Nate Thompson Photo by Linda Hamilton

This was a game the Lightning needed to win. Scratch that. They’re all games they need to win if they want to even think about bumping into the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Turn overs and mental mistakes were hallmarks of this evening’s game against the Islanders. The Bolts did show some resiliency and tied the game twice, but ended up falling short and losing 4-2.

New York struck first and Richard Panik evened the score about five minutes into the second period. Josh Bailey pushed the Isles ahead again, but Matt Carle tied it yet again. What seemed to seal the deal was the third New York goal. Ben Bishop was screened and didn’t even see the puck until it was already behind him. Right through the five hole. An empty net goal in the final seconds of the game put the kibosh on any hopes of Tampa come back.

» Continue reading “Lightning Falter On Long Island, Lose 4-2 Against Islanders”

Alex Killorn Photo by Alexis Boucher

It was difficult to know what to expect out of the Tampa Bay Lightning headed into last night’s game against the New Jersey Devils. The first game under the tutelage of a new head coach and Andrej Sustr making his NHL debut on the blue line.  It may be late in the season, but a new era was dawning for the hockey club.

The teams scored 5 goals in about 8 minutes in the second period. Three for New Jersey, two for the Lightning. Steven Stamkos recoreded his 24th and 25th goals of the season.  Nate Thompson notched his 7th of the year in the second as well.

Alex Killorn brought the drama when he scored with 15 seconds left in regulation to tie the game and send it to overtime. Teddy Purcell and Victor Hedman scored in the shootout, Mathieu Garon stopped the two Devs he faced, and that’s all she wrote. It will be interesting to see what the team brings to the table for Tuesday’s game after more practice time with Jon Cooper.

» Continue reading “Lightning Down The Devils, Thompson Suspended”

Nate Thompson Photo by Linda Hamilton

The Bolts fell short 4-3 against the Ottawa Senators, but there was good news. Fans of Tampa’s Alaskan Assassin, Nate Thompson, had a lot to celebrate today. Shortly before puck drop, Fox Sports Florida announced that the forward had been signed to a four year contract extension.  ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun reported the deal is valued $6.4 million, averaging $1.6 million a season.

A checking line center, Nate has made a name for himself in Tampa through his hard working play. His grit and hustle have made him a favorite of head coach Guy Boucher, earning the nickname “textbook” and “Nate Boucher” a few seasons back. Thompson is versatile, often finding himself on the penalty killing unit. Through 30 games this year, he has six goals and four assists.

» Continue reading “Lightning Sign F Nate Thompson To 4 Year Extension”

With great mustache comes great responsibility

With the April 3rd trade deadline less than a month away, the time is now for teams to begin assessing their playoff chances and deciding what kind of moves, if any, need to be made.  My goal is to do a few of these over the coming weeks, hopefully with more and more conviction as the standings continue to take shape. » Continue reading “Trade Deadline Talk: Nate Thompson”

Nate Thompson Photo By Linda Hamilton

Tonight saw the Lightning defeat the New Jersey Devils 5-2 in what has been their most complete effort in recent memory. No exaggeration there. A lot of the mistakes that plagued them through the first three games of their road trip were addressed. Fewer turn overs, they were dominant in the face off circle, and were throwing hits. Add on scoring from the grinders and this was a very entertaining game to watch.

Here are some of the things that stood out this evening:

» Continue reading “Shout At The Devil: Lightning Snap Losing Streak In New Jersey”

Lightning Lockerroom Sign Photo by Linda Hamilton

Bobby “The Chief” Taylor said it best during the Lightning post game radio show this evening.  You don’t win games by allowing 39 shots on goal at home. Unfortunately that’s just what happened during Tampa’s game against the Washington Capitals. There were some good things, but the nagging mistakes continued to come back to bite them. The Bolts mustered another late rally, but fell short of securing a point. The 4-3 loss extended Tampa’s winless streak to 6 games.

Woo freakin’ hoo.

» Continue reading “Bad Romance: Sputtering Lightning Lose 4-3 To Caps”

Pretty much, Guy.

So. Yeah. Things started off well enough in Newark this evening. The Lightning got off to a stronger start, looked a lot less sluggish, and were putting pucks on net. Unfortunately,  a number of the same issues that have reared their heads over the last few games came with them too. Unable to sustain pressure in the offensive zone and turnovers played a big part on the 4-2 loss to the New Jersey.

Oh and those funny penalty calls in the third period, but we’ll get there soon enough.

» Continue reading “Devil In The Details: Lightning Fall In New Jersey 4-2″

Victory! Photo by Alexis Boucher

So… you guys saw that game too, right? We’re not just imagining the 8-3 thumping the Lightning delivered to the Winnipeg Jets?  The strength of Tampa’s start this season has been pretty unbelievable. After tonight’s victory they are 6-1-0 and have scored five or more goals in four straight games. If this is a dream, please don’t wake us.

Tampa’s power play has been extremely strong and definitely took advantage of Winnipeg’s penalties. Cory Conacher got things under way with the first goal. Chris Thorburn was given a five minute penalty for checking defenseman Sami Salo from behind. Salo left the bench for a bit to get patched up but did return. The Jets were called for two minor penalties while the 5 minutes ticked off the clock, giving Steven Stamkos and Vinny Lecavalier the chance to score their own goals with a 5-3 man advantage.

» Continue reading “Soarin’ : Lightning Down Jets 8-3″

Pierre Cedric Labrie Photo by Linda Hamilton

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced their opening night roster well ahead of Friday’s deadline. Here’s how the team is going to look:

Forwards: Vinny Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos, Marty St. Louis, Teddy Purcell, Ryan Malone, Benoit Pouliot, Tom Pyatt, Dana Tyrell, Adam Hall, Nate Thompson, B.J. Crombeen, Cory Conacher and Pierre-Cedric Labrie.

Defensemen: Victor Hedman, Sam Salo, Eric Brewer, Matt Carle, Brian Lee, Marc-Andre Bergeron, Keith Aulie and Brendan Mikkelson.

Goaltenders: Anders Lindback & Mathieu Garon.

So there you have it.That’s how the 2013 Bolts ( Not 2012-13. There was no 2012 involved in this season) will get started. The coaches seemed extremely positive about Conacher, so his addition isn’t exactly a surprise. Labrie on the other hand? Wow. For a while it seemed like Tyler Johnson could make the jump to the main club. Both he and Conacher have been insanely prolific when it comes to scoring. Johnson’s time is definitely coming, but not this Saturday.

The addition of Labrie and Crombeen have the potential to change the landscape of the on ice product if you will. With the exception of Steve Downie, the Lightning have been more about skill and finesse since Yzerman & Boucher came to town. The mantra was reacting to the opponent. Labrie and Crombeen play their game with a healthy amount of grit and physicality. They’ll be expected to play with discipline, but it could make other teams think twice before they take physical advantage of the Bolts.

Yup. Officially getting excited.

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!”