Boyle on ice, might be limited

Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle is in uniform and participating in pregame warmups, confirming that he will be in the lineup tonight against the Rangers.

Keep an eye on how many minutes Boyle receives tonight. Defenseman Doug Janik is also on the ice participating in pregame warmups. It's possible that Boyle is worked into the lineup slowly, possibly exclusively on the power play.

That way, his time battling for the puck and other physical parts of the game will be limited. Keep in mind that he hasn't spent a lot of time practicing the physical parts of the game because the Lightning's schedule, which included six games in nine days, hasn't allowed much practice time. And keep in mind that as Boyle's worked to regain strength in his wrist, shooting hasn't been a problem, but moves that need just one hand on the stick, like poke checking are more bothersome.

Comments

[wiggy]

The Boiler's ice time amounted to very little. You could make a case that he shouldn't have been activated given the minutes and limited capabilities. Unfortunately, they need him at his best at this critical juncture.

Where's Damian????

[Judy]

He will be back Sat. Nov. 3. He's been
on vacation

[Mike13]

Boyle only played 11:38 in last night's game.

Since the schedule is so compacted, there's little time for him to get real, full contact practices in. I think that's why they activated him so early. And I think it was a mistake.

[the shrink]

What dedication!! A hockey writer taking vacation during the hockey season but then again, for all the news we have been (not) getting anyway, what's the difference?

[hockey chic]

Hey shrink how bout you leave damian alone. Everybody needs a vacation now and then and maybe it is not the right time for you, but I would rather him do it now rather than at the end of the season. Helllooooo..

Lets go Bolts.

Here's hoping the entire team has a better game and go Vinnie "The Brute" Lacavalier ....

Another personal attack...the third one...this time by "hockey chic." another who should have left with the malcontents because (s)he wants to control what others say. Go to the losers blog!!!

[patti]

I have to agree with the shrink. My husband is a former journalist and it's rather unheard of for a beat writer to take a vacation "when the beat is on."

[wiggy]

Previewing Thursday's game against the Devils:

---0-3-1 in last 4 games with one goal or less in 3 of them.

---Worst penalty kill special team in the NHL.

---Zubris and Elias called out in NJ for not performing up to expectations.

Looks like an opportunity for the Bolts :))

[bear]

A hockey beat writer taking a holiday in season is rather strange. These postings are becoming late and after the fact.

I do agree with the shrink that the volume of Bolt news that we are not hearing from the Times is rather revealing.

[hockey chic]

Shrink, sorry I did not mean it personally. I agree with all of you that there has to be more than vacation to the lack of information coming out of the press area for the Bolts. I wonder if some of that is not directed by Torts and his trying to take control of the team?

Lets hope everything is okay with Damian...

[bear]

Torts trying to take contol of team???

Tell us more Hockey Chic, someone needs to.

[the shrink]

The Lightning aren't a very good team. The Sabers, Rangers, and Devils all were in tailspins until they played the Bolts. Looks like a long season.