Roy is sent home

It didn't take long for the fallout from Thursday night's game to be revealed as Lightning enforcer Andre Roy was sent home Friday as the team prepared for tonight's game against the Devils. Team spokesman Bill Wickett said Roy would not rejoin the team on the road trip which finishes up Sunday in Columbus.

Left wing Karl Stewart was called up from AHL Norfolk.

Roy apparently will not be suspended by the league for his antics on the bench in the third period of the 3-2 loss to the Flyers, when he jawed with Riley Cote on the Flyers bench, pointed fingers and made a throat-slashing motion.

Roy fought Cote twice Thursday. The first period bout went to Roy who took Cote down with a string of hard lefts. But the second-period bot went to Cote who decked Roy with a brutal left hand. The replay was shown multiple times on the Wachovia Center scoreboard which apparently angered Roy. There also was scuttlebutt Roy was being taunted by some Flyers. Still, Roy, who has been consistently ordered by coach John Tortorella to control his emotions, was not pleased and benched Roy after the second fight and quickly took further disciplinary action

If you saw Roy on the bench, you knew it was coming. In February, Roy was suspended by the team for three games afrter he had words with coach John Tortorella on the bench after Roy fought with and jawed with Florida's Branislav Mezei.

On Thursday, Tortorella got into Roy's face to calm him down while Roy was gesturing at the Flyers.

Tortorella would not say much about the situation.

"That's going to be taken care of internally,'' he said.

Asked if he was upset the stadium continually replayed the fight, which, by the way, apparently is a violation of NHL policy, Tortorella said, "That has nothing to do with it. Why are we even looking up at the scoreboard. It's a 2-2 game. That has nothing to do with a team that's 1-6-1 that's involved with maybe winning a game.''

The Lightning would not comment about the scoreboard situation, but you can make a good bet it will lodge complaints with the Flyers and the league. General manager Jay Feaster also has spoken to NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell, and while neither he nor the league has commented, given that Tamp Bay plays tonight at New Jersey and no announcement has come from the league, that is a good indication Roy will be suspened by the NHL.

What happens with the Lightning is another story. As Feaster said, "After last night's game, I felt it would be best for the team and for Andre if he went back to Tampa and we separated him from the team for the next few days. I will meet with Andre on Monday, and will determine any subsequent course of action at that time.''

Comments

[Patrick Sherren]

I will be pretty surprised if we ever see Torts and Roy on the same bench again. Whether or not either of them is on the Bolts bench to start next season remains to be seen.

[Martin]

Fire Torts! I want Roy in the team, this is hockey not baseball.

[Valerie]

This is ridiculous... why send home the guy with some heart out there?? He seems to be fighting for his team, which is more than we can say for some of the other players.

Torts, give your head a shake.

[Tackleberry]

I originally posted this in "Roy gets clobbered"

Respect the CODE.

Everyone knows if you fight you get 5 min in the box. If it gets the Bolts fired up, go for it - FIGHT.

Whatever was said or done on the ice between Cote and Roy it is between them two. They handled it. Its a 1-1 tie.

I will say that, Roy will QUICKLY get into a fight. He seems to have the same temper as Torts. Both their fuzes are about 1/4 inch long.

With all this being said, I would not blame any coach for benching Roy the rest of the game. There would nothing gained if he fought again. I think that Roy would have jeopardized the game for the bolts by getting into more fights. Especially in the last 5 min of a game. I could have seen the Flyers taunting Roy into starting a fight.

[JP]

Too bad the coach remains in a fantasy world. I agree that acting like an idiot on the bench is a distraction, I agree in a tie game it's even more of a distraction. I think when a guy goes out there and puts himself on the line as a fighter you need to cut the guy some slack and try to relate.
Something this coach can't do.
Oh, and your season is finished as well

[Kipp]

Wow this is lame. Torts obviously lost respect from this team and his schemes aren't working, proven by our second to last record.

[GFrantz]

Are you joking, Roy going home. He is the ENFORCER, that is what he does, ENFORCE. Tortes and Feaster need to pull there heads out their you know what, because this is hockey not football or baseball where you get in trouble for fighting. I'm so tired of Lightning hockey this year, this just compunds the issue.

[boltcc]

Once again, its OK for Torts to lose it, ex- kicking stuff and screaming after that choke in Buffalo..or its ok to get in a shouting match with N.J. asst coach John MaClean in the playoffs..but if one of his players show emotions its not allowed. Roy seems like the only one who is getting fired up these days anyways. But they said after the last Roy blow up he would be gone..so we'll see..

[chicksandwich]

Ssshhhh Roy, some of the other players are trying to sleep.

[Dave]

I like Roy but he has to calm it down on the bench. It was a close game and his antics on the bench could've cost his team because they could've gotten assessed a silly bench penalty. In football, if a team gets a tough 1st down but is called back because a player takes a stupid "taunting" penalty or something after the whistle, aren't we mad? Well the same goes for hockey. Do your business on the ice and knock off the silliness on the bench.

[Steve]

Sure we get mad when that happens in football, but Roy didn't take an extra penalty or put his team in a bad position. So now we have Prospal taking a jab at Torts a few weeks ago in an interview, and Roy is being benched for his attitude. What's next, bench Lecavalier for his recent play? Isn't it obvious that this team doesn't respond to Torts any longer? It's too bad Feaster won't fire him, it will likely play a part in him losing his job with the new ownership as well.

"This is ridiculous... why send home the guy with some heart out there?? He seems to be fighting for his team, which is more than we can say for some of the other players."

What Roy did was selfish and only hurt his team by getting them preoccupied with things other than the game

[curtis]

"This is ridiculous... why send home the guy with some heart out there?? He seems to be fighting for his team, which is more than we can say for some of the other players."

What Roy did was selfish and only hurt his team by getting them preoccupied with things other than the game

[Geografer]

Wow - just a few last week we hear Feaster saying he had calls about Andre but wasn't interested because they want to resign him and now this! Andre has heart and he is one of the few on that team that brings it EVERY night. Vinny should be benched for his play of late but at least Andre is there. He had every right to be ticked off last night. Too bad his coach thinks he is the only one that can have emotions. Look at the games when Andre was benched - there was almost no hitting - Andre comes back and the hitting by everyone on the team goes back up. That is what Andre brings. I say bring Andre back and send Vinny and Torts home for the rest of the trip - Lord knows Vinny could use the rest. I love Andre and this team without him is a horrible thought.

[Zeus]

Roy & Torts to settle this old school.
In private, what do you say Torts ? Care to have a private "meeting".

[Cheryl in Sarasota]

Separate Roy from the Team Good Idea wouldn't want that kind of kick butt attitude to catch on they might just win a game?? Anyway Planning a long vacation is much more fun!

Am surprised you Tampa fans haven't turned on V4 by now - considering his performance has been sub par since Richie moved up in the league ( hahaha). Am so glad for Brad that he's in the Lone Star State and playoff bound. Good luck to ya'll in Tampa Bay - you sure need it.

[keith]

I love Andre. Love what he brings in enthusiasm and mirth. But his actions last night were like a school boy in the playground. The game and its result apparently lost, with Andre's personal agenda taking over. If a 4th liner fights a 4th liner, two guys that always fight, how does that inspire the team? IT doesnt! Its nothing other than a spectacle that gets the fans out of their seats. As for getting the team going....dont believe it. Vinny and Iginla in the Cup final, that will get your teammates going. Roy vs. Cote....just a sideshow for a mediocre team. Not a big Torts fan right now, but I think he needs to keep Andre under control. However he does that. This is professional hockey where the players make big money. You do what your boss/coach tells you or face the consequences. Sorry Andre.....love ya but your days in Tampa may be done as they were in PITT and OTT. You think by now he'd wise up. Playing a game for a living is a privelege, not a right.

[John]

Some of you need to get a grip. I'm a Roy fan but I also understand there is a place and time for everything. The things he was doing on the bench was wrong and he should be benched. I don't blame the coach. An I do thing V4 the other core guys need to take a hard look at their play. Thats not the coaching..thats the big players not doing their job.

[Dana]

Totally agree with Dave and John. There's a time and a place for everything and that wasn't it. And Roy is one of my favorites on this team because he does have heart.

But, the league definitely needs to rein in Philly arean for them playing the same replay over and over. They're punks just like their team.

[Nan]

I agree with you John, there is a time and place for everything and Roy overstepped the bounds last night. Torts was correct in sending him packing literally. Remains to be seen if he gets resigned now this summer.

As for V4 and Marty both, they both realize that they need to step it up but it sure must be damn difficult given the current circumstances with all the off ice antics with the sale and the trades, etc. Needless to say these guys have been in the NHL and know how it gets done even with distractions. We need to see some scoring from them soon.

Like I have said previous times, it is time for Torts to go. A new coach behind the bench could be just what this team needs and if JF doesn't get rid of him fire JF too.

[Rudy]

By Damian Cristodero:
Carter gave the Flyers a 2-1 first-period lead after walking around Boyle at the Tampa Bay blue line and lifting a backhander Smith probably should have stopped.
Se , it’s starting already, now #1 it’s going to be slowly blame for all lost, while poor Torts doing everything he can to find “winning spirit” or how he called it . “ all we need from goaltender it’s a give us a chance to win!”
Meanwhile V4 is wasting his career.
Richard is gone now, all accountants are quite now, and we continuing to same story.
Please coach resign, tell us its nothing you can do now!
They will find winning spirit right after you leave!!!

[Herb]

Just go away Torts. Hey Lightning management I know you aren't listening but my season tickets are gone. I won't pay for this product anymore. What pay money to go see the likes of Karl Stewart. Wow that name must strike fear into the opposition.

[Bolt Fan]

How many times have we asked this team to sho wheart and emotion? And as soon as someone does they are sent home. What is that all about!? I would much rather Torts go home early for not getting this team to win.

[Herb]

I turned off the game 10 minutes in just in. The Devils are playing an AHL team right now.

[Herb]

omit the "just in"

[Rudy]

Nothing you missing Herb.It's sad.

[Rudy]

Open the other botle

[Rudy]

I personally don’t like wrestling, with all that show around, screaming and that entire BS. That is me. And somehow yesterday reminded me of that. I got nothing against Roy, but I don’t like how he showing up. I don’t think this belongs in hockey. And I thing he has nothing to show anyway. I like V4, he is a nice guy, not showing up, but when he gets piss, he just takes care of business right away, no question ask.
That is what I call fighting and that is what make people stand up and players get motivated. But yesterday, and all Roy’s escapades? I’ am sorry, but I don’t have to see that.

[boltflasher]

With all the problems this team has, the big important thing to do is suspend Roy and call up Stewart??????? Forget about trades and filling in holes with free agents...manage what you have first...Vinny is playing like he's worn out...which is due to the minutes that he's had. What's Torts solution to the current situation? He puts even more pressure on Vinny and Boyle by saying they will play against the other teams' top line for "defensive purposes"...Unbelievable..

[Herb]

I just sent an e-mail to the Bolts telling them how disgusted I am as a Bolts fan. They sucked the hockey fan in me right out of my body (tried to think of a better way to put it but that's all I could come up with SORRY)

[Rudy]

That is right on the money dito

[Rudy]

you know where your email going to end up, rigt?

[boltflasher]

Uh oh, Tarnasky in a fight...better call up Wanvig again...

[Rudy]

Unless last time was kinde fun to read post about Boil scoring opposite directions

[boltflasher]

Actually saw shot on goal by #4!!!!

[olin]

....General Tort's,,,, the army does not have a "Capeeeetain" to calm down the troop's in the trench's.

[Rudy]

It’s will be kind tuff cal to make a captain from that gang what we have here, and I don’t think anybody feel like to be one too. Unless Torts is gone, and it take a while to settle everything up. For V4 will be I think very uncomfortable in current situation.

[leo]

Hey, man, where's Roy?!
I wanna see a little spit-disturbin'!
C'mon, man! Get out there!
oh yeah...
Actually, I think he might still be here if it wasn't for the "throat slashing motion". Didn't see it meself but I know the League considers that a big no-no.
Think Feaster might've received a call last night by Mr Campbell,
"Your boy is suspended; we need to talk."
BBR

[Rudy]

Now Boile stop shooting ( in wrong direction) and start fighting.

[bear]

Herb let us know what the high foreheads at the Lightning said in their response to your email...if any.

With a $400 a seat bump I think that they will be in for a shock.

Hold off and get the 2 for 1 deals in the fall.

[Herb]

I sure will Bear

Leo- was just looking at the latest Swedish Pro Hockey mag(during commercial time) and they have a nice article about you boy...they say -En cool rookie i malet...couple a photo's as well, is that the Lone Ranger on the side of his mask???

[leo]

Sorry, don't speak swede. It's Garth Brooks.
Too bad for Ramo.
Gotta love those 2 on 1s. You would think that in overtime...ah, nevermind. Same'ole tripe, different day.
Too bad for Ramo, though.
BBR

[tundo]

So instead of having a real enforcer tonight, Boyle had to fend for himself and take a 20 minute break...

Good game though, they should have gotten torched, but had another great effort in net. These two guys we have now will be a fine tandem to go with next year. Just need to get some help defensively.

Vinny should just take a game off, he was way off tonight. He could barely stay on his skates in the OT.

[Rudy]

Get icecream leo

[boltflasher]

Its hard for us to keep wathching this, over and over. Think of the players being told the same thing over and over that continues to produce the same result....

[Herb]

Flasher then do what I did....just give up on this team, this year, and wait to see what they do over the summer. So far all I see that they will do is lose Vinny4. It seems that Torts and his cronies will remain but I hope and pray that I am wrong. I just can't bear to watch an AHL team playing NHL caliber teams. The same result will happen. They were destined to lose this game because Ramo sucks on penalty (shootout) attempts.He has yet to stop one.

[boltflasher]

Hey, its OK....here's what we can look forward to:

Top-rated draft prospect Stamkos named OHL player of the month
6 hours ago

TORONTO — Sarnia Sting forward Steven Stamkos was named Ontario Hockey League player of the month Friday.

Stamkos, 18, led the OHL with 13 goals and nine assists in 13 games in February.

He had a goal and five assists in a game against Saginaw on Feb. 3 and four goals, one assist in a game against Owen Sound on Feb. 8.

The Unionville, Ont., native is the top-rated prospect for the 2008 NHL entry draft.

He has 52 goals and 42 assists in 56 games.

[tundo]

No doubt Stamkos is a prolific goal scorer, and would easily make second line from day one next season.

He would look great in a Bolts uniform next season. Then we would just have to focus on bringing in a good RWer to play with him and Ouellet/Jokinen. Keep Halpern, resign Gratton, and we have a really good core of centers on this team...

[tundo]

Its too bad Jon Tavares will not be available, because then we couldn't really go wrong drafting either him or Stamkos. And the way it is looking, drafting 2nd overall is going to be the worst we can end up...

[boltflasher]

How many teams get into the lottery for the #1?

[boltflasher]

If the Bolts have l7 one goal losses this season, and we have Stamkos, you figure he might have scored in at least half of those and we are in the playoffs...

[Bear]

May be wrong but I think the lottery has a max swing of 4 spots

[ajax]

Didn't get to watach the game tonight and only heard the 3rd period and overtime. Brodeur must of fell asleep. Ramo sounded like he stood on his head. Then they score on a 2-on-1 and the announcer says it was just like the first goal(2-on-1) nothing changes but the date. With all the crapola and mind games Torts plays I for one thinks if Tortorella stays VL4 will be moving no matter what. Hockey is 6 months, he can still live here and be involved in his charity work. He can start a charity in his new city. He is finishing up a 30 mil contract and will be signing probably at least 50 mil more. He will want to win and win now. Lots has to go right for him to stay. Put me with bear and leo(did I actually say that). Take the boat load of players and draft choices and move him on his way. My new motto(other than, Fire Jay, Fire Torts) WE NEED PLAYERS, as in plural.

[Mike13]

4 teams get in the lottery, the worst team gets the highest % chance. If we finish 29th out of 30, the worst we will pick is 3rd overall. There are some fine D-men in this draft.

[Voice of the Turtle]

In a late-breaking story it was learned that Coach John Tortorella has been sent home due to a unanimous vote by the Lightning team. The vote was taken at a team meeting which took place while the Coach was employing his usual bad grammar and poor articulatuion during the post-game interview.

Tortorella will not be attending the Sunday game in Columbus. He was given instruction by Nigel the video coach to dye his goatee while at home so as to look better on camera in case the team allows him to appear at future games.

Jay Feaster could not be reached for comment although efforts were made to reach him at his favorite buffet restaurants in Tampa.

In another related story out of New Jersey, noted St. Petersburg Times reporter, Damian Cristodero, after sucker-punching Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune in the press box, received 2 minutes for roughing, 2 minutes for instigating, 5 minutes for fighting, and a 10 minute game misconduct. Erik was given a hanky to wipe away his tears and was sent back to Tampa by the Trib (currently looking for more physically intimidating hockey scribe).

[harvey]

The draft lottery is screwy as can be. All non playoff teams participate in the lottery however a team can move up a max of 4 spots and can not fall down more than one. Only the lowest 5 teams in points have the chance at the #1 pick. Here's how I found it explained.

Fourteen balls, numbered 1 to 14, were placed in a lottery machine. The machine expelled four balls, forming a series of numbers. The four-digit series resulting from the expulsion of the balls was matched against a probability chart that divided the possible combinations among the 14 participating clubs. The chart showed that the Blues had been assigned the numbers (11-14-13-1) that were expelled.

The Draft Drawing is a weighted system to give the teams that finished with the fewest points during the regular season the greatest chance of having their combination selected. The team who finishes the regular season with the fewest points are assigned the greatest number of combinations, representing a 25% likelihood that their combination would emerge. The second lowest point prodicing team has an 18.8% chance of the combinations, followed by the the 3rd lowest(14.2%) the 4th(10.7%) and the 5th at 8.1%. The remaining teams have the following chances: 8.1%, 6.2%, 4.7%, 3.6%, 2.7%, 2.1%, 1.5%, 1.1%, 0.8% and 0.5%.

Got it? Yeah, me too. Even the 17th highest team (the one with the most points that didn't make the playoffs) is entered into the lottery however a team can only move up 4 spots max so only the 5 teams with the lowest point totals are in the running for #1.

I tried to simplify this by taking the odds of the lowest 5 and making that 100%. Here's the readers digest version.....

The team with the lowest point totals in the league has a 35.55% chance of retaining the top pick. 2nd lowest has a 24.45% chance of moving up to the #1 spot. 3rd - 18.50%, 4th - 13.94%, and 5th - 10.56%. Teams with the lowest points do have better odds but the lowest points in no way guarantees the top pick. If the season ended today, Tampa would have the 2nd lowest points and would draft anywhere from 1st to 3rd depending on the results of the lottery.

If the Bolts happen to fall to the worst point total in the league there is still only a 35.55% chance of getting the #1 pick. You might not want to hold your breath for Stamkos. However it works out, picking one of the top 3 or 4 in this draft will likely bring in a good player. Then again.......there's Svitov. 3rd overall.

[harvey]

turtle....that was good!!

[harvey]

ooooops, I just realized my percentages add up to 103 not 100 but it's close enough. I think you get the picture.

[tundo]

I have full confidence that this team will finish with the lowest point total in the NHL. Ill take a 3-1 odds on getting Stamkos. If we don't, and end up with the 2nd overall pick, Alex Pietrangelo would be a nice prospect to build the defense around. Here is his scouting report.

Alex is a towering, smooth skating mobile defencemen, with great offensive skills. Pietrangelo plays with great maturity and smarts at both ends of the ice. His calmness and confidence while handling the puck, make him a tremendous offensive threat from the back end. He has slick hands, great vision, and the skating ability to rush the puck at will. He quarterbacks the power-play, makes hard crisp passes and has a hard shot from the point. Not a physically dominating defencemen, but uses his great foot speed, positioning and long reach to fend off the opposition very well. Reacts very well under pressure, reads the ice well, and makes quick, smart decisions. With great size and offensive upside, Alex Pietrangelo is definitely a high end prospect.

Sounds like someone we could really use here...

[olin]

Leo...I'm not talking about Mike Smith's mask with Garth Brook's, I asking about your guy or did you forget?,Carey Price...he seems to have a guy riding a horse with a masked man on the side....don't need to speak swedish.???

[David]

Maybe in the next CBA they can work on making the draft lottery even more complex.

Is 11-14-13-1 unique to 1-11-13-14, is it permutations or just combinations?

[adam]

I love Roy too and I don't mind that he fought twice with Cote. However, he acted like a 12 yr old who just got his Nintendo taken away from him. Roy was fine being as mad as he was, but he should NEVER display it in the manner he did while on the bench.

[Another Joe]

Torts has said it before. He likes Roy and think he is a better "hockey" player then he gets credit for. He was even giving him more ice time earlier in the year. However, he has to pick and choose when he gets into fights. Same with Obrien. Physical tough play doesnt always mean a fight. Roy was out of line the other night and deserves to be benched.

As far as the Devils game. The team isnt playing bad they just cant seem to get a break. We play great against the Penguins and thier goalie plays out of his mind. Play decent against the Devils cant get #2 behind Marty B.

I do think a Smith/Ramo tandem next year is starting to look pretty good. And Picard is a great addition. Get a top 3 player in the draft theres no reason the bolts cant be back in the hunt for the SE division next year!

Go Bolts!

[Rudy]

Wishful thinking Joe! I hope you are right, but I think you not. This is to same BS we went thru already. Especially with a goalies. Coach has no idea what he is doing right now, and that will stay to same for future. He is a problem right now, and if you not fix that it stay with you. It’s going to be same no matter who is playing. Players do what coach telling them to do.

[Mike13]

Harvey's correct about the draft, although the percentages are a little off from what I found on the NHL website. But they're close enough.

Basically, LA has a 25% chance & the Bolts have an ~18% chance of winning the 1st overall pick.

Steven Stampkos would be ideal, but Alex Pietrangelo or Drew Doughty would be very solid D to add to our swiss cheese roster. If we drop to the 3rd pick, we might consider taking Kyle Beach instead of a defenseman.

Current ISS Top Ten
-----------------------------------
Steven Stamkos, C
Alex Pietrangelo, D
Drew Doughty, D
Nikita Filatov, LW
Kyle Beach, C
Luke Schenn, D
Colten Teubert, D
Cody Hodgson, C
Colin Wilson, C
Zach Bogosian, D

[Rudy]

SO now I see what a good coach is doing, he wana Jay to get some draft pick more easy so we have to finish first when you flip standing . What a strategy! Well is always something good in bad.

[Casper]

Well he!!, Tortorella can follow Andre right the heck out of the Bay. No, in fact, precede him.
Crime in Italy this hurts; I used to be a die hard supporter of John Tortorella and a slow death did I die.

When I coached and read a player the 'riot act' they danged well got it in their heads. You could see them freeze up and seize up at the very onset of a temptation to do a repeat performance for which we had our 'fireside chat'.

Andre barking at the dog in the next junkyard after being told he would go to the pound for doing so, is indicative of a coach who has lost the team. Now the onus falls to upper management---and I use that term loosely---, our Club is a rudderless dinghy with no on-ice Captain and Coach Queegorella ready to go nuts over the strawberry ice cream again [sic]. (Duh, that's from "Mutiny on the Bounty" for the Enquiring Minds out there...ygtbsm)

Andre Roy wears it out there on his sleeve---who doesn't know that? Whom also is in the dark about hearing his desire to be more involved in the skills development aspect of the game? He goes off once, that's his job; he goes off twice---and this time against Coach's orders, and coupled with the reluctance, no, refusal to give Andre something else to think about, playing the danged game within the game--- and you have a serious coaching problem.

John Tortorella should be punted from the Bay despite the Lord Stanley Cup pedigree because:
1.) Failure to adjust the Club dynamic on how to play using limited resources due to unbalanced book$.;
2.---clarification of #1,) Failing to coach more defense and fundamental play, not having Brad and Vinny hanging around center ice... oh, you get the picture.;
3.) Taking his 'meritology' to a macabre level. Dogging his most talented guys with insanely un- balanced shifts and dead legs [Camp Torturella can reduce only so much fatigue with improved fitness. Six months later bodies start dropping, dumb@$$!!! The in-season breaks you give these dolts only gets their head out of the game---and they don't come back in time! They're tired, empty brained, and just overall poorly coached on offense and especially, most especially defense!]. The 4th liners are not doing enough ice time to justify the cost of tape, clean towels, soap, etc.;
4.) Talking out of both sides of his face---tempestuousness with players through the press and intolerance of similar mania from one of his players who's paid to do thus. Geez, how long has John been coaching Andre? His voice isn't chiming in Roy's head as a guiding light?

Well, I've got a late breaking bulletin for ya', nobody on this Club that was here before Feb 26 hears any chimes on smart play when they are on the dad burned ice. Coaching change needed and I mean pronto!

[Rudy]

This is my post from feb:
Players are basically good, its only how you get it out from them. They can’t make Richie play in two years, V4 is slowing down drastically, and newer play probably 100% since Cup, Marty same story. Rest of the team, who knows. Tort get that beginners luck, which is not forever. Stanley Cup – I thing he was just in right place in right time. It was bunch of young people and old captain and all of them got on same track somehow and create that magic. That is gone now, and will newer coming back in same way. Captain was kick out by the coach who start believe that he is the one who got a cup to Tampa. He start believe that so much, that he chase away lot of good players, because he believe, that he don’t need them, that they need him, and they will be sorry. But maybe he can realize now, that he has no control of anything now, and newer has in mater of wining that cup. That was situation, which happened just itself when lot of good people get together and create that spirit of team who want to get what they want. He has to go now and maybe old captain can put his fishing poll away for some time and try to gang wit Esposito to get that magic back.

[Casper]

Shoot, I omitted one other painful aspect of lousy coaching.
#5. is a clarification of #2) By not modifying defensive play, he has marginalized every goalie to strap 'em on under a Bolts sweater.

He has the temerity of barking at the netminder for not stealing a game in which his toffee nosed Golden Boys (yes, plural) have taken yet another night off.

[ajax]

Their is no captain of this ship right now. Torts can do, say, act whatever because they are in limbo above him. This whole mess won't be righted until the keys are swapped. Many think the deal will fall thru. God forbid. Guarentee Torts and Feaster will remain if that happens. Guarentee next year will be another of "front office stalemate" ANYBODY can see at this point, Torts has totally lost the ship. Nobody is playing, nobody is listening. He whipped the big boys until their back broke and now wants them to, be leaders, be defensively more responsible, be the goal scorers, have more in the tank!!!! I gotta believe VL4 and Marty are dreading every single game. Some of you will say they are players, they need to be professional etc etc. They are human beings first, and they have had every drop of blood squeezed out of them this year. First ownership, then being treated like dogs, and now losing every night. Tough to lace em up.

[boltflasher]

I think Feaster feels he did not get John enough of a supporting cast (which is correct), that John is a Cup winning coach that brought in a system to a team that had no direction
(partly correct), and that with better supporting players John will again have them in playoffs and in Cup contention. There were a number of things that came together for the Bolts in that year they won the Cup, not just John's coaching. Several individuals had career years that year or were at the peak of their careers. I think the whole team that year was pushed to extend themselves by Andreychuk, not by Tortorella and Feaster gives Torts too much credit. At the time Torts was the right guy at the right place at the right time, but that has all changed now and a new direction is needed in addition to a better supporting cast...

[MM]

The team is in the toilet. Let's make a few more changes and fire Torts and put Sulli at the front. I wouldn't mind seeing a "C" on our bench either. Not sure who the right guy is though...

[boltflasher]

Of the remaining 14 games left on the schedule, the Bolts lost all of the previous matches against those teams except for two. Of those 14 games, the Bolts scored 2 or less goals in 10 of them. The prospects for finishing dead last are good...

[bear]

Totally on Ajax.

You are a little forgiving on the" if the deal falls through", part.
There has never been a deal. No money = no presentation to the NHL board. Its a sham.

Anyone wondering why a pathetic last place team, in the worst division of the worst conference, is raising tics about $10 bucks a game next year??
AND doing it when the Tampa area is close to leading the state in jobs lost?

My take has always been that this whole process with Koules and now the raised prices, is a PSE strawman sham to rationalize moving the team.

How many in their right minds would reup at the rates Bolts offered Herb?

Its a set up folks and the quiet you hear speaks volumes. PSE has another well funded buyer in the wings, with a moving truck

People wonder why Vinny and Marty have thrown in the towel. They know

Next year will likely be the last here and they will make Sully or someone who will work cheap take Torts place.

Feaster stays to complete the move for PSE which has been his job all along.

Wont take Torts long to get another gig.

My 2cents..I've had it.

I have paid for a couple of more games this year and my little protest will be to not show up and buy their watered down $10 beers.

[Another Joe]

I have to admit I have no idea if Reese is great,bad,average, or below average. I just know Smith and Ramo look like they have the talent to be good goalies.

I am also torn on the Torts thing. Do I think he has made some mistakes and should shut up once in a while. Yes i think so and he waited to long to change the style to fit the team we had.

I am not ready to say fire him. Maybe that is the best course of action, maybe it isnt. I bet torts would be at leading out scouting department since that seems to be lacking in recent years.

I dont know I do know changes are needed and think it started at the trade deadline.

Am I a wishful thinker, of course I am im a fan!!!!!!

[boltflasher]

I think the raise in ticket prices was planned prior to the knowledge that the team would finish last. I don't think anybody in management expected that the team would finish last and be as bad as they are. I think the disappearance of Marty and Vinny is due simply to tired legs from overwork and too much responsibilty be forced on them. I think the league will look long and hard before allowing the Bolts to move...

[olin]

MM definitly not Sully- he's gotta go as well...If I were GM as I've alway's maintained, it'd be Andreychuk, Ramsey and Larry Robinson in any order.

[boltflasher]

Olin, I agree...

[Rudy]

how about Phil Esposito

[Casper]

Did I write Mutiny on the Bounty? Yep, what a dumbsh!t. Of course 'twas "The Caine Mutiny" with Cap'n Queeg out of his nut.
That's what I get for being a smart@$$---sorry---I'll shut up now...

[C]

Methinks Torts do like to 'Bogart' the boys a bit too much.

[leo]

Sorry Olin, but in my first post, I didn't know who I was speaking to cuz they hadn't posted their name.
If it WAS you, the speaking swedish part was in response to my Boy being featured in a swedish magazine that said "priceberg-inga-flugen-flipsky-I-don't-know-what". So I said I didn't speak swede. You didn't miss much, mate.
As for Garth Brooks. Is he on Smith's mask? I didn't notice. But he's on my Boy's mask, for sure. Who's the cow-boy? How should I know? Roy Rogers? John Wayne? Gary Cooper? Clint Eastwood? Maybe it's just some rodeo-hack from Calgary, no clue at all, mate.
Besides, unless it's your father, having a picture of a MAN on your mask seems a little...well...nevermind.
'Member when goalies had scars or shark-teeth or demon-eyes painted on their masks? Now it's Garth Brooks.
Yeah, that's gonna strike fear into an onrushing power-forward.
"Oh no! He's got friends in low places! Aaagh! Run!"
BBR

[olin]

...Your amazing guy, Leo...enjoy reading your post's!

[olin]

Oh and yes Rudy- we put Espoo in there too.

[ajax]

Anyone else get ticket info? I am curious about all these raise comments. Bad timing for sure. No matter what my tickets do, I am waiting til the dust settles. If the deal falls thru, no way am I buying tickets with present management still in place. They sacrificed the whole year trying to sell the team. I won't be a part of it again. If Sawgang spends some money I will re-up. If VL4 is not signed before camp, that is a bad bad sign. I think it comes down to judging management from this day forwards. The last two years has been a F-. I won't sign on, unless they show they have learned something from their mistakes. My opinion? They will throw it into our laps to be patient. They will like "their" team, and we will all be saying "why?" No thanks. You stole a couple G's from me this year and I have no interest in getting "your" books balanced. Gang, I recommend we all set a date at the end of the year and each and everyone of us email Damien, Romano and Shelton on the same day with our "letter concerning the state of our Team"
April 15th??

[Lisa]

I see that the draft is June 20 -21. When do they hold the lottery? We could definately use Stamkos.

[Rudy]

It's look like April 1th (fools day) will be probably proper date.
Don’t be naïve Alex. I know what everybody going thru, but I don’t think those people give a s..
That is like politics for them. They don’t know any loyalty, it’s the Money they getting every week.
They don’t care about players too. Look what they did to Andreychuk. Only people who care are fans.
Just wait and see. It’s has to come from owner.
It’s will be miracle if V4 is here next year. I don’t believe that. It will be some fans after that anyway, you know, its life.

[boltflasher]

As far as free agents see in the offseason see: http://hockeyworld.wordpress.com/2008-nhl-free-agents/

Lots of defenseman including Commodore, Streit, Hedican, Foote, Liles, and Campbell

Forwards: Stillman, Langkow, Rolston, Legwand, Demitra, Smolinski, Huselius, Cleary, Ryder, Brunette

Goalies include Huet, Theodore, and Kolzig but Bolts don't need to spend money here...

[Rudy]

I will be no worry about Stamkos or anybody else now. In this situation not change, coach and gm ,
Nobody will play any better next year. That is warranty.

[Rudy]

Richard just got assist, playing on first line.
Hlavac is playing on first line, got assist too (not yesterday )
And Prospal is on first line too. What a losers.
They must be really upset to be out of here.
And believe me, they V4 has cellular phone.

[Rudy]

Now only what I need is somebody post, like they are thick and tired of all thus negative posts.
Maybe paying my bills can make me more happy? Bourbon is not doing that now.

[harvey]

Mike 13, ya my percentages are slightly off but the figures you posted are the chances of hitting the lottery exact and that includes all non playoff teams. I tried to re-adjust just for the top 5 who have a shot at #1.

I was off, but we are on the same page. Last in points means doesn't mean the 1st pick. I don't know about you but I don't care to try and figure out that silly system. Crazy isn't it? I'll go for your numbers. It's all the same. Lower finish, better chance. Nuff for me!

boltflasher, there is some excellent talent out there this off season. People say this years crop of UFA's is weak. I disagree. Not many "superstars" there but it seems easy to find quality players in this years bunch. The good news is - less "big names" means better pricing for the many quality guys.

You mentioned several but I'd like to add one of my favorites to that list.

Jason Williams - Chi. Not a big guy but be isn't afraid of the corners. After spending time behind some good players in Det as a 3rd line guy, he went to Chi town and has gotten top 6 minutes and has produced at a point per game clip. Plays (very successfully) the point on the power play. He reminds me of Cory Stillman just a few years back but probably comes at half the price. I'd love to see the guy here if Chi doesn't sign him before then. Plays both ends of the ice and has some great skill. He's, in my opinion, a top 6 talent who could be very affordable.

[Leanmean43]

Even if we do get the Second overall pick I think we have a good chance at getting Stamkos. LA has alot of good forwards already, they need defense, they'd probably take a defensemen with the first pick.

[GP]

leanmean43,

I highly doubt LA passes on Stamkos. You are correct that they have a lot of talented forwards but they chose a defensemen last year. I believe the pick was in the top 5 and they chose a guy named Hickey. I didn't check those facts but I think I am correct.

[jr]

The reason I correctly predicted a raise in ticket prices a few weeks ago is because the balance sheet will be improved and a loan is more possible for Koules. It's still not guaranteed.

The problem as I see it is that Koules will be no better than PSE. The Lightning need a white knight to rescue them from the present owners and the fantasy ownership group.

Also, I agree with bear that this entire scenario was orchestrated with the aim to relocate the team.

And as I have previously posted, the city, county, and other affected governmental entities, nearby property owners, and fans can become party to a lawsuit to block any relocation. There is plenty of evidence of collusion in that respect.

[Herb]

I can't even watch my NHL center ice package. Thanks Bolts for sucking the hockey fan out of me.

[bear]

Great point on the collusion Jr.

[boltflasher]

If there is a collusion, I agree that a suit can block it...However, if the plan is to move the team, where is there another facility with the appropriate corporate suites and boxes? and why buy the SPT Forum and surrounding property?...is the plan to move that with the team....

[ajax]

Back on 1-4-08 blog, I predicted (and was labeled a traitor) they would finish with 70 points(optimistic)
They need to go 5-9-0 and I win pool. 5 wins seems like a mountain right about now. Have insisted from day 1 they wouldn't make playoffs with the roster we left camp with. Been a long long year for me. It has been so long that we had actual hockey players fighting for a job in camp, I wonder if Torts has forgot what real hockey players look like. I think he and Jay like guys only because they are the best of the worst. Maybe we should give Karlsson ONE more chance at the 2nd line. He is my posterboy for the Feaster era. Out of nhl hockey for 4 years, 31 years old, 97 games and 11 points. But the key stat for 2+ years. MINIMUM WAGE. I really like his potential!!! Fire Feaster Fast FFF
Oh yeah, then he double dipped Europe and found Hlavac (3 years out of the NHL) and gave him 700k. Everytime I sit down at this blog I get so ticked(I am sure it shows!!!!) with what this management did to our hockey club!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Conspiracy Theory]

Collusion? You morons are kidding right? There is a cash buyer for Nashville and Bettman kills the deal because he wants to move a team that doesn't draw and here there is a team that draws and there is a conspiracy to move it? Collusion? Maybe some prozac is in order for the paranoid!

Please, get real. Think about what your saying. No team is moving soon. If one was it would be a more likely candidate such as, Florida, Phoenix, or Nashville.

Bettman is dead against moving any team. He's been on record for years saying that. The story never changes but now there's collusion?

Of course there is!!!!!!!!!

Roses are red
Violets are blue
I'm schizophrenic
And so am I

Time for a drug use (abuse) check.

Please try to keep your feet on the ground people. The collusion theory makes as much sense as a screen door in a submarine. I can't believe I even read that!

[boltflasher]

Thank you Conspiracy Theory!!! for wording my feelings exactly on the conspiracy and team moving ideas...I know its been a bad year but we're not Chicken Little...

[jr]

Instead of being a couple of smartasses with no facts, why don't you two educate yourself?

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB120285887693063653-CEIVM3pJINHTBAk2Mrk3w28K00o_20080314.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top

1. Bettman will not block a relocation.
2. Whoever the owner is would sell the property and move the team.
3. Unlike the US, Canada is booming and corporations are flush with cash. Recent buyers and potential buyers aren't mostly Canadian because of their love for hockey.

[Nils]

There is an article by Damon in this morning's SPT that everyone needs to read. It's his best one in a long time.

The article revolves around Koules' silence and DC says the first question he wants Koules to answer is, "Will you keep the team in Tampa for the forseeable future?"

I agree some people need to be more educated. They look foolish, especially the name calling.

[the shrink]

Not only is the gutless alter ego of a regular poster not aware of what is really happening, he misapplied the term "schizophrenia."

I feel since this is my bailiwick I should weigh in after a long absence.

[agatha]

Oh great, the season couldn't be bad enough and now this ***hole has returned

[Casper]

I'll try to side step those grenades and put things in pragmatic perspective, without wearing out a thesaurus. Try to detach and see this as if it were happening from afar.
>There is a fairly decent hockey club in the Sun Belt. (That divides Canadians right there)
>This hockey club draws more local citizens through the turnstiles than the other instate Sun Belt hockey club (situated 250 miles away) by a gaudy 60%.
>This club is owned by someone or some entity far removed from the community, heck, removed from the sport itself.
> The owner does not wish to invest in the hockey enterprise, for whatever reasons.
>This club has a general operations manager who, whether instructed or not, has made questionable personnel decisions.
>It started with the bad luck of misinterpreting or misidentifying the new market and market value for one of the cherished performers, who in turn, kept his mouth shut and kept the money and grew a thicker skin to tolerate the criticism. That is, until he grew weary of the citizen’s negative critique to his chronic moronic mediocrity and waived his no trade clause for escape. He keeps getting the money, swell; just not from the tired, angry citizens, even better.
>The other blunder was a formerly fairly decent goalie mysteriously gone sour, at great expense to the club.
>The goalie mystery is no mystery at all. The club has retained the services of its head coach who, by virtue of his ingenious guidance, has risen to the pinnacle of the sport only once. His scholarly hand has leaded them close in other seasons, but with embarrassing and swift departure. This coach has stubbornly adhered (no thesaurus’) to a mode of play denouncing any semblance of responsible defensive play. For the negative results, this coach has privately and publicly derided every goal tender to walk into this Sun Belt town.
>Enter the 2007-’08 season with the anecdotal prospect of a new, hands on, very interested cartel buying this club. Time bore out their flatulence out-weighed their finance and they dissolved. One of the parties in that cartel was a blunderer in similar class to the present GOM, in fact peddling the expensive goalie to the Sun Belt club didn’t balance his blunder sheet. Another key player in the changing ownership drama is a movie mogul who makes his living through subterfuge and gullibility of an audience.
>This soap opera has been a source of distraction/distress to the players, who have not performed to their capability and talent level. This dismal season cannot end soon enough for the players who love to play, and the citizens who absolutely adore their club and love to watch.
My question is: Who gets kicked in the groin first?

[Herb]

Great post Casper,Good last question.

[wiggy]

the fans, natch.

Damon's Vegas scenario is not at all far-fetched. Sale of the land is key to this franchise and its future relocation.

Also, with no leaseholder, relocating is a snap.

[ajax]

Casper, good chronology. Sad for us. I would like to add to your pointed column, my favorite phrase from about December. It will get worse before it gets better. Sad to say(ownership dilema) we haven't hit bottom yet. Ouch!!!

[bear]

Shrink welcome back!

Ya think Boltflasher/Conspiracy Theory is a bag of toys too? You are not alone.

Nice to get a professional corroboration. Boltflasher is a low information, jingoist who just yesterday was posting that the Ottawa Senators owned by billionaire Eugene Melnyk were in bankruptcy. Spare me.

The fact that Canadian teams are driving almost 40% of league revenue is very painful for him.

Palace, if nothing else, is shrewd. They have made their hay and may well want out before the crash. Much like JR's Wall Street Journal article nails.

The Florida economy is even worse than the national economy and Tampa is even worse than Florida. Who thinks they will financially support a loser for 5 years? They claim to have lost almost 20 million in the good times.

To answer the nutbars question, try Winnipeg, Hamilton or Quebec City who would love Vinny. They have arena's with boxes in place that could be quickly retofitted. They have the fan base, corporate base and Broadcast rights in the wings. The NHLPA for obvious reasons is pushing strongly for another Canadian team because, duh, the cap will go up again for all, based on another profitable team.

Only Bettman is resisting because he is in the franchise selling /branding business not in the relocating business.

[boltflasher]

Why has no major sport moved to Vegas already?? I think the answer is pretty obvious...also, no facility there either (though, one can be built)... Here's the only thing we have heard from Koules:

From the Canadian Press: NewsHollywood producer Oren Koules poised to buy Tampa Bay Lightning
Feb 13, 2008

TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Lightning may soon have some new owners who will bring a Hollywood feel to the NHL franchise.

The team, owned by Michigan-based Palace Sports & Entertainment since 1999, announced Wednesday that it has been sold to OK Hockey LLC, a group controlled by Los Angeles TV and movie producer Oren Koules.

"We look forward to a smooth transition and a terrific future as he assumes control of the Lightning," Palace Sports and Entertainment president Tom Wilson said. "Oren is a passionate hockey man who cares deeply about the franchise and the Tampa Bay community."

Koules was part of a group of bidders who tried to purchase the team last year, but the deal unravelled before it was approved by the NHL. The NHL still has to approve this deal, which is expected to be completed in 3 1/2 months.

"We're very excited about today's announcement and look forward to the day when we can make a difference for the Lightning and its fans," Koules said.

The Lightning, who won the Stanley Cup in 2004, are last in the Eastern Conference. The team made the playoffs the past two seasons, but were eliminated both times in the opening round.

The deal also includes the leasehold rights to the St. Pete Times Forum and approximately 5 1/2 acres of land near the arena.

[boltflasher]

JR, your article said nothing about Bettman and relocation. No, Bear, incorrect, I posted an article that the under the previous owner, Rod Bryden, the team had filed bankruptcy...

[ajax]

When I apply all my wisdom from my H.S. education(graduated with a 1.86 gpa at age 23) relocation is about the only thing that DOES make sense about this sale. Has always, regretfully been in the back of my simple mind.
They are buying a very bad team, a very bad organization, a very bad minors, a non-profitable team, in a very bad market, in very tough economic times, at TOP DOLLAR. Something smells a bit fishy to simpleton me.
The only thing that could make sense is that he LOVES hockey and will spend anything, no matter the loses, to win. I want to believe that, but???

[boltflasher]

I and a couple of other bloggers posted or mentioned an article from Forbes about the increasing value of NHL teams, even the bad ones. The value of the teams keeps going up. This is why even the bad ones find buyers. I think Davidson bought the Lightning with the idea to sell it after the value went up. This is, I think, and (admittedly) hope is what Koules is thinking as opposed to moving it...and, also, why the land and the Forum was purchased, also. By building up the surrounding area, improving parking, and etc, the value of the team will go up...

[boltflasher]

Bear, how did your comments get by the screening?....

[boltflasher]

Bear, if you noticed I wondered whether the Ottawa issues were completely gone. Also, what nerve was hit that you have to use such language?

[boltflasher]

Bear, R you still here or have you been kicked off?

[Bear]

Heh boltflasher I've learned not to argue with a moron, they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

[boltflasher]

Bear, unlike you, I have never personally attacked someone on this blog...grow up!

[bear]

Sorry Boltflasher, thought I was speaking with Conspiracy Theory..my mistake.

[boltflasher]

The Boltflasher from 1:06 is not me. I don't know why people have to do that....