We’re all excellent athletes from our seats at the arena. We have a view of the game that the men on the ice don’t. We don’t know the effort or struggles taking place on their level. This disclaimer is included because tonight’s 2-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres was one of the most frustrating losses as a fan. The Sabres came in on a 4 game losing streak. The Lightning had a chance to gain ground in the division as the Carolina Hurricanes lost to the Capitals tonight.

Instead it was more of the same. Turn overs. Careless mistakes with the puck. Hitting the crossbar. Missing open nets. Couple that with Ryan Miller being pretty damn solid and the game ended the way quite a few of them have recently. There were a lot of quality chances, but the puck didn’t get in the net. The Lightning played hard, you could tell they were trying but miscues continue to haunt them.

» Continue reading “A Glass Case Of Emotion: Lightning Lose 2-1 To Buffalo”

Bringing Lindy Back Photo by Alexis Boucher

A well known hockey cliche states that games are 60 minutes for a reason and you have to step up for all of them. That wasn’t entirely true for the Lightning this evening as they hosted the Montreal Canadiens. 55 minutes of the passive play that has been a hallmark of their last 5 games saw the Habs take a 3-0 lead. With about 6 minutes left in regulation, Tampa rallied to tie the game and force it to a shootout.  Montreal secured the 4-3 victory in the SO, but this may have been the jump start the Lightning needed.

Not much to discuss through those first 54 minutes of the game. Anders Lindback kept it as close as possible, having some pretty acrobatic saves for such a large guy. The officiating was lopsided, but the Bolts couldn’t sustain any real pressure even when they were playing even strength. Tampa had 3 power play opportunities in the second period and only managed one shot on goal. Basically, it sucked.

» Continue reading “One To Grow On: Lightning Salvage A Point In Shootout Loss”

Sami Salo Photo by Alexis Boucher

January 27th was the anniversary of an important day in Tampa Bay Lightning history. It might not be a day discussed in depth over the team’s 20th season celebration, but the impact of this moment can’t be understated. What happened? The Lightning acquired veteran defenseman Darryl Sydor from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Former GM Jay Feaster has said that that trade was the key to Tampa’s championship season.  Fast forward to 2013 and blueliners are making an impression again. This time it’s Sami Salo and Matt Carle.

Defensive woes are noting new for the Bolts. Heck, the 2008-09 season saw 22 blueliners wear a Lightning sweater. Luckily the signings of Salo and Carle combined with the maturation of young players have added some much needed nuance to the D corps. Next time you’re at a game, watch Salo & Carle. They isn’t flashy but the little details are what is so important. A poke check here, skillfully driving an opponent off the puck. He provides a measured, patient approach to the game.

» Continue reading “Lightning Learn The Importance Of Being Defensive”

Photo by Alexis Boucher

The Lightning’s 20th anniversary celebration may have been delayed, but they kicked off the shortened season with style. It took a little while for things to gel, but the team looked extremely solid. Some unexpected sources of offense lead the Bolts to a 6-3 victory over their division rival Washington Capitals.

Eric Brewer opened the scoring for the Lightning in the first period and chipped in another goal on the power play in the third. Marty St. Louis also scored two and it felt so good to hear “Louie Louie” ringing out through the Forum again.

» Continue reading “Lightning Defeat Capitals 6-3 In Season Opener”

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!”

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”

Steve Yzerman Photo by Linda Hamilton

No, you’re not imagining it. This year’s NHL free agency is off to a bit of a slow start. Sure, a lot of guys are changing teams and signing new contracts. A lot of things have yet to fall into place. The main reason for this is two men: Ryan Suter & Zach Parise.

It’s not just other players who are waiting to see what deals these two will sign. General Managers are also keeping an eye on these contracts as they could set the precedent for second tier players like Matt Carle that will be looking for new teams to call home.

Why is this information important? A lot of fans have taken to social media decrying their team’s GMs for being lazy.

Yes, that is correct. People were questioning the wisdom of Steve Yzerman. Pouliot and Salo clearly aren’t enough.  The fact of the matter is, the two big items need to be taken off the market for things to get going again. Remember Stammergeddon from last year? It’s basically the same type of thing.

“It becomes a bidding frenzy for the next level of free agent,” said former Flames GM Craig Button, an NHL Network analyst.”Potentially, you could be leaving money on the table by signing now. There’s nothing like a lover scorned, especially if they get the feeling that, ‘We have to go after the next guy.’ (Quote Source: Tampa Tribune)

Yzerman has said that he isn’t in on the Suter Sweepstakes, mainly because of the high asking price. He did add depth at the defensive position by signing Sami Salo and is sure to do more once everything is decided.

Parise and Suter’s contracts will help set the prices for the next round of guys.  For now we wait and celebrate our independence.

Voodoo enjoys a day at the beach. Photo by Linda Hamilton

It’s finally here! Free agency is set to begin in about 30 minutes. Steve Yzerman has made it known that the Lightning are in the market for D-men.

Stick with us as we keep you updated on the latest news. Let’s get started!

» Continue reading “NHL Free Agency Frenzy 2012″