Photo by Alexis Boucher

Another game at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, another shootout. Unfortunately things didn’t go in the Bolts’ favor this time. They managed to earn a point, but with the season slipping away that second one is key. Tampa managed to rally from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game, showing a resilience that hasn’t always been present this season.

The score sheet looked a little different this evening. For starters, Steven Stamkos and Marty St. Louis’ names weren’t on it. Tom Pyatt and Alex Killorn scored both of Tampa’s goals. Victor Hedman, Matt Carle, and Teddy Purcell registered the helpers. The Bolts did stage an offensive flurry, getting 41 shots on goal in regulation.

The team looked a little more tempered than in Friday’s victory. Jon Cooper is getting more practice time and that’s only a good thing. With a three game road trip looming , the remainder of this week will likely determine if the Bolts make the post season or have an early summer. They have been resilient, but they need to come ready to play.

Anders Lindback Photo by Alexis Boucher

The Lightning are extremely lucky to have pulled out a win against the Panthers tonight. Tampa registered just 13 shots on goal through the whole entire game. We’ve been remembering moments over the team’s 20 year history this season and they made it again tonight. They registered the lowest number of shots in franchise history. On the other end of the ice, Anders Lindback faced 39 shots. How on earth did the Bolts end up winning 3-2? Lindback stopped 37 of the Panthers chances.

It’s going to be difficult for some to give credit where it’s due, but Lindback stole this game for the Lightning. That can’t even be argued.

» Continue reading “Lindback Leads The Lightning In 3-2 Win Against Florida”

Tampa Bay Times Forum & Esposito’s New Statue Photo by Linda Hamilton

When the NHL realignment plan first came to light, there were a lot of questions. What about old rivalries like Detroit & Chicago? How does this make more geographic sense than the current lay out? With a league comprised of four conferences back in popular conversation, there’s been a lot of talk about how this would effect the Tampa Bay Lightning. In short, it could be great for the Florida teams and it could be terrible.

In hockey, as in life, it often helps to make a list of pros and cons:

» Continue reading “NHL Realignment: Bad or Boon For The Tampa Bay Lightning?”

Slater Koekkoek photo by Jason Haas

- Lightning prospect Slater Koekkoek played just 2 games with the Windsor Spitfires before being shut down. Koekkoek lost time with the Peterborough Petes last season after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. After a trip to Tampa where he was examined by team doctors, it was determined a second operation was needed. Expected healing time is 4-6 months. Tough break for a kid who played just 26 games last year due to the same injury.

-The Syracuse Crunch traded future considerations to the Florida Panthers yesterday. In return the Crunch add forward Jean-Francois Jacques to their ranks.

“We felt like we needed to add a power forward to our group,” Crunch general manager Julien BriseBois said. “Someone who brings some size, some grit, and who can score.” (Quote Source: Official Lightning Site)

While the Crunch gained Kyle Wilson following Tampa’s training camp, they lost Cory Conacher and Pierre-Cedric Labrie to their parent club. This move will add some more depth for them as Syracuse moves towards the playoffs.

-The Bolts will honor captain Vinny Lecavalier’s 1,000th career game with a pre-game presentation. As part of the festivities, Reebok is giving away 1,000 tickets to the game against the Ottawa Senators. You can enter the contest at the Lightning’s Facebook page.

Chris Dingman Photo by Linda Hamilton

- Newer hockey fans may know former Bolt Chris Dingman for his work in the media than on the ice. A staple of the Sun Sports television broadcast, he shared some of his favorite hockey memories with The Hockey News.

Dinger played for Calgary, Colorado, and Carolina before landing in Tampa. The two time Stanley Cup Champion known for his tough play shared some great stuff. Ever wonder how he got the nickname “Dish” or the funniest hockey person he came across? Wonder no more.

» Continue reading “Nuts & Bolts: Dingman’s Hockey Memories, Lightning Essentials”