Open thread

Hi everyone
Things quiet on the Lightning beat for the moment, but the playoffs are getting to crunch time and 'tis the season for coaching changes, so we wanted to give you a fresh place to discuss.
Talk amongst yourselves.

Comments

[Casper]

What’s to say that hasn’t already been typed or read ad nauseum by long time bloggers (under the various monikers) here?

Gee, talk about fodder, how about the term, ‘guano’?

Where to start and where to end? We all like Marty and Vinny (I still call him Vince, Vinny is a little boy’s title and once the million$ start rolling in… Start thinking Vince, as in Lombardi---icon!).
We kept Braddy but had to lose Khabby. So, we were skwewed.

Now we have potentially more than competent goal tending despite some bloggers and head coaches who demand miracles on a nightly basis, and must re-tool this thing with a defense that doesn't leave the net minder's jocks dangling.

Another key aspect to the Bolts’ woes is that just about every dork in a neck-tie in this organization needs to be swinging from the Forum rafters, or Hyde Park lamp posts by those neck-ties.

And a new owner/partner coming in (with California haze on the brain) will really challenge our grip on reality. Melrose to replace Torts----ROTFLMAO! Tell Bucs people Gruden is out and FOX’ Jimmy Johnson is coming to town! Ludicrous!

Wasn’t it a year ago that Craig Ramsey took the high road and we had to sink or swim with Mama Tortorella? What happened? Did we swim? Did the right guy head up I-75? Can we get the other one back?

Like I said, where to you start and where does this baby land?

Go Bolts!

[Phil]

Having only been a fan of hockey since 2004, I am loving the playoffs and can't wait for TBL's next season.

I think that the potential to have a "hollywood" type owner is awesome for Tampa. We need more than fake snow on the pavaillion, 'World's largest tailgate party', and an awesome scoreboard with lame graphics.

We need OK to come in here and shake things up! We need coaches to be accessible to the fans and media REGULARLY and without ATTITUDE.

We have had AFS tix since we arrived, but did not renew this year. Apparently nobody at TBL cares since we have yet to be contacted about it other than a form letter that starts off "Dear Fan"...

I hope that V4, Halp, Ranger, Grats, and Craig recover from their wounds and are ready to kick things off next season. I am really hopeful that we have some answer between the pipes too.

Go Bolts!

[Jeep (Since someone else is already Eric)]

Phil: you've had season tickets for years now but no one contacted you to renew? If that's the case, you have the worst account rep ever. I got letters and phone calls till I made my decision on whether to renew or not.

My seats are in section 115, half season. Can't imagine them caring more about me and my two tickets than an AFSer...

[Tackleberry]

Phil:
I have been contacted a couple times like Jeep. I am in sect 206 (20 pack). Try asking for a new account manager.

I dont think big changes will take place until the sale is FINAL. I suspect Oren will do some house cleaning. I am hoping that he give Ron Wilson a serious consideration.

The Fan Appreciation Week last season was nothing more than a desperate attempt by owners to sugar-coat a turd.
I am remaining optomistic that Oren will change things for the better. With that, I think TB will have many growing pains over the next two seasons. Until the, I doubt anyone will take TB as a serious contendor.

[Boltsgirl]

Phil:

I am a season tix holder (full season, section 122)... I talk on a semi-regular basis with my account rep...I think you need to request a new one.

I hope the guys get plenty of rest during the off season and come back fighting in the fall.

All or nothing!!!

[Will]

Will Phil find a new Account Representative? Will Casper get to see the necktie party he craves? Will "Hollywood-type" owner, Oren Koules, turn to Barry Melrose to resurrect the stunning success of the 2004 Bolts? Will Vinny, Craig, Grats, Halperin, and Ranger come back with health and vigor from their physical problems?

Will Leo continue his romance with Goalie Price? Will Ajax run out of opinions? Will the "Hockey Chic" ever stop refering to herself in the third person? Will Ted ever be heard from again if Coach Tortorella is fired? Will Damian be able to run this blog for another year without losing his mind?

Will Jay Feaster explode? Will the Lightning be moved to Las Vegas? Will Tampa Bay ever get a break from the Refs and/or the guys who run the "War Room" in Toronto? Will we ever hear from Sarasota Bill again? Will Jeep fork over enough to get full-year season tickets?

Will these questions ever end? Ummm...Yes, for now!

[h29]

I have always bought into the party line that we were"one player away" from being a real team...until last night. I was on the road and watched the Wings game. Could you imagine what they would have done to us?

It finally sunk in how far away 2004 really is. I will remain a fan, but I had a radical expectation realignment over these playoff. Don't agree? Close your eyes and imagine Sean OB trying to stop Datzuk (sp?) or Zederberg (sp?)

Maybe I'm wrong. I'm sure you'll correct my thinking.

[Mike]

What does everyone think about Torts backing his U.S. defenseman's questionable hit on Jussi Jokinen in the worlds? Is Jussi in the doghouse already? Does it even matter since Torts won't coach here much longer?

[boltflasher]

I think a better comment from Torts would have been "I did not get a good look at the play" but negotiation and being careful what one says are not Torts' strong suits...

[boltflasher]

As regards being a "player away", I could not agree more with h29. A look at any of the final 4 should be sobering to any Bolts fan...Brad R was the highest paid player on the Bolts and probably the second best player but is not even on either of the top 2 lines for Dallas...and look at the talent on all these teams 3rd and 4th lines and the veteran leadership all of them have...

[Badbud]

They also have something the Lightning Don't have,,,, A real #1 Goalie

[bingo]

FYI: Several of the reps have left I don't know if any one has picked up the pieces. Mine calls we talk hockey he's a pen fan for the playoffs and they are doing great. Sec 116 1/2 season for me. Have not committed to next year yet as I'm waiting to hear about the job stuff first. Discretionary income is getting a bit thin.

Pens beating on the Wimpy Flyettes..... lol Those Orange T-Shirts remind of the old sombrero and buccaneer bruce, culvehouse must have been a closet Philly fan.

[léo]

Disagree Badbud, if you were referring to Detroit.
Totally agree if you were referring to Dallas.
Mike,
I thought he did the right thing. I was always a strong supporter of Tortie; always liked his fiery brand of coaching. But since Losing doesn't go over too well pretty much anywhere, that's why his tenure is probably done. Doesn't mean he's a bad coach; I'm sure you all agree with that. Imagine him in Ottawa...
That being said, I liked that Tortie backed his guy's play, questionable or not. Hey, keep your boys on YOUR side, right? Think Bowman would've ranked his player out? Nuh-uh. "Good play, dude."
-"But coach, maybe I shouldn't've speared him in the eye; I was frustrated."
-"Good play, I said!"
H29,
Datsyuk, Zetterberg.
Will,
You betcha! And you wanna know what? One day, you'll Love him too.
GP,
Ain't sayin' nuthin. No matter what's going on now, your boys still got farther than mine. Congrats again, even if it sticks in my craw to accept it.
Peace to all and to all a World Cup.
Yo.
sff

[boltflasher]

Looking at a replay of one the Lightning's Cup games, I am reminded of the depth that team had...the #2 power play unit had Andreychuk, Modin, Stillman, Sydor, and Kubina...(3 20 goal scorers)

[Nate Dogg]

Being that I'm antsy and have a little free time on my hand, I went looking into 2008's potential free agent class.

Not an overall impressive class, but there are plenty of keepers. (Too bad we couldn't just go for players such as Hossa, etc) That said, I'm gonna give my list of players who I think the Lightning will take a look at: (In order of want, not likelihood)

LW:
1) Kristian Huselius
2) Ryan Malone
3) Antti Miettinen
4) Jason Chimera
5) Todd Fedoruk

RW:
1) Radim Vrbata
2) Michael Ryder
3) Pascal Dupuis
4) Brian Rolston
5) David Vyborny

D:
1) John-Michael Liles
2) Mike Commodore

Given our current ownership situation, I can only see maybe Fedoruk and Commodore signing with us. In fact, I would love seeing that Red fro (Mike Comodore) in a Lightning uni- I think he's one of the league's most unheralded defensemen. But the kid in me wants more! How great would it be to add a Nagy, Huselius, Ryder, or Melone to our 1st/2nd line??

Our First line wouldn't have to play 382472 minutes a game and we'd actually have great scoring depth...

Maybe some day I can stop dreaming...

[ajax]

I was watching the same replay and they said some awesome little stats about our ex-Cup champs. After the sweep of Montreal they had won like 15 of their last 16 games. Flash, they had given up 10 goals in their first 9 playoff games. Maybe this was a hint to Tortorella to build a winner around Defense and not offensive fire power, he didn't get the hint, and was Captain Dave the best penalty killer of all time or what?? So smart, such a long reach, such a great faceoff man and the ability to flip the puck out to center ice at any given second. Those were the days!!! Could it really be only 3 seasons removed from the Penthouse to the Outhouse??
Remember gang, we are almost right there, just a tweek away. Now who is dreaming?? Watching them shut down MOntreal for the last 10 minutes of game 4 with Montreal not even coming close to scoring reminded me of all of the 3rd period collapses this year. To quote Don Mclean, "Long long time ago"

[Nate Dogg]

And Lightning fans...any opinions on the availability of Ron Wilson after he was fired by the Sharks?? Quite a list of coaches are becomign available:

Paul Maurice
Joel Quinnenville
Ron Wilson

[léo]

Name Khabibulin comes to mind also, Boltflaher.
(no, I'm not trolling, came to check, it popped up, not my fault)
When he was great, of course, not the 6.75mil José Théodore he became in Chickawgo.
By the by, notice how José was "playing so good all of a sudden, oh my goodness"? Yeah, sorta like a guy who's contract's up and doesn't have a lot of clout. Yeah, oh, he's real good. Pressure's on? What did Leo say? 'Member? Ppppbbbllttt! That's how good he is.
Oh, he was hurt...oh dear, oh my. Yeah, just like Markov was "hurt". So hurt, he turned around and went to the Worlds. (I'm starting to wonder about him; he disappeared against Carolina 2 years back as well.) Yeah, they don't wanna mention it as an excuse but they do anyway, and go skiing the next day.
BULLLLLLL-crap on that! Can't play; don't play. Can play; you FRIGGIN play!
I digress; back to topic, goalies, always goalies.
Point is, gimme someone who's smoking hot in net for 6 weeks over any Star goaltender, IF I CAN CHOOSE THE MOMENT TO DO SO.
See what I'm sayin?
'Member when Lalime was smokin? 'Member Jim Carey, fer petessakes?? Andrew Raycroft??? (he won the Calder, honest and true!)
If I can choose the 6 weeks; greatest guy in the world, otherwise, a piece'a'spam.
Like those three.
And Théodore. May the Lord strike me down if I lie: I saw it in his eyes on the day he was DRAFTED. Lord? C'mon, you know I thought it. I KNEW it. Pressure? Pppbbblllttt! Down he goes, knees a-shakin'.
Khabibulin now?
Gotta say. Looks like someone chose those 6 weeks well. And more!
P.
sff

[Another Joe]

A few of my thoughts:

1-I think torts deserves the chance to start next season and get things turned around.

2-I think we are set in goal with Ramo/Smith battling it out for playing time.

3-I have not renewed my season tickets yet but I have been called twice and sent a letter. I will renew but I want to make sure that stupid Melrose rumor isnt true.If it is ill probably just get a 10 pack next year.

Go Bolts!

[boltflasher]

Nate Dogg, I think Ron Wilson would be a great candidate for coach, though, he is somewhat similar to Torts and would install his own system that he lives and dies with...of the UFAs, most are second and third line guys but much better than what we have now. With all the injuries they need to take a look at some of those that can play both center and wing...Rolston, Vybornny, Chimera, and Malone. I would hope they could get at least 1 of those, 1 pure winger and 1 veteran Defenseman...

[boltflasher]

More on Ron Wilson...He will not be available very long, I'm sure most of the teams looking for a coach will want to talk to him and I expect Toronto, Col and Fla to make real strong push for him. I will be suprised if he takes the Toronto job and that pressure cooker considering the pressure he just left in San Jose. Though, the Leafs job is prestigious, that team is stuck, at present, with a lot of dead weight that have no-trade clauses and really hampers any major upgrade on that team for awhile. Colorado, if smart, will bring him on board ASAP. They have a good veteran roster that is already playoff ready so it would be a very good fit for Wilson, so I don't think the Bolts will have a chance. If Col drags their feet then I think the Bolts should jump on it...(but probably won't)

[boltflasher]

How about this for a NEW Melrose rumour?...a snowbird friend of mine emailed me that he heard that Melrose was not coming in as the new coach, he would be the GM as Koules actually likes Tortorella...

[GP]

Leo,

The Flyers chances of winning against the Pens took a huge blow after losing Timmonen before the series. I told my wife that the Flyers were done after I heard that news. Then Coburn gets hit in the eye with a puck. Then I turned to my wife and said ... "it's over." It was a great run and a true example to Bolts fans and mgt that this thing can be turned around quickly.

Those two injuries forced the Flyers to alter the way they break the puck out of their own zone. It forced the wingers and centers to drop back to support the Flyers defense in making the shorter first pass. Timmonen & Coburn can make the long outlet pass but when you depend on Derien Hatcher and Jason Smith to be making strong outlet passes .... you are in trouble. By dropping those forwards back, it played right into the Pens trap system. They have been clogging the neutral zone and pouncing on loose pucks. You have to give the Pens a lot of credit. They are obviously the better team. Remember though, the Pens were swept by the Sens last year. You have to lose in order to learn how to win in the playoffs. The series is not over but without the puck moving defensmen in the lineup, I don't think the Flyers stand a chance. I'm just hoping the Pens kick the crap out of Detroit because I hate the Red Wings and I still have a lot of friends in the Pens organization from when I worked there. If I remember correctly, I picked the Pens to go to the Cup.

Phil,

I haven't even gotten a letter or a phone call from my rep. I guess they do not want my money.

All,

Did you see that sick move by Stamkos shooting the puck behind his back on youtube?

[Hockey Chic]

Morning fellow bloggers,

Will, Loved the soap opera opening and no Chic will not stop referring to herself in third party as it is really fun doing this and at times. As well it removes oneself from the pain the losing and rooting all year long.

Secondly, to chime in on the Torts /Melrose thing I would like to see the new ownership drop some serious $$ into the team and give ole Tortie and new run at it. Hell it is only one year and lets see if he can do it. Remove all doubt.

Thirdly, were the heck is my girl Lisa? She has to have this all worked out all ready. I cannot ever see Melrose coming here unless oren uses,"Got Mullet?", as a marketing tool. Catchy isn't it?

GP, I did see the stamkos thing on youtube and it was sick. He said it was easy right? I was a pick up game last night and another player and I were talking, again first party and he said how cool would it be if stamkos brought that talent here? Besides that the seenstamkos.com banners are on the boards all ready in Brandon.

Finally, as I am all ready tired and it is only 4:52 am, I am a full season ticket holder (309) and I have had many contacts with my rep. I am not sure why reps are not contacting peeps unless they no longer work there.

Tackelberry see you at the season ticket holder skate of course in first party.

Go Bolts!!

[luckylucky]

#1 Goalie. Torts screws with all the goalies we have, we are never going to have one for long. He beats them down. If they get a chance, they leave (exactly like Khabby did, he knew when to get out).

On another note, Mike Commodore would be cool here.

[ajax]

GP you wrote a sensational description of our Bolts by describing the FLyers problems without two of their top Dmen out. The D they have left have trouble moving the puck forward and rarely follow the play up, leaving Philly forwards to try and score 3 on 5. This is a snapshot of our team with forwards that have to come in so deep to help the D do their job that they have nothing left to do their job on the other end. (I might add, Philly is only playing 3 lines and their stars can barely move at the end of the game, sound familiar?) From the get go, the D for Philly are giving up the blue line and caving in. Call it youth, call it tired legs, call it what you want, it is why all of a sudden Philly looks like we did all year long. Watch that Hossa goal, he skates all the way to the top of the faceoff circle and snaps off a shot and the Philly D just kept backing away. All of this nets a offense that really has trouble scoring. It starts with the D and the transition. Whoever is coach, whoever is GM, we need some D that can hold their own.
Detroit will expose the weakness in the Pittsburgh forwards. It could get ugly in the finals. The only thing that might keep it close is all the ridiculous dives of the Penguins, the league should be embarassed to see Crosby and Malkin flopping all over the place. I had read earlier in the year of people complaining about the Pens diving and I see it first hand watching every night. But hey, the league wants good ratings and the refs are buying into it.
I couldn't help but noticing the raves being sent to Zetterberg and Datsyuk, so I cranked out a stat.
In the three games versus Dallas (remember these are the conference finals) here are the minutes for the top 3 Detroit players.
Zetterberg 20-22-20, total 62 minutes
Datsyuk 19-21-21, total 61 minutes
Lidstrom 24-26-22, total 72 minutes
Now here are the minutes for out last three meaningless home games for our stars
Vinny 23-26-24, total 73 minutes
Marty 23-24-24, total 71 minutes
Danny 32-28-25, total 85 minutes
Quite a statement for anyone who really knows hockey. I would love to see Datsyuk come and spend a 10 game span here where he had to play every other shift and back check all night long to help Lundin and Janek.
And I really would like to see Vinny and Marty play 10 games with Holmstrom in front of the net and Lindstrom and Rafalski making breakout passes to them.
Zetterberg and Datsyuk have no idea how good they have got it.
Somehow I think Vinny and Marty know how bad they've got it.
But remember!! We are really really close to getting back on top.

[Voice of the Turtle]

This has been a very disappointing NHL playoff season. For some reason that defies my understanding, all the playoff series, save one (San Jose vs Dallas) have failed to produce much in the way of drama. There have been a few overtime games, but all except one (again, San Jose vs Dallas) have been resolved relatively quickly. Add to this, there has been less fighting and fewer nasty incidents than usual.

Thanks to the Bright House NHL package, I've seen all the games. The last two series (both currently 3-0) seem to lack grit and passion vis a vis series played in past years.

Is it just me? What do you all think?

[wahls]

VOTT, I have to agree with you. I am disappointed with the way these playoffs are going; it just doesn't keep my interest anymore. I am sure the NHL is excited at the probable Wings/Pens final. I'm not sure I will watch them though because I don't want to listen to the lovefest all of the announcers have for Crosby (sure it isn't his fault, but it drives me nuts!).

Maybe there will be some kind of comeback the Stars and Flyers can pull to make things exciting, but I'm not going to hold my breath. I'm pretty disappointed that the Pens/Flyers series hasn't resulted in more fights/controversy. Maybe tomorrow night will bring a bit more out of the Flyers, they aren't going to want to get swept in front of the home crowd.

[léo]

From what I'm seeing, and with all due respect to the Pens who "learned how to lose" last year, consider that Detroit got a CLINIC in Losing during the 80s and beg90s. They KNOW how to lose. And now they've been APPLYING what they learned for the last 15 yrs.
I think they are going to Railroad the Pens as they are Railroading the Stars.
Hey, Stars vs Pens. Imagine that for a sec: A good series; might go to 7. Stars are being Crushed by the Wings, man. Crushed.
So Pens vs Wings? I don't know, man. I say Wings in 4 or 5. I don't see which Pen is gonna take the puck away from Zetter or Pavel and I don't see how anyone is gonna move Holmstrom away from the crease and I don't see anyone going through Lidstrom and Rafalski and ohmygosh...
Wings in 4. Senators, Penguins or God Himself. Noone's stopping the Wings, this year.
Might take a look at that series cuz, well,
I've been wrong before.
From time to time.
sff

[Nate Dogg]

VOTT,

I agree with you that the level of drama is very low and very dissappointing. However, fewer "nasty incedents" is a good thing. The gnats on each team are there to really help set the tone, not continually re-estalbish it. (AKA: after the first round, their roles become less and less)

Don't get me wrong. I love nasty hockey, but this is the real deal. Muckers and hackers ranging around the 6-7 min per game area can expect to see it cut in half from here on out, especially when you're in the 3rd period and you're down a goal.

[Casper]

I can't disagree with Ajax in the least. Those solid points give me half a mind to plunk Sullivan and especially Tortorella, in the head with an *octopus* when our blue line is given away by a bunch of girls (No disrespect intended Chic and others. I meant soccer mommie, Junior League, sissifed Hokey-Pokey type defenders.).

Or, if I see anybody on our top 2 lines slumped in the first ten minutes of the 3rd period, more octopi. Not on the ice, mind, just plopped onto the coaches' swelled heads.

Smells good to me. How else to get through to these people besides hitting them in the wallet?

Go Bolts!

[Phil]

Yes, we thought about asking for a new rep. Problem is, our rep is the director of premium seating! People we know got lots of 'freebies' over the past couple of seasons and we renewed as soon as the letters were mailed in previous years and we got nothing. Maybe that's what I am waiting for... someone to show a little attention to our 12K+ investment in the 30th place team. Thanks for all your thoughts and advice.

Go Bolts!

[Ted]

fire the coach

[boltflasher]

Well, the US lost again to Finland, so Torts is on his way back as the US is done, could not get past the quarterfinals...so what will Torts come back to?

[olin]

....I would hope a pink slip.

[Mike13]

GP, Ajax, Leo: You guys said it all. There is no doubt that we need a bonafide stand-up style defense in Tampa. Lidstrom and Rafalski still got plenty of points this year and they weren't constantly playing LW like Boyle does.

[Hockey Chic]

Casper,

No offense taken and I agree 100 % we need a D that can stand a guy up at the Blue line or at the boards.

We need a defense that can hit a guy SO HARD the guy thinks what the hell was that. I do not think we had that with the exception of an occasional Roy moment when Torts wants to give a hall pass.

I love the old style of hitting and checking. I also love the finesse playing and of course the speed of our skaters. I tried to look back at the cup year and see what we had then that we do not have now.

I think it was a tenacity to skate with the puck, fore checking at the boards, turn over right and left and I just did not see much of that at all.

I can tell you watching the dead things play with their hitting ability # 55 comes to mind it sure brings another element to their game that we do not currently have.

By the way congrats to Team Canada for making it to the finals. They are off to the finals in Quebec City. All I can say is DUDE and WAY TO GO MSL!!!

Go Bolts!!!

[Leah]

Every team dives. I've seen Detroit players go down for nothing. Same with the Rangers players after Pittsburgh has been taking heat for doing it. So deal. It happens, and will probably always happen.

[Voice of the Turtle]

Tortorella has now layed another egg - this time on the international stage.

Joel Quenneville got his injured Avalanche players into the playoffs and, remarkably, even won a series then got the axe. Paul Maurice supported his battling Leafs and nearly made the playoffs (in spite of a troublesome season with rampant injuries, his hapless GM was dismissed, and meddlesome executive nincompoops upset the team) but he got canned. Ron Wilson's Ducks would have been still in the hunt today if the the team had a few more breaks; yet, notwithstanding his incredible career-long track record, he got fired.

Not the same in Tampa Bay. John Tortorella's career is in a swirl and his Bolts had the worst record in the NHL. John's job has been Telfon coated because of an uncaring owner and a grossly incompetent GM.

Lord help me, I renewed my season tickets (issued now at a higher price although the Bolts did miserably last year). I am part of the problem because I realize that the oafs that run this team deserve to be facing a boycott from the local faithful. One hopes for something better, but, as time draws on, it is starting to look like more of the same nonsense and hype will be offered up for next season.

Rant over! Thank you!

[Secorp]

How many games did Smith win last year three I think?

Vinny will not be ready at the start of camp, he still needs wrist work after he heals.

Halperen is not going to be ready either.

No Richards, ouch.

DA Bolts are closer to 40 losses than 40 wins next year, come on Stamkos.

[Bear]

Secorp you are on to something but in reality its just the Tampa strategy that has us rated as the worst pro sports market in North America.

Same refrain for Bucs, Rays ..finish last for 10 years , pick 1st for 10 years . Win once then blow it good.

Rinse and repeat

Stamkos this year Tavares next and we're heros again!

[ajax]

When the dust settles I hope all of us go on record with predictions for next year. I can proudly say, I was one of few on the blog and the only one in my group of 7 hockey buddies to predict no playoffs for our Bolts. I looked at the pluses and minuses of the roster. I looked at the previous year and said, We barely made the playoff with a 100pt and 90 pt guy. The downside was far greater in my eyes than the upside. With all the injuries and, another somber prediction, "silence" in regards to signing free agents this summer, Stamkos could be Gretzky (and he isn't) and we still are in for some of my favorite ice cream. Rocky Road. Everyone sharpen your pencils and put on your thinking caps, 143 days until official prediction are due.
And if you think I am dire, wait until you see where everyone puts Montreal next year knowing they have Swiss Cheese Price for 82 games.

[Casper]

Ah, a humorous look through the archives revealed I wagered five bucks on our goalies only getting 3 shutouts last year.

Well, Holmer got *both* stonewalls so I guess I lose the fiver and cannot be accused of not having rose colored myopia.

Also predicted we'd finish 11th with 4 clubs worse off. What a terrible eye have I.

Hmph!

Go Bolts!

[hyjyljyj]

- Goaltending quandary not solved yet. Smith needs to unlearn the lessons taught by Turco about getting caught out of position while puckhandling. The kid needs to focus on stopping the puck--not trying to impress his teammates and fans with what a hot shot he is.

- Buh-bye, goalie coach Reese. You have failed spectacularly and should have been fired along with Ramsay.

- Torts and Feaster are here for at least another year. (No way is Koules, should he acquire the team, going to pay Tortorella over a million dollars to NOT coach this team.) Feaster has two years left on his deal. Excited yet?

- If Stamkos lives up to the hype, we'll take out season tickets again...for 2009-10.

[bear]

Ajax good call on Wings vs Dallas. You can't hit something you can't catch.

Man I see no way out of the cellar in hockey's worst division for the Bolts.
Quite apart from the fact that all the other teams in the division are markedly better, why would any sane fan hold out Bolt hope. What free agent would sign here assuming we had any Cap space, (unlikely)>

We still have a goalie project yet again

They will bullsh*t market Stamkos , who is no Gretsky and sucker whatever they can get while secretly targeting Tavares.

Why Lecavalier would resign is beyond me but Leo seems to have the scoop.

[mini_espo]

What do you think of Brad Richards play during the playoffs? He looks very mediocre. He is not worth the money he gets, no matter how anyone spins it. I am worried about overpaying Boyle. He deserves a lot, but not $6 million he ogt.

[matt]

No way Torts is coaching this team next season. Maybe, just maybe Feaster will keep his job. Remember, if Torts gets another job the Bolts would be off the hook for the majority(if not the entire) value of the remaining contract. Feaster could stay just because that much turnover in one year is a lot for an organization to handle, especially one with a brand new owner.

Why people keep insisting Vinny will want to be traded just makes ZERO sense for either party involved. Losing Halpern only means Gratton is almost a lock to be re-signed and Center the 3rd line until Halpern comes back. Then think of a checking line with Halpern/Gratton/Craig- FA checker or Arty(if he signs).

I am an optimist, who actually believe Koules has a plan. And unfortunately for him Feaster and Torts would not follow through 100% on that plan. I believe he wanted Boyle traded as well as Richards. That would have given him roughly 20 million to spend and still be well below the expected cap for the up-coming season. Maybe then the Bolts could have made a run at Campell and give him the contract they gave Boyle. I think a wait and see approach is better than just dumping on a guy nobody knows or has a clue what his intentions are. Remember, it wasn't his fault financing fell through or the 1st group tried to screw him out of control. I see good things in the future with the Bolts.

[olin]

...I think both bolt castoff's V20/40 and BR19/91 are doing very well for their respective playoff team's. BR maybe not getting noticed as much, (he still doesn't hit) but is playing on the #1 PP. V20 having a great playoff's.(even though he looks a little different with the whisker's). Yeah BR is over paid, compliments of Uncle Jay- then he "fix's his boo-boo" moving him....LOL. Ya can't worry about the DB $ mini-espoo, he's got it and is done deal. Just hope he earn's it. I enjoy going to nhlpa and comparing salaries of those players who are starring and hitting hard and moving their feet and go-going all the time just to mini analyize player performance's. Seem's the guy's doing all the dirty work are the lower paid guy's. Gotta be a correlation there.
By the way too Hockey chic, congrat's to my Swedes making the finals at halifax city- is too bad so many guys who would be there are still playing in the wing's stars games.....

[Tim]

Interesting article on Fox Sports regarding the attendance (or lack thereof) in Detroit:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8139922/It's-getting-lonely-in-Hockeytown

[Frank]

Wilson & Maurice being available, consider Torts gone.

[ajax]

Thought I would chirp in before the big weekend games. Dallas is the 2nd best team in hockey and will give Detroit all it can handle in game 5. Philly is plum run out of Dmen and should go down meekly. Assuming Detroit stays healthy and they don't really mess up and go to game 6 or 7, I see a blow out in the finals. 5 on 5 Pittsburgh has had trouble with Philly, they will get mauled by Detroit, especially if rested. Dallas is alot better team than most give credit to. Brad has played on the number one PP unit just the last two games. He is getting more minutes mainly because the end to end game of Detroit dictates skating and this is Brad's strong suit. With 5 goals in 28 games even the most optimistic Brad fan's (Patrick and Miss Lisa) surely must be giddy over dumping that contract. Someone wrote 6 million, it is 7.8 million for 3 more seasons by the by. The stud on that team is Morrow, what a player!! and the next three years he resigned for 12.3 million, kinda really makes the 23.4 million dollar contract stand out like a beet red sore thumb. Anywho it is Friday and let's be sweet. Mr. Prospal on the other hand hasn't scored in 9 games and played, ouch, 11 minutes last night. He has found the doggy house. Maybe he needs another, stick it up yer butt, speech. I bet he is grinding away each and every minute as he sees the $$$$$$$ flying out the window. Good for him, he deserves it. Maybe he can land in Atlanta and play with another "me me me" guy in Kovalchuk.
I love Casper and Bear. Just like me, you two are,
SO NEGATIVE TOWARD OUR BOLTS.
Going back to salary I see Vinny in the 8-9 million range for 4-6 years. One more time, I think with this team and this roster we would be much better off with 3 players making 2.6-3 million each. If for no other reason Vinny will end up like Earl Campbell(using a cane at age 40), if he keeps playing 26 minutes a night(see Zetterberg and Datsyuk playing 20 a night at Detroit) At even 5 more minutes a night you play the equivalent of 20+ more games per year. Do I hear Torts in the background, yelling, I don't give a damn, it's not a popularity contest and Vinny is bleeding out his nose!!! and Danny is on the respirator at the end of the bench. Think "many bodies" needed gang.
It is what it is. Who would of thought 4 years after sipping the cup with a young nucleus of studs we would finish dead last in hockey and the "Rays" would be in first place???
God is torturing me!!!!

[Bear]

Well thanks Ajax, I think.

Were a long way from the pom pom crowd.

Reality bites.

Who knew Vinny wanted to invest the best years of his career in a basement apartment?

[ajax]

With 20-30 million in the bank I think Vinny can fly down to the hospital anytime he wants, I agree 110% Bear, The prime of his career, being beat to death, like a mule, for a losing team? Where do I sign??

[Karma]

Matt:
Torts fired? You've got the inside scoop? I doubt it. Paul Maurice as the coach? Right...the guy has never won anything - neither has Wilson. Name another coach/former coach who is available who built a team and won the Cup...Bowman? We've gone that route (remember Terry Crisp?) No one has "laid an egg" in the Worlds. Heck, the Finns might compete for the Gold, and an over-time loss in the quarters is either a bad draw or just being beaten by better talent. I bet if the US would have lost the Gold medal round to Canada, someone on the forum would have said it's Tort's fault...

What this team needs is an OWNER who is willing to part with some cash. Jay needs to draft better and stop worrying about a "quick fix". It's going to take a few years people. Which among you who are season ticket holders want to keep spending money for first or second round exits? Winners are built through the draft and you need to have some patience.

Now the last part. No hockey tonight so I'm stuck watching CNN or the NBA. Please lord (and Gary Bettman) don't let our game turn into this kind of bs entertainment. Hockey is the greatest game on earth and the Cup is still the hardest trophy to win. Let's keep in that way.

Wings in 6 over Pens.
Out.
Karma

[Hockey Chic]

Okay bloggers I have read all the stuff about how we are going to suck next year and we need a d and we need a # 1 goalie and we need big hitters, new coach, GM and Owner.

So here goes lets we make any of you Owner for the season tell us what you would do to ensure the fans that we will have a cup team or at least a better chance at it next season. Or if not next predict when we will be there.

This is your chance to spill it right here and see if they take any of the suggestions.

Go for it. Lets here it fellas it is your forum to tell us the pom pom carrying members of this blog how the team should be run.

I open the floor to the members of the blog...

[Casper]

Love ya Chic, but I'm not cuttin' an pastin' past prescriptions. The archive column is on the left.

Just say NO to Artukyin!

Many months ago, a fellow blogger rightly pointed out, Arty delivers another thundering check to the glass, Crosby or any Carolina Hurricane within ten feet drops to the ice, and they promptly score on the power play.

Who needs that jive?

Take a deep wheeze of oxygen and think far beyond that doofus Russian and his moronic agent.

Check please!

[wahls]

So I guess we should just avoid hitting people because the refs are against us and every player is a diver? That doesn't make any sense. We have to play our game, whether the refs are against us or not (of course, right now our game doesn't involve any physicality and we are 30th in the league). Besides, the refs being against us is nothing new. Have we ever even had a middle range of power plays? I'm pretty sure we haven't. This year we were 30th in the league in PP opportunities if I'm not mistaken. I remember hearing during one of the games on TV Rick and the Chief saying that we were the only team to not have 300 PP chances. (just checked and we had 296 chances while the next closest was the Panthers with 313 chances). Maybe we should work on our PK instead of trying to avoid getting stupid calls against us, because that will never change. How many tripping penalties did Smaby get at the end of the season when all he did was push someone down? Does that mean Smaby should avoid touching anyone? It will never change, whether we have a team full of Lady Bingers or a team full of R2s.

I think the physicality that R2 brings is great, if only he didn't have a jerk for a manager. If we can get him at a reasonable price, then I say bring him on. Maybe he can hit a ref in the head with their helmet next time?

[bear]

Ditto Casper Chic on the archives.

The downer is that it's all moot unless the team has a BIG cash infusion and can then spend on both a farm system and to near the cap.

That's why the Pom poms should be left at reality's door.

It's sadly just not happening

[léo]

A lot can happen in a year. Teams expected to go nowhere and make a dramatic turnaround is headline news EVERY SEASON. My Boys, for one. The Flyers, the Pens, the dang Jackets, the Preds still in the hunt and another host of examples.
Point is, you're not far off.
A D-man, preferably 2, but more importantly, a SYSTEM based on shutting down, not, letting the guy go; that's counterproductive. Someone mentioned Larry Robinson. You won't get him but the idea of a "guy like him" is excellent. A "guy like him" would have an immediate and noticeable impact, even with the present roster. Name your names.
Some honest to goodness 3rd liners. No, I'm not joking. REAL 3rd liners. Veteran specialists who IMPOSE their law. That's DEPTH, folks. You've got scorers; you need DEPTH and it ain't comin from the minors. Guys who can score AND shut down AND intimidate their opponents. Again, name your names.
So this talk of "hitting" or lack thereof is directly related to the idea of lack of DEPTH. Who do you want to hit? Lecavalier, St-Louis?
Other option is the Nashville/Philly method: Flash-fire sale and quick rebuild.
Did it work or did it not work? I can't deny that as a fan of those teams, I would've sighed with absolute relief.
Yo, food for thought.
One more thing,
Leo is really sorry for your loss.
But what d'you expect?
Canada vs Russia in Finals.
I'm shocked.
sff

[boltflasher]

Unlike some on this site, I am willing to wait and see what the new ownership is actually going to do before bashing them on the blogs. We really don't know and are only speculating based on what the past ownership/mgt has done. We have all gone over how bad the team is and how old managment brought the team down to this point. The question is: are they (new mgt) going to try and sell us that we are only "a player" away or show us they mean business by truly building a real farm system (the only real way to succeed with the cap)?

[boltflasher]

Oh, and a good scouting dept would be helpful...scouting out a Braydon Coburn instead of an O'Brien...

[boltflasher]

Jay, what did you see in O'Brien that Brian Burke did not??

[ajax]

I think Jay has seen exactly what he is looking for the past two off seasons. Namely minimum wage help. You get what ya pay for. It wasn't headline news, but how they handled Eric Perrin was a real snapshot of managements inabilities the last two years. They played the guy on the 2nd line the whole year, he was a great penalty killer, he was the 5th highest scoring forward and they refused to budge over 500k. It was a little deal that said volumes about Management. The next real insight was the constant signing of 30 yr old European talent, another publicity stunt gone bad.
Serious times call for serious people and Jay has used his alloted time.
Going back to Eric Perrin, the fact that at age 31 he walked onto the team and became a 2nd line player says EVERYTHING. I am a realist not a doom and gloomer.
Hockey Chic I would give you my solution but I only have two hours free. Pithy.
Owners with money is number one for one reason only. Eat the contracts, it will pay dividends in the long run, Fire Feaster and Torts and start with a good hockey mind and a good teacher as coach. Everything will start to get better from their.
Does anyone else feel another summer of sitting on our hands about to happen???

[boltflasher]

It is my guess that since JF and JT still have contracts that would have to be bought out, new management is going to give them this next year to right the ship, if team is not significantly improved or off to a bad start (both are likely), they will be gone. We the fan unfortunately will have to be patient for 1/2 the season. Looks we are in for some hype if the second coming of the "Hit Show" is going to be promoted...at least maybe we will see some fights...

[geo]

Guess casper doesnt like Russians maybe we can get some more french canadians like denis If we dont get Artukhin he probably will come in on another team and hand are heads to us

[casper]

wow geo, thanks for not saving that profound and inaccurate insight for another day! we get to enjoy the off target belch of someone who's writing is reminscent of denis's goaltending prowess

gee, thanks guy.

[geo]

anytime casper you were the one who made the comment

[geo]

you can take your check and leave

[Badbud]

I only know 1 Thing for certain..IF some of you GM wannabe's were Really GM, the Lightning COULD and Would Finish worse than Last Place.

[Another Joe]

What this team needs as a shot in the arm with some new talent. Vinny4 and Marty need help. Bottom line. Hopefully a more experienced blue line will help next year. Get Ranger and Boyle back together and get someone solid to put with Picard i think were in "ok" shape.

Add Stamkos and hopegully at least ne solid free agent forward and i think this team can rebound.

[keith]

We all need some new cud to chew over or leave it alone. This blog's subject matter has become tedious and overworked, repetitive and uninspiring Somewhere out there is a Cup being played for.
Maybe it takes someone more creative and pithy than I to promote some new intercourse, but please enough of the old dead horses already!

[ajax]

We are a rather boring lot. I miss Montreal in the playoffs, at least we could all beat up on poor Leo. I am bored, I admit it. Two more weeks of awesome hockey and then I hibernate till late September. But, BUT, this should be an interesting blog this summer when the chips fall for our Bolts. I can't wait, as Keith hit it on the head, the blog has become pithy. Toodles and GBY.

[bear]

Guess we'll see how Pithy it is if KOules buddy Melrose signs on as coach.

[bingo]

Was great to see the Pens whip up on those hated flyers. Put a huge smile on thy face..... VP enjoy the money while you have your next 20 goal season for that 5 - 6 mil tag.

[Wally]

Yeh, cool to see young Pens swoosh around playing hard. Reminds me of this bunch in 2003.

Laughed and coughed beer through my nose at the thought of Prospal getting 5-6 mil and getting 20 goals. Ever again.
I envision this dairy farmer milking 3.5M/yr for 4 or 5 more years and only showing up for 25 games per year, averaging a goal in half of those. Three million for a 40 point, top six guy slowing up into his mid 30's, no thanks. For those frog skins, I'll take 2-3 younger, faster guys that will bash him on the boards.

[léo]

Feh, Ajax.
Don't let the off-season stop yeh from beatin'up on me all yeh like. I can take it. Dishin' it out like I do, I GOTTA take it, right?
But, I'm a Habfan.
I KNOW I will be rewarded in another life.
Hey, btw.
Next year's Our centennial; think Mr. Gainey's aware'o'that? Wonder if he'll cook up anything à la Lowe or à la Sinden perhaps? Though Mr. Gainey's not the type to steal...the Future is now.
Although, aw shucks, we can't expect nuthin from the Swiss cheese Kid, right? (giggle, snort)
Boy'o'boy'o'boy, get this season over with already so we can start the next one!
The Real one. Year 5 in Mr. Gainey's 5 yr plan.
Let's get it on!
Hajime!
sff

[ajax]

Leo, let me address you first, son, the Slabs(Habs) are I feel only one player from making a hugh run, they, like us for so long, need a goalie they can count on. Any young guns to replace the wavering Messiah??
Prospal will make right around 2.7 to 3.2 million for no more than 2-3 years. I think his verbal assault will not hurt him, as I am sure other GM's will say, "Who doesn't think Tortorella is a jerk" and that will let him off the hook.
I will be pithy, if Melrose is in, I am out. 110% sure of that statement. But not in my wildest dreams do I see him in.
I have a better suggestion, Make Torts the GM. He is such a no-nonsense hard-as*. That is what the organization needs to turn it around. Feaster is a nice man, way over his head.
Finally, Philly out, they ran out of legs, and I told ya all that Dallas would not go down quietly. Detroit has a better team, but Dallas has the better goalie. Detroit's coach I feel has panicked a bit, and got away from playng everyone equal time. That is not a good thing as you see the stars are tired at the end of the game(sound familiar) He switched to major minutes for his top 2 Dman and that is mighty risky this late in the run. I would give anything to be in Dallas tonight, the electricity will be awesome. I will be watching with a bowl of popcorn and enjoying the memories of great hockey. pithy I said.

[hyjyljyj]

OK, so...all we have to wait for is Vinny, Ranger, Halpern and Craig (should he be re-signed, probably not) to heal up from their various joint surgeries. Then all we need is a #1 non-AHL goalie, a couple top non-AHL D, some non-AHL scoring depth up front, a new coach, goalie coach, GM and owner.

Aside from that, we're so CLOSE!

[bear]

Hy nails it..we're just that close.

Ajax I'll have the pocorn and suds going tonight too..should be a great one.

Hope Ritchie doesnt' spoil it for you.

Leo, Habs should sign Sundin at any cost.

[Another Joe]

I think Ramo/Smith are going to push each other next year which will make the bolts better.

Helenius(sp?) should be up at the AHL next year so the bolts should start getting a feel of what his future holds. He had a solid year in juniors this year and is still only 19.

I think new ownership needs to concentrate on young forward being brought into the organization.

[ajax]

I was just looking at the odds and Detroit is favorite at Dallas tonight. Might have to plop down a deuce on the Stars. Richie ain't spoiling nothing for me, he is a secondary player.

[bear]

Joe, Ramo and Smith are tier two NHL goalies..that should be some battle but not sure how it helps us.

Ajax you jinxed yourself..Ritchie pots the winner tonight.

Hockeybuzz has Kolzig going to Habs as a UFA to make up for Gainey's painful season ending, goalie faux pas.

[ajax]

I think another season in the minors could help Price, he clearly ain't ready for the show. I think he needs to drop about 10 lbs. of baby fat also.

[Benoit]

Halpern is FINISHED. I know for sure.
It's too bad.

[wahls]

How is Halpern finished? He had a similar injury to his other knee and he came back from that no problem. I know having two reconstructed knees isn't exactly what any hockey player wants, but how do you know for sure he is finished? Are you just speculating or do you have some kind of insider information? Nothing I have read says that Halpern is finished.

[Benoit]

Inside info.
It won't be in the press, he will fade away similar to a number of players that can't recover.
I know Tampa front office is NOT holding their breath on Halpern.

[boltflasher]

Yep, its pretty bad when your top center going into camp is an as of yet undrafted #1 pick...Bolts are forced to keep pick now, even if they had thought about trading it (LA has 3 first round picks) whereas none of the others on the list are considered NHL ready...also, virtually guarantees Gratton is coming back, also...really, a shame about Halpern....I think they now need to look a UFA or RFA center...

[Hockey Chic]

Congrats to the Pens and the Dead Things. Both very hard fought battles and deserved wins.

Not real excited about the Cup this year, but hey it is another chance to watch some more hockey.

Hope Halpern is not gone for good. He brought a great deal to the team. I am excited to see that Grats is skating again. By the way at the season ticket holder skate another person stated that their AFS tickets doubled in price. Good thing I am in the nose bleeds. By the way the ice for being new was sweet.

The Stamkos stuff is all over the place on the bill boards, on stickers and they even have a special table in Ice Sports Forum in Brandon that has the stickers as well as both sides of the ice on the boards. Hope he lives up to his hype as we are going to need it.

Let the games begin..

[Matt]

Halpern will be back when his re-hab is done. That guy doesn't have any more insider info than anyone on here. Nobody likes a hater!!!

And my god, why would the Bolts even entertain the thought of passing on Stamkos? I don't care if LA had 6 1st rd picks, 1st of all there is no way any team would give up that much and 2nd if the Bolts were willing to do it, what does that say for the Bolts passing on him?

This could be the perfect situation. Gratton centers the 3rd line until Dec then slides either to LW on 3rd line or C for the 4th line. The Bolts may finally have depth if they can slid a player like Gratts down to the 4th line. Either way I see good things(as long as Torts goes bye bye).

[long time listener, first time caller]

For once, I agree with Matt. What insider information on Halpern? The guy's got the heart of a lion. Point to his Dallas days and I'll agree, yes Brenden Morrow is a bigger lion, but Halpern is just fine and will be again. Where do we get idiots like benoit, et al, and why would players want to bust a stump to impress said idiots?

Feh, as the tedious Mtl fan spews, insider info from the executive lounge (men's room) perhaps. Stop sniffing those fumes and clear your head, man.

Lower the hype a bit and Stamkos will have a chance to live up to it, ya think?

[hyjyljyj]

Boltflasher wrote: "Yep, its pretty bad when your top center going into camp is an as of yet undrafted #1 pick..."

While it's true that Lecavalier was a #1 pick, I'm pretty sure we drafted him about a decade ago. Or maybe the poster was suggesting that since Vinny may be finishing up his shoulder and wrist rehab in September, he's no longer our top center.

Maybe he's "done for good," like Halpern. Thanks for the inside scoop, Ben-Wa. Now I can hold off on getting that #11 jersey. Where would we be without this web log.

[CT]

Definitely a footnote, but for those who care about Bolts alum: Goaltender John Grahame is out of the NHL, signing with Omsk Avangard in the Russian league:

http://tinyurl.com/66r6jo

[Benoit]

I said it was Too bad. What else you people want ?
This is a business, this guy is broken, so move ahead and stop crying.
He was never very good anyway and plenty more, younger guys, are available at half the price.
Big numbers after being tossed from contender in meaningless games is not a big deal. Halpern is no better than any other third line center.
He's reliable but easily replaced.

[léo]

Tedious is as tedious does. And yet, you emulate?? Haw-haw.
"If Melrose is in; I'm out." Really, Ajax? Where ya gonna go?
Gainey "faux pas"? You must be joking, Bear. That's like a Jesus "faux-pas". Aaaaaaall part'a'the plan; no worries.
Yeah, the Kid sucks. No heart, no grit, no quickness, too nonchalant and now! Too fat! I love it! Back to the minors, snot-nose!
Yeah he stinks alright. Still...ummmmmm, no.
No. It's the NHL for this Kid.
We'll keep him. Yep, back in net. 60 games. No, wait, 70. Yeah, 70 games.
But keep laughing, though. It will make the vindication even sweeter.
Lastly,
Congrats to Team Russia.
The ghost of Kovalchuk materializes and dij'all see their celebration? 15 yrs for those poor bastiches; a huge shot in the arm for their national hockey programs.
This is gonna sound crazy but I was thrilled for their victory. What a team! Nabokov, wow! But the heart, dij'all see it? Russians were bawling in joy at the end. Heck of a sight.
And better the russkies win this one than in 2010.
That one's ours.
sff

[wahls]

Ah, I see, Benoit is one of those guys who just doesn't like Halpern it seems. I'm not sure what Jeff has done to any of you guys who keep coming here and saying things like he is a cancer, thats what he gets, blah blah blah, but he must have stolen your girl or something (maybe you are all the same poster?). Jeff has already come back from a similar knee injury to the other knee and none of us even knew anything had been wrong with it. He will be back, I have no doubt about that.

As for what Boltflasher wrote, I think he was referring to the fact that Halpern won't be ready for camp, and there is a possibility that Vinny won't be ready for camp either, so that means that Stamkos is the only one healthy who will be ready to go (*knock on wood* better not jinx him with the luck we are having...) and he has never even played a minute in the NHL. Of course, I think he will do just fine, we just can't expect a Cup from him right away. Remember all of the pressure put on Vinny and how long it took him to really grow into it? Lets make it a little easier on Stamkos and not expect Lord Stanley from him right off the bat. The kid will be good, maybe even great, but the less we expect from him this year, the easier it will be for him.

[Redskin Receiver]

I like Halp, we share same lady friend, hope he comes back fast.

[Mike13]

Morrow, Richards, and Robidas were the only Dallas Stars that came to play last night. They really played their hearts out. 20 guys showed up for the Wings last night. It was a no-contest from the start.

That Zetterberg breakaway was simply beautiful. Reminiscent of our Marty St.Louis. Full throttle the whole way down to the goalie, a quick head juke and snaps it home.

Penguins vs. Red Wings should be an interesting final. I'm going with the Wings in 6.

Glad to see Grahame sign in Russia. Carolina got to see just how crummy his consistency is at the NHL level.

Any new news on the ownership front? I haven't heard anything since a month or so ago. They need to get that deal DONE so our GM can get start looking at some players to fill in our gaping holes in the lineup.

[BoltFlasher]

Yes, Wahls, you are correct...I was referencing "going into camp" where we will probably not have either Vinny or Jeff...Thanks

[ajax]

They sign Melrose, I won't renew my season tickets but I will be going and picking up some cheap $10.00 tickets out front, ( and their will be plenty to scalp) Management hood winked me for one throw away year, this ole dog won't be tricked again.

[Tim]

Yes, congrats to the Russians...good thing there were no "stars" at the worlds... (Nabakov, Ovechkin, Federov, Kolvachuk, St. Louis, Nash, Heatley, etc.) ;)

[Phil]

How can there be no news about the Lightning pending sale? Damian, Erik, et.al. please get some quasi-regular updates -- even if there is "no comment" from anyone. Its nice to feel that you are engaged on this important matter. Of course Torts could have a "No-Talk" rule on all media too!?

[ajax]

None of the papers, none of the reporters, have had anything, but that is the way it has been for well over a year now. Have you ever kept good news from hitting the street? me niether. The fact they guard this thing so closely is never a good sign.

[hockey chic]

Ajax and others,

I know I have asked this before, and I could go check the archives but I am lazy. What was the new drop dead date for the closing of the sale?

I also think that this date is merely a guide for the closing as the only regulatory body they have to worry about is NHL owners and of course Bettman.

Any idea where DC is these days? What do hockey reporters do in the off season? Work out lol...Just kidding..

So Leo who you pulling for since your Habs are out? I guess if I had to pick it would be the pens and not cause of the darling of hockey. I like Maulkin he is gritty and he looks like a hockey player not too pretty.

[olin]

....I go wit the sweing's- 5 game

[bear]

Big faux pas letting Huet go Leo..told ya then tellin you now.
Kolzig will be a solid leg

[ajax]

The drop dead date on the deal? Whenever the new guys can come up with anything close to a down payment is the real answer. When you got only one buyer for a piece of merchandise you dearly want to sell, the buyer has all the time in the world. Advantage buyer. Are they still waiting for league approval? It has been so long, yawn, I kinda forgot where's they were at.

[wahls]

Chic, I think the deadline is May 28th (or thereabouts). I think that was the date they had to figure out the financing, and since it has been submitted to the league for their approval then he doesn't have to worry about that date anymore. At least that is what I am assuming. Also, I think the reason why we haven't heard anything is that there isn't really much to report on. They sent the stuff to the league and now they just have to wait until the board assembles for them to approve it. That doesn't happen until after draft day, but everyone is hoping that OK will convince them to do it by phone before the draft.

Also I know a lot of people like to say that Koules doesn't have the money, but no one actually knows that. I know he couldn't find the financing, but can anyone? People can't even get financing to buy a house, let alone a hockey franchise. Just because he didn't pay cash straight up, doesn't mean that he doesn't have the money to run the team. People don't just pay cash for something like a house, why would they pay cash for a $200 mil hockey franchise and its building? The Canadiens had a similar situation with owner financing (as did the Dodgers) and they seemed to do just fine. I really don't think the fact that he couldn't get financing should reflect on his ability to pay people and run the franchise. We should hold judgement until he actually sets a payroll budget. Just my two cents...

[léo]

Bear,
My friend,
I'll forego my usual style and give you the straight dope:
Huet is UFA. To show his worth, he needed to play. Huet's BEST run for Us this season was the month of January. He went 8-2-2 as I recall. Where was the Kid? In the minors.
EVERYBODY knew that the Kid was coming. Huet knew it. The Kid had to play. Gainey RAISED him to play. The Kid won EVERYWHERE; no reason to think he couldn't repeat what Dryden and Roy had done, because, yes, regardless of y'all's jokes, y'all know he's that good. Or will be someday, if you prefer.
Now back to Huet, excellent veteran (albeit, a rookie veteran, yay or nay?), excellent Man, humble yet determined and charismatic. Who could work MAGIC but could never hang on when the pressure was on. And playedbetter WITHOUT the Kid behind him.
And vise-versa. Remember that the Kid won rookie of the week and rookie of the month when Huet left.
But the point is,
Huet UFA. UFA. He HAS to play to get a contract. Unlike Ryder, Huet DESERVED it. The Kid was taking over. Gainey went all in. Up north, We don't feel it was a mistake at all, Bear.
Oh, the Kid needs a "strong veteran behind him to teach him the ropes"???
No, he doesn't! What he needed was what he got: a good smack in the face by the pros, welcome to the NHL playoffs, boy.
So here it is: Had we kept Huet, when the Kid showed signs of fatigue in series vs Boston, you got Huet so you put him in.
Does HE get a shut-out in game 7?
Gainey made the right move. If I see Kolzig in My city, there will be...
Trouble.
sff

[Bear]

Leo , great that Gainey is looking after Huet but his job was to win the cup because sometimes you only get one chance.

He could have forgone the 2nd round pick for the Huet insurance policy, he didn't and we know what happened.

Ajax the sounds of silence are rather loud, No?
This year is shaping up to be a nightmare. They will try and hide it with the draft pick..funny really or sad take your pick.

[léo]

Whereas if he had kept Huet, we woulda beat the Bruins and the Flyers and the Pens and the Wings?
Is that what you're saying, Bear?
Insurance. Ok. Huet DOESN'T play; insurance; watches the Kid, soothes him when times are tough, that it?
Does Huet then get the kinda contract he's GONNA get after HIS run?
Hey, don't get me wrong. I wanted Huey to stay. For YEARS on end behind the Kid. For the reasons you mentioned and much more. The guy is a Mensch.
Thing is, he DESERVES to play. Huet DESERVES to play. You can't have a guy be a hero and NOT play.
Problem? The Kid HAS to play. He HAS to play. ALL the time. Take his lumps. Take his beatings. Take his humiliations. Soak it all in. That's what 1st years are for. Have you forgotten Crosby's 1st year??? It will all make the Kid STRONGER.
So I understand why Gainey did what he did. Like me, Gainey BELIEVES in the Kid; doesn't matter what happened in the playoffs, on the contrary, it'll be GOOD for him. Why?
Because you are mistaken when you say that our chance was THEN. It wasn't. Our chance is the coming year. Year 5. End of term. Our centennial. The team'll be even better. Fuhgeddabowdit.
I wanted 2 rounds for a resounding success story. Now it's just a success story.
Next year is triumph, baby. And when it happens, it won't be Kolzig in redwhite'n'blue, I'll tell ya that fer nuthin.
sff

[bEAR]

Disagree buddy , you have zero idea what next year brings. No one does.
Gainey gets by Philly with a goalie. Thats all you can ask

[léo]

Gainey doesn't even get there without the Kid, doesn't get past Bruins without him, doesn't finish in 1st place in the East without him.
Zero? No. One. A little one but a good one.
In Gainey we trust. Sporting News agrees.
But hey, if you know better than Us what's good for Us, why don't you apply at the Bell?
I'm happy. We're happy. Hab Nation is happy. But you're not happy.
Ok. Sorry to disappoint. But everything is hunky-dory in Montreal, I assure you. NOONE is worried about the Kid.
So you can worry for Us, Bear; how's that sound? You despair if you want, but we are rearming and we WILL be ready for the Centennial. The league beware...
Mwah-ha-ha!
Peace.

[Bear]

No one said to take away the swiss cheese kid Leo, just keep a real goalie around to spell him in the playoffs...big mistake , sorry.

[ajax]

Price needs to get in playing shape, he looked a bit chubby.
As far as the sale. Have you ever seen something such a mystery?
With no other buyers and a very desperate seller, I think the new kid on the block has nothing but time to figure out what he is going to do. Davidson and co., certainly don't want it back, heaven forbid. It spells big sticky gooey stinky mess. Hope we are all wrong, of course none of us know anything, but I do believe that the silence is deafening!!!
On to Arty, I ain't buying into any of it. The kid needs a new agent, he is wasting his life in Moscow. The show is here, we have his rights. Sign, play and if you are as good as you think, the money will come your way. Keep holding out and letting your youth fade away and Moscow will be where you are telling your kids, couldof wouldof shouldof. Minimum wage two way contract is what I would tell him. He was released from his Russian club late 2007 with like 5 points in 20 games, what makes anyone thinks he is ready for the real "show" Potential is such an over used silly word.

[harvey]

The deadline for the sale was only to secure financing. In this nasty environment, conventional financing is impossible. That became clear well ahead of the deadline so the financing comes in part from PSE. The financing agreement was done a few weeks ago so the deadline was easily met. JF said on the radio Wed morning that, as he understood it, the league has everything they need and they are expected to give final approval within the next 3 weeks or so.

There is some kind of owners meeting coming up near the end of June (NHL approval is expected before that time)and the owners will vote on it then. Typically the owners follow Bettmans decision. The vote is formality more than anything. Koules will be in the drivers seat before the draft.

I seriously doubt the league will have a problem with the deal since Bettman stepped in and settled the lawsuit. In doing so, he essentially paved the way for Koules. The timeframe I just gave came from JF. The rest is common knowledge.

It's not uncommon for involved parties to keep their lips buttoned during this process. Considering the history of this cluster &^%$ I completely understand the silence during this process. Under normal conditions you hear very little. Under these conditions you won't hear a peep until the NHL approval is given. If you insist on an update, I'll tell you what you would get.

"Gentlemen, could you please shed some light on this process and let us know how the sale is progressing and where it stands right now?"

JF - "To my knowledge it's now in the leagues hands and we expect approval within the next few weeks."

Bettman - "As in all sale transactions, we (the NHL), are doing our due diligence and things are progressing very well. It would be against league policy to comment further."

PSE - "We are pleased to announce we are anxiously awaiting NHL approval which is expected sooner than later. It's been a tedious process and we are very happy for Oren Koules!" "sucker"

Koules - (sorry folks. he just hasn't returned several voice and e-mail messages requesting comment. Neither has Len Dingleberry.)

Torts - "Who gives a $#!+!!! My job is to coach this team and I don't give a flying *&^% who the owner is. All I can say is this - It's my way or the highway! Got It!! That's right. I'm big time now. I have won a cup, I have more wins then any other American born coach in history, and I was named coach of the US team in the Worlds! Don't like the way I go about my business, screw you, send me on my way. But first, write me that fat buyout check then you can kiss my hairy @$$ as I walk out the door."

So there you have it. It's what everyone wanted. A sale update complete with comments.

Glad I was able to help!

[CT]

Even more Bolts alumni news, this time from waaaaay back. Drew Bannister was the Lightning's second-ever draft pick (in 1992, selected at the top of the 2nd round that year, after Roman Hamrlik was taken first overall). He's somehow still playing in Germany, long after having dropped out of the NHL:

http://www.northernlife.ca/News/Sports/2008/05-22-08-bannisterTOP.asp

[Casper]

A pleasure as always, Harvey.

[léo]

Something I wanted to bring up last time but forgot, (hey, what can you do?)
A particular theme was brought up on a Hab debate show (yes, folks, even in summer) called "110%". French froggies voraciously chomping on every bit. Like me!
Anyways,
They tied the knot and collected what I mentoned aforehand (about the utter explosive joy that erupted after Russia victory which even moved ME) to what Bear presented a few times (about euros not putting in as much, or not having as much as n.americans, i.e., canadians to win the Cup.
The question was,
"Do Russians (they said "russians", not "euros"; cuz we got a bunch) Do Russians care MORE about a World Championship than a Stanley Cup?
Posed like that, then yes, I agree with you, Bear. Don't know 'bout you Yanks, but up north, the Cup is worth much, MUCH more than a World Championship. Year after year? D'rather My team win the former than the latter.
Whereas I've never seen a BUNCH of russkies freak out like that over winning. So yes, granted.
What I was disputing was the negative, that OVERALL, (ruffans AND yurose) they have the lack of Grit or "moral fiber" to get the job done.
Cuz as we saw, MOTIVATION is the key. Find the proper motivation in any circumstance for any guy?
That's what you get.
Dasvidanya.
P.

[boltflasher]

Anyone else tired of waiting for the playoffs to get going again?? Hate this idleness...