Where do Lightning go from here?
The Lightning's 4-2 loss to the Flyers this afternoon combined with the Capitals' win over Ottawa puts Tampa Bay in sole possession of last place in the Eastern Conference.
Has this team hit rock bottom? Not necessarily. Yes, the Lightning played much better today than it had recently, but regardless it ended with another loss (And take note, the Flyers aren't a very good team either right now. They hadn't won back-to-back games since Nov. 10 and 12). And with a four-game road trip to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and New York looming, this could become worse quickly, especially given the team's disastrous play on the road.
But at this point, not much is going to change, at least in terms of personnel. In Sunday's Times, you'll read that general manager Jay Feaster said after today's game that the Lightning won't make a significant trade -- meaning Tampa Bay won't break up Vinny Lecavalier, Brad Richards and Marty St. Louis -- while negotiatings to sell the team are ongoing.
"I think the answers for now have to come from within," Feaster said, "certainly until we get a resolution with the sale situation. The one thing we’re not going to do is move the big three. Right now, that’s just something that’s a non-starter. It’s just not going to happen."
More Feaster:
"Could we go out and move draft pics?" he added. "Everyone’s looking for first-round draft picks, but for a team that’s six games under right now and 15th in the East, this isn’t the time to be dealing with first-round draft picks unless it’s a real sure thing.”
"We’re making phone calls. We’re watching the waiver wires, but nobody’s lining to help now. Nobody’s looking to give us a deal to say, 'Hey that’s the one. It doesn’t cost us an asset and let’s jump on that one."
So what should the Lightning do?
Follow the Lightning through the season with beat writer Damian Cristodero and the Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
i think the lightning have slowly but surely shot themselves in the foot, and i mean this with all due respect to the organization that i have loved forever. looking at the cup team, we had scorers in vinny, richie, marty, cory stillman, freddy modin, ruslan fedotenko was putting pucks in the net, andreychuk was scoring, kubina was scoring, and dan boyle was scoring. you could look down the bench and say "any one of these guys can put the puck in the net for us right now". So that's 9 guys, that could be pointed to and could, if asked, possibly carry a team to victory alone. I've seen Boyle score hat tricks to win, Modin to score hat tricks to win, Stillman dominate games, Kubina score overtime breakaways, and this team of 2007-2008 just doesnt have that. Now if you look again, most of those guys were unwanted by ANYBODY. Undrafted, given no chances, basically GOODBYE players. The lightning gave them chances to succeed, opened doors, and they took the fire and ran with it. Look at Recchi on the Thrashers? My solution, would be to give the players we have already brought up the opportunity and environment to succeed, which it seems Torts is already working on, so good marks for that. But instead of perhaps looking for players who ALREADY have scored 15-20 goals and you EXPECT them to score 30 out of nowhere, grab a kid who seems to be a huge ball of fury and fight, someone like jason ward-like. That dude fights harder than anyone on every given night, I see him as one of the bona fied hardest workers on this team. I think once Boyle comes back, once the injuries are done, and one the sale is reached, we're going to see a streaking Lightning come back and win a whole hell of a lot of games come february. Will it be too late? Maybe. Only time will tell. But we're not looking at a playoff team right now, not even CLOSE to stanley cup. So if we miss the playoffs, this year's draft is heavy, we will get some great additions to a building team, and I look forward to next season, this team is not lost. Just a few more helpers and we can be cup contenders again, let's not all lose hope guys!!
GO LIGHTNING!
Posted by: shane | December 30, 2007 at 01:43 AM
You've got your head in the clouds but more likely somewhere else. This season is over for the Lightning. They will not make the playoffs which is not much worse than being blown out in the first round. The big difference is that the owners won't get playoff revenue. The talent is not what it was in the Cup year but there are players who either don't want to be here or who do not like the coach. That's why they are underachieving.
Posted by: Realist | December 30, 2007 at 05:32 AM
Hello fello bloggers from dreary Buffalo NY. I did not see the game as we were traveling but we did get to the hotel long enough to hear the play by play and the go/no goal fiasco with the refs again.
I thought from what I heard that Phil Espo was going to lose it. He is so sick of the NHL and the current group of clowns they have officiating and rightly so.
Whatever the case maybe we (the fans) need to stick by the team and support them. The playoffs is way to far in the future the team needs to concentrate on the hear and now.
I agree that Jason works hard each and every night and brings it as I have said over and over again. The rest of the team needs to step up. What ever happened to capitalizing on a reabound situation. Who cares if it is a trash goal or not it counts. So MSL, Vinny P, Shaney all you guys get to the net (in front preferrably and not to the side) and shoot the freakin puck then take out the trash and get some points on the board.
Still hoping for road wins while we are here. Go Bolts and get er done. Any news on Denis Guys?
Go Bolts and look for us in the Canada broadcast..
Posted by: hockey chic | December 30, 2007 at 07:39 AM
"Where do Lightning Go from Here?"
Damian, you're behind the curve. We've been posting our favorite solutions on these blogs for 2-3 weeks. The topic has been wrung dry. Most are disgusted except for the one or two that keep bleating "get 'er done". Ownership needs to get 'er done.
Posted by: weezer | December 30, 2007 at 08:44 AM
Weezer: It si not Damian Cristodero any more we have now past couple posts and news from Eduardo Encina.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 08:55 AM
Thanks God
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 09:02 AM
....As a old ex air force weather man once said, "YOU CAN"T HAVE THE LIGHTNING WITHOUT THE THUNDER".
Posted by: olin | December 30, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Too much is too much. This is not Thunder, this is sinkhole.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 09:18 AM
Why haven't they changed photos? That still looks like Damian.
Posted by: patti | December 30, 2007 at 09:25 AM
Look under post in main
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 10:09 AM
Yes, I think all of us set it here already hundred times. Even so we are not expert, not getting paid for that and most of us agree that Torts has to go. He loses touch, confidence and …… I can keep going on and on.
He used to be great coach, but that is history. Even Alex is now thinking about it like option.
Players looks like giving up, or leaving because disagreement with coach or misjudgment from him.
Modin, Kubina, Fedotenko,Stillman…..
LeCavalier has problem with him
Only Marty and Richard is in his circle. And I don’t have anything about players. They just have to be coordinated and place on proper positions where they can produce and we can get max from them. That is all. All of them has certain talents, and coach has to bring it up, not buried in nonsense system and tell them ‘you do what I want’. They must do what they can do best not to be retrained and learn something they cannot do. How many times I yelling on Marty wait, and he is always in offside. It’s happening in every game. Great chance and that is it. Can they train him to correct it? Yes that is an exactly what we have coach for. This is only one example.
And like I set million times I don’t thing Martin Brodeur can help us too. He will be not able stop all that 2 on 1 or worst situations. Both goalies are good enough for any team. It’s a way we playing. But like I set, I am not getting pay for this that is coach job, and if he can’t figure it out, we have to find somebody who can. That is how they will treat me in my job. If it is his fault or not, he is responsible for that. And that’s it for me
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 10:09 AM
This is from WIKIPEDIA, I finde it interesting:
Tortorella is an exuberant coach, who is also known to criticize his own players and his rather uncommon style of goalie rotation. He was particularly hard on Lightning goaltender John Grahame for much of the 2005-2006 season. Grahame subsequently signed with the Carolina Hurricanes before the start of the 2006-2007 season.
He was involved in controversy yet again after game five of Lightning's series against the New Jersey Devils during the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs. During a press conference in which Tortorella was visibly irate and disappointed, he told New York Post reporter Larry Brooks to "get the f... out of here" live on CBC television.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Rudy, maybe you an give Torts some tips on making Eggs Benedict from broken egg shells.
Posted by: Bear | December 30, 2007 at 11:00 AM
I know. But I don’t want to Torts to do it, is too late for him. Maybe with somebody else it click.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Season is not entirely lost... however, I'd hate to see Feaster start making drastic decisions with personnel, especially the big 4.
What he needs to do is at the end of the season sit down with all 4 of them and restructure each one of their contracts. Then build a supporting cast off that. I agree with Shane's post above, our supporting cast of players has disintegrated since winning the cup.
Posted by: JT | December 30, 2007 at 11:25 AM
feaster needs to go
richards needs to be traded. he is useless
Posted by: | December 30, 2007 at 12:28 PM
First comment, I do believe Torts and his intolerence is no longer effective. But, I do not believe he will be fired, because tada
As many as posted above, in the last two plus years we have lost a virtual all-star team and replaced them with the castaways. This is not Torts fault, this squarely lands on Jay Feasters doorsteps.
I am convince more than ever that nothing will be done until sale is done. Torts says that in the paper today. "No help from the minors, no help from trades, It is our mess to fix". I might be reading between the lines but I think that is smartalec Torts saying we are stuck with this group of bums(and he is just as frustrated with them as we are). It is not his style to say that in a positive tone, so I do think he is saying, it is what it is, YUK.
The sale will bring change. Boyle will bring hope. Taking 8 minutes away from Lukowich and Lundin and Janik can only be a huge boost in the arm.
The bad news is I don't see a deal getting finalized in time to help this year. So maybe it is wait til next year.
After watching about 8 hours of hockey yesterday I reluctantly agree, Fire Coach. Our style is so out of whack. Even college teams can pass the puck our of the zone or at least skate FORWARD. The total lack of resposbility with these 6 Dmen has to fall on coaches plate. They are taught to wrap around. They are taught to back pedal and regroup. But he won't be fired, I'd be willing to bet $2 on it.
For the health of this franchise I only want one guy gone and that is Jay Feaster. He inherited a great roster and has destroyed it. And I don't except that the salary cap destroyed the roster. 21,000,000 to three players destroyed the balance of this team, and none of that without even one negotiation. Any business would fire him for the long term damage he did to the financial books. And don't forget to add another 6,000,000 down the tubes with Denis and Kuba(I think he is a minus 11 in his last 8/9 games?
I will continue to go and I will continue to beg everyone to go. Don't jump ship and stick us with Rays baseball. Support the team knowing new owners will be a blessing and we have the base to rebuild. The cap will go up next year. Owners that will spend will bring in at least 2 solid NHL players and a return of a healthy Dan Boyle. None of us will like Richards contract(ever) but with help we will only have green pastures ahead.
Tough times call for tough decisions, and new owners will get rid of past problemns(Jay) I hope.
Posted by: ajax | December 30, 2007 at 12:33 PM
I don't think under the new CBA that any restructuring can be done on contracts. Richards couldn't renegotiate even if he wanted to, which you can do in other sports.
Posted by: ajax | December 30, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Comment made Saturday on Hockey Night in Canada: "Jay Feaster will not fire Tortotrella, he's afraid of him!"
Posted by: Alabaster Cat | December 30, 2007 at 12:58 PM
Alabaster: you must be kidding !
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 01:09 PM
Rudy: No kidding. That comment was made by a CBC Hockey Night in Canada panel member and not challenged by anyone. I am NOT making this up!
Posted by: Alabaster Cat | December 30, 2007 at 01:57 PM
So here you go!
That is our problem right here. Maybe Torts is the one who is inspiring all thous great trades and contracts. It’s not hard to believed it anyway.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 02:09 PM
Hay! Jay! Be a Man! Even you don’t look like one! Fire the guy!
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Here we go again. I would be afraid of Torts too if I was Feaster. If I ger rid of Torts and we still arent winning, then what?
"So what should the Lightning do?"
They should make one change from management. Whether it is Feaster or Torts, something has to change, but you certainly dont get rid of both. My suggestion is toss Feaster, give Torts a little talent to work with and if we are still losing, then fire his ace too. I just dont see him losing when he has talent to work with.
And I hear all this talk of players have given up and tuned out Torts. Anyone, ANYONE AT ALL, maybe think they are just peeved at watching the AHLers on their lines and are frustrated?
Torts, AHLers, whatever the excuse/reason, when they are on the ice they need to play their hearts out. Ward does it. Prospal does it. Roy does it. Vinny does it. Ranger does it.
We have more talent now than we did in 1995-1996 when we were the "hardest working team in the NHL" but you know what? We were more fun to watch then and we were arguably a better TEAM than we are today because of effort. Food for thought...
Posted by: Jonathan | December 30, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Get rid of both Torts and Feaster. Ya we won the cup with them but this is a new NHL and our play since the lockout proves that it doesn't work. Plus Torts ruins goalies. Sad when Khabby left for money rather than staying here but he saw a chance to get away from this crap and he took it.People thought Grahame was bad. Well look at the play of the two goalies we have had for the past two seasons. To me it looks a little worse. Torts finally stopped putting all the blame on that position but its a little too late. His behavior and attitude with the guys has worn them down. You can see it. The players need a fresh start with a new coach. And too bad we can't rework some of those contracts. Richards contract is redicious. He has the worst +/- in the league and he constantly passes to the other team. We have one of the best players in the league with Vinny and his friend that puts blame on not having a good partner on the ice gets paid more. But God forbid the coaches call him out for his crappy play. But they aren't afraid to with any of the other players. Favortism, I think so which causes just another problem with the team.
Posted by: buck | December 30, 2007 at 02:59 PM
I can't get The Doors song "This the End" out've my head. It's been driving me crazy for a month now.
I also heard that CBC comment and I thought at the time that it related exactly to the hold that Tortie has on this team.
I mean, it's true, why isn't Vinny Captain of this team? What, the sowing machine is broken? They can't find the proper colored stitching, what? The lacquered C reflects the lights in Vinny's eyes; he doesn't like it? What's the problem?
It's Tortie; it has to be. The only reason this hasn't been rectified is that EVERYBODY's afraid of him.
Vinny included.
Peace.
Posted by: leo | December 30, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Great! Now I started singing The Doors.
Thanks Leo!
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 03:20 PM
Common baby light my fire! Would be for tortie.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 03:41 PM
I think we just dont have enough talent after the big 4 and a young blue line. I am starting to think a coaching change might be in order. I like Torts alot but a change might be needed for all involved!
Posted by: Another Joe | December 30, 2007 at 04:08 PM
I have always thought the two were joined at the hip. Feaster has to be petrified of what Torts might say at the press conference. I can't see Mr. Personality(Torts) being the fall guy for Feaster's mess. That would be one press conference worth seeing. Torts would be firing cannons, double barreled, and Jay would need a fallout shelter.
Posted by: ajax | December 30, 2007 at 04:35 PM
I think that both JF and Torts are at fault here. Jay for his bad trades and contract negotiations and Torts for not getting the Defense to just do simple things like pass the puck North/South. I have to agree with you Ajax. I have supported Torts previously also and have felt that he simply has been trying to deal with what has been handed to him. But it doesn't explain the bad passes and the lack of effort from some of the guys. Where is the coaching effort here? Maybe it is time to try someone else!
We all agree that Richards is getting overpaid for the effort that he is putting out. None of us can figure out what happened to get that contract so big. Yeah, he did well in the Stanley Cup year with linemates Modin and Mary, how can you not? I think that JF and/or Torts thought this was the guy they were going to build the team around. After all that was the comment made during the news conference when Brad signed his contract. Hey newsflash JF and Torts, Vinny is the guy to build the team around and always has been! He is the franchise center that sells the tickets.
Richards does not deserve the 'C' at this point in time. I agree Leo, why hasn't Vinny been made the captain? Having Taylor as captain doesn't appear to be working but who knows what goes on in the locker room. Does Tim Taylor travel to away games? I didn't think that he did. Does Torts really not get along with Vinny? Does Vinny now want it which I can't believe. Maybe Torts is afraid that poor Richards will have his feelings hurt if he gives the 'C' to Vinny. Or maybe Torts is afraid that it would distract Vinny and then Vinny wouldn't score as much and then the team would even score fewer points per game. The 'C' is usually given to the guy leading the team. It does not appear to be Taylor and at least on ice, it does not appear to be Richards.
Here are 3 suggestions for Torts:
1) Work on passing and keeping it simple.
2) Keep the MVP line together.
3) Establish Vinny or possibly Marty as the captain.
Guys, please make something happen! I for one will always support the Bolts and continue to believe that you can it around. Good luck on the road trip! Go Bolts!
Posted by: Nan | December 30, 2007 at 04:36 PM
Vinny always has problem with Torts. They bring out that publicly couple times. They set is over now, but you know. He did not want follow exactly Torts rules. He remain me little bit Kovalev, before Rangers kill him. Kovalev newer recover. That can happen to Vinny here. I really wish him to succeed, he can be better than anybody. He has really potentials to be greatest player ever. But you need atmosphere and he not going to get it in this place now. Canada will celebrate him like national hero.
I hate to lose him, but let’s not be selfish.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 05:07 PM
Nan: "None of us can figure out what happened to get that contract so big".
Its quite simple actually, I posted at more length about it in the Denis to Norfolk blog below.
They signed Richards, MSL and V4 to bamboozel season ticket holders into thinking dynasty, knowing full well the curve would quickly swing the other way.
I think selling the team was always in play.
Posted by: bear | December 30, 2007 at 05:26 PM
I'ts funny to me. Some say fire Torts; others say fire Shephard's Sunday Brunch. Buck has it right: they BOTH have to go. In fact, those of you banking on new ownership to reenergize the franchise better HOPE both get canned. New ownership needs to put a stamp on this franchise with a NEW GM and a NEW COACH.
There is a problem with depth on this team but, believe me, they are not untalented. They should not be 15th in the Conference. Truthfully, they are really the best team in a weak division and could be the number 3 seed if they had a coach they wanted to play for. Tortorella is a tremendous liability. New ownership would in any case replace Mr. Golden Corral with their own man.
The only reason attendance is being maintained is beacuse of all the ticket packages the Lightning peddled over the summer. That was before the team tanked and Mr. Barnhill's announced there would be no trades.
And why would China King be afraid of Tortorella? Would another team hire a coach who went ballistic over his firing? Makes no sense.
Posted by: jr | December 30, 2007 at 05:38 PM
I am amazed at the (lack of) grammar of these posts. You want to make educated comments? Run your post(s) through spell and grammar check people. That goes especially for you Rudy.
The move to make, if one could be made, would be to can Feaster. Hlavac and the other bust (I refuse to name number 7 for he doesn't deserve it) were horrid moves. Denis for Modin. Grats takes so many penalties he reminds me of Ciccone (and he isn't scoring to balance them out). Bringing Luke back. The boasting of a philosophy to make us a tougher team so we can take it to the, insert laugh here, next level. Wrong across the board.
While he has made some admirable moves, including bringing OB here and getting a Jason Ward or Kuba as role players, his major moves have been letdowns. The cup run was majestic for everyone involved, Jay included. But one has to wonder in this cap crazy world whether he may have gotten a bit lucky back in the day. Sure he brought in Fedotenko and Syds at the key times, respectively. But has he made and MAJOR moves that ended up in our favor since then? Even a push on the balance scale? If the goal of the team is to win now, then the answer is an emphatic NO. The system can work, given the ability to score from secondary players. This creates matchups against a second pair of D and forwards instead of seeing the same checking line matchup for 80% of MVP's shifts. We don't even have a 5th forward with that marginal type of ability today? We had 6, maybe 7 in the cup year. The onus goes on the man pulling the strings, not drawing up the X's and O's. Bye bye Jay for my money. Let Torts have his shot with decent talent. Nobody can win with A Grahamer or Denis. Nobody can win with one line.
Posted by: observer | December 30, 2007 at 05:48 PM
Never mind your lame observations. Rudy happens to be European. We don't need grammar lectures on here. If you feel the need to exhibit your spelling prowess, there's a bee at your local elementary school.
Posted by: | December 30, 2007 at 06:08 PM
Well Observer, if you run your own comments through a grammer check you may well be surprised.
Never start a sentence with But.
Comma's before and after brackets please.
I see Rudy being like Tarnasky. He throws out an honest effort every shift and does it in his second language. Not a lot of French Bolt blogs down here, surprising seeing half the Forum seemed to be French the other night.
No problem.
Personally I can't get warmed up to crediting Feaster for any of his moves.
Even OB was at the expense of a top 10 #1 pick. Thats a lot to pay for a depth D, no?
Posted by: platty | December 30, 2007 at 06:09 PM
How about what other observers think?
From Larry Brooks of the NY Post:
Can we all agree that Tampa Bay's Jay Feaster has done the poorest job of managing the CBA of any NHL GM, and that he will maintain his job only until a new owner is in place to dismiss him?
And also that whichever team hires John Tortorella after he, too, is dismissed by the next owner (if not sooner), will be getting one of the elite coaches in all the land?
Posted by: Steve | December 30, 2007 at 06:28 PM
Ye man, observer, mind your own grammar.
By the way I do every think thru spell check and grammar, not helping too much.
You sound like my kids.
I’m from country which not exist anymore – Czechoslovakia and I Lived in NYC for twenty years before I moved to Tarpon Springs FL and start ruling Lightening.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 06:32 PM
From what I have seen on a national level, I believe Torts would find a home (but he ain't getting fired). Sometimes that "fire" is exactly what ownership is looking for(see Gruden/Bucs) Jay on the other hand will be looking for a job for a while. I think Jay's moves have unilaterally been shot down from here to Edmonton. One week after signing the big 3 their were many hockey people questioning how he would ever fill out the rest of the roster. I think Jay knows he screwed up, on the radio last week I heard him say the present situation falls squarely on his shoulders. Even silver tongued Jay would have a hard time facing the press and saying "Coach has lost the team and this is the change that is needed" No way. He knows his job is on the line and he knows that this talentless team is his fault. Going back to Richards, even Gretzky was gaga over Brad. I think Jay put alot more weight into the Cup run, than in how his career had been up to that point. BIG mistake.
Posted by: ajax | December 30, 2007 at 06:32 PM
Tort is good coach, but too long on same place. That is actually his first job in NHL level. He was assistant for Rangers, then when they fire coach, he took over for couple games, and I was sorry they did not keep him, but he need a take a break now.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 06:43 PM
I posted this earlier today from Wikipedia, it’s interesting:
Tortorella is an exuberant coach, who is also known to criticize his own players and his rather uncommon style of goalie rotation. He was particularly hard on Lightning goaltender John Grahame for much of the 2005-2006 season. Grahame subsequently signed with the Carolina Hurricanes before the start of the 2006-2007 season.
He was involved in controversy yet again after game five of Lightning's series against the New Jersey Devils during the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs. During a press conference in which Tortorella was visibly irate and disappointed, he told New York Post reporter Larry Brooks to "get the f..k out of here" live on CBC television.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 06:54 PM
From the Freedom Blog:
No NHL season goes by without some goalie trouble. The Tampa Bay Lightning waived Marc Denis after a thoroughly disappointing performance. Bet you wish you hadn't traded Fredriks Norrena and Modin for him. Given that Norrena has been outstanding in Columbus, like those of us who've seen him play for Team Finland know he can be, that's starting to look like a truly horrible trade for the Lightning.
After Martin Gerber found his game again in Ottawa, Ray Emery is seriously pissed off that he isn't getting any playing time. He was sent home from practice yesterday after a temper tantrum. There's great trade potential here for Ottawa and Tampa. Emery would definitely get playing time in Tampa. Tampa's season is turning into a complete debacle, and if they start riding young goalie Karri Rämö hard in a losing season, they'll ruin him along with the season.
Given Tampa's ridiculously bad performance after winning the Cup before the lockout, it's a miracle Fonzie, sorry, John Tortorella still has his job. I caught the Montréal-Tampa game this week, and the Lightning looked terrible.
Posted by: What others are saying, part II | December 30, 2007 at 07:00 PM
That is exactly what I was saying about Ramo, he is good goalie, hope they not going screw him up like all others.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 07:12 PM
Torts will probably screw Ramo up like he has done every other goalie. We will never win the cup just because of the goalie again. Torts style of play here leaves the goalies out to dry and that doesn't work in the new NHL. But if we are stuck with Torts, how funny and entertaining would it be to see him and Ray Emery together at each others throats.
Posted by: buck | December 30, 2007 at 07:38 PM
Brad Richards is in a six-way tie for 40th place in number of points. He is the second highest pointmaker named Richards. He trails Cory Stillman. His minus 21 is the worst of the top 50 pointmakers. The second worst on the list at minus 10 is Arize Kopitar of the Kings. His 7.9 percent shooting percentage ranks 47th in the top 50 ahead of three defensemen.
Posted by: Nils | December 30, 2007 at 09:15 PM
Sometimes you just can’t go by this “points”. I never believed in that rating. I don’t making excuses for Richards, but basically I believed that rating sucks. Some players are defensemen’s, so they not scoring, some players are mostly watching best guy from other team so they collect lot of minus, it’s no other way and that is job they have, so other words I don’t think it’s fair. If you are assigned to watch Oveckin, you practically doing big job for your team but screwing up your rating.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 09:31 PM
I couldn't help but dig into the article about Feaster in the NY Post(Brooks). Commenting on Brads $$$$, He called it the most illogical contract in the history of the NHL. Found out some more about the infamous contract that makes Jay look even more inept. It has my already high blood pressure off the charts. It is tough to swallow. Here we go.
Brad was a RFA, not a UFA. For us to lose him someone would of had to give Feaster an offer sheet and if we didn't match it they would of had to give us(for an 8 mil contract) 5, yes 5 1st round draft choices. In other words no team would of ever, EVER, made such an offer. There are no words/comments that I can express to scratch my head and try to figure out what in the heck was his reasoning or hurry to throw that kind of money at Brad(or anyone, with 5 picks attaached).
It was a new bargaining time, a new CBA
Not only had no bar been set, but Feaster set the bar.(a bar only recently passed by two players)
And he had rights of refusal!!, with five fricking number ones as compensation.
Unbelievable and inexcusable.
Hindsight makes us all geniuses, but the only risk what so ever Jay would of taken is that he might of lost him the following year, but the following year the maximum Brad could of made was 8.8 million. The max. So their was no downside to waiting!Net thought process, only thought process:Feaster was convinced if we didn't give him the max we would lose him.
As a business person, trying very hard to take Brad out of the equation, Feaster made every business mistake you could possibly make when negotiating. Oh yeah, I forgot, he didn't negotiate at all.
Signed, Ajax, President of the Fire Jay Fanclub.
Posted by: ajax | December 30, 2007 at 09:39 PM
Trade Brad Richards. Trade Marty. We could infuse the team with the depth and energy of 5 or 6 talented players. Imagine a new core built around Vinny 4, Boyle and the new aquisitions. That said I wouldn't trust Feaster to get quality returns for even our best players. What a worthless slob that guy is... something drastic needs to be done.
Posted by: hal | December 30, 2007 at 09:40 PM
Wow!
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 10:02 PM
It is great to see so many passionate hockey fans here...but let's stop bashing Brad Richards because he has a 7.8m $$ target on his back...He would have got that money elsewhere...This hockey club NEEDS Richards (he is only 27) and IMHO I don't want him playing for any other team....If you want to point fingers point them all the way North to Detroit where Palace Mgmt has looked at the Lightning organization as that unwanted step child since the lockout...There, I said my peace...Happy New Year!
Posted by: Troy Branham | December 30, 2007 at 10:05 PM
Sometimes I think it will kind help us if certain players will produce for other team against us.
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 10:18 PM
One thing that doesn't seem so big now but will, soon enough: Remember how when he first came to town, we wistfully compared Mike Sullivan to Tortorella?
Well, if the bus is leaving in ten minutes and we want Torts under it (I don't) then be CERTAIN Sullivan goes too. In fact, Sullivan can go right N-O-freaking-W!!
It was he, as a former defencive forward, who was supposed to de-sissify our defence. With or without Boyle, makes no difference.
It was he, as a former head coach who allegedly didn't get a full and fair chance in Boston, who was supposed to coach special teams. Not so hard a thing to do, coach. Just do whatever Brad Richards wants, or else he works the locker-room to undermine morale and effort.
Posted by: Casper | December 30, 2007 at 10:39 PM
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5112343465064185358
This shortcut is for Leo
Posted by: Rudy | December 30, 2007 at 10:40 PM
Bring in a real defenceman's D-coach (yes---beg Larry Robinson. Hard to imagine an unmotivated club with Tortorella AND Robinson behind the bench. Forget the fisticuffs wisecracks, you'd see some Hockey!), and a real goalie's goaltending Guru (someone to encourage young Ramo to play/hack like Billy Smith).
We get hammered in the media and by each other, but subconsciously we're embarrassed to admit, what? We should be more successful with Sullivan and Reese working their 'magic' but aren't---so it's Tortorella's fault? Cut me some freakin' sprouts!
(And raise your hands if you're just delirious with the developmental job Steve Sterling and Darren Rumble are doing in the Springfield/Norfolk Ice Capades....I thought so.)
Let's not omit anybody; are Nigel's films on target? We do seem unprepared a lot.
Posted by: Casper | December 30, 2007 at 10:41 PM
Kovalchuk, Iginla, Chara, Heatley, and Thorton all signed (after) Richards for less money over the lengths of their contracts, and don't forget the cap was 4 mil and/or 10 mil more when some of them signed, and my real point(that I was never aware of until tonight), Feaster could of matched. He had almost zero downside. Two years later and he still has the highest cap hit in the entire league, and will next year also.
My blog wasn't about Brad. It was about the logistics of the deal and of being a CEO/GM. I would never blame Richards for taking the loot. If my boss gave me 20-30% more than everyone else, shoot I'd take it!!! But it wouldn't make my boss a very smart man. My beef is only with Feaster. Sub any name, any business for the same sceanario and it only points to the poor CEO(GM) who spun the deal.
Posted by: ajax | December 30, 2007 at 10:48 PM
I hate to admit this but, perhaps if Torts doesn't pro-actively fire sub-par performers and middle management coat-tail grabbers, than he might just have to go if he thinks he can right the ship all by himself.
Bottom line: Coach is a diamond tarnished by surroundings. The diamonds' setting has got to be the first to go, and that is the sorry General Manager. As much as I've always respected Bill Barber, he's got to go along with Feaster when we get right, by bouncing the former Flyers flunkies.
Posted by: Casper | December 30, 2007 at 10:55 PM
You guys are amazing. Why not b;ame Richards too? He grabbed the dough and is underachieving big time. That money could have been spent for three quality players. How can you possibly absolve him of blame? Just amazing. TIED for 40th in points. The WORST plus/minus. The worst shooting percentage among forwards. He is not only not worth $7.8 million...he's an ABJECT FAILURE.
Posted by: Nils | December 31, 2007 at 12:46 AM
Troy...Is Richie your uncle or something? The point is he never would have gotten even close to that dough elsewhere as ajax and others have pointed out. The Lightning were negotiating against nobody. It was the second worst contract ever tendered in the history of pro sports. The worst was the Orlando Magic signing Grant Hill who wan't being sought after by anyone but his hometown Detroit team and who when he came to Orlando to be interviewed exited the plane on crutches. It crippled the Magic franchise for seven years. He left last offseason. Check the NBA standings.
Posted by: weezer | December 31, 2007 at 05:39 AM
weezer you said very clearly what I should of, in summation. Thank-you. Jay wasn't negotiating with anyone else. No bar no benchmark no bids, just a blank 5 year contract with the maximum amount of money at the time. How could you do so many things fundamentally wrong during one contract signing?
One of the posts said, Someone else would have given him that much money.
if, IF, they did they would of lost 5 number one draft choices.
In other words they would have not only signed Brad to 39 million for five years but also lost their next 5 number 1's. Still think someone would of done that? never in a million years.
What a botchery, is that a word?
Posted by: ajax | December 31, 2007 at 10:27 AM
Exactly. No one would have signed him. No one. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Squadoosh. Bupkis. And he deserves equal blame. It's easy to put all of it on Buffet Boy but Richards stats are less than an average player if you consider the amount of minutes he's on the ice. He owes the fans an apology.
Posted by: Nils | December 31, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Richards has no doubt way underperformed, regardless of whether you place the blame all on him or on Feaster for putting 4th line wingers with a 1st line center (on most teams). Let's remember, Feaster had no problem giving him that contract, negotiations were overly friendly, and there was certainly not much threat of him leaving (which was pointed out earlier). A contract like that can make or break a GM, in this case I believe break is the operative word.
Posted by: Steve | December 31, 2007 at 01:04 PM
Fire Feaster. Trade Richards. Trade Marty (who BTW looks like he is skating in mud this year, too). We need depth and this could do it. Be bold and we'll get it turned around sooner than later.
Posted by: don | December 31, 2007 at 01:47 PM
We woke up with the worst team in hockey today. Even on a Lightning blog, would be hard to argue.
Posted by: | December 31, 2007 at 02:52 PM
Hello Blogges on the eve of another Bolts game only this will be my first to see away and in the mother land of hockey.
I visited the hockey hall of fame today in toronto and man sometimes I think the Bolts are the red headed step children of the league but we have company.
The Leafs in their own country and town would appear to be second best to the candadiens. There is a huge replica of the canadiens locker room in the hall of fame. Not the Leafs but the Canadiens. It just struck me as odd. I am sure it is due to the dynasty but it does appear that they did not give any credance to the leafs and in fact there is a huge sign in the stadium that says "Be Proud".
I am wearing my Bolts stuff proudly out in town and everyone I have met has greated us with open arms. I will tell you we found 4 things total in the hockey hall of fame and the only reference to the Bolts is the tropheys and a very small display of #4 skates and a stick and a picture of modine holding the cup. It was cool to see all the old sweaters and such and one day hope to see something more of the Bolts there.
Heres wishing you all a happy new years and hoping that we get a win. Go Bolts!!!!
Posted by: hockey chic | December 31, 2007 at 05:22 PM
Same to you Hockey chic !!
Get other drink we will need it tomorrow
Posted by: Rudy | December 31, 2007 at 07:49 PM
Yep, it is concluded after 3 years of investigation that the Richards contract was bad...... OH, no that is noticed by all the board geniuses now? Nice, sort of like buying Qualcom at 400 and then wondering what happened.... oopps the party is over.
Happy new year all...... The bolts are done for this year.... it will be as most here wish empty in the stadium next year, no vinny traded for picks and a 5 year old goalie, marty retires, someone takes a Richards and we throw in O'brien and Lundin to make a reasonable.... does anyone want my tickets? LEt me know they will be taped on the Box Office Door at the puddle palace.
Posted by: goldenbolt | December 31, 2007 at 10:05 PM
Happy New Year.
How about a wee test?
What say we determine what kind of mettle we're getting for our cash and make Brad 'The Mediocre Millionaire' Richards a healthy scratch against Toronto and Montreal? Yeah, ground his non-productive butt in front of the Hockey Gods. What's the harm, I ask; thou shalt not drink and type, you say?
Here's the method to that madness: we look to get throttled anyway, we can challenge some scrubs to go out and break someone's butt. Plus, against Ottawa and NY, Brad can return and show us what he is really made of. Then we should have sufficient proof of his soft gooey middle and jettison this, this Captain wannabe.
Captain somewhere else would help us most.
I got the idea when I heard Kyle McLaren was a healthy scratch (what's up with that!?!) and came back tonight and actually scored a goal. That guy NEVER scores. He's paid to block, clear, and help Nabokov look good. Must not have been doing it very well, but I suspect he's awake now.
Great motivational tool overlooked by our Coach, a softie whose bark is......
I'd never give up tickets to our games, I just come up with inane proposals. Sorry.
Posted by: Casper | December 31, 2007 at 10:35 PM
Oh, and I can't believe we are going to play the Habs again and nobody has suggested Darche, Tarns, or any other heavy hitter wear #18 just for one game and plant Latendresse into the ninth row for Robbie DiMaio.
Who coaches these guys? No wonder we're called Tampon Bay.
Burns my shorts, man...
OK, backing away from the keyboard now, H.F.N.Y. everyone!
Posted by: Casper | December 31, 2007 at 10:47 PM
Hey Nils,
But wouldn't Anze Kopitar look good in Bolt suit, nevermind his +/-?
Hey Hockey Chic,
Careful not to switch sides in Montreal; it's contagious!
Question.
I assume y'all at least see my point when I say that a top3 goalie has more of a GAME-BREAKING impact than a top3 forward.
With that in mind, straight-up, would y'all trade V4 for Luongo?
Love says V4.
Hockey says Luongo.
No?
Peace.
Posted by: leo | December 31, 2007 at 11:22 PM
GB needs to read the financial pages as much as he/she apparently reads the sports pages. Qualcom a really bad choice of an investment gone bad. It's around $40 and with four stock splits since it went public in '91, you would have 58 times your original investment in 16 years.
A better example would have been Enron.
Posted by: weezer | December 31, 2007 at 11:40 PM
One wonders if the portly Lightning GM is aware that Curtis Joseph played extraordinarily well in winning the Spangler Cup for Canada. Of course, that would be on the sports pages, not those advertising holiday buffet dinners
Posted by: Alabaster Cat | January 01, 2008 at 12:02 AM
One wonders if the portly Lightning GM is aware that Curtis Joseph played extraordinarily well in winning the Spangler Cup for Canada. Of course, that would be on the sports pages, not those advertising holiday buffet dinners.
Happy New Year everyone!
Posted by: Alabaster Cat | January 01, 2008 at 12:02 AM
AC, same to you.
Cujo now has competing suitors. I mentioned him 4-5 weeks ago and was basically pooh-poohed by a few bloggers.
Posted by: jr | January 01, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Happy New Year Fellow Bloggers from snowy Toronto. Here is waking up with a new renewed hope and rose colored glasses on for the hope of a Bolts wins.
Casper I agree with you that we need to let Tarno, Darche and say Shaney loose on the prom dress an let them freakin nock his head off for that hit on Robby D.
Golden Bolt do not lose hope and please do not give up your tickets. Even though we are in the cellar I am wearing my Bolts stuff out in Toronto with pride. Went skating last night out in front of the hotel and a leafs guy was out there and he said oh my. I just smiled and skated right past his butt.
Did you all hear about the meeting in the locker room the other day. I love it here is hoping TT comes to his senses or at least sees what his vacation presence has to do with hurting this team. Who the hell besides our fave reporter DC takes a vacay in the middle of the season except for out C and DC?
I hope that one if not more of the vets went balistic in the room and shows how pissed they know we are as well as themselves at lack of production.
I agree to sit Richie but I actaully think he is one of the smartest guys on the team. If I was offered that kind of $$ to sit on my butt what do ya think. MSL is killing himself and richie is making more than him..Go figure. Grant it sometimes you gotta wonder where his head is but I do not think for one moment he is not trying to get a win.
Anyone see the Spengler Cup game yesterday. Team Canada had a retired goalie named Cujo and he stood on his head. Retired Mind you. Nuff said.
Do not worry leo not a chance in hell chic is giving up here msl 26 Bolts jersey.
Go Bolts ets get er done!!
Posted by: Hockey Chic | January 01, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Don't fret! Things are lookin' up. Denis only allowed 6 goals on 26 shots last night w/ Norfolk.
Posted by: Dennis | January 01, 2008 at 08:37 AM
hockey chic,
You might want to read other posts so you don't duplicate info. I know you are pretty taken with yourself but most of us don't care about your travelogue. What's next, boring slide show?
Posted by: | January 01, 2008 at 10:08 AM
DENNIS you probably watched the game to be able to put YOUR SARCASTICS COMMENTS... FYI Denis did not practice since at least 2 weeks with the BIG CLUB ( 3rd goalie spent time only with goalies coach ) before he was sent down to NORFOLK. Based on the Admirals records with 10 Wins, 22 Losses DENIS was for sure expected in your mind as the SAVIOR...? and you are hoping that Denis improvement will come from Norfolk...?
It only proved the weakneeses of the BOLTS organization...
HAPPY NEW YEAR ! and look forward you will see Denis comming back to haunt the Bolts !
Posted by: FAN FOR JUSTICE | January 01, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Ajax actually I have posted numerous times in the last year about Feasty signing Goldenboy to the Albatros contract when in fact he was a RFA.
Bottom line people, it was a scam to the season ticket holders bamboozling them in a dynasty mindset.
Its never been about the on ice . Just a huge southern market PR scam.
Posted by: | January 01, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Sorry that was me
Posted by: bear | January 01, 2008 at 01:30 PM
It doesn't matter what the Lightning do tonight. They will still have undisputed possession of 15th place. The Caps are pummeling the Senators.
Fire Lardass and Mr. Temper Tantrum. Trade Richards after he apologizes to those who bought season ticket packages.
Posted by: Bob R. | January 01, 2008 at 05:42 PM
Alabaster, no no, Enron is good but I was referencing the fact that many of the Go Go's like Cramer and kudlow were pumping Qualcom to go to 1,000 i sold mine at 315 and was very very happy. But lots of dimwits overpaid at the 400 number.... that is a long fall from grace.
LOL
Posted by: goldenbolt | January 01, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I'd love to see Cujo here to mentor Ramo with the carrot of being the next goalie coach afterwards as ours isn't doing the job but face it, we are not going to pay for 4 goalies.
Posted by: David | January 01, 2008 at 10:53 PM