex Killorn will play his first game at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Alex Killorn Photo Credit: Syracuse Crunch Facebook Page

Update: Dana Tyrell cleared waivers as of noon today. Killorn is will be making his NHL debut tonight. He’ll be on the third line as right wing, Ryan Malone at left wing, and Benoit Pouliot at center.

With the news of Dana Tyrell being placed on waivers earlier today, a call up from Syracuse seemed to be a foregone conclusion. What wasn’t apparently was who exactly would be joining the Lightning in New York City for tomorrow’s game. Tyler Johnson was invited to the team’s abbreviated training camp a few weeks back. Brett Connolly played 68 games with the big club last season. JT Wyman saw playing time with the Bolts last year as well. According to an article on Syracuse.com, center Alex Killorn will be making his NHL debut against the Rangers.

Rumblings started when Killorn was scratched for the Crunch’s Saturday night game against Albany. He is tied  for second on the team with 38 points, 16 goals, and 22 assists. Originally selected by the Lightning in the 2007 Entry Draft, the Harvard grad has had a torrid run since joining the Norfolk Admirals following his graduation last year.

» Continue reading “Report: Alex Killorn Expected To Be Called Up By Lightning”

Viral videos come and go. The bedroom intruder. Sweet Brown. Double Rainbow. Very few find their way into our everyday lexicon. Cory Conacher’s torrid rookie campaign has brought an old favorite back to the forefront of Bolts Nations’ memories. The Honey Badger.

There’s really no way to describe it. See for yourself. NSFW due to language. If you’re sensitive or surrounded by young ears, you may not want to partake in this adventure. Here is the video

What does this have to do with Conacher? He and the honey badger have a lot in common. They take what they want. It doesn’t matter if their prey is bigger, stronger, or even has poisonous venom. The honey badger doesn’t back down from anything. That’s definitely one of the hallmarks of Cory’s approach to hockey.

» Continue reading “Cory Conacher’s Spirit Animal: Honey Badger”