Lightning At Practice Photo by Alexis Boucher

Tampa beat writers Damian Cristodero and Erik Erlendson are both reporting that the Lightning will be opening the season at home on January 19th. After many rumors flying that the Florida Panthers would be their first foe, it looks like it’s going to be another division rival in the Washington Capitals. Until opening night, there is still a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time.

Training camp will open on January 13th at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Sessions will take place at the arena on Sunday and Monday. Both days will be open to the public according to Cristodero. The Lightning’s Twitter account stated a fan event will take place at the Forum on Sunday as well. No real details have emerged on exactly what that will be yet.

After those two sessions training camp will head south to Estero, Florida. The Germain Arena will host the Bolts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. If the arena’s name sounds familiar, it’s probably because some of you have been to see the Florida Everblades there.

Buckle up, sports fans. We’re in for a frantic and furious start to the season.

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”

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.

Steve Yzerman & Guy Boucher Photo by Linda Hamilton

-Another big win for the boys in the Lightning system. Tampa’s ECHL affiliate Florida Everblades defeated the Las Vegas Wranglers 3-2 to capture their first Kelly Cup.

Congratulations to the squad and the fans who waited 14 years to see their team hoist the trophy in triumph!

- According to his agent, the Lightning are serious contenders to secure the services of Swiss right winger Damien Brunner.

“We have a lot of work to do between now and his decision,” Neil Sheehy said. “But I know Damien was very, very impressed with (Tampa Bay general manager) Steve Yzerman. … They have met and there’s interest on both sides.” (Quote Source: Tampa Bay Times)

Nothing is definite yet and there are sure to be other teams coming to court Brunner after his stand out performance at the World Championships. This is one to watch though.

-Yesterday morning GM Steve Yzerman appeared on 620 WADE “The Sports Animal” here in Tampa and basically refuted the rumors that the Bolts would not be pursuing a big name goalie via trade this summer.

During the interview, he said that his ultimate goal was to find a Hall of Fame netminder, but that kind of search will take time.  Most GMs would want to obtain a top tier goalie via the draft or free agency since it would cost a whole lot less.

In spite of Yzerman’s words, this doesn’t completely close the door on acquiring Luongo. He is, after all, a Jedi master when it comes to negotiating. It could all just be a ruse.

-Per the Tampa Bay Times, Steven Stamkos is recovering well following surgery on his left shoulder about a month ago.  the league’s leading scorer sat out of the World Championships in order to recuperate.

He expects to begin his summer training regiment in the Toronto area with former Lightning player Gary Roberts.