Photo by Linda Hamilton

The Lightning issued an announcement on Sunday that they were going to add 4 additional players to their training camp roster. J.T. Wyman, Mark Barberio, Tyler Johnson, & Radko Gudas have joined the squad by now ahead of their first session in Estero, FL this evening.

Syracuse is well represented during this week’s session. Mike Angelidis, Cory Conacher, Pierre-Cedric Labrie, Keith Aulie, and Matt Taormina took place in Sunday’s session.

Defenseman Evan Oberg was placed on waivers, ending another rash of “Oberging” before it even begins.

Brett Connolly Photo by Linda Hamilton

The topic du jour today is the apparent leap forward in the NHL’s labor negotiations.  Optimism seems higher than ever before and many people think the lockout could end as early as this Friday.  While I’m not denying the importance of this, these injury updates from Syracuse should make Lightning fans happy as well. » Continue reading “Crunch and Grind: Injury Updates from Syracuse”

Keith Aulie Photo by Linda Hamilton

One of the good things about organizational depth is that it protects a team from taking a big hit if a trade doesn’t pan out. » Continue reading “Interesting Times For Keith Aulie”

Do or do not. There is no try.

A long time ago in an arena by the bay… two hockey bloggers found themselves sitting at home on a Friday night. Dinner had been consumed, pajamas were on,  and the only thing left to do was to find a movie on television. Enter “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” and “The Empire Strikes Back”.

As the movies progressed, Jason Haas and I did the only thing we could to make the evening complete. We cast Lightning players past and present in George Lucas’ space epic.  The original trilogy only, of course. We’re not complete heathens.

Who’s who in our Lightning/Star Wars crossover? Read on…

» Continue reading “Bolt Wars: Who’s Scruffy-Looking?”

Voodoo enjoys a day at the beach. Photo by Linda Hamilton

It’s finally here! Free agency is set to begin in about 30 minutes. Steve Yzerman has made it known that the Lightning are in the market for D-men.

Stick with us as we keep you updated on the latest news. Let’s get started!

» Continue reading “NHL Free Agency Frenzy 2012″

Steven Stamkos Photo by Linda Hamilton

- Ok, Lightning fans. Time to get our vote on. The nominees for ESPN’s ESPY awards were announced and Steven Stamkos is one of the men in the Best NHL Player category. No disrespect to Claude Giroux, Henrik Lundqvist, Evgeni Malkin, or Jonathan Quick. Stammer is the man and this is an outlet to let our voices be heard.

I know, I know. ESPN and the NHL have an estranged relationship, and it’s amazing that they are even including the game of hockey in their awards show. This show is a great opportunity for everyone to see what we know here in Tampa. We may not be a traditional market steeped in history or have the largest fan base, but by Gretzky we are rabid. Vote Stamkos! To make it even easier, you can vote here.

- More news on the signing front. Defenseman Brendan Mikkelson was signed to a one year, one way contract for $600,000 today. After being acquired from Calgary in the Blair Jones trade last season, Mikkelson played 41 games for Tampa. In those games he had one goal, three points, and thirteen penalty minutes.

The signing leaves the Bolts with 4 unsigned restricted free agents: Keith Aulie, Jaroslav Janus, Brian Lee, and Evan Oberg. Free agency mania starts Sunday at noon.

- Newly drafted goaltender Andrei Vasilevski was selected by Mississauga in the 2nd round of the CHL Import Draft today. No word if this means he is definitely coming to North America to play, as he is still under contract in Russia.

Brian Lee Photo by Linda Hamilton

The NHL Draft just ended on Saturday, but Lightning GM Steve Yzerman continues to stay busy instead of waiting for free agency. Tampa issued qualifying offers to five players that were set to become restricted free agents on July 1st. In doing so, the Bolts maintain negotiating rights with a number of their top prospects and young players.

Brian Lee, Brendan Mikkelson, Keith Aulie, Evan Oberg, and Jaroslav Janus. That’s four defensemen and a goalie for those of you keeping score at home.

A few names were missing from that list of offers: defenseman Sebastien Piche and left wing Benoit Pouliot. Tampa did just acquire Pouliot’s rights on Saturday and no qualifying offer doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be signed.  No offer means he can’t invoke his salary arbitration rights. With the CBA situation in flux, that may be the best possible scenario for the Lightning.

In other news, the Florida Everblades have renewed their affiliation with the Lightning and add AHL affiliation with the Syracuse Crunch. Tampa’s ECHL affiliate is coming off  the first Kelly Cup Championship in franchise history.

And finally, Teddy Purcell is having one heck of a summer.

Radko Gudas Photo by Angie Hamilton

It’s a hockey tradition for teams in the playoffs to grow playoff beards. Whether it’s mutton chops, goatees, little wispy whiskers, or might lumberjack efforts the post season is a time for facial follicles.  The Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League have made waves this year for their historic 29 game win streak, but they are making headlines in another way as they advance in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Yahoo’s Puck Daddy posted about Admirals defenseman Radko Gudas and his beard. At least we think it’s a beard. He may have just glued a ferret to his face. Gudas isn’t the only Norfolk player with fine fuzz, Scott Jackson and Eric Neilson immediately come to mind.

What separates Gudas from these other outstanding beards is that he didn’t start growing it during that win streak. According to the team he started growing it at playoff time. What’s also amazing is that Gudas is only 21 years old. Heck, Vinny Lecavalier couldn’t muster playoff scruff until he was 30.

» Continue reading “Admirals Advance To Finals, Gudas’ Beard Is Glorious”