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!”

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”

Mattias Ohlund Photo by Linda Hamilton

Mattias Ohlund hasn’t played in an NHL game since May 27, 2011.  This was, as all Lightning fans remember, the crushing 1-0 loss to Boston in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

It is apparent that the Lightning missed him this past season.  I’m of the belief that it’s not so much Ohlund that the Lightning blueline was missing – it was the trickle-down effect he has on other players.  If Ohlund would have been in the lineup in any capacity, this would have reduced minutes for guys like Victor Hedman and Eric Brewer.  I firmly believe that both of their levels of play suffered last season as a result of being overtaxed.

Could we see the big Swede return this season?  He thinks it’s possible, but it won’t be in time for the start of the season.  Here are a few excerpts from Ohlund’s recent interview with Damian Cristodero:

» Continue reading “Mattias Ohlund Update: Better But Not Close”

Mattias Ohlund Photo by Linda Hamilton

An interesting thing happened this week in hockey news. There’s no pretending that anyone at Sons of Andreychuk can read Swedish, but an article on the Swedish newspaper site Expressen published an interview with Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund.

If we’re to believe the rumors and others attempts at Google Translate, Ohlund told the publication that he is unsure if he will be able to play hockey again.Given the defensive struggles the Lightning had this season on more than one occasion, the immediate reaction to this revelation is profanity mumbled under your breath.

» Continue reading “The Curious Case Of Mattias Ohlund”