Taylor listened to you

For better or worse, Lightning captain Tim Taylor said part of his decision not to play in one last game before retiring was made because some of you, on this blog, expressed distaste of the idea he would be coming back for what you saw as only personal reasons.

As Taylor said late Saturday night:

"You know what it came down to, really? I thought about it. But when I read your blog, and someone said on the blog, 'Why does anyone care if he comes back anyway, it's only for personal reasons,' I thought about that and I said that's exactly what I never wanted this to be about, and that made my decision final about not coming back for sure. I never wanted it to be personal.''

There were other considerations as well. Taylor, 39, who ends a 13-year career with Stanley Cup titles in 2004 with the Lightning and 1997 with the Red Wings, has regained his quality of life thanks to preseason hip resurfacing surgery. He can run seven miles, play racquetball, tennis, golf and get on the floor and play with his kids without pain. The risk/reward of perhaps hurting himself was a factor.

There also was the idea that if he did play Saturday against the Thrashers, it would be in a very limited role. As he said in today's paper: "Two shifts in a hockey game isn't hockey to me. I want to remember being on the ice and knowing what it was like to lose to New Jersey in the (2007) playoffs ... those kinds of games.''

I completely understand and respect that decision. Still, I would have liked to see Taylor play. The game at the end of the season, ultimately, means nothing. I'm sure the Thrashers would have played along and not run Taylor or anything in his limited time on the ice. Perhaps it is because I have come to know and respect him so much, and knowing how much he really meant to this franchise, I hate to see him leave not completely on his own terms. Then again, I can understand after playing the game with passion, not wanting to do something just for show. Either way, I'm sure it was a difficult decision.

But Taylor, who has been practicing with the team, said he has no regrets.

"It's going to be hard,'' he said. "I never thought it was going to hard. I thought it would be really easy because I haven't been playing. But the days are dwindling down now. It's getting tougher. I'm having a lot of fun skating with the guys. I don't regret those days.''

Still, "A week from (Saturday), I'm going to be out on the ice for the last time during the morning skate in Atlanta, and thats the day it's going to be really hard, going off the ice that last time knowing I won't be doing that again.''

The Lightning locker room will be poorer with Taylor's departure. He was a diligent worker behind the scenes making sure newcomers felt welcome, arranging outings, ensuring the players did not break into factions, even when times were tough. That after former Lighting Rob DiMaio had said of the 2005-06 season how difficult it was for a player coming into what had been a tight, tight locker room during the Stanley Cup run, to feel like he fit in 

Taylor said he would love to remain with the team, perhaps as a scout so he could be based in his hometown of Stratford, Ontario, but has not had that conversation with GM Jay Feaster.

   

Comments

[Nils]

Anyone that thinks players don't either read this blog or aren't aware of its subject matter and opinions, are incorrect. Hope Oren Koules reads this so he knows what the fans expect from new ownership.

[Patrick]

I sincerely hope Tim was the only Lightning player reading the comments on this blog and taking it to heart.

I'm glad he was able to come to peace with what must be a difficult decision for every professional athelete.

[Casper]

I certainly have admired Tim, from his days as a Red Wing and Bruin, and thought we were fortunate to have such a quality person in our 'family'. He's a lunch pail kind of guy who just gets 'r done and let the credit go elsewhere. An excellent 'Corps of Twenty' example.

It is an absolutely great idea to have the Tool Man remain with the firm as a scout or other functional capacity. The Dallas club seems no poorer for having Robbie DiMaio scouting for them.
Stay Tim, please stay.

We/I've been trash-mouthing Mike Sullivan all year in a job none of us could perform. Tim Taylor is a lot like Sullivan was as a player, with a wealth of knowledge to pass along to young guys.

Find Tim a position in our operation, get a real defensive coach, bring back Modin and make him Captain (If Vince doesn't step up and definitively say, "That's me, now," and Torts agrees.), and absolutely give Halpern an 'A'. That would be a terrific start toward bailing the bilge water this summer.

[Logan]

Whether or not he played should have been the team's choice, not ours (the fans). I think most of the fans would have understood either choice...to skate or not to skate in the final home game. Maybe he will change his mind again and play the final game. If he did, he would receive a very loud, welcoming cheer from the stands. If he were the centerman of the opening line that would be very memorable for him and his family, the team, and the fans. The decision to play or not should not have been made partly on the basis of a blog. Whatever he and the team want to do it would be accepted. I say play the last home game and then be a scout for the lightning because as we all know we need more depth in the minors.

Best of luck and wishes to Tim Taylor and his family. He will always be remembered here in Tampa as a part of the Stanley Cup win.

[Voice of the Turtle]

Captain Tim:

You made the right choice, and I sincerely hope that you choose to remain with the organization in some meaningful capacity.

Think of the bright beginning of a new and challenging career while relishing the pleasure having played successfully at the highest level.

You have nothing left to prove as a player, and if anyone ever says otherwise, show them your two well-earned Stanley Cup Championship rings.

Its so good to have had you as a Bolt!

[Bear]

Tim's chemistry is what the Bolts need to capture in the bottle. Not two last shifts.

Maybe he and Andy both should suit up just to show everyone what we badly miss.

I agree with his decision not to suit up though, he's already made his comeback and gets to go out proudly.

Oren Koules..who's that again Nils?? and what does he have to do with the Bolts?

Just askin

[bingo]

The Oren guy has been "SAWED" by the Sub-prime mess. THere is no money to be had for any deals from the banks. If clear channel can't get it down what makes you think the Saw man can? The only was this happens is to have the money fronted by palace sports..... and that is a fat chance.

Bingo

[boltcc]

Class act that will be missed I'm sure. I'd love to see him behind the bench with the team too..He was a big part in winning the cup here.

[jr]

Latest news on Koules is that he has finished casting Saw V and is scheduled to begin shooting in Canada in late spring. I have said all along financing is a longshot and nothing has changed my mind. This is a replay of the draft those phony Maloofs participated in only to back out of the deal.

Biggest problem is the "about $200 million." Assets aren't worth that much. Projected balance sheet is being fluffed up for lenders...that's why you see those hefty increases in ticket prices. It doesn't matter if it's Koules or PSE, Lightning won't spend within $10M of the cap.

[Josh]

Wow, I am really having a hard time believing this. Not the fact that Taylor won't play, but that some heartless jerks had the nerve to say he was selfish. With how much Taylor has given to this organization, how DARE any of us even question his decision to play one last game. He had the right to decide to finish his career in Tampa Bay for one last game. I guess some people are too shallow to realize that there is every chance that Taylor also wanted to say goodbye to the fans. And he has every right to play in one last game FOR HIMSELF as well.This was his life for 20 years! And how does this affect the evaluation of the team? If someone can earn or lose a roster spot in one game then we have even bigger problems than I thought. Know this Tim: There are some of us out here who actually respect you, and in a season with nothing to be excited about were looking forward to saying goodbye to a class act, a huge piece in the cup, and our captain.

[Butter]

This is pretty hard to read. I mean with Taylor's whole situation, and how he's not going to play because of what one of us said. I mean don't get me wrong, I said I didn't want him to come back, even though I never stated it on here, but for the mere reason that I felt and feel some other guys who are trying to keep a spot on the team shouldn't be put aside. I feel bad for thinking it now though. I have to say he looked like it was a heavy and rough decision for him when he was shown at the game.

[Hawkeye]

"Not the fact that Taylor won't play, but that some heartless jerks had the nerve to say he was selfish. With how much Taylor has given to this organization, how DARE any of us even question his decision to play one last game."

Totally agree. What's the difference if he played in one last game or not since the Bolts are totally out of the playoff hunt. You could see the hurt in Tim's eyes on Saturday night while getting the applause he so rightfully deserved.

Thanks Tim for everything you've done for the Lightning and your fans! Hope the Lightning do what's right and keep you in the organization. "Together we stand!"

[earl]

I for one, am glad Taylor is not coming back. he has meant nothing to this team this year, especially when you count all the times he been on the Lightning post-game show and ridiculed his teammates, over and over again...not just the team, but individual players....did he say these negative things to them personally ???
I am glad NOT to see him again.

[matt]

I agree with Earl. If he were a "class act" he would have retired like he should have instead of hoping he might play one more game. And in all seriousness, he should have hung up the skates before the 06-07 season started. That was one less guy the last two years that could have been filled through FA or internally. I know he was the captain, but wasn't that Torts decision after he booted DaveA for being too much of a team guy. I always thought the players were the ones to elect a captain. He was kind of the captain by default.

And really, he is going to blame the few of us who posted something about him for the reason he isn't coming back. That in itself is a joke. As is Tom Jones for that blurb blaming us(the guys who post on here) for Taylor not coming back. If he does or does not come back, whoopee, just don't use the fans as excuses why you decided not to come back. Not very classy, Taylor.....

[Lauren]

We will miss you, Timmy Taylor!!We hope you continue to work in conjunction with the team even if you arent a player!!!Heres to a WONDERFUL career!!!
:)

[poledancer]

Well since according to Damien, we here call the shots, hows about replacing Feasty with say Andreychuk prior to next game. And maybe Torts can play goal for a night.

[Nan]

I don't think Tim Taylor said no to playing in the last game strictly because of what one or more fans said. I would have loved to see him play again as his old self with his normal amount of minutes and in a home game! I think that he realized that wasn't going to happen along with not wanting to injure himself again. Why end a wonderful career in an away game which is meaningless with playing only a few shifts? Not the way for any of us to remember him and not the way for him to end and remember his own career.

[Mike13]

Is there some reason that I am not aware of as to why Vinny can't be named "C" before next season?

I agree with a previous poster, sew a "C" onto #4 and an "A" onto #11.

[Nate Dogg]

Josh,

hockey has been Tim Taylor's life for the last 20 years...as a paid professional.

Just like almost 90%(+) of the rest of the NHLers, hockey has been a part of his life since he was 3 or 4.

And one last thing, Toolman...everyone says that Andreychuk was the main catalyst for the Lightning winning the 04' cup, but I've always believed it was he AND you. When we signed both of you old farts, you could really see that helped change the mentality of the core players and the franchise.
As a lifelong fan of the Bolts, it's been a pleasure watching you bust your butt every shift. That style of play is a true testament of why you've earned (and deserved) to wear the "C" during your tenure. Your grit and effort are second to none.

Like others who've posted earlier, I hope you can find some way to stay involved with the organization. We'd love to see a coaching combo of you and the big moose (Andreychuk) some day!

Nate

[Nate Dogg]

To mike13, "Is there some reason that I am not aware of as to why Vinny can't be named "C" before next season?"...

Yes, in fact there is a reason...Tim Taylor is still on the team. Reassigning captaincy will occur after the end of this season.

[Mike13]

So there's an NHL rule that says that you can't reassign captaincy during the season? That seems weird to me.

[Jim]

anyone that has anything negative to say about how tim taylor wants to go out is a moron, he helped bring this town it's only stanley cup. I'm was born/raised in st.louis and feel some tampa residents are hockey spoiled by a team that made it quickly. st.louis was in playoffs 24+ straight years and never got the cup so get over it, a tampa bay lightning long time season ticket holder.

[Jim-NJ]

Not for nothing, and I may be wrong as I'm not in the locker room but where the heck was this so-called captain the whole season while he was injured? Why didn't I ever see him at the games with his team, trying to motivate them or teach them? Seems to me all he did was get a free year's worth of pay to hang out at home which is what he's gonna do the rest of his life anyway now. So, unless someone can tell to me otherwise(and please do cus I don't wanna think poorly of the guy at all), thanks Tim for not being there when the team needed a captain the most.

No, you know what Toolman? Lace em up one last time and finally be the leader you were paid to be. Even for one game, can Palace Sports get the their money's worth out of you? You sat on the "C" the whole year, put it on you and act like one for a change! We got guys home from Iraq with prosthetic legs that still go to work!

[Jim-NJ]

not to discredit Tim from my last post as I'm only talking about since he got the C (thanks for helping with the Cup); and I know he was injured and getting surgeries but what was stopping him from showing up in a suit and being on the bench or in the lockers between periods?

Just to clarify

[Nate Dogg]

WOW... you people really are just plain stupid. Yes, I actually said that...

Mike13- do you really think putting a "C" on a different jersey would've done us the world of change this season?? Obviously not. Leadership is leadership...whether the leader can or cannot play. You don't have to wear the C to be a leader. So even if someone like say, Vinny, should wear the "C" because he's physically able to play...he's still gonna play the way/lead like he did all year. Giving him the C now would do absolutely nothing. Here's what it would do:

1) Nothing-it would just be cosmetic. The other players/coaches are gonna turn to Vinny for a goal/assist in desperate times regardless of what letter is on his C. Do you think players would've tried less to win the cup for Andreychuk if he hadn't worn the C?....
2) Nothing- it'd basically be a HUGE slap to the face of Tim Taylor, as if he didn't exist.

Leadership is supposed to set the right example and inspire. Which is what I believe Tim Taylor did the entire time he wore the C. His rehabbing and hard work OFF the ice would be more than inspiring for me if I played on his team and previously battled in the trenches with him.

JIM-NJ: Maybe if you did know some stuff, you'd know Tim Taylor was at almost every home game.
After doing an interview or post game talk with Tortorella back in the locker room, TT could be seen all the time in Shots@ Channelside, on the first level inside/outside of the forum...but you know...he's probably just NOT REHABBING OR NOT TRYING TO DO SOMETHING FOR THE TEAM AND EATING BURGERS AT HOME. If there was an away game, he probably was back here in Tampa trying to train and rehab himself to try and play once again. Don't make an allegation, especially like the one you made when you know absolutely nothing about it.

Sorry...I'll try to retract the claws now...

[Dan Gavin]

Tampa Bay is not going to make the Playoffs anyways.How would coming back for one final game be selfish? Why let one's persons classless opinion sway your decision Tim? Tim has never been about himself, it's always been about the team. Tim is a leader and highly respected, he has thousands of loyal fans who would love to see you salute them one final time-do it for your fans Tim! Knowing Tim and coming from Tim's hometown he is anything but a selfish person. It is really sad that anybody would maliciously suggest such a thing. Please Tim for the sake of all your fans-Please reconsider!!!

[rob]

i would just like to say go bolts!you came through what must of been a very difficult season, we see only positive things for next year with our up and coming young players. we love you guys, and look forward to watching you next season, we are sorry we did not get to see tim taylor skate in front of the fans for the last home game, we thank you tim for bringing us a stanley cup in 2004 we wont forget you.

[jim from nj]

Nate: u didn't read what I wrote but the meat and potatoes of it was that he didn't exactly portray himself as a captain. As a regular player yes he is what he is but as the leader of a squad he was just not cut out for it. If he was 30 years old he would never have been considered. Torts was hoping for another dave. He promoted the wrong guy and withheld it from someone else.

Bigger problem is that we have no players that are bonafide leaders. Maybe halpern after we see some more of him or Boyle.

[Nate Dogg]

Jim from NJ- I read what you said, but i'm having trouble understand it. In what SPECIFIC ways was he not being a leader or being a captain? I mean I guess it all comes down to how you define captain or leader, really.

But from what I gather to be Tortorella's- hard worker who can be relied upon to give his all every shift he earns, exemplifies the main professional qualities that the coach wants out of every one of his players (on and off the ice), has the respect of the other players and coaches, and lastly, puts the team before him at all times- which TT has done on and off the ice.

And yes, I personally think there are plenty of other players who still define it after this year. I think Vinny has truly come full circle to wear it since he was stripped of the C years and years ago. If Jeff Halpern had been here for 2 years, I'd say he wouldn't be a bad choice whatsoever. There's Boyle...there's Marty St. Louis...all of those guys are great definitions of Tort's ideal "player".

[harvey]

I am not quite sure what people who blast TT for not being a "captain" are talking about. No he hasn't played this year due to injury. I don't know what anyone expected him to do.

I think it's very important to remember one thing here. Since torts has been here he and he alone names the captain. This is no team vote. I think we all know torts does what he wants and that's all there is to the story.

A lot could have happened here. TT could have very well offered up the C to someone else but if that had happened I can clearly see torts deciding he wasn't ready to hand it to anyone else for another year to make sure his choice continues to kiss his behind. I don't know if any discussion was held about the C whithin the organization. Nobody does except for the very few who might have been involved if that indeed had happened. TT, JF, and torts.

To insinuate TT was selfish or flat out wrong in not relinquishing the C to someone else is about as asinine a statement as I've ever heard. We all know about the meritocracy thing and we all clearly know torts ego. There is no captain until he says so. I have no clue what TT thought of the entire thing but it doesn't matter. The bottom line is the C goes to who torts says it goes to. End of story.

Whatever anyone thinks about what should or could have happened to the C this year, look directly at the source of the issue. Not TT.

This was an awful year. To say we are all less than pleased with the way it turned out would be a great understatement. The issues with this team have been deep and disturbing. Absent owner who tightened the pursestrings last summer restricting moves, 1st sale crashing, 2nd may, and ........I don't need to go on do I?

TT had nothing to do with any of that. To see him give his blood and guts, as others did, to bring Lord Stanleys Cup here and then to have unknowing people disrespect him here is sickening.

[Cloudy]

Most individuals offer opinions on what distinguishes champions. I wish to remember Tim Taylor as the champion of leadership. That’s what the "C" stands for in my world, I continue to watch hockey, with no other definition required. This talented hockey player does as well off the ice as he does on. He should have NEVER been put in this position of politics at all. HIS personal decision for his health will be respected in the mind of this fan, his well being needs no further consideration or swaying from anyone other then his better half (Jodi) and his children. Tampa Bay has status, today and tomorrow, and the hero’s that made this happen will continue to come and go. This epileptic nonsense of blame, exceeded expectations who has the right of play or skate should be left with the wannabes out there who don’t have enough respect for what it takes to play in the NHL, let alone the mindset it takes to go through the surgery. I wish Tim Taylor and his family all the best no matter what he decides. Tim, there is nothing left to prove, good luck in any future endeavors, and I hope to see you and your "C" on the ice soon.

[Arlene and Art]

How is that we have so many "experienced critics" that are never in the dressing room or on the ice to actually know who is a leader and who isn't? Or for that matter why is it that anyone can actually point a finger and ridicule someone for making a health and personal decision that affects Tim and his family when it is their right to make. I find it abhorring to think that there are so many "experts" out there that offer their two cents worth to a personal decision of this magnitude, and they have no business saying anything.
Tim has showed exemplary leadership both on and off the ice. He is as fine a person as one could find and has given his all to every club he has played for. He is an upstanding citizen in his community, well liked, well respected and a man of integrity. Why would anyone want to attack a person at the end of his fine career for such stupid reasons.?? Why would you not want to commend him for his dedication, commitment and skill over the span of his carrer. I know we do.
If one does not have anything nice to say, they should just keep their mouths shut. It is these people that do not know what this man has given to his club and community and are speaking out of ignormance. Well done Tim!!! We wish both you and your family all the best in the next new faze of your life and welcome you home!!!

[hyjyljyj]

I saw the interview with Taylor. On TV he didn't say "I read YOUR blog." He said "I read SOME blogs." People were saying the exact same thing about Taylor on the Trib's blog and others as well.

I wanted to see him come back, but not for one or two mercy shifts in the final road game of the season. How pathetic. That would not even be worth the effort of dressing out.

If we were playoff bound as we should have been, that's a different story, playing for a third Cup.

I understand the leadership thing, but other than that what has he done for this team or community since they won the Cup. Pleases somone tell me and the rest of us who thought TT was over-rated? And when they won the Cup wasn't Dave the Captain? So I ask again, what has he done since being GIVEN the "C"? I like TT's effort the whole 5 min he played, I liked his intensity, the whole 5 min he played, but other than 5 min a night, what did he do? He was slow, wasn't the best checker. and won about 50% of his face-offs. I'm just not falling for the all-the -sudden love fest you people are throwing out there.

Attitude reflects leadership!!! And getting bounced in the 1st rd of the playoffs 2 years in a row, where was the leadership? If he had any part of being a C this year it sure didn't show on the ice.

[Karma]

Tim,
Best of luck to you. Would've liked to see you on the ice one last time, if only to give hope to other skaters that there is a chance to come back from hip/socket surgery. And yes, that's me being selfish.
Wouldn't have seen a cup here without you.
Thanks for working with Clyde and bringing the kids along and teaching them how to win as a team.

Hope they find a role for you within the club, doing anything, as long as you still have full access to the dressing room where your experience and knowledge can be shared.
Thanks again,

[William Nuzum]

Seeing as Tim Taylor is a reader of this blog, I hope he reads my comment or that someone atleast passes it on to him

Tim, we appreciate your leadership and hard work here in Tampa and throughout your NHL career. You played with class and were truly an influential leader. I apologize for the people who spoke up against you playing a final game. I am ashamed and embarrassed to be a Lightning fan when so called Lightning fans act like that. I wish we could have seen you play atleast one more game here in Tampa, not only so we could salute you, but so you could go out the right way. It's unfortunate that the injury ended your season, but I ask for you to consider lacing up the skates one more time in a home preseason game next season. Take the summer to rest and heal, and then come and play one more game, for yourself, and the fans here in Tampa that appreciate your efforts on and off the ice so much. Thank you.

William Nuzum

[Willie Numnutz]

Glad you're not the GM, numnutz. We have enough wasted roster spots.

[Willie Numnutz]

Glad you're not the GM, numnutz. We have enough wasted roster spots.

[tiny ...]

You're a class act Mr. Taylor.
You will be missed, that's a fact!
Thanks for the memories.

t...