Can Prospal rebound?

Vinny Prospal has a point. He did play a lot better in the second half of the season than the first. He had just four goals and 22 points through the first 41 games. He ended with 14 and 55. He also had a pretty good playoff against the Devils with a goal and five points (and a plus-2) in six games . But his minus-24 rating in the regular season was tied for 11th worst in the league and considering he played almost the entire season with Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis, his struggles were a bit mysterious.

And on a team that relied way too much on Lecavalier and St. Louis, Prospal's offensive problems exacerbated the situation.

Prospal, who is already skating at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon, took some time to talk about how it was tough for him to get rid of the memories of last season, so much so that he began working out for the 2007-08 season almost after last season ended. There will be a lot more in Wednesday's paper, but here are a few highlights:

Prospal said he and wife Monika and son Vaclav, 7, vacationed on Marco Island after the Devils series. Instead of lying on the beach all day, he hit the workout room. As soon as he got back to his native Czech Republic, he got with workout partner Radek Dvorak of the Panthers.

While all the working out is great, Prospal may have hit on the key to his mini-turnaround last season, that he became more responsible defensively and, as a result, started getting a few bounces.

Prospal also is entering a contract season.

So the question is, will Prospal, in better shape, with a finely tuned focus, and with his next contract on the line, get back to being the player who had 60 points in 2005-06? I say he comes on strong. Money aside, there's a lot to be said for an athlete who feels a bit as if his reputation as a player took a hit, and it's not like his skills dropped from one year to the next.

And just think of the havoc Lecavalier's line will cause with Prospal making the contributions of which we know he is capable. In that case, perhaps coach John Tortorella's stated plan to simply outscore opponents this season (that is, rely on the offense to carry the team forward) has a chance after all. 

"I changed the way I get ready for the year,'' Prospal said. "I usually take four to six weeks off. This year I took four days.''

      (Times photo -- Dirk Shadd, click to enlarge)

Comments

[chat]

thank you

[Downtown Wine guy]

I think there will be a general resurgence of this team. It is better, faster, and bigger than last year, especially in the 3rd and 4th line. Prospal, Denis, and Tarnasky will be the big surprises this year. Brad will bounce back, and well, Mary and Vinny will be Marty and Vinny.

Less than a month to puck drop on 2007/2008. Can't wait,

Go Bolts!

[Tim A]

Before the trade deadline last season I was worried that Propal was a gonner. I am a firm believer that he will be back with a chip on his shoulder this season, and with the elimination of some of the dead wood from last season, I feel that Vaclav's roll will be much more defined and he will come through with a much better plus/minus.

[mbab]

i think for one thing, coaches play the hand they are given.....torts does not have the d-men he would like....that simple....look at gruden...for years he drafted offense offense offense...he thinks he is a offensive coaach....i think torts likes the forward dominated type team....but i have said this a million times....you can forecheck all night long...but if the defensemen aren't willing to stand up/stay home at the red line and then the blue line it will never work....you have to have defensemen who can skate and who are willing to stay tight in the forecheck....we have not had that the last "two"years......at this time i think we can all scratch our heads to death....it is almost time to lace em up and i for one am doggone ready!!!! go bolts!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mike in Bangkok]

Vinny getting his drive back is one of the best pieces of news over the summer. If he gets his groove back, that will add a lot of strength to an already strong line.

Now, what do they do about the second line and goal?

[bolts canucks fan]

I do see a Prospal revival this season. I hope so, since my white jersey is a Prospal one and want to wear it as a current player for a long time. I really like the guy. He is a solid 2 way player and just seems to play a pretty smart game. Last season, Vinnie had his best season and St. Louis rebounded from a lackluster 05, so there is no reason why Prospal cannot rebound. He's a solid player and a key component in the Lightning mix. We'll see...

Sarasota Bill, great to read your blog again. Yes, I agree with you, sugarcoating an offense to rectify the defensive and goaltending problems is a pretty scary thought. All three must be in unison for the Bolts to even think of a long playoff run this season. Holmer as our starter scares me a bit. I see him either being lights out or a goalie without the experience to lead a Cup team, maybe one that might just play a backup role instead of a starter. The D is revamped and that could go either way. We know this team can score goals, but Torts really should focus on the weaknesses of the team. Strenghening an offense is not what we need. We need confidence and improved play in our power play, defense, and yes, goaltending. Without improvement in these disciplines, it will be a first round exit again, that is if we make the playoffs. I, too, hope I am wrong with this as well.

Can't wait for the September 9th season opener for the Bucs in Seattle. October 4th will be awesome as well. GO BUCS and BOLTS!

[goldenbolt]

Ok, let's understand one thing if this plays the same crappy 'D' that sticky wicky pokey in your pants crap at the blue line, my tickets will expire this year. I recall when Rammer was with Philly he played that same pokey style with his 'D'. That is one of the reasons they dumped him as coach. We will see early in the year as to what we have in store for this team.

[Harvey]

Well SB, I'd say your wish for Sullivan to turn the defense around is down the tubes. Apparently that is not a priority with this team. Keep giving them up by butt loads. No rpoblem we will just score a few more. Maybe it wasn't Rammer after all!

[SarasotaBill]

Sheesh, I can't believe what I just read. It has nothing to do with Prospal, Feds, or any particular player. DC! Maybe you can elaborate on this. I can't find anything on it so I guess it was a story I missed. Tell me about -

"In that case, perhaps coach John Tortorella's stated plan to simply outscore opponents this season (that is, rely on the offense to carry the team forward) has a chance after all."

Hearing that is disturbing. Is that Tort's answer to addressing the teams biggest sore spots? The play of the D and goaltending? No talk of playing better D which in turn helps the goalies? Just outscore everyone? Here's an idea, keep the puck out of your own net and your chances of outscoring your opponet greatly increase.

I hope I am reading this wrong.

Man.......I really hope I am.

[Hockeymom]

Agree with Tommy on the Feds issue, he's one hardhitting scrappy player. Prospal played well last year and will again this year hopefully with a few more goals. There's not a better line in the NHL than Vinny, Vinny and Marty. Go Bolts. Can't wait!

[mbab]

sparky anderson once said give me nine players in the last year of their contract and i will win the world series every year....somehow i think this applies to prospel....as one of the blogs said he was once our top scorer for two years...or close to the top....i think it killed him to lace them up every game and see what he was making compared to the same guys he was point for point with over the last few years....i think it is only human nature and i think it bothered him quite a bit last year...remember he left us for money the year we won the cup....so i do think he had a little bit of a chip last year...that said i think he is a talent....and with this being his last real chance at a big fat contract....i think the young man will be going thru walls this year to excel....lets hope he does!!!!!...and if he does lets hope we resign him...$$$$.....but that is another blog some day!!!!

[Tommy]

Still don't understand why they kept him but not Feds, Prospal played on the top line all year and still didn't produce. Don't get me wrong, I like Prospal, but I love Fedotenko. Guess Feds was another scapegoat to explain Richards ineffectivness

[keith]

Cant wait to see Prospal bounce back. Many players have single off years. I'm betting Prospal still has the chops.

[Joe]

Any failings on Prospal's part during the last season were definitely NOT related to a lack of effort or desire. Obviously, in some seasons things just do not go well and players have difficult years. We all know that Vinny still has the ability to shine, and it would be surprising if he did not prove it during this year's campaign.

It would not surprise me to see him average a point per game and wind up well in the high "plus" area. His teammates will never see his enthusiasm wane. This is a hard-working, honest, and dedicated hockey player with very good skills and an excellent attitude. And, he really wants to be here!

[Mike13]

As I watched the games last year, I was seemingly always left a little baffled at how both Eric Perrin and Vinny Prospal could play with such intensity and determination, only to post such horrific numbers. Both guys created lots of turn overs and scoring chances, yet seemed to get left off the scoring sheet game after game.

Vinny20 is a very good player and will no doubt have a better year. He tends to have great years, every other year.

[Another Joe]

Good to hear those things from Prospal. We dont need 80 points from him anymore but 70 would be sweeet!!!!

Go Bolts!

[Nan]

It sounds like Vinny20 is taking it very seriously this year after last year's early struggles. He should be coming into this season with confidence after having played better toward the end of last year and knowing that he is top form going into training camp. Vinny4 likes playing with the guy too. I think that our top line is going to be one fun one to watch this year. I can't wait for the season to start. Go Bolts!

[Debbie]

I definitely think he can bounce back. The article stated he usually takes 4-6 weeks off, and this summer he took 4 days. That's gotta say something.

Damian, you're absolutely right about what that line could do if he gets going.

He'll definitely bounce back. Just like Marc Denis will.

me gusta

[Leanmean]

Prospal is a talented player, people forget 02-03 and 05-06 seasons prospal was the leading scorer for our team and maybe our best player. Those two years he had 79 and 80 points. Prospal is an excellent playmaker and is well suited for Vinny and Marty's line. This year I think he will get back in the 80 point range.