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

[boltflasher]

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

[bear]

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

[boltflasher]

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

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

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

[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...

[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]

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...

[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.

[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.

[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!!!

[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.

[Herb]

Great post Casper,Good last question.

[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?

[agatha]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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...

[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!

[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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[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....

[bear]

Great point on the collusion Jr.

[Herb]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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]

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.

[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]

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.

[Lisa]

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

[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??

[olin]

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

[olin]

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

[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

[C]

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

[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...

[Rudy]

how about Phil Esposito

[boltflasher]

Olin, I agree...

[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]

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...

[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!!!!!!

[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.

[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...

[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...