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.

Photo by Alexis Boucher

A shortened season means an abbreviated training camp. With their season opener set for Saturday night, the Lightning coaches have to decide on their roster by the 3 pm deadline on Friday. The deadline to place players on waivers to be reassigned to the AHL is noon tomorrow. On top of all those time restrictions, a smaller camp means fewer positions up for grabs.

That doesn’t mean guys aren’t making an impact. All of the news about Cory Conacher has been positive. He’s spent a large amount of time playing on a line with Teddy Purcell and Vinny Lecavalier. Coach Boucher has been impressed.

» Continue reading “Battles For Roster Spots Rage On At Tampa’s Training Camp”

Photo by Alexis Boucher

With the NHL’s impending return, the fans are buzzing with excitement of having actual hockey to talk about again. Our players are returning from near and far. Training camps are right around the corner and many squads have already begun informal skating sessions.

While flipping through photos of the Lightning’s skate the other day, an unsettling moment occurred.  There was a player in a Tampa sweater. And I had no idea who the hell he was. Summer signings feel like they were a million years ago, so we can cut ourselves a little slack. We need a refresher course as to who exactly plays for our team now. What better way to do that than with a little game?

Here’s how it works. A series of roster photos will be shown along with multiple choice answers. Pick your answer until you reach the end. The answer key will let you know how you did. Winner gets… the satisfaction of a job well done.

Now it’s time for NAME… THAT… BOLT!

» Continue reading “Name That Bolt!”

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.