Why not Bryzgalov?

With the way goalie Mike Smith has played since his acquisition from the Stars in the Brad Richards deal, this is a moot point. But it seemed curious earlier in the season when the Ducks offered goalie Ilya Bryzgalov at a discount (something like a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick), that the Lightning didn't snatch him up. Instead Bryzgalov, who was not going to get a chance to be a No. 1 behind J.S. Giguere, was put on waivers. Even if the Lightning put in a claim, he was snatched up by the Coyotes who had, because of their position in the standings at the time, an earlier chance to pick him up.

Even Bryzgalov's agent, Don Meehan, said he was shocked the Lightning did not trade for his client.

"I know Brian did offer Ilya around the league,'' Meehan said of Ducks GM Brian Burke. "And Brian told me on one occasion he did talk with (Lightning GM) Jay Feaster. I don't know the specifics, but Brian told me that he had talked to Tampa and couldn't understand why he couldn't convince Tampa to take him, given what he'd done with the Ducks.''

Mickey Redmond, the Red Wings television analyst, said on the air earlier in the season the Lightning had a trade worked out for Bryzgalov that was shot down by ownership because of Bryzgalov's $1.362-million salary. But the scuttlebutt around the Lightning is the team never presented a trade to the ownership. If that is true, it has nothing to do with his skills. Bryzgalov is 23-16-4 this season with a 2.32 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage.

The Lightning, though, is very careful about locker room chemistry and if the team, for whatever reason, determined through its research that Bryzgalov was not a fit, it is not a stretch to believe it would have stayed away. That's just speculation, of course, but given the team's track record in that regard, that kind of thing certainly was part of the equation.

Not that player salaries haven't been part of the equation for Tampa Bay. And, as it happens, Smith gives the team some breathing room. Smith, 25, is signed next season for $950,000. Bryzgalov, 28, signed a three-year, $12.75-million extension with the Coyotes that kicks in next season at $4-million. And Smith seems as good as advertised and his ability to handle the puck is going to be a long-term asset.

I know, everybody is sour over losing Brad Richards. But Tampa Bay has a chance, with Richards' $7.8-million salary off the books, to remake its team. The pressure is on Feaster and coach John Tortorella to take advantage and do it the right way.

More stuff from this morning: Smith starts his fifth straight game tonight against the Flyers. ... Smith, who on Tuesday stopped Pittsburgh's Peter Sykora on a penalty shot, is 2-for-2 stopping such chances. He stopped Alex Ovechkin with the Stars. Smith also is 9-for-9 in shootouts. ... Tortorella said even when defenseman Filip Kuba returns from a knee injury, Alex Picard will stay in the lineup as a top-four player and likely will be teamed with Kuba. That means either Doug Janik or Shane O'Brien, who has struggled lately, will be a healthy scratch. ... I guess this was a compliment. Torts said of Picard, "He's not afraid to make a mistake.'' ... The Lightning's 234 power-play chances are dead last in the league, 22 behind the next-to-last Bruins. ... Tampa Bay hass two power play chances in its past two games. ... GM Jay Feaster said recalling defensemen Matt Smaby and Vladimir Mihalik from AHL Norfolk is not an absolute. "We definitely want to look at them, but it's going to depend on how they play down the stretch,'' Feaster said. Still, it won't be a shock to see both of them with the Lightning.   

Comments

[Not The Marlboro Man]

Read this in a year and understand...this was a failure by design, we are moving to Vegas baby!!!

[leo]

Sorry there, PD, but that's incorrect.
In Gainey's state of the union address after the trade deadline, he clearly states, (but in polite terms) that Huet was traded BECAUSE they didn't feel he could take them all the way and that the Priceberg's pedigree was enough to have the reins handed to him as quickly as possible.
In other words, they were just waiting for Huet to fumble the ball so they could have a reason to give it all to the Kid.
It took 3 quarters of a season for that to happen and the result is that now Washington has a shot! I admit, I was confused myself. But, In Gainey We Trust.
My opinion at the time?
You wanna give it all to the Priceberg cuz he's gonna take us all the way? Fine. Keep Huey, just in case...
Halak is READY and you can't keep'im in the AHL anymore? Fine. Keep Huey, just in case...
You're afraid of losing Huey for nuthin at the end of the year? So what? Keep'im, just in case...
But all 3 reasons put together? I see...My opinion now?
Dang, might as well go for it. This year is Practice. Next year, on the 100th anniversary, we take it all.
I mean, a 2nd round pick in 2009...It's an unload, pure and simple.
Think they might be going for it. The Priceberg did it everywhere else (EVERYWHERE), why can't he do it here?
In Gainey We Trust.
BBR

[PD]

We'll see Leo but Gainy isn't counting on winning it all just yet or he would have kept Huet.IMHO

Next year looks good with a few additions.

[leo]

That's why I'll take case of the hot-sauce, PD. We've seen him only 4 games (while I say we should wait 10) and already, everone considers him far and away better than the last 2 goalies we had! Of course, I meant that we will be much more AWARE of Smith's value than the last 2. More valuable than Bryzzie could be.
You don't want Bryzzie, PD; you want Smith.
As for my Boy, don't worry 'bout him.
Pressure? Hah!
He eats Pressure for breakfast. In fact, he's pretty mediocre WITHOUT IT.
BBR

[PD]

Well now Leo you are lowering the bar already buddy..being better than Holmy and Denis is not being a star in my books.

So far so good with Price but the pressure looms.

[leo]

If Smith does no better than Holmie or Denis, you can send me a crate of that hot-sauce, PD. I'll pay the shippin' an' handlin'.
As for paintin' a starmaker, only painted one, really. If anything, I'm being proved spectacularly correct so far so why should I be wrong about Smith?
If Tampa had gotten their hands on Bernier or Ellis, I would've said the same thing because with Smith and my Boy, those are the guys who are the Future of goaltending.
With my Boy in the lead, of course. He's not a Star; he's a Super-Star.
But a Star is more than good enough for Tampa, you'll see.
You can have faith now, PD. Trust me.
BBR

[Tackleberry]

This was posted in the Rumors section of Yahoo Sports. Good reading.

Tortorella, Feaser face uncertain futures in TampaThe cloud of uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the Tampa Bay Lightning is no clearer today than it was Feb. 13, when a purchase agreement between Palace Sports and Entertainment and Oren Koules was announced. Koules continues to be silent, although, to be fair, once the situation is resolved he is expected to discuss the events of the past seven months and his intentions for the future of the franchise.

And on that front, what does the future hold for those currently in charge of the team, General Manager Jay Feaster and Coach John Tortorella? They have brought accountability to a team that once floundered in the bottom of the standings on an annual basis. They have been a big part of the team's turnaround and their stamp will forever be on the franchise.

In the read-between-the-lines category, however, as the team once again sits in the bottom of the conference with a new ownership group coming in, it's difficult to imagine at this point both will still be here once - and if - the ownership change takes place

[PD]

Leo,Smith has a long way to go but if he makes it I'll eat my words..hot sauce goes a long way.

Tampa just seems to be a mentality and he has to beat that first then prove he can stop it all day in day out. Many have tried few succeed.

The guy hardly projects to be a super star. You love to paint yourself as a starmaker. I'll save some hot sauce for you too.

Anyone want to guess how many of our UFA's will get bids??

[leo]

"Tampa's always been a graveyard for goalies." ???
Funny. Didn't seem to be a graveyard in 2004. How's that? Well...uuuuh...
Always, my butt. You mean ever since we lost a hot goalie, half our defense, half our depth on offence and most of our grit. Oh, that "always". True, it's been a long time, and that may seem like "always". But to despair when the light is visible on the horizon?
You just gotta build yourself a new "always" and that's what you're doing. New goalie, new defence, new depth, new grit and your graveyard will turn into a fountain of youth. Babysteps, baby.
Smith is a glorious first babystep. Now go for some D and so on and so forth.
Don't worry about Smith. He ain't gonna buckle; he's gonna practice.
Watch and see. And ferpetessakes, don't cry if he has a bad game. Cry if he has 3 in a row.
Forget this year and relaaax. In fact, you should all now join Hab Nation; we would welcome more True Believers with open arms. What, no? Whatever...
Either way, pay close attention to, and do not fail to encourage Smith.
A future Star in the League.
So says Leo.
Ajax,
Swiss-Cheese, huh?
BBR

[Tackleberry]

Here's a debate! Let's just say that this is Torts' last season with the bolts. What coaches are available, that would WANT to come to Tampa? Then, how much will that cost.

I would like to see Torts play all these guys (MacDonald, Mathieu Darche, Junior Lessard, Kyle Wanvig, Doug Janik) 20-25 min each game for the remainder of the season. Why not? Nothing to lose. Let these guys get a ton of experience. This would be a good test of their skills and fortitude.

[ajax]

Mike13, weather I agree or not, and I do about 90%, your list shows how bad this team is. Lots of work to be done by our GM. About playing the boys 25-30 minutes at this point of the season, I think the thought, "total lack of respect" is how I feel about Torts. No excuses, no explanations, no reasons. Totally disrespects them as players and people. Napoleon needs to break all the mirrors in his house, he is a little full of himself. After V and Marty have put up awesome numbers two years running, maybe he should try to see what the rest of the roster can do given 18-22 minutes. What a perfect time. Build instead of tear down.

[Mike13]

Tundo, go to nhlnumbers.com. They've got it all.

Here's our free agents going into the summer:

RFA's:
Ryan Craig & Alex Picard

UFA's:
Chris Gratton, Tim Taylor, Andre Roy, Andreas Karlsson, Craig MacDonald, Mathieu Darche, Junior Lessard, Kyle Wanvig, Doug Janik

The only folks on this list that I'd resign & where they should be playing are: Craig(TBL), Picard(NOR), Gratton(TBL), MacDonald(NOR), Darche(NOR), & Lessard(NOR).

[Mike13]

Torts already said that his job is to win hockey games. If they aren't blown out early, he's gonna keep doin' what he's been doin' --ride VL4, MSL, and DFB until they are running on vapors.

Tortorella is not the type of coach that will help young players get better.

I think that it is shameful that he isn't backing off of our top guys and giving the depth players a chance to prove whether or not they can make it. Ramo needs to get playing time. If he's going to ride Smith until he breaks, then send Ramo back to Norfolk and call up Denis.

[ajax]

We don't have the worse team in hockey because of the goalie, whomever he was during the revolving door era.
Smith is light years better than what we have here the last three years. That said he still will be the victim of turn overs, bad positioning and most of all a D6 that couldn't move a fly out of the crease. Everyone was in arms because our guys were smeared in front of the net. That's hockey!!! We fans have just gotten way to accustomed to watching our lovebugs try to poke the puck instead of hammering the dude. I think that whole "soft culture" is part of the bigger problem in Tampa. I like Smith, I hope the guy has huge shoulders because he will start to press with loss after loss.
If they let him go it will be another boneheaded decision. We couldn't go 2 games without soft goals. He has elimintated that problem. But he ain't turning this franchise around by his broad shoulders alone. JB hit it right on. Tampa is a graveyard for goalies. Game in and game out I still think this system stinks. I watch hockey all night long(to much) I watch college hockey. 30+ years, have never seen a system where the forwards never are going forward. On top of that we Have a D that has the nasty habit of always going backwards first. Forward Lads!!!!
Where is Ted when I need him. Fire Coach.

[David]

Culture of winning I'm afraid means riding our horses until they die rather than preparing for next year.

Boyle will likely survive, since he's just back but his minutes are obscene, St. Louis and LeCavalier are already so fatigued their season is done.

How long does Smith last in the firing range? Is he going to be played every single game so he can be "evaluated".

Torts has decided that the last fifth of a marathon is a sprint. He can wish that all he wants but the fact is that the runners have 20 miles on their odometer already and that last 6 can't be sprinted.

[JB]

I'm convinced now that no goalie can save a team with this lack of spine and defense. I used to think Grahme, Denis, and Holmquist ruined the Bolts, but now I realize it was the other way around. Smith will be next. Bryzgalov should thank his lucky stars that Feaster lacked the guts to make the move.

[leo]

Not sayin' Bryzzie didn't earn everything he's gotten, PD. More power to'im. He's an Excellent goaltender and I'd be PROUD to have'im on my team.
What IS sayin' is,
Mike Smith is GOD-DANG Star!
I'm sorry, PD, but I'll take a Star over an excellent goaltender any day'o'da week. Bryzzie or DiPietro? See what I'm sayin'? DiPietro ain't all that, not excessively big or positionally conformist. But he's a Star!
But NOW? I'd take Smith over DiPietro. Sure DiPietro's much better NOW. But NOW is finished. We're talkin' TOMORROW, here. Smith over DiPietro. Cuz he's gonna be a bigger Star down the road and "down the road" is what we should have our eyes on.
For that, I say Smith will SHOCK YOU and carry Tampa FURTHER than Bryzzie ever would. But verily, not as far as my Boy's gonna carry MY team. (Hellooo!)
I say Smith is THE Man for you. Now let's wait and see. Next year, X-Mas, let's see.
I will DUTIFULLY eat my words if I am wrong. (Yet, consider that I've not yet needed to do so in my Boy's case and I said some craaaazy stuff.)
Will you eat YOUR words if YOU are wrong, PD??
Mike Smith, I tells ya.
BBR

[Casper]

It’s admirable, if not a tad late (Early?) to initiate this buzz phrase ‘culture of winning’. Start a winning streak now and we exclude ourselves from the only salve for the wounds of a horsebleep season, a very high draft pick.

I don’t say go out and lose, just broken record time---again---use the rest of this season as pre-Training Camp ’08. The young Lads didn’t get a fair shot to compete in Camp last year, remember the snake oil at the time? Humorous, in a macabre sort of way.

So this is the time of year and woeful situation where the big guys should do the 7 to 10 shifts per game and we try to wear out some of the young legs. (If we’re going to see awful hockey anyway, with a scant few *the new guys*, trying their b@!!s off,) Wearing out young legs educates their brains and highly irritates those we face going into the post-season, albeit a bit more tired---too bad. Then we get to draft well. How can you foul that easy scenario? I shudder when suits try the finesse game…

Leo made sense…again!

[wiggy :)]

"Bryz is a better goalie than Smith. Period. I'm sure he would have saved 3-4 last minute meltdowns and kept the Lightning competitive in several others. They would be in the playoff chase for sure."

jr is full of condensed seagull poop!

[pd]

Uh Leo Bryz signed a long term deal with Gretz because he earned it.

Smith aint off to much of a start and has proven nothing other than he's the flavor of the month between the Bolts pipes. Its where goalies go to die.

[poledancer]

Boltflasher Ottawa bankrupcy?
You are plain ignorant as was proved yesterday
Grow up

[leo]

Only fitting that Leo brings the hammer down on this'un.
All Leo has is the greatest respect for his friends in Tampa and the best interests of the Lightning at heart.
Doesn't matter who's a better goalie, RIGHT NOW. Because RIGHT NOW, we can win every single game til the end of the season and it won't make a lick'a'difference, whether we had Ghandi or Santy Clause in net. You know this.
So nevermind RIGHT NOW and let's talk about what's better for Tampa, in the long run.
So what's better? Bryzzie (has he signed?) who's a free-agent at the end of the year and who can command a salary of what? 2.5mil-3mil$ for however many years.
Or Smith? Bigger, Stronger, Younger, Potentially More Dominant...making what? 950K until he's a RESTRICTED free-agent?
Mike Smith is not only better suited to join the Bolts but will contribute MUCH MORE than Bryzzie ever would. Kid's a Star. My gosh, you crazy cats don't know a good thing when you see it, do yas?
These are the goalies of the future, man! There's so few of'em and y'all GOT ONE!
Huuuge. Positionally sound. Reflexes quicker than Spider-Man. Mike Smith will make you forget Bryzzie in a hurry; trust Leo on this'un. He's a bloody Star!
Like I said, a bigger, stronger, quicker Ryan Miller.
Do we agree that Buffalo has a better over-all team than Tampa's?
With that in mind, next year, X-Mas time,
See who has the better record, Smith or Miller.
The Lightning can GO PLACES with Smith. He will have a much greater impact than Bryzzie would've.
Trust Leo on this'un.
BBR

[ajax]

Monday Darche
Tuesday McDonald
Wednesday Karlsson
Thursday Kuba
Friday Denis
Saturday Perrin/Feds
Sunday Artyukhin
Monday Ward
Tuesday Janik
Wednesday Lundin
Thursday Hlavac
Friday 21,000,000 divided by 3
You can add to the list as you see fit, but since the topic is mismanagement, I think we have the next 10 days or so to fill the blogs with management mistakes.

[GP]

Nils,

I completely agree. I prefer to wait and see what coaches are available this summer. I wouldn't mind Ted Nolan if the Islanders decide to go in a different direction this summer.

For GM, I wouldn't mind seeing Craig Patrick getting another shot. He was a very solid GM in Pittsburgh and drafted well during his years. Another person I wouldn't mind giving a shot to would be Ron Hextall. He is currently an Asst GM in LA but learned from Paul Holmgren.

Who else is available?

[Nils]

He's not getting the coaching. Sullivan is ineffective. You're right, OB reeks of potential.

I have to wonder about the hockey knowledge on this blog from those who can't see past Rumble and Sullivan for successor to the Czar. There are a lot of good coaches out there.

[Nate Dogg]

Can someone please have Shane O'Brien work on his puck control and decision making this offseason?!? More importantly where has his defensive skills gone lately?

He clearly has the motor and vision to pinch up and be a two way defenseman, but will he ever stop committing turnovers (in the offensive zone) or make better decisions? He still has a lot of potential and has the strength and feistiness to be a rock in the defensive zone, but how much longer should we give him?

Is this year and next year long enough of a timespan to convince The Jury to make a verdict? Factoring in that he was dealt for a 1st round pick, I'd say that Feaster will keep him for a third year (assuming he still isn't living up to his abilities by that point)

Then again, Denis is gonna get the axe after two years after being dealt for valueable goods as well.

It's truly frustrating watching the guy when you see glimpes of potential in every game, just to be nullified by a bad pass or something else 1.7 seconds later. I just hate the idea of him only developing into a quick skating goon.

[DB]

I was disappointed that they let Bryz get away but Smith has played well. His puck handling can bring a whole new aspect to Bolts game. But the sad fact is that the overplaying oF Vinny, Marty and Boyle has hurt. Smith or any other TB goalie can't be blamed for the give aways and lack of defensive play by the defense and most of the forwards. They have too many grinders who can't score and too many poke checkers who forget to stop the player while trying to ole the puck without contact and miss both. P.S.- Halpern is doing a real good job, Picard and Jokinen OK and the team really needs a captain.

[boltflasher]

Believe it not there are other teams in worst shape than TB and more of a candidate to move. Nashville, Fla, Wash, Phoe, Ottawa (still in bankruptcy?) are all in difficult situations. Of those, only Ottawa, of course, fills their bldg routinely. There are only so many places with the type of facilities and corporate boxes available for these teams to play in...many clubs thought to be in financial difficulty actually are not according to a recent Forbes article which ranked the teams viability and several clubs were ranked below Tampa...It seems that the current NHL owner hobby is to buy a club, increase its value and sell...which is what Koules intent may be also...and the owner after that...

[jr]

Bryz is a better goalie than Smith. Period. I'm sure he would have saved 3-4 last minute meltdowns and kept the Lightning competitive in several others. They would be in the playoff chase for sure.

And the Lightning would have been buyers, not sellers, at the trade deadline. Basically, the non-sale and self-imposed cap destroyed the team, er roster's, chances for this season. The fallout very likely will impact the franchise for one or two more seasons and, if Vinny goes elsewhere (a sign of either an uncommitted or underfinanced ownership, maybe both), you'll see the team move to the Land of the Loonie.

Also, when Bryz was being very publicly shopped, it was no secret around the league that he was projected as a solid if not stellar starting goalie. Smith was also but most of that enthusiasm came out of Dallas.

[GP]

KP,

I for one would never blame the Tampa goalies this year. Holmer, Denis, and Ramo should have stopped more shots but Smith has been standing on his head for this team since he was acquired. I agree with you that Bryz would be in the same situation as Smith. It can't get any worse if they bring up Smaby and Mihalik. Why not bring them up to get some experience. Trying to win the remaining games can only hurt you at this point. Torts, do what is best for the future of this team, not your personal win loss record. I say you keep Boyle and Picard. Everyone else should find emplyoment elsewhere next year.

[KP]

Even if we did acquire Bryzgalov he would be in the same situation as Smith is right now, losing. I don't get why people think it's the goaltender's fault. It is clear that our defense is so young and inexperienced which results in mental lapses and breakdowns. I say both Feaster and Torts should leave at the end of this season. To start a new, young era in this franchise.

[boltflasher]

They only had a good powerplay when they had Andreychuk winning faceoffs in the offensive zone and crashing the net...

[boltflasher]

Lundin's is misleading also. It seems he can never get the puck out of his own end...

[GP]

boltflasher,

Considering Ouellet has 11 goals, I suggest they work on the Powerplay this summer. Just add it to the TO DO List. You would think the way Torts bashes his defensive play and his lack of winning any battles that he would be -25. Oh wait, that was Richards. Didn't Torts have a man crush on Richards? Torts ... time to go ... move on to the next organization you can ruin with your wannabe Keenan tactics.

[Jimmy]

I told everyone I knew that had the least bit of interest in hockey, that when Bryzgalov was put on waivers that Feaster would have been an absolute fool to not pick him up. Sure enough, he wasn't picked up. I like that it took the Times over 2 months to bring up this point. It frustrated me to no end that there was nothing done to pick up this above-average goaltender for more or less "nothing." Horrible job, but let us not forget, we can not go throwing all the blame on Mike Smith as a cop out for what is the real problem. This is a horrible team. A terrible team. Not many goalies in the league could help turn around the lack of prowess in their own zone. It is pathetic but it is true. Here is to winning the Stamkos sweepstakes...and trading the pick.

[boltflasher]

If that's not it, then it truly defies the laws of physics as we know it. The plus-minus can be misleading but yikes!!!

[David]

Ya but, Ouellet wouldn't get a + for a power play goal.

I think he's just the luckiest guy on the Bolts, maybe he jumps into the bench when the goals against are happening and jumps on the ice just before the Bolts score.

[boltflasher]

GP, its due to powerplay time, he's a powerplay specialist...not that the Lightning score much on the PP but when they do its usually him or Prospal...oooopss, Prosp is gone...

[GP]

I had said this in a previous post.

No slight to Smith but Bryzgalov would have been the better choice for a rebuilding team. If we had claimed Bryz, the trade with Dallas would have never happened.

#19 would be skating in Columbus and we would have Derek Brassard, Ole Tollefson, another forward and two picks. I like that deal a lot better due to the hard hitting Tollefson and young scoring forward Brassard.

Again, I like Mike Smith, but I would have preferred the Lightning claiming Bryz.

Ajax, I believe Boyle's lackluster plus minus is ude to his average ice time of 30 mins a game. Since he is out there for half the game, his stats take the hit for a poor team. If V4 and Marty were scoring, his numbers would also be reflective of that.

The only stat that defies logic? Ouellet's +9 as of last night. How?

[Casper]

Post of the month goes to Ajax at 9:51PM

Speechless (HOORAY!), g'night.

[Herb]

Keith....you know what so did I but in all honesty I waited until inside of 2 minutes when OB lost a battle in the corner. I won't bash OB because he did battle against 2 Flyers. He was outnumbered

[pd]

Flasher they probably flub the lottery pick too.

[boltflasher]

Have they started negotiations with Stamkos' agent yet?

[keith]

As the clock wound down to around 3 minutes I thought to myself......about time to lose the game, isnt it? If nothing else they have become predictable.
I like the look of the new guys, but....seems to me Vinny and Marty are half a pace ahead of any line mates in terms of creativity and speed. Hate to say they miss Prospal, I thought they made him look good, but sure seems like they miss a fast playing/thinking skater. Maybe Jokinen can grow into that, but Ritchie or Prospal he 'aint....yet!
Are we there yet? Is it draft day yet?

[boltflasher]

Let them keep losing...It will seal the fate of some non-player positions with the organization...Is is just my imagination or does Torts seem a bit fidgety...

[TroyB]

I just figured it out as to why the hefty increase....It's the Vinny 4 luxury tax....

[TroyB]

My $1575.00 "discounted" season tickets Ea. this year increased to $2730.93 Ea. for 08-09 if I want to stay in my same seats. Guess I got what I paid for...Ha!

Decisions Decisions....

[bear]

Time to say it
3rd period C_H_O_K_E_S

[olin]

...wrong boy's and girl's, Quote," the season hasn't progressed as we may have scrpted it,but they will be back to their winning way's in the 2008-09 season"....LOL.

[Herb]

Yeah Lightning I will renew my season tix at a $500 increase.....NOT (tribute to Wayne and Garth)