Can someone find me a quote?

As you might have guessed by now, it was impossible to ask coach John Tortorella about Dan Boyle because Tortorella didn't take any questions after Thursday's brutal 8-4 loss to the Senators. But we will talk to him eventually and that question will keep.

Here was the scene, though, after the game in the locker room: There was no one there except Andre Roy and Shane O'Brien. Look, nobody is under any obligation to speak to the media and, generally, the guys are available, but when your team is beaten down as the Lightning was by Ottawa, it's just good public relations to stand in there and talk about it. And no offense to Andre and Shane, both of whom are terrific guys and always generous with their time, but in situations like Thursday's you want to see some of the veteran leadership be available to give their perspective.

It is not as if Lightning players were unavailable. If you stood in the hallway outside the locker room long enough, whoever you wanted to speak to would come along. Marty St. Louis, seeing reporters in the locker room as he exited the shower, offered to speak. Defenseman Dan Boyle showed up and, after a multi-week silence, talked about his return to the lineup. And if you read today's game story, Andre was very good. The larger point is that after what was no longer than a five-minute cooling off period only two players were immediately available to talk about a bad loss, and none of them were the alternate captains.

Quite a difference from the days of Dave Andreychuk and Tim Taylor, captains who always were in the locker room, win or lose. Here's a story from the Cup season, or it might have been the season before.

The Lightning had just been hammered by the Islanders on Long Island in a horrible effort. Truly putrid. The locker room opens (in those days it was  a 10-minute cooling off period) and every player was at his locker at the Nassau Coliseum. Even Nikolai Khabibulin, who didn't play that night, was sitting there.

I tuned to Andreychuk and apologized for interrupting a team meeting. Andreychuk said it was fine and added, "No, we're waiting for you.''

Andreychuk had demanded the players wait at their lockers to be accountable for a bad loss.

"You ask anyone here anything you want,'' Andreychuk said.

And I did, though it was a little uncomfortable talking to players in an otherwise hushed locker room with everyone else listening to what a teammate had to say.

I tell that story to fellow reporters who cover other sports and they cannot believe it. Can you imagine the strength Andreychuk had as a leader, the respect with which he was held, that his teammates agreed to sit and wait to talk to reporters. It was an incredible scene I will never forget.

Would have liked to have seen some of that on Thursday.

   

 

Comments

[bear]

That is a great story and so fitting for Andy.

There is no one in the Bolts room with remotely that presence and I think you are so bang on to point it out Damian.

Think Sundin, Alfredssen, Sackic, Yzzerman, Messier, Chelios, Iginla

Those guys are a treasure if you get so lucky as to get one.

Feasters one good move .

[Voice of the Turtle]

Damian:

Thanks for sharing that with us.

Interesting that Coach Its-All-About-Me chose to air his angst by refusing to talk instead of delivering one of his usual diatribes. Note that in either case, he really fails to do his job properly as a spokesman. He also fails again as a motivator, a strategist, a leader, and an team organizer. We also know why Dave Andreychuk and John Tortorella can never and will never work together.

If and when a new broom is available to sweep the Lightning clean, one might likely see Dave somewhere on the coaching staff where he belongs. There will be an intelligent hockey mind behind the bench who shows respect for his players and the media. There will be a proactive and knowledgeable GM who understands the game of hockey, communicates readily (without BS), and perpetually seeks to improve the team. There may likely be an owner who takes the greatest pleasure in winning and cares about something other than just revenues. There will be passionately concerned fans, like those who post on this site, who will clammor for tickets to see a competitive and prideful team. Sportswriters will not be subject to the rants and raves or the silent treatment from a hot-headed, self-absorbed coach who envies and publicly vilifies his own players.

Then, the Turtle will speak with a happier voice.

[Another Joe]

Leadership and talent depth are two big problems this team has. Vinny4 is a leader on the ice but i dont know if he is vocal in the locker room. And if he's not thats ok they just need someone who is!

[Geografer]

We though might also want to remember that this was the night before the All-Star break. Vinny, Marty and Lundin all had to be in Atlanta early this morning and the rest probably have plans as well. Did the tough loss contribute - absolutly but I wonder if even Andy would have made them stay the night before the All-Star break (one of the only breaks they get all year).

[Nan]

That is a great story about Dave. His leadership could be appreciated in the room now. Too bad the Lightning haven't put him in there at least before the home games for a motivational speech or something. The leadership seems to be lacking.

Once again I think part of this problem is not having a "C". I don't think having three buddies being "A's" is cutting it. In most well run organizations or companies, you got one guy at the top, not three. Okay, maybe a hockey team is different but the guys don't have one guy they can go to if needed, they have to somehow pick from the three. How does that work?

[Rudy]

That is great idea, I newer bay that stupid story that he has to leave because he is too slow and cant keep up with new “system”. I think when they chase him out, that was the beginning of end.
He will be great with players, like he always was. You will see turnaround right away.

Torts is stubborn gay, who will never change and admit his system not working at all. If you have system, for 10 great players in team, and all of sudden you have only one, so one will figure that system has to be adjusted, instead forcing guys to do what they can’t do. You have to work with what you got

[boltcc]

Thanks for putting that up.Shows what a class act Dave was.The team needs to have a Captain to take charge in the locker room. Maybe someone will put up what you wrote in the locker room and the players can read this too and get the hint.

[Andrew]

The games were two seperate scenarios. Early on in the first period, it wasn't as if the Lightning played terrible to put themselves in a hole, it was a couple bad bounces and non-calls that they just weren't able to react to quickly enough. There have been games this season where they didn't try, but I really think that this was not one of them, which is why I'm not letting this loss make me think it's the end of the season all over again (as most have after every single loss in the last few months). They didn't play their best game, but they didn't give up and showed some resiliency, which, if I remember, is something they displayed their cup season. Obviously the team was dissapointed with their game, they probly wanted to head into the all-star break hot, but they deserve to be able to avoid the same questions they've been hearing all year long. Hopefully this loss is good for them heading into the break and they will be able to rebound next week.

[olin]

Well put Turtle...exactly how I feel. If JF were smart he'd cut the bond politically smart with the existing coaching staff, change Dave's job to interim coach, then work on bringing back Rammer next season, and luring Larry Robinson from NJ. Do some tweaking the defense, and I would bet there would be a overall whole new attitude and these guy's would start winning games, and mark a turnaround with the basic player's we already have on the roster.

[boltflasher]

Andrew, we did not watch the same game I think...I watched a Lightning team outhustled and outshot 14-4 and down 3-0 at the end of 1....What game were you talking about?

[Not The Marlboro Man]

The Bolts took a good old fashion #ss-whippin. One of the Reason's is just what was mentioned above...no veteran leadership. Someone with 15 to 18 years of experience is what the Bolts need a (Mike Madano Type). They need the kind of player with their career circling the drain but are willing to grind on the third or fourth line and teach all the snot noses how to play for 60 complete minutes and then occasionally chip in a goal or two...remember Dino Ciccerelli.

Since Andreychuk left and Tim Taylor went lame the bolts are undefined by a tough veteran leader. Jay Feaster didn't have enough sense to realize that when he let Andreychuk go. By letting him go, a world of coaching and intangable expertise was thrown out the door. There are alot of other vets out there that could have been picked up for little or nothing last season as well as this season, but it would take a real GM to figure that out. Last season at the trade deadline Roberts, Tkachuck, Gelinas and several others were all available but our so skillful master planner sat on his bohunkus and made some light insignificant trades that I only remember for how lousy they were, with maybe the exception of O'brien. Sure you have to think about the future, but you also have to think about the here and now. No one can ever really tell for sure what will happen in the future because we don't have accurate crystal balls yet but what we can do is have control over the present situation. Last season convinced me that Feaster was a do-nothing GM, this season confirms it. I hope the heck he proves me wrong but he hasn't so far.

[leo]

That is a good story. Made me feel all warm inside. Like being with your girl, tucked within a soft blanket near a roaring fire-place. Drinking hot-chocolate.
Watch out! Puck in the face!
Let's keep our eye on the ball, here. The past is gone. Are we to hop in a time-machine and relive moments long dead?
What has Dave done for us lately?
Get him in the room if he's such a motivator. Barry Melrose got Tony Robbins, for petessakes, so get Dave in there. Let's see what's what.
"And the Bolts go on 12 game winning streak!!!"
Ya think?
P.

[Kyle]

GOALTENDING!!!

Enough Said.

[Phil]

Booo hooo...the media didn't get a quote. I'm a fan interested in the players perspective, but following the Ottawa game I respect the players not wanting to speak. Just pull out the quotes following Calgary's 10 goal trouncing of the Bolts recently and you've got your story. What more do these guys have to say...they know they are underperforming. Boyle spoke about his return to the ice and that was the only story...imo.

Yep, I'm feeling real sorry for the media with the way my team is struggling...jeez.

[ajax]

Coach does seem to need a slice of humble pie, don't he?(better make it the whole pie) Feaster would never fire Torts. Feaster knows who got us in this mess. Torts is the guy who has to deal(coach) with an entire organization that has about 12 hockey players under contract. Max. As much as Torts gets under my skin(his inability to change is another sign of the humble pie theory) he is fighting a war with pop guns. We are in the middle of a 5-4-1 stretch and I think that is the best we can do. We need the other teams top players to keep going down and we will be right back into it. Their scrubs versus our scrubs.

[El Chapitan]

Marlboro - you missed one very savvy pickup last year. Jason Ward. Hustles every shift, by far our best forechecker, and a great team guy.

[bear]

A University of Alberta Math professor gives the Bolts an 11% shot at making the playoffs.

Using a regular desktop computer, Ingolfsson enters all the conference teams along with their wins and losses. Looking at the schedule of remaining games, the computer runs possible outcomes for each team in each game, 500 times
UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR'S ODDS TO MAKE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Ottawa Senators 100%

Philadelphia Flyers 98%

New Jersey Devils 95%

Montreal Canadiens 93%

Pittsburgh Penguins 92%

Boston Bruins 79%

New York Islanders 55%

New York Rangers 45%

Washington Capitals 44%

Carolina Hurricanes 43%

Florida Panthers 18%

Buffalo Sabres 16%

Atlanta Thrashers 12%

Tampa Bay Lightning 11%

Toronto Maple Leafs 3%

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit Red Wings 100%

San Jose Sharks 98%

Minnesota Wild 90%

Calgary Flames 75%

Dallas Stars 70%

Vancouver Canucks 66%

Colorado Avalanche 62%

Phoenix Coyotes 56%

Anaheim Ducks 55%

Nashville Predators 46%

Columbus Blue Jackets 43%

St. Louis Blues 33%

Chicago Blackhawks 11%

Edmonton Oilers 1%

Los Angeles Kings 0%

Source: University of Alberta

[leo]

If I may further ajax's thought,
Thank the Lord Almighty we're in the South-East division, where it's either 3RD in the conference or OUT of the playoffs.
We're in the Goofball Division, everybody sucks.
Except that one Kid, with the tinted visor, wears number 8...what's his name again?
Let us dub him: DIVISION-BREAKER.
I think HE will decide who will advance and who will be LEFT BEHIND.
P.

[Hockey Chic]

DC do we need a hankie? I really do not care if you get a quote or not. I am more worried about the C situation in the locker room. There is a huge lack of leadership here and someone needs to step up to the plate.

Yeah every team has tough loses and each team should learn from it. But what I see and I dare say some of the fans see is lack of passion. It is like they are saying can we get thru this season so we can try to change it next year.

Well you know what guys if I lived my life like that I would have a snow balls chance in hell of succeeding at anything I chose to do.

All who reads this blog know that the chic loves the bolts but right now I want to send them all to their rooms without super, or take away their million dollar salaries or dock there pay for a week. They are acting like little school boys and throwing a temper tantrum. Get over it all ready. I drive 50 miles one way to see them stink it up on the ice and I am pissed about that.

I would welcome Dave A anyday as he screams leadership. That is the problem we have no leadership just a bunch of A's who want to stay buddies to their team mates. I have an idea how bout we find someone, anyone with some sort of leadership who can make this team give a damn that they are wearing a TBL sweater.

Now if we can do that I would be a happy camper.
Go Bolts!!!

[leo]

Now that's an interesting blog, bear.
Cool.
Is it open to diputation? Better be, cause either way, I'm going for it.
First and foremost, tell Professor Brainiac that 0% chance doesn't exist in probability theory (especially hockey) until mathematically proven so. That's an insult to L.A., who, in my opinion, doesn't deserve to be insulted for being in early stages (again) of reconstruction.
I dispute the Flyers having a seemingly free pass to the Dance. (I don't think Biron can do it and I doubt their overall Grit. Where was Brière, last year? Besides parking himself beside the net instead of going to the corner or pumping his fist like Mr.Man as if he was part of the play instead of GRINDING IT OUT like the Sens, and, to some extent, the Rangers, whom I felt should have beat them. Nowhere, that's where.
Furthermore, Brière not signing with Montreal clearly shows his lack of confidence when the HEAT is on. Anyone wants to argue that last comment, bring it on.)
I dispute the Penguins getting in so easily. (How long will the Conklin miracle last?
A high-ankle sprain is one of the worst injuries for a player as rehabilitation is never fully complete. This MUST affect the numbers.
Fleury? Ha!
And what can Evgeni do at the OTHER level; remember his world junior finals? Crash and Burn.)
And finally, Anaheim. Anaheim. The defending champions. Defensive elite; a true num1 goalie. Getzlaf, Perry. Now teaming with Teemu. 45%? C'mon!
The rest, I don't have a problem with.
That being said, tell Professor Laptop that Montreal sends him a big kiss.
P.

[Lightning rod]

Leadership has been a real issue for me with this team, since Dave retired. Dave helped them believe in themselves, made them accountable, and said you have to have pride in your team. He took Richards under his wing, and Brad had his best seasons as a result. Dave also acted as a buffer between the coach and the stars of the team, by doing the above. Since Dave retired, all of that has evaporated. I was hoping one of the "big 4" would step up, but that has not happened; and they have reverted to their old ways, prior to Dave. That is not to say that a young defense and bad to inconsistent goal tending have not played a role, they have. However, after a loss or number of losses, when I hear or read the "canned" quotes from players ("we were flat" "we need to play 3 solid periods", etc., etc. etc.) are the times when I really miss Dave, because he knew and called it ccrapp when he heard it. When you lose accountability and pride, you have to fight to get it back. Tort's is right to hold the players accountable. The problem now is that there is no one in the locker room doing it; and sadly to say I don't see anyone trying to take Dave's place. I also wonder, if players are now walking over the locker room logo; and not being called on it. Or is it that players know not to walk on the logo; but don't know or have forgotten why you don't do it. I just know there is something lacking on and within this team.

[bear]

Leo I shall send him your regards, you can give him the kiss.

Pretty interesting study heavily waited to the remaining schedule of each team with strength of opposition a big factor.

The only way for the Bolts to even have a wet dream about the playoffs would be for a complete collapse by Both Carolina and Washington in the contest for the crap SE.title.

These 4 teams in reality are battling for the two spots and the rest can already make the April Tee Times

New York Islanders 55%

New York Rangers 45%

Washington Capitals 44%

Carolina Hurricanes 43%

[ajax]

I think at 11% the computer must be biased or at least very optimistic. Going to a Lightning game is like a blind date. Great Anticipointment.

[Rudy]

Lightning rod:
“Big 4” cannot take over leadership from Dave, because nothing like that exists. Big 4 are only in media imaginations. They create “big 4” , taking pictures of them, and probably upsetting with that rest of the players that is about it. Publicity sh..t.
If anything, it’s only big 1 and and that is real. But that nobody want acknowledge, because otherwise he will be captain already.

[leo]

Yow, Rudy, I'll sign your petition.
Big4 isn't only in the media's imagination, it also figures quite prominently in the Lightning payroll.
I think we can all agree that this season, mathematically speaking or not, is...well...I don't wanna hurt anybody's feelings but well,...it's finshed.
But not only that!
This organization (players included), is in what many bloggers called "limbo". I dismissed the eventuality that this could affect our wheeling'n'dealing at the time, but now I see that those bloggers (Think Casper might've been one, and Al.Cat too; there were a few more.) were quite right.
All these people (players included) are working for a company that is switching (for all intents and purposes) Presidency.
They can't make any moves until they get approval from new boss.
Or, they ponder the reason WHY they should make moves should they be fired by the new boss.
Everyone is walking around the office (players included), milling around the water-dispenser, "Hey, whaddaya think is gonna happen, man? I don't know who to salute. Wonder what the new boss is like. Think they'll dump Brad in Finance?", and NOT getting any work done.
The deal will go down in the next few weeks? Oh great, right before trade-deadline? How serious are these "negociations"? Does it seem professional to take so long to deal this thing and then, presto, magically conclude it during Trading Rush?
Will we have TIME to do anything before the dead-line if we have to wait to the end of this "limbo"?
Do you have a list prepared, at least, Jay? Do you have pre-programmed GM numbers on speed-dial? Are you ready?!
Oh man,ohman,ohman...
I'm sweating...
What are these spots appearing on my skin, all of a sudden?! Aaaaagh...!
P.

[Mike13]

Statistically a team cannot have a 100% chance of making the playoffs unless they have already qualified. Same goes with the 0% chance as Leo pointed out. Ottawa, nor Detroit have already qualified for the post season. I think if anything, this is a good indication to potential math majors to not choose the Univ of Alberta for their studies.

As for DC's story, yes, Dave should have been made an Assistant Coach. I think everyone in the org would have liked that. And yes, it is a major short-sighted mistake by Torts to not have a Captain in the locker room this year. And he shouldn't be a 4th liner getting 4 minutes a night like Taylor last year. Give Vinny the C already.

[Lightning rod]

Rudy, the big 4 was tongue and cheek.

[Matt]

Are you people serious about Dave? So he played 20 yrs and he was a leader here for what, 2-3 seasons. Whoopie.... I like Dave but his own bullish attitude clashed with Torts. Not the other way around. Last time I checked Torts was the head coach, right? Isnt it the job of the players to listen to him, not go behind his back and dog him to the rest of the team. I'm not a fan of Torts, but this whole Dave is "GOD" thing makes me want to hurl. If a guy like Crosby and Ovechkin can be Captains at their age and their little experience then why not Vinny. He may not be a vocal guy but he proves his leadership on the ice.

I would like to see either Vinny or Marty as the C. Both of them are leaders, at least on the ice, and I believe they would make great captains. I like the classy way they handle themselves both on and off the ice.

Watching the all star game, I remembered the classless gestures made by Iginla to the officials using his stick. I will say that I have never seen any of our players being that classless and trashy. No matter what is said about Iginla since then, I just see him as a classless, trashy person that I don't respect.