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”

Photo by Alexis Boucher

It’s tough to know where to begin. Another rough loss that saw the Toronto Maple Leafs score four goals before the Bolts answered. Another late rally that fell just short. Another injury, this time to Anders Lindback who had gone into the game in relief of Mathieu Garon.  Victor Hedman felled by a questionable hit delivered by Joffrey Lupul. Rough times indeed. Definitely not the way you want a road trip to get started.

Let’s focus on the positive. Radko Gudas, and his beard, scored his first career NHL goal. Cory Conacher and Tyler Johnson teamed up for Tampa’s second goal.

Rest, regroup, and get ready for Ottawa on Saturday. And hope Lindback’s lower body injury is only day to day.

Tyler Johnson Photo by Alexis Boucher

As the third period was about to get underway at the Tampa Bay Times Forum last night, the scoring summary was shown on the video board as per usual. What was a but of a change was the names showing up on that list. Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, Alex Killorn, and Cory Conacher. All recently played for the Syracuse Crunch. All have joined the parent club and have been impossible to ignore on the ice.

Johnson scored his first NHL goal last night and also registered an assist. Sadly there were no fisticuffs to complete the Gordie Howe Hat Trick, but the W is more important. Ondrej Palat also scored his first NHL goal last night as well. The “green” players lead the Bolts to a 4-1 victory over the division rival Carolina Hurricanes.

Take a look at Johnson’s goal. The hard work of that line helped the Lightning to open the scoring. The magic these guys were creating in the AHL has definitely translated to the bigger stage of the NHL. It couldn’t come at a better time for Tampa Bay.

» Continue reading “Luck O’ The Crunch: Rookies Lead Lightning to 4-1 Win”

Photo by Linda Hamilton

At the risk of getting into trouble by littering this brief recap with four letter words, I’ll keep it brief. Instead of censoring, here’s a short list.

- Can’t blame this one on Anders Lindback.

-Radko Gudas remains a beast, trimmed beard or no.

- Congrats to Tyler Johnson on his NHL debut.

As for the rest? Well… we’ll let 2006 Michel Therrien take it from here.

» Continue reading “Lightning Lose 2-0 To Islanders. Yes, The Islanders.”

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”

Radko Gudas Photo Credit: Syracuse Crunch Facebook Page

It’s been a long time coming, but many Lightning fans are cheering this afternoon with the news that defenseman Radko Gudas was recalled by the parent club this afternoon. The gritty blueliner has made a name for himself with hard hits, fights, and a beard so outstanding it recently inspired a theme night at a Syracuse Crunch game.

For those who aren’t too familiar with Gudas, here’s a brief tutorial. Originally selected by Tampa in the 3rd round of the 2010 NHL Entry draft. The Czech native played for the Everett Silvertips of the WHL before joining the then Lightning AHL Affiliate in Norfolk. He played two seasons with the Admirals including last year’s Calder Cup winning campaign. He represented the Eastern Conference at this year’s All Star Event. Through 57 games with the Crunch this year Radko has 4 goals, 20 points, and 207 penalty minutes.

A little trivia for you: he will be the first player in Lightning history to don the number 75 on his sweater.

Words alone can’t convey the magnificence of Gudas. Buckle up and enjoy:

» Continue reading “Fear The Beard: Lightning Recall Radko Gudas”

Photo by Alexis Boucher

- Tomorrow’s game against the Buffalo Sabres will be the 11th home game of the season. It will also be the Lightning’s 11th straight sell out at the Forum in the shortened 2013 season. For those who wondered of the Bolts would face attendance woes in the wake of the lockout, this pretty much puts that to rest.

This streak is already the third longest in franchise history. The second longest streak is 13 games. Can they keep it going? Head out, buy tickets, put Lightning fans in the seats. Save your money on the upcoming 4 game road trip and come back ready to cheer on the home team.

- Steven Stamkos was named the NHL’s Second Star for the week ending 2/24/13. The Lightning experienced some ups and downs over the week, but Stammer’s scoring touch continued in spades. Tampa’s sniper scored in each of the four games he played in and ended with 8 points. Jakub Voracek and Ben Bishop earned the first and third stars respectively.

» Continue reading “Nuts & Bolts: Sellout Streak, Stamkos Named NHL’s 2nd Star”

Cory Conacher Photo by Alexis Boucher

Three glimmers of light could soon give way to an entire sky full of shining stars.  This lame analogy is in reference to the three Lightning rookies currently on the roster – Alex Killorn, Cory Conacher, and Richard Panik – and how their success at the NHL level could be indicative of what’s to come for this franchise.  » Continue reading “Lightning Rookies Providing A Glimpse Of The Near Future”

Pierre Cedric Labrie Photo by Linda Hamilton

- Lightning GM Steve Yzerman made an announcement about some roster alterations this afternoon. Defenseman Brendan Mikkelson and forward Pierre-Cedric Labrie have been assigned to the Syracuse Crunch for a conditioning stint. Not a bad idea.

Mikkelson has skated in 2 games so far this season and did suffer a scary injury where he collided with the boards in practice. Labrie has seen time in 3 games and has garnered 5 penalty minutes. Neither has seen a lot of time and this will serve them better than sitting in the press box.

- Anders Lindback missed his start against the Washington Capitals due to a bout of the flu. Per head coach Guy Boucher, the goalie is feeling much better. Lindback practiced today and is anticipating to start in Saturday’s matinee game on the road against the Florida Panthers.

» Continue reading “Nuts & Bolts: Syracuse Assignments, The Beard, & Hockey Weekend Across America”

The Lightning are set to take on the Washington Capitals tomorrow evening. February 14th may be known more for romance, but there’s going to be few fuzzy feelings on the ice. That doesn’t mean love won’t be in the air in other ways.

Last year we enjoyed pink and red heart graphics on the video board. During a trip to the team store last weekend, there were pink Valentine’s day pucks for sale. A perfect gift for the sweetheart in your life? Sure, why not.

The Syracuse Crunch are also getting in the spirit of the day. They took to Youtube to share some of the things they love most. And it’s a must see.

» Continue reading “Tampa Bay Lightning & Syracuse Crunch Feel The Love”