Toughest practice ... ever

That is what captain Tim Taylor called Tuesday's practice at the St. Pete Times Forum. The toughest practice he has ever been through, on any team, at any level.

Torts really kicked their butts for 60 minutes. Guys were doubled over trying to catch their breath after workouts that included many one-on-one battles for the puck. That is grueling when there isn't a lot of time to rest. But they deserved it after that terrible effort against the Hurricanes.

Tell me the one thing you remember from the Cup season and I can almost guarantee you will say that this was one of the hardest working teams you have ever seen. Can't say that about this group. It is cliche but they do not win battles for the puck, they are not desperate when they skate and, please, can someone other than Ryan Craig get to the front of the net?

Can't quite put the finger on what is causing the lack of consistent effort, but didn't someone once say, "You can't be hungry if you're full''?

Torts said what he can do is limited. It all comes down, really, he said, to the players. Peer pressure is more important than pressure from the coaching staff. That said, Torts can start taking playing time away, but how much more effective would it be if one of the stars stood up and made a powerful statement.

Of course that would carry more weight if one of the stars was playing like a star.

Comments

[Patty]

I was at the Carolina game and it was just awful. I agree that Torts can do only so much; the desire to win must come from within. I think we have too many "premier" players who are "full." I feel very sorry for the Ryan Craigs and Paul Rangers on this team: being relatively new, they probably feel that they can't call out the more "senior" players on their play (or lack thereof) and so just play extra hard hoping the others will take a hint. Here's hoping they do, I love the Bolts, but it's very painful to watch them right now.

[Andrzej]

Prior to the begin of the hockey season, my statistical analysis revealed that the Bolts won't make the playoffs in 2006/2007. So far, the results prove my analysis. I also believe that to improve Bolts performance change of the manager is needed. Using mathematical language, such a change is a necessary condition but not satisfactory. The other changes should follow.

[keith baxter]

Yeah the sason so far has been mediocre at best, but don't give up on Torts and the boys yet. There is a long season ahead. November in the past few years has been a good month for wins. Even though they are all overpaid don't overlook the fact that these are some of the most competitive
athletes around. They hate losing as much as we hate watching it. Keep the faith in Torts and his staff. Things can only get better. Don't you love seing Eric Perrin checking a guy "twice his size" and starting a scrum along the boards! The whole team needs to look at the size of his heart and effort and follow on.

[brad's hair stylist]

I agree that this may come down to a change in coaching/management for this team to succeed. Keith, you mention how exciting it is to see little Eric Perrin making a monster hit against Carolina. I agree; however, where are the people making $5-$7 million per year? Vinny is not hitting anyone, we have NO enforcer/tough guy on the roster so is it Ryan Craig's job to hit? Is Nick Tarnasky supposed to take this role on during his 3 minutes of ice time? And what about Richie? Nice new blonde hairstyle Brad. How about playing tough for your new contract and quit playing so pretty? If these guys continue to lay down for the team, I'm going to have to question whether or not they're trying to make a statement against management here. Late last year it looked like we were tanking it on purpose. Now I don't know if we're just that bad or actually tanking it. Step it Brad and Vinny; I'll be there Thursday night cheering. The next game I may be cheering for some trades... In this new NHL, you can not afford to have $14 million tied up in two guys that won't work or produce.

[Manny Andrade]

Peer pressure is more important than any pressure that can come from the coaching staff, but peer pressure needs to come from the top players who make the most money, carry the most waight, and should be the most talanted. But that's not going to happen when the top players' production is below par. You take a guy like Ryan Craig who leads the team in goals and points but only makes $495,000, Brad Richards on the other hand makes $7,800,000, seventeen times more that Ryan Craig. Are they going to listen to Ryan Craig? No! Are they going to listen to Brad Richards? Yes! The problem is Brad can only provide peer pressure by example and that's not happening... yet. So, the peer pressure has to come from the teams captain, Tim Taylor, who centers the forth line and only makes $725,000. This isn't going to be a quick fix is it.

[keith]

So Philly gets spanked, the next day three players are on waivers, including Nedved (Ok he's an old guy)Seems like GM Clarke, who has had his critics in Philly is not going to put up with any slackers. Hello Jay Feaster..... maybe you've got all your eggs in one basket and right now its a basket to you know where. As things are today, and it can change quickly, maybe dumping one of the big three will get everyones attention and give you some dollars. Ritchie and Marty, Vinny and Ritchie, Marty and Vinny, it could be a lot worse than just two superstars. And please can we get a banger with size? DiMiao is an instigator, but who is really worried about him and more to the point will he ever play for anyone again? We need a Derian Hatcher kind of guy. You hate him, till he plays for you!