Prospal jabs Tortorella ... it seems

Lightning left wing Vinny Prospal hasn't been happy since he was taken off a line with Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis. He hasn't been happy the past three games in which he had played fewer than 12 minutes. So it was understandable that he celebrated his two goals in a 3-2 victory over the Canadiens with a fist pumping celebration, especially since he was reunited with Lecavalier and St. Louis.

But then he did something strange. In a Sun Sports interview that also was shown on the St. Pete Times Forum scoreboard, he said the game was one of the most satisfying of his career and that he felt as if he shoved it up someone's backside.

Asked by interviewer Paul Kennedy to whom he was referring, Prospal said. "I would like to think they know who they are.''

A 25-minute closed-door meeting with coach John Tortorella and GM Jay Feaster followed. After the meeting, neither Prospal nor Tortorella talked about what was said. In fact, Torts shrugged it all off, saying, "Athletes who are mad, to me, are good athletes.''

Prospal declined to speak about anything other than the game, which was a terrific one with Prospal tying his career high with his 25th goal and Karri Ramo making 19 saves, including a game saver with 13.2 seconds left.

But it was difficult to ignore Prospal's outburst, though Torts did his best.

"I'm not here to be the happy man and make everybody happy,'' he said. "I'm here to make calls as far as the game is concerned.''

And this after Torts was asked if he sensed some relief in Prospal:

"I'm sure there was quite a bit of relief and a few other things, too. That's life. He played really well. Athletes that are upset, they contribute and help the team win, coaches are happy. This isn't a touchy-feely thing here or love fest. This is a game of hockey and we're fighting for our life.''

   

Comments

[skp]

great, now if every player on the second line would step up and stick it to tortorella, maybe we'd go someplace this year....tortorella challenges players and pushes their buttons all the time - look at his relationship with VL4 - and when they get mad enough, they perform...sounds like an effective coaching technique to me, just that the roster has gotten mentally softer since the cup run. aside from prospal, whose ice time was sacrificed to try to get #19 going, torts has done a great job rewarding effort guys on the 3rd and 4th line for playing physical, methodical two-way hockey

[Not The Marlboro Man]

Prospal is my New Favorite Player especially for making those heart-warming comments, the sports world needs more honest guys like that. Its just too bad they will probably be letting him go either at the trade deadline or letting him go to FA at the end of the season. Looks like we will be left with lesser team.

[Casper]

So, great; trade Richards to Columbus. We'll take Peca, Klesa and a pick.
Save face and a bushel of buckos too.

Then the Blue Jackets can change the way they approach the game, run Hitchcock out of town, etc, etc.

It's a Jonas, man.

[tundo]

Richards clicked perfectly with Freddy Modin, but Feaster found it necessary to trade him away...

[Lisa]

Prospal has shown he can play where ever and even produce with 1/3 the time that is given to Richards. He has scored 6 goals in 7 games, with 3 of them on the second line, benched for most of the game.

Sorry, I do support Tortorella in many instances, but he basically punished Prospal (who is working his tale off and producing) so that Richards could get time with Vinny and Marty to see if they could get something going for him. Unfortunately, it just made Vinny and Marty less effective, and cut the time of the more productive player significantly.

I don't blame Prospal for being angry. The MVP line is the best line in hockey (or one of the best) and there was no need to fix it if it wasn't broken. Richards has not found anyone that he clicks with for the last 2 seasons.

Personally, I would like to see Prospal re-signed, Boyle extended as well. But I do know that we have a lot of holes and we need steady goaltending. (which we could have had with Bryzgalov without having to give up anything of value).

[Audrey]

I have to agree w/some of the comments about Prospal acting like a prima donna, although I really like him. Torts has to do anything and everything to get production out of each and every player. So he took Prospal off the top line. Maybe instead of whining about not being given the best help possible for 3 games he could stop and think about 2 things. 1. Brad hasn't complained about not getting top shelf help all season and 2. Why didn't VP take this opportunity to show he could play on any line and not only do a good job himself, but like Marty, make the others around him better. Any decent player can do well having 2 of the best forwards on your line. But to make a name for yourself on a no name line would give you more credibility and respect by your peers AND the coach. In any event, regardless of what the motivation was, Torts plan worked and Vinny showed his value. Maybe he should remove what's shoved up his backside and learn to shine on his own. VP, I hope you keep scoring to help the team win regardless of what drives you to do so. GO BOLTS!

[karma]

Geo:
I'm not in the habit of responding, but i have to tell you that i respect your point of view. I don't know who made the management calls re: Perrin; Khabi, Andy aka "Clyde", Feds, et al. I have to believe that control of the locker room falls on the coach and the roster falls on the GM, which is nearly completely dictated by the ownership.

I don't agree with the way Clyde was treated any more than i could ever agree with the way Big Mo was treated after winning the gold medal. But, that's in the past and not part of this season. We all know that Feds was hurt last year and never really was the same after his hip flexor surgery. He was a UFA and the team let him go. He hasn't really done much for the Islanders, but he still scored the only goals in Game 7, so he's a hero in my book. But, he stopped producing and became expendable.

I'm not sure what the story is with BR. The guy can be the most gifted center since Sakic, but he needs some serious support, which ownership won't give him. Oullet and Hlavic are not the answer. The guy has done nothing but win since he was old enough to skate. Don't you think that the last couple of years are eating him alive??? (of course, i'd love to see him return some cash so that Boyler could be signed, but i doubt his scum agent will let that happen.) I keep waiting for him to snap out of his slump, but i just can't see it happening. A trade will only come back to haunt the team, but it may be the best thing (think Thornton...not that it helped Boston, but how well he's doing in a new setting.)

Maybe now that Koules, who has always been the guy, has his financing in order, Feaster will be allowed to make a deal or two and sign V20 and Boyle. I for one wouldn't mind missing the playoffs and getting the second pick in the draft. We need youth. We have a bunch of guys approaching UFA and the fans can't keep coughing up the cash to pay salary increases for these 4th line vets.

out---

[thomasss]

This was a lot to read and admit kinda skimmed over the last 10 posts but whatever.

as for the "herb brooks" idea you can just throw that out that window. He did hes famous 'take your anger out on me' thing when he was the coach of the USA hockey team not a returning coach of a NHL team & has to deal with the issues Totz has to deal with, long term and trying just to get these guys to win a tournament.. add in contracts, trades, ownership, UFA, FA etc etc and its reeally impossible to do anything Brooks did..

I love Prospal and would rather see Tortz go than Vinny04.

[ajax]

5:40pm I just heard on the radio the deal has been completed and should close within 105 days. Strangest turn of events since, if the glove don't fit you must acquit. The possibilities are endless. Go Bolts Go!!!!!

[Casper]

I guess I should have read more than the first three posts before hacking away on MS Word for a cut ' paste of non-original fluff. I apologize. On second glance, many of my learned compatriots have rightly pointed out V20's proclivity to drift toward the cash, anyone's cash. If he and V4 weren't so darned magnificent together though...
I've always been high on Tortorella, but I would have to really be high to remain so. Loved the Brooks theory, but Herb almost certainly would've modified tactics to best utilize the talent on hand.

Which brings us to my least favorite subject.
Just wondering if Brad had mono last year too, and what will be the spin next season. A year from now remember the phrase 'abject failure.'

Hockey 101 or Brad Richards hockey 101; we made our choice and now we have to lump it, I guess.
I seem to recall at the dark time of his signing, we were worried that the Red Wings would grab him and make him Yzerman's heir apparent. The wheelbarrow of cash was brought forth & the rest was history for our goaltending/defense/third line.

Everybody got their 20/20 hindsight specs on?
Detroit isn't that stupid for one; for two, by staying here and mandating from the Bolts a modified approach to the game that suits his weak sister persona/gifted brother skills, this has stunted our overall roster/success as well as, get this, Brad's own development as a player. That's right, he could have been much, much better in a disciplined system forcing him to be a more active participant.

We were all pretty much hosed by that deal.
Not slipping a noose around Feaster's ample neck, accountability lies with the danged agent reptilians that have shaved off millions from the entire sporting world. They're failed lawyers and,.......say Jay......could you imagine.......naw.

So it's not Brad or even Jay that draws my ire.
But heaven help a recognizable agent if I spot one near the top of some stairs.

[Herb]

Stop apologizing for Brad's lack of production and face the fact that he is NOWHERE worth $7.8 million that the Pillsbury Dough Boy signed him for. He had 1 good season and that is what his contract was based upon. With that logic then Stillman would have been a steal at $3.9 million per and then we might have enough money for a real goaltender. I hear about Brad's lack of quality wingers and see no difference when he played next to Vinny4 and Marty on a line or on the PP.

[geo]

sorry about the misspelling did not go over post before i sent it

[geo]

Karma maybe Khabi and Perrin took the money because of torts and also why did Fedetenko leave torts again and who else torts has piss a lot of players off as for btad he took the money I dont blame him he is a good play but not worth what he got i remember reding what the other owners thought at the time but u get a player thats good and asks for a little money like Artyukhin and he dorees not deserve it does brad also ive read that you dont talk about the boss like vinny did what about torts and wilson same thing. To does who talk about management and not letting loose the purse strings quit crying look at the wings they had a payroll of 80 mil that got cut in have wow they have a bad team lol maybe it uncle feaster and his moves I still would rather have khaby here and feds modin and even the old man andrechuk, who was screwed was that another torts move or festers,and quite a few more then what we have now. Sorry just had to vent I blame management coach and gm this is from someone who has watched a lot of hockey from when the wings were a last place in a 6 team league

[Pat]

Voice of the Turtle:
I don't believe I said Torts was as good a coach as Scotty Bowman (nor would I). I merely pointed out that Bowman was reportedly disliked by his players - something that most of the posters here seem to think is the case with Torts - yet despite this apparent "handicap" Bowman was able to win. I guess my sense of many of the previous postings, is that Torts should not be able to win if his players dislike him. So, that was my point in bringing Bowman and his seemingly similar coaching style into the discussion. Plus, don't you mean 3 times "lucky" if you count the # of times he's reached/won championships at various levels? If setting the record straight counts as "fawning" then, guilty as charged.

[karma]

I have been fortunate enough to meet Coach, and to see first hand the character of the man. He is fiercely committed to everything that he does, whether that is the coaching of an NHL team, or his incredible service to the less fortunate children within our community. Maybe his temper and competitive spirit becomes a bit much for people to handle once in a while. However, I for one would prefer a coach of his make-up than most of the other "unemployed" coaches doing commentary on VS and TSN.

I've said it before and it deserves repeating here. Coaches don't skate, shoot, score or play goal. The coach. Considering that we have a team with a few of the best players in the league, and many, many 4th line role players (and no real goalie) as a result of ownership's reluctance to open the wallet, I can't find myself putting blame on the coach for the season.

And a final point re: VP - the guy never wanted to sign with anyone else and Feaster didn't want to lose him. It was his agent seeking more $$$ and from what I heard, VP was broken up on the signing (smudged fax, round 2). We've seen how Torts deals with guys to who take $$ and run (see: Khabi and Perrin), but he encouraged Feaster to get VP back. He's the real glue for V4's success.

Enough from me -- and call me a towel boy if you want. I can take it.

[keith]

Nice comeback Pat!
Im with you. Coaches have different styles and methods. Torts is thick skinned enough to not care about whether his players, media (or bloggers)like him or not. He gets paid to coach a team of highly paid professional athletes to win games.(which he has done recently, without Andre and with VP playing limited minutes) not kiss babies and win a popularity contest. Want that, watch the news each night from now till November.
Never met the guy, just know what I see from the tube and press. Doesnt come across in that venue as someone I would drink a cold one with, but who cares. Could be a great guy in person. Its all about winning. If anything I respect him for sticking to his philosophies when it seems it would be easier to change. Get him a deeper pool of talent and I think things change.
What do think those college kids way back, thought about Herb Brooks at the Olympics? What do you think they thought after the Games with gold jewellry hanging around their necks?.
If the boys continue to improve and results come (maybe too late) all this goes away and its back to the Beat on Richie blogs.
What a country!!!! I love it!!!!

[Voice of the Turtle]

Pat:

Scottie Bowman made great demands but he DID NOT publicly insult and embarrass his players. You did not have to hold the newspaper upside down to find Scottie's teams in first place.

Your connecting the little coaching bully who got lucky just once (in 2004) with Bowman is like comparing George W. Bush favorably to Abraham Lincoln.

Still, I admire your unquestioningly fawning loyalty and your surprising willingness to openly brandish it in spite of hard facts to the contrary. This is, after all, a forum open to everyone and every tangent of thought no matter how peculiar or tangential.

[Patrick]

Saying this team is a minor league roster is a bit of a stretch. We have a solid 1st and 3rd forward line. We a talented blue line that is only lacking in experience, which has been helped greatly by the return of boyle. The goaltending has become more consistent with the 1A and 1B approach.

Since richards has mono, we basically missing an entire 2nd line. If we had a healthy Richards and a 2nd line scorer who had chemistry with him, what other glaring holes are there?

[Pat]

Grady, why don't you try for a little decorum? This board is just an exchange of opinions - mine is just as good as yours. I get my facts from many places - as you could too - if only you took the time to research, instead of just gratuitously insulting people. Tortorella had two head coaching gigs at the non-NHL level: The Virginia Lancers of the ECHL during the 86-87 to 87-88 years where he was named Coach of the Year after leading the Lancers to the league championship. He was head coach of the Rochester Americans in the AHL and won the Calder Cup Championship in 1996. And of course, at the NHL level is a Jack Adams award-winning coach and has his name on the Stanley Cup.

[ajax]

Just the facts Casper, tough to swallow but reality. Thank-you. It will get worse before it gets better.
Scotty Bowman was king of the grumps but he never did it publicly, that is the HUGE difference. Are we suggesting Torts can get away with it because he is like Scotty Bowman? Ouch!!!. Feaster thinking Richards was the next Gretzky was another similiar tiny little err. jr., you hit it on the head but were way to gracious. We have about 6 players that would not be playing in the NHL today if it weren't for our economic need for minimum wage players. Not even minimum wage young players, teams want to develope those type guys. We have the career drifters/european forgetmenots. Saturday night when they announce the starting team you will hear Vinny Prospal and I would love to see a standing ovation, pass it on.

[TJ]

I had the same thought as Michele. I think Torts is taking a page out of Herbie Brooks' book. Get the players all pissed at the coach and they will play hard, if for no other reason that to "stick it" to the coach..."see how wrong you were about us?"....well, whatever it was, it worked with Vinny P, at least last night. If it works the rest of the year, so be it. Let's all face it, no great changes are going to happen until this proposed sale either goes through (best option) or falls into the clinker (a Bolts nightmare). When new ownership takes over, we'll see. It is what it is and all the whining about it don't help.

[Casper]

VACLAV PROSPAL FOR CAPTAIN!!!

Dear lord, if he dresses down Richards like that I’m going to ask my sister to….
Yeah, the clock is ticking on John Tortorella’s power trip all right.
Much is typed about the Bolts having only 5 or 6 players worth a cat’s @$$. Much, but obviously not enough is typed about the immediate improvement of our short and long term fortune if three individuals just take a hike. Alfalfa, Spanky, and Goldenboy; adios muchachos! New coach, GM, and $4M defenseman (put $3.8M in the bank) and we suddenly cause the rest of our Division serious worry.

Not going to happen though, get ready for more mud from the bottom of the pond shoved up our snouts when Prospal is dealt and Richie stays.

[Michele]

They looked pretty motivated last night.

[Grady]

It's written that he must be able to motivate his players you boob. Torts can't do that. And what do you mean "successful at every level?" Where do you get your "facts" from? Are you Torts' towel boy?

[Pat]

Where is it written that a coach must be beloved, or even liked, by his players? It is said that the great Scotty Bowman was detested by his players every day of the year except one - the day his players picked up their Stanley Cup rings. If VP's recent play is a sample of what can happen with Tort's coaching style, then give me more of the same. I agree with Torts - a ticked off player is a motived player. If it "motivates" VP out the door - so be it. He may not be in our future plans anyway, based on the salary he may command in free agency. Perhaps that is part of his frustration, he actually wants to stay and has been told that, other than the "Fantastic Four," no one in this year's UFA crop may be back. There is a reason why Torts has been successful at every level he has coached at - he is a good coach. I don't particularly care if he is egotistical, arrogant or any of the other derogatory adjectives being thrown out on this board by people who don't know the man personally (or, even if they do).

[dwight]

Dude, when you're making $7.8 million a year you are virtually prohibited from making excuses. Richards is not that noble nor is he that talented.

[jr]

Richards, Boyle and Prospal are movable.
Denis is not.
Kuba movable but Bolts would get little or no value in return.

Here's the problem: Team has very little scoring depth and Boyle has shown he makes a big diffrence. Do you want to move Boyle and Prospal "for the future?" That future could be very far away.

Actually, the team's "self-imposed cap" has been as responsible as anything for the crappy on-ice performance. If you tie up tons of dough in a handful of players, you are obligated (morally to the fans anyway) to spend more money for the supporting cast. And, truthfully, there are 3-4 players who would never make another NHL roster.

[Gene]

Remember, Prospal bailed on this team before, so how do you support that he cares more about the team than Torts? Like the comment that VP is the only one discussed here who's name is not on the cup, and for a good reason! Torts coached this team to a cup. Just because you don't like his methods, he has shown results when he has a full team. Notice that even with his mistakes, that clearly cost us one game, how much better the team is playing with Boyle's return. Anybody out there running off at the keyboard ever have mononucleosis? Brad Richards has a perfect excuse to stay home in bed, but doesn't, nor does he whine about the criticism. Like V4, DB, MSL and the others that put the team first, he knows not to make excuses. I like VP's abilities and desire. I will take tort's comments on face value and that he is only interested in getting better play out of everybody. If it takes getting players P'D/Off, so be it.

[Michele]

I was personally wondering if Tortorella isn't taking a page outta Herbie's book.

[McGz]

Prospal is a bargain at his price...for now. He should be moved since he is a top two center, not top-line winger. Richards has underachieved since signing that huge deal. Isn't a top center supposed to make his wingers and others produce, not the other way around? Move him, Denis and Prospal for picks, role players and depth; resign Boyle and Gratton. GM and coach should go after they tank this season.

[ajax]

There are 21,000,000 reasons we can't keep Boyle or Prospal. Goals, injuries, attitude. Nothing can change the $$$ facts.
I am not in Torts corner as far as his runaway ego. I give him alot of slack because the man has a minor league roster. I have stated 4ever that the real blame for the freefall in Tampa lies squarely with Jay Feaster. One step backwards though, I am sure he gave the zillion to Richards with alot of imput from Torts. I don't blame Richards. Every person in the free world would of took the 39 million. Prospal is a luxury at 1.8mil Boyle a gift at 3mil. Niether will stay even if they fire coach. Gang, say they fire coach, give Prospal 3mil, give Boyle 5mil. With Denis at 3.2mil and Kuba at 2.8mil we would have 35 million tied up with 6 guys. Tongue in cheek, is it possible to commit team suicide twice in three years?? That is where we would be at. We need role players and bodies not more stars.
I would be happy and I am sure the majority of the team would be happy with Torts if he just learned to stop bashing his players publicly. It only builds anger,resentment and team disharmony. I think that is where we sit today with the locker room versus Torts. He hasn't shown the ability to take the gas off the throttle. Spending the full cap would sure help. But, letting Feaster make the personel decisions is like giving your five year old a 100.00 bill at Chuckie Cheese. Lots of fun and excitement but at the end of the night you walk away with a bunch of throw away crapola.
I will sum it up. We need mega-rich new owners, and fast. I think the new owners will answer my prayers with Feaster. Torts I think is digging himself a huge whole that might expand through out the whole league. Man is he an uppity dude.

[leo]

Oddly enough, Prospal's value will never be as high as it is now. Many a blogger's wish would be satisfied by dangling him out there and simply asking what you're looking for in return. Lotta teams want him.
That's the style Tortie uses to coach, getting players p.oed at him, what are you gonna do? Hey, I thought for sure Vinny was gone 3 yrs ago, that he would NEVER play for Tortie again, but...
Why shouldn't the same thing happen to Prospal? Who really KNOWS what the *ell goes on behind closed locker-room doors? Maybe they'll be crying in each other's arms tomorrow.
As for being "drilled", ajax, maybe that's going too far. That boring pendulum coulda swung one way or another. It wasn't a great game to say the least, c'mon. Did you SEE anybody in hab uniform? I saw a little bit of Plecanec, some Huet in the 2nd period, some Kostitsyn in the 3rd, nothing else. Nothing else. C'mon,man. The habs stunk. Did you see the Artist? I didn't. Markov, an all-star? Really? Captain Koivu? They didn't PLAY, ajax. They were no challenge at all. I thought it was a listless game.
Bolt Presence of the game? Dan Boyle. What a difference he makes, wow. I thought he played a better game than Vinny, last night. It was Him that SHUT DOWN the habs and easily PRESSED their neutral-zone coverage. (Any objections?)
Ouellet played an excellent game and Ramo...my gosh, he ate the whole wheatie box and accidentally swallowed the Rubik-cube inside. Game-breaking saves. The Plecanec breakaway? Coulda been over right there. After 10 minutes.
Then Boyle took over.
I won't go so far as to assure that we would have made the playoffs had he not be hurt but we'd certainly be in the running.
BBR

[Another Joe]

Whatever Torts did it worked. Prospal played better last night then he has all year. Isnt that what its all about? Its no secret how Torts is. The players know it. Id bet anything torts loved hearing him say that!

[tundo]

You may be right Wiggy. The challenge would be to find that coach that allows the team to play the similar style, because that is how the team was built.

Torts would be better suited as a coach of a really young, up and coming team, like we were when he first came here. He is great at grabbing the attention from the young guys and getting them to buy into his system, which works when executed properly. But once the player become older, more professional, the ego he carries around interferes with their own. Most of them now have families, involved in business outside of hockey, they do not want to be treated like young men anymore, or yelled at like one. And I can understand that. I still think John is a great coach, and will be in this league for a long time, but his job here is done, and it might be time for both sides to move on.

[tundo]

I think it has more to do with the exit of a top tier goaltender than anything else. Prospal has been great, he is intense, wins battles, he is not taking bad penalties this year, and scored 25 goals this year so far. Sure, if we still had a guy like Modin to play on the top line, a guy like Prospal would be more expendable. But in our current situation, he is very valuable to us. His play is directly keeping us in contention right now...

Most every player is going to chase the money, even those with all of the heart and character in the world, like Ryan Smyth, so I cannot hold that against him...

[wiggy]

Hilarious...Prospal one of four or five guys that tries hard every game.

Tundo, the problem is that the attitude towards Torts is not from one or two players or even a minority. Boyle wants to play for a Cup contender and, whatever he thinks of Tortorella, he probably perceives correctly that many of his teammates don't want to play hard for this coach.

[cak]

Out of all the names in this thread there is only one NOT on the Stanley Cup. Is it coincidence that this team has regressed since his return? Is this season any different than when he chased the money in a one year deal? Dump Prospal and his prima donna attitude and this team starts to return to its championship ways. We need a role player like Cory Stillman to fill his shoes. He came in here, didn't try to be a star and did whatever was needed. That is not Prospal, never has been. He wants to be a big fish and paid like it, regardless of the consequences for the team. This team has enough talent and not enough role players to fill the holes on any given night. Before the cup season, I used to think that my happiest days as a fan were watching Gratton leave. Now I'll settle for watching Prospal do the same.

[tundo]

I can understand that from Prospals side. He obviously didn't care for the cut ice time. It didn't seem like Torts was doing it as a punishment, but rather trying to get Richards better and their huge investment in him justified. But after the comments last night, I had to rethink it. He could go get a nice contract this offseason and play for a different coach. The only way to keep him might be to fire the coach, the question is, is he worth it? The way he has been playing lately, I am starting to believe so, but we will see...

Boyle though, gets alot of freedom from Torts that he might not get in alot of other places, and maybe not here anymore without Torts. So I guess it goes both ways...

If we did fire Tortorella, who would you replace him with? It would have to embrace the fact that the team is built around a strong transitional offense, and cannot try to instill a heavy defensive, trap like philosophy, the players and fans won't go for that...

[Anita]

Richards is obviously supposed to be part of the core, but the way I see it he isn't this year. He hasn't had any real chemistry with anyone the last couple of seasons. Does anyone remember all the talk in pre-season that this was going to be Richards year??? I just wish he was a bit tougher, could fight the battles more. Tampa shines when it plays a fierce and physical game. The finesse guys need to toughen up if that's going to be the team identity.

I hope the sale goes through. Imagine what it would be like to have a passionate and involved owner.

[tundo]

IF they spent that extra 5 million they probably make the playoffs. Each playoff home game brings about $1M profit. Then all they would have to do is make it to the second round for a guaranteed $4M, and probably at the the very least, $5M because Rd 1 would give us 3 home games unless it is a sweep. Then it all evens out at the end of the year, fans are content with making it to the 2nd round, and all is well.

[Nils]

Agree tundo but firing Tortorella is the key to keeping Prospal and Boyle. They can great money anywhere belse without the hassle.

[tundo]

I can't sit here and bash Brad Richards, because if he were playing with St. Louis and Prospal as his wingers all season, I think he would be just fine, right near the top of the team in points. But, we have to come up with the money to keep Boyle and Prospal, I think that is pretty obvious watching this team over the past few weeks, these guys are two huge reasons why we have not fallen out of the playoff race just yet. So, the challenge is to find a team willing to take on that salary for 3 years and make a commitment to him as their top center playing with their top two wingers. I think if Feaster really shopped him around this offseason, and didn't require much, if anything, in return, we could lose his salary hit, and use that money to keep both Boyle and Prospal, and still have 1.5M or so left over...

It would be nice to have ownership, either current or new, spend every penny possible. I think the NHL cap is at 50M this season, and we spend about 45? I could be a little off on those numbers, but it is in that vicinity. That would allow us to keep all 5 of those guys, which happens to be our top PP unit, and with the cap probably going up a little more next season, we would have money to land another big name or a couple good depth guys. I don't understand where the problem is in spending to the max in this market, there is alot of money floating around this area, even in the poor economy we are in. Spending more money on players = a better team. A better team = high attendance/playoffs. High attendance/playoffs = more money + more team value. Seems pretty simple to me...

[Nils]

You mean the $7.8 million man is not part of the core? We ARE in a mess.

Agree about the minor league system. No prospects I know about. I like Darche..see some upside there. Can't say the same for McDonald.

I still say there are teams that will take Richards..then we can re-sign Boyle. Fire Torts and re-sign Prospal. Use the two draft picks and the defenseman obtained for #19 to help build this club.

Prediction: If the team is sold, it will be closer to $180M than $200M.

[Joe Schmo]

I don't think Torts is the problem. He is trying to win games with a poorly financially managed team. I think you would see many issues go away and be forgotten if the team deal was done and they spent to the cap. You just can't spend the kind of money they did on the top 3 and then pinch pennies under the cap and expect success. That's not Tort's fault.

I'm thrilled to see Vinny's success last night. I am worried mgt will think trading VP or DB will make things better. They need to keep them - way to vauable to us. The team has clearly played better overall since DB returned.

[Anita]

Nils-

What I said was the team should stay mostly intact....meaning the CORE players. Vinny, Marty, Prospal, Boyle, Ranger. I also think we really have something in MacDonald and Darche. They may not be stars but they are out there working hard every night. I'd like to see some movement but hopefully not those guys. Feaster himself has gone on record saying that a lot of the problems are his fault. I'm not calling for his head by any means, perhaps ownership that was actually interested in hockey would make a difference. We don't have much coming up through our system, which is a huge problem in the salary cap world. Look at how much Norfolk has struggled this year, can't blame that on Torts.

Hello, McFly yourself.

[Nils]

Don't feed the monster, ajax.

Thought you had been a Torts defender????

[ajax]

You can watch it on you tube. You can see the disdain oozing. What a stone cold face.
Prospal was leaving no matter what happened this year. $$$$$$$$$$$
Torts is, let me say this. And I said it last year, six months ago, and even more so today. His ego, his I am the man attitude is worn way to long. Don't you feel self destruction almost. Who would hire this self-obsessed man? Time after time he states in the paper he doesn't care about being friends with anyone. "not my job" YES it is. Players play harder. Players are loyal. Maybe he sees himself as Billy Martin??
Torts and Feaster from what I hear don't even talk to Campbell. That tells you how mixed up this organization is. How many organizations would put up with the coach publicly slamming upper management?? NONE!! There is a underlying message there and it ain't good for the "team" They maybe put up with Torts because they are so removed from actual hockey business they don't know what to do?? Strange vibes I get padawan.
Leo where you been??? The Habs get drilled by the lowly Bolts and you are sitting on the sidelines?? Huet gave up some softies!!! WE WANT PRICE WE WANT PRICE!!!!

[Rudy]

Nan : answer is Richie

[Nan]

It is most likely the expectation of Torts that the players should keep their feelings to themselves and not express them to the media, that's his job and apparently exclusive right! Hopefully, Torts apologized to V20 in that meeting. He was not deserving of less ice time and being taken away from V4. Even not on V4's line he managed to score goals anyway.

You could see the joy in both his and V4's face after both goals, they obviously love playing together. It would not only hurt the team by moving Prospal it will hurt V4 as well. These guys have the chemistry going. Why does Torts continue to mess with that line? Why would the organization get rid of one third of the trio? I hope that they keep him. Prospal is a fighter and I love his attitude.

[Sign and Trade]

The damage from these three is unparalleled: Feaster, Richards, Tortorella.