It's your show today

Unless some news breaks Wednesday, and it is possible the Lightning will announce contract signings by Evgeny Artyukhin (two years, $1.9-million) and/or Ryan Craig (two years at about $1.6-million), I'm turning the blog over to you guys. Honestly, after the past three days, I'm just sick of typing.

Simple questions: What do you think of the changes the Lightning has made, the fact that, as we read today, new ownership so far has committed $61.67-million to player salaries (that's not yearly, obviously, but over the length of all the deals) with bonuses that, if all were met (highly unlikely), the tab for those contracts would hit $72-million.

What has to happen next? Who do you want to see on what lines? Keeping Karri Ramo in the minors for another year, anything. It's your show. Go for it.

Comments

[ajax]

I do not want them to trade Boyle, but if they do, and it appears they will, he is a highly coveted asset. We should get the world for him. I just really really REALLY hope the package doesn't include draft picks. We need bodies on D. Draft choices and an average Dman suggests to me that payroll is being chopped and all of this joy might of been premature.
The new boys on the block sure have been assertive to say the least. They never did want Boyle if all remembers correctly. At least they had the good sense to sign him and then trade him, something Feaster never quite grasped in 5 years on the job. That is a positive, guys that actually make business moves as if it is a chess game, Jay was a headline man and nothing more.
Why isn't the Vinnie deal being announced??? Hate to bring up a bad subject, but if they are smart enough to realize they can get a boat load in return for Boyle, wouldn't the keen business mind wander down the "who wants VL4" thought. I am ducking knives I am sure, but you got to admit folks, this was what some of us bloggers tried to "open eyes" all along. Hopefully this is what we will see when Boyle is moved (and YES, it could be awesome for us Bolts) More ducking just done. I have read numerous times in the last two days, comments like; I would hate to lose Danny but if it improved the club I would be ok with it. I love Danny and I love Vinnie but winning is what I love. I do think both of the stars contracts are way to long. I also wonder if VL4 is thinking he signed, if it is possible, for to little money after seeing what Malkin got and what Hossa was supposedly offered (like 9-10 million from what I heard) One thing for sure, today sent a message loud and cleared. There will be much changes to the roster we had yeasterday and the roster we end up with. Didn't pop my bubble but surely let just a bit of air out of it. Everything has happened at light speed with these guys, why oh why is the VL4 contract not being announced?? Makes me wonder.....
Such a tense time after two weeks of glee.
And big Don/St. Pete I bet ya a beer that Smaby never becomes a player. Can't skate and can't work hard enough to improve that much. It is what it is, at his age. Like his size and like his meanness, but just can't motor at this level. I saw him beat wide way enough for me to come to that conclusion. Dmen in this generation have to be able to hold the blue line and have enough speed to get back. He don't.

[Don in St. Pete]

Ajax, Very well written with only one objection on my part. Matt Smaby is an excellent, powerful skater, he's not fast and most 6'5" guys aren't ( except Arty ). He did have a little trouble adjusting to the speed of the NHL game but mark my works ( for about the 10th time on this blog ) he will be a star. He was Hoby Baker finalist and top 15 draft pick for a reason. If he's worked really hard this summer on his footwork and endurance, he may be ready to shine next season. If Ottawa wants Boyle you've got to make `em pay. Metzaros and Vermette for Boyle. Or you sweeten the pot, they need forwards desperately.

[ajax]

Next few weeks should again be interesting. With all the smiles over the signing of almost every forward on the market we now turn our head to the ugly. Getting 6-7 Dmen that will seal the deal.
First Kuba, ah yes Kuba. Everyone says trade Kuba. Right there tells you something. The fact that we got a big, young, goal scoring Dmen at such a good price should of been buyer beware. I don't think dangling Kuba as trade bait is very appealing to any other GM's in the league. He has played in both conferences and I am sure he is seen just as all of us see him. Soft and unmotivated. We won't get much for him and probably will have to package him.
Boyle got to much money and to long of a contract at his age and size. But, I love Boyle, really love Boyle. He makes mistakes, yes, but he erases so many mistakes that it is taken for granted. You can't teach speed and it is expensive to buy. I ask you all this, who you gonna give his minutes to out of the guys remaining. Was that a huge gulp I heard??
The roster has to change the next weeks/months and this is where we will really see the final roster take shape. Feaster is out, so let's see if the Sawmen really know their hockey savvy.
I, for one, put nothing into the end of last year. Everyone quit on Torts and I am glad they did. He "HAD" to go. Boyle will be awesome, I am so sure of that statement. The rest of the D has me very very worried. Kuba is very average. Lundin is very minor league. Lukowich was the oddman out(now 4 years older) the year we won the cup, I knew the day we got him back that he wasn't an answer. O'Brien is a mystery to me. With a new coach I think he has the talent, but does he have the brains to play each and every night. I think the TOrts system of back pedaling to be safe really got to O'Brien. You could just feel is frustration at times. Smaby is big, and that is it. Skating is the number one requirement with the rule changes. Smaby can't skate and at his age, never will. Ranger is a keeper and to young to even consider trading. In short, for the millionth time, they need to improve the back line considerably.
Now make no mistake the quality of forwards we have will make a world of difference. We got big and fast versus small and average. Smith is a player, he is light years better than Homer, light years.
There truly are a million combinations of trades. I would like to see one trade. Bring in a 3 million dollar Dman that is about 6'4 225lbs. We need 24 minutes of net clearing checks and awesome brute strength on the penalty kill. Boyle can't be our top penalty killer, no way.
Anywho, Grade A for owners, so far. They have shown the willingness to compete financially. Now is where the GM really makes or breaks the team for the next few years. Who goes and who stays. I feel better already that Feaster is no longer judging talent, but it remains to be seen if Sawmen are any better. I do remember an article from about 8-10 weeks ago or so that I can't forget. It said Torts and Feaster had heated conversations with Koules about keeping Boyle. Koules didn't want to resign him. remember? So far, Koules has been a one man committee, so does that mean Boyle is gone?? If so, I sure hope he knows how to finish the puzzle, cause a big piece will be missing.
Last, have I been in a coma but shouldn't VL4 have been signed by now?? What is the status on the megadeal??

[Twinebulge]

Random notes after digestion

- Byron I 2nd that motion, some great stuff here

- You need a good puck rushing dman in the modern game, Boyle's as good as any of them and he's happy here & under long term contract, may as well keep him

- If Eklutz says Boyle's going to OTT, then either he's staying here or you can at least narrow it down to one of 28 other teams - please the guy's credibility is just this side of Cesar Chavez

- Maybe Melrose will be a good motivator and players' coach as he's reported to be and these guys will jell as a team without Torts fire and brimstone

- Young D is good, and a solid veteran presence back there also wouldn't kill us

- O'Brien isn't bad, lots of upside, young, needs to work HARD on skating, keeping legs pumping while battling which draws penalties instead of standing like statue hooking & holding which does opposite

- Kuba great offensively, expendable now, expect to see him traded

- "now it looks like they pulled the wool over my eyes" - people usu. see what they want to see, I'm not seeing any wool. What about letting things play out here a tad, it's early July yet, just let the professional businessmen conduct business & tie up loose ends then evaluate where we are - we've earned at least a LITTLE basking & reveling in excitement for a bit before the nervous pacing and hand wringing starts :)

[Melanie]

I agree, get rid of Kuba! Smaby showed he can play, just give him more of a chance and more than 30 second on the ice! Keep Roy (he and O'Brien can take Anger Management classes together). Keep Ramo (don't send him back to the AHL). I'm glad Prospal is back! Once Ranger gets back to 100% he'll be awesome! I really don't think Boyle will be traded. You gotta love the rumor mill!

As for the salary cap, it looks like some contracts will need be re-negotiated/re-worked (for current players already on payroll).

So there is my 2 cents worth!!

[Tackleberry]

There are so many combinations of trading players to free up some cap space. I think it is now shifting to Melrose on what he wants and doesnt want.

I think Oren has made some very good picks. I would like to hear from Oren or Melrose on what the priorities are now and who they are looking at. I think we can all agree that the def is a high priority.

Who knows, maybe Melrose has said that he can work with the current roster??? Maybe he wants one or two more top D-men???

Right now, everyone is venting their thoughts and concerns. Which is ok. Whatever happens over the next few weeks, I cant wait for training camp.

[Don in St. Pete]

We can still create some cap space and not have to trade Boyle. Though you'd hate to lose anyone on defense, it may make sense to trade Kuba and Lukowich. Craig, Ward and Tarnasky and obviously Jokinen are all also possibilities. None of those would be considered losing a core player though Kuba has a huge upside on the PP. JB, I don't see a correlation to the Rangers as we still have our first line intact and hopefully our 3rd line too, when Halpern returns. I think Malone and Vrbata have to be psyched coming to play with SS.

[Tackleberry]

Trade Kuba + O'B + Ward = $4.625mil

But, that is 2 D-men and a RW. I HOPE that Boyle or MSL are NOT traded.

Another option is to gamble with what is on the roster now. Nothing is saying that the current roster will or will not make it to the playoffs.

Dont know if trading one of our better players (Boyle or MSL) for a top D-man will equate to more wins.

Oulette and Halpern seem to connect. Did good last two months of the season.

I think we should keep Jussi for one more season. He didnt connect that well with V4. He's young and fast. I would like to see if he can connect better with someone like Stamkos, Craig or Tarnasky.

On a separate note, Oren needs to come back on the blog to answer questions. Damien, can you get him back on? I am sure he is busy as hay-ell.

I love this roster. Soooo promising. Great job so far Oren and crew.

[Another Joe]

Trade Kuba there is 3 million right there. Im not even against trading Oullett and Jokinen. I wouldnt trade Boyle. Not this year anyway.

CASPER - I"m still laughing sent the Mullet Collage on to the friends of the family.......

To the point guys.

OK - I'm a bit worried know. My agent keeps calling for me to re-up the ticks and I'm interested. Then I see they are looking to dump 8mil from the salary which means players need to go. So you bring in Malone, VP, Roberts, Vbrata and Kolzig then dump Kuba, Boyle, Jussi, Oulette and Gratton/Ward not to improve the team but to dump salary! Yes they need to move some to get in at around 51-52 mil to leave money on the table for the trade deadline but 48 would meand dump dump dump. We can argue on these 3 players, Kubu 3-mil, Oulette 1.2 mil, Jussi 2.1 but boyle 6+ mil and you lose the ONLY guy who can get the puck out of the zone. We would move from a position of being much better to oh well more of the same.
So this would be the true Hollywood move - get the red carpet out generate excitement then you see the cast and it sucks just like before.

I've been so excited about this group and the signings now it looks like they pulled the wool over my eyes. I guess I need HockeyChic Rosey glasses.........

What is going on Oren??????

[JB]

I can't help but wonder how dominant a team this would be under Tortorella. The biggest question mark for me is still Melrose. Does he have it? Can he motivate this team? You don't throw this many new players together and expect it to work right away, especially with a more passive coach such as Melrose. Can he pull this off? I sure hope so. Let's not become the early 2000's Rangers, trying to buy a cup every year and never even making the playoffs.

[GP]

Ok, I'll play GM.

Three team deal

Ottawa gets: Boyle

NYR gets: Vermette, Obrien

TB gets: Meszaros, Sanguinetti

OK, I come cheap. Just ask my wife! lol

[Patrick]

"Throw in O'Brien."

GP for GM.

[Casper]

Must do something about this insomnia.

I hope y'all can hook up with this, it was a hoot.

http://www.weaponsloader.com/files/Mulletpresentation.pps

[GP]

I'd take it. Throw in O'Brien.

[Boltflasher]

Boyle and Jokinen for Meszaros and Vermette??

[GP]

Logan,

Thanks for clarifying your points. I'll even go with your point on the Caps. Green really came into his own during the playoff push when Ovechkin was standing on his head. They do have a young mobile squad and also have Karl Alzner & John Carlson in the pipeline. Keep in mind, Green, Schultz, Morrisonn, and Eminger (now traded) are all former 1st round picks. I think they have just started to come into there own.

You forgot to mention Norstrom for Dallas. I can see your point and I agree a little bit. I think where we have our disconnect is that I'm not arguing about a system. One is needed. I'm arguing that the defense we have right now is not a defense that will win a 1-0, 2-1, or maybe even a 3-2 game that will be needed for a playoff push. So, are we rebuilding or are we trying to win? I like the moves thus far but without some veteran leadership on the backend, this team will not win in the playoffs. We do not have a single defensive defensemen. I feel we have a bunch of #5 & #6 defensmen. I'm not questioning that they will not eventually develop but not at the cost of the season.

Dave,

I guess I'm smoking something bc I really do not think Osgood and Hasek would have made a 24 point swing difference to make the playoffs last year. They pretty much would have had to win the division from the Caps. Look at it in reverse. The Red Wings still would have made the playoffs with Holmer in net. They have that good of a team in front of their goalie.

All,

If Boyle is traded to Ottawa, Meszaros has to come back. He is 22 yrs old and has never missed a game in his 3 year career. I would also ask for Vermette.

[Byron]

Can I just comment that whomever says Tampa Bay has lame hockey fans just needs to read this page. All you guys are really impressive with your knowledge and willingness to share. I learned more about that Bolts by reading this tonight than I did watching all last year from my home in Los Angeles. These people out here REALLY don't care about hockey. Way to go guys and thanks for contributing. Go Bolts.

B

[Casper]

Thanks for the bucket of cold water Léo, but no, Z-berg isn’t garden variety of course!

The hard-hat crew consists of the likes of Cleary, McCarty, Drake, Maltby, Samuelsson, Lilja, Kopecky, etc. Those guys bring it. You need ‘splainin’ to? I don’t believe it! Your points are right on though, that they prefer to win over time, get their names on the Cup, and develop wealth/notoriety after the playing is done, over the long run. Quite unlike the prevalent “instant gratification isn’t fast enough” crowd. “I’ll take the cash now, rather than a position earned through my winning pedigree.” I see your point, good one.

Another hole in our hull has been the impatience to permit line mates to gel, skate, pass, and anticipate moves and favorite spots on the ice. Guys who irritate each other the least---leave ‘em together to think and move as one!

Thanks again…

Go Bolts!

[Don in St. Pete]

Casper, We have issues and yes there is still help out there. However at this point it will have to come by trade unless we can dump some payroll and yes, to me Boyle is the asset that could bring so much back. However there are a few other teams with cap room that also have proven assets, so there is always the potential for a deal. Carney is the best of what's left and could probably be gotten reasonable. We'll have to see how much play OK and Len have left in them. I'm wondering why they aren't burning up the wires to move a couple of the extra wheels as we speak. A lot of teams are in need of forwards which is why they went so fast this year. The Sens and the Blackhawks ( who are also $1.5mil over the cap and stacked on D ) are a couple. I feel there must be something brewing but have no clue at this time. Oh, Huselius signed with Columbus so Montreal in essence got skunked. GO BOLTS!

[léo]

Zetterberger, Franzenator, Holmstrombone, Toyota Datsyuk, Fillipina and now, The Hoss, lunch-pail forwards???
Think yer sellin' these guys short, Casper. These are extremely SKILLED hockey-players, not Plumbers playing magically, in community spirit and determined solidarity. These guys are friggin' good!
They don't make 1.7 and 2.5mil because they're not worth more; they've accepted to be paid below market value to play as a Hugely Talented Team that has a better chance to Win if they don't all hog the trough. This has lengthened their relationship over the years; it ain't complicated. They know each other and PROTECT each other; therein lies their Grit.
THAT'S what makes Detroit so powerful.
..zetterberg a lunch-pailer..sheesh..
Their 2 top lines are worth whatever's down below. If you got Gretzky on your 3rd line, ok, we'll talk, but til then, who cares who's on 3rd and 4th, as long as they do the job? Ain't no Superstar 3rd liners in the league, Casper. If your team finishes in the top3 in scoring, you're doing ok.
Peace.
One last thing, off subject,
Pathetic hopefulness in Mtl,
Sundin has nowhere else to go...
P.

[Casper]

As usual, NTMM came up with the most cogent point of all; the Wings can throw four effective lines at you. Unlike a ‘Steinbrenner’ All Star Hockey Club, they have lunch-pail players that go at it hammer and tongs on every single shift. Our lunch pail guys tried hard, but eventually resembled a wet paper sack.

Speaking of wet paper, that’s how I would describe our defense (such that Detroit can just laugh.). So, what do we do about that?

Yeah, yeah, I know; Boyle this and Boyle that. But you know, he only moves the danged puck. Only. Redemption does not come in the form of one 8-hit game. He is a patented disaster from our blue line backwards. Call it like you see it. Other clubs have an easier time playing Tampa Bay because of the huge cracks in the defense left by him. Too many third period ‘gimmies’.
No freaking jive.

Another wonderful thing to recall is we don’t have a $7.8 million Albatross hanging around our necks preventing the reaching out for FA help. It’s a giddy feeling these past 2 weeks and enhanced by the hockeynews.com link to salaries and see the top of Dallas’ roster.
I stop laughing where other cities begin when our list has the sieve in the #22 sweater, hauling down all those frogskins.

The Stinking, Reeking, but not stupid Panthers let Boyle fly because his way doesn’t spell defense. They kept a guy named Bouwmeester, and now that guy is available! I don’t care who gets Boyle, but if we can get another D-man from Florida whose name begins with a ‘B’, well, W.T.F.? He can’t wear his #4 here, but he’d look great in Hamrlik’s old #44.

And then I woke up… Tortorella was still here stiff-arming the press, Feaster was checking to see if his nose grew as fast as his belt size, and we were elated at the signing of another heretofore unknown European Flash (kind of like the way Dallas can only afford a pain in the pitoot like Avery).
Too bad also, last night’s dream had Torts in pads/mask with Khabibulin as our new goalie coach!

Go Bolts!

[Don in St. Pete]

Great back and forth comments, I love the discussion and great points made by all. Last year is a wash and in all fairness, because of many of the reasons listed above is somewhat irrelevant to compare to. Last year we had 1/3 of a pro roster, 1/3 of an AHL roster and 1/3 of an injured roster. The D on this squad have talent some more than others and the huge upside of youth, even Danny Boyle ( have you seen how many 35+ YO D'men are still playing? ). Darche, C-Mac and Lessard came from other organizations and had never played Torts' system. I believe we will still play with an agressive forecheck, especially now we've increased our team speed and offensive potential. Look for the D to remain agressive but the pairings and assignments to change to match skill with weakness to create better balance. Hainsey, Redden, Campbell and Rozsival have all signed so I believe Boyle more than likely will be staying put. A healthy determined Dan Boyle could be a huge factor in whether we are pretenders or contenders next year. If Ranger can come back 100% then we look pretty tight. I expect there will be a battle royal in camp this year to decide who fills that last roster spot on D. I believe our increased offensive skill and defensive responsibility will help the d in getting the puck out of the zone faster and more successfully and that our increased offensive capabilitys and team speed will help keep the puck in the opponents zone for longer periods instantly making our d look better.

[bear]

Nothing at all wrong with Kubina. Esp @ 5 mill.
Heads and tails better than the best Bolt Dman is, whoever that may be.

[ajax]

Pittsburgh tied up Malkin for 5 years at 8+ million per season. Talk about a team that will have serious payroll issues. A tired city and 30 million tied up in just 5 guys. Their roster will look alot like ours over the next few years. I do think they have a better farm system but they sent a message loud and clear to the other 15 guys on the team. Cheap cheap cheap.
I am sure they will go thru pains just like we did committing such a large portion of their salary to a few stars. Hockey needs 20 strong players, not 12.

[Boltflasher]

The most incredible statement I have heard recently was yesterday when the Black Hawks said they would carry $12 million in goaltending salary if that's what it takes (since they now have both Khabibulin and Huet)....

[Boltflasher]

I have been thinking about a comment Koules said: "We will end up about mid-range on the cap". The only way the Bolts can get there is trading away some salary....namely....Boyle....I think its going to happen. And, yes, Ottawa is probably the place he would agree to go...

[Not the Marlboro Man]

Correct me here if I'm wrong. Detroit has 4 lines that hit and score. Nothing sensational but all on the same sheet of music. $ lines that skate equal minutes unless they are on a power play. I hope that's what we are striving for here. The Fourth line makes the difference late in the season when you are playing your 6th consecutive road game in 10 nights.
Tampa Bay wore out two lines and brutalized V4 and V20's line. It played hell towards the end of the season and was largely the factor in getting players hurt. Injuries will occur but they occur more when you are tired.

[Geografer]

You seem to forget another factor in Detroit's favor - Mike Babcock - I can't believe he hasn't won the Jack Adams in any of the last 3 years. I guess 3 straight years with 50+ winds means nothing.

[Logan1275]

GP,
I was refering to teams like :
Washington:
Erskine, Green, Jurcina, Mikulas, Morrisonn, Pothier, Poti, Schultz

Can you tell me they are better? and did they not improve once the System changed under Boudreau?

Dallas:
Boucher 35
Daley 24
Fistric 22
Grossman 23
Jancevski 27
Niskanen 21
Robidas 31
Zubov 37

Looking at who is on their Defense look at the youth, and they have one of the best refered Defenses in the league, because of their system.

That is the thing I want to get across if you look at most teams they are going with youth for 4-7 generally on the depth chart. So long as the system works for the agents it should not be a major problem, we have good players, that just need a system that plays to their strengths.

If we had a team of Boyles, Torts system would have been the greatest ever, but we do not and that lack of adjustment hurt us. Even sadly to say players did look good in our system and got HUGE contracts (Cullimore, Kubina) and then got dropped by their teams, or relegated to lower minutes.

[Dave]

You might be right about Kubina in 08 but he was pretty effective in 04, a year or two after a chorus of critics stopped screaming to get him out of town.

And you're smoking, if you think the Bolts wouldn't have contended for the playoffs with Osgood and Hasek, instead of the parade of no-ways, might-bes and maybe-somedays that played in goal here last year.

[Chris]

Eklund is showing a possible Boyle trade to Ottawa. As much as I do not want to see Boyle go, I would not mind seeing them trade him to Ottawa for Volchenkov and a first round pick. Volchenkov is a good hard hitting defensive player, who was top 20 in the league in hits last year, and second in blocked shots. But hopefully they come to their senses and keep Boyle. Go Bolts!

[GP]

Dave,

Kubina is still a trainwreck.

Yes, Detroit has the goalies but the Lightning still would have sucked if they had Osgood and Hasek.

[Dave]

Actually, GP, correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Detroit was the best D in the league in terms of shots against. Had to be close in save pct., too.

Tampa Bay was dead last in save pct.

And I think you've gone and made my point. Indeed it does take time. Years. Kubina was quoted as saying it was about 300 games before he got it. And that's not 300 AHL games.

We just got to be patient with these kids and let them grow into the NHL. They aren't far off. A middle of the pack team save pct might have had last year's unit in the playoffs. It surely will next year.

They're going to get better GP. They really are.

[jhkyref]

I agree with GP and I also agree we should wait to see how the system works next season but don't you think we need just one good stay at home veteran "D" man to help out the younger guys. One good veteran could really help the younger guys.
I also think our defensive system was one of the worst I've seen so at least there is hope that a new system would be on the horizon.

[GP]

Guys,

I guess my point was lost. Yes, Detroit works within the system. It worked for them. They are by far not the best defensive corps in the league. The point was that the Lightning D does not even compare. I like Boyle, Ranger, & Picrad. I even like Lukowich as a 6/7th defensemen. but in between is terrible. O'Brien is terrible and so is Kuba. That's ove 4 mil in salary. Picard is lacking on experience. Are you going to go into a season expecting to make a slpash in the playoffs with as much inexperience on defense? I like the upsides of Smaby & Mihalik but it takes time to work into the rotation. Look at Ryan Parent in Philly. Much better prospect than anything the Lightning has and they have been working him in slowly bc it is such a hard position to play. I think these guys can be good in the future but let them carry the load in the AHL and move them into the NHL slowly without pressure. Picard is ready bc he logged a ton of minutes in all situations in the AHL. Lundin, Smaby, and Mihalik all deserve that same path.

Logan1275,

What teams do much more with far less? Not doubting your point, just want to know where you are coming from.

[Dave]

And by the way, GP, I suspect you will appreciate this.

Detroit: C. Osgood; D. Hasek

Tampa Bay: M. Denis; J. Holmquist

Here's to happier days.

[Logan1275]

GP,
While I agree that the Detroit bunch is all good named players, they are also ones that play in a system that does not have them skating all over the ice. How often did their system have them in odd man rush situations, compared to those here in Tampa Bay.

Also take into account our D is on the upswing, while in Detroit:
Lidstrom is showing his wear minutes are not down but effectiveness is dropping.
Rafalski, has his moments.
Kronwall, has one good year under his belt but can be outskated as seen in the finals.
Stuart, stay at home defensman with a -10, good but not great.
Lilja, has alot to prove still not a heavy leader in ice time, generally cracking 20 is rare for him.
Chelios, Past his prime, still has sparks but gets cuaght slow footed too often now.

Flipping to our young guys:
Boyle, we all know the deal here.
Ranger, got lost last year trying to be something he was not, still needs to work on the first pass, but excellent at the second.
O'brien, gets caught looking at his feet too much, if a coach can get him to paly within himself should be a great boon.
Lukowich, started to lose a step, but still knows to play the position and a great locker room guy.
Lundin, the most technical defenseman we have had in awhile, in his first year he was putting good minutes.
Niskala, Smaby, and Mihalik, all unproven, but are worth a look.

Besides, there are many teams that do much more with far less. Once the team gets the system things should click nicely.

[Dave]

Sure. Detroit has the cup. We don't.

That doesn't mean this group won't.

Do you remember watching Pavel Kubina's early years here? T-R-A-I-N-W-R-E-C-K. His name is on the cup. Someone mentioned Cullimore. Was it Toronto that gave up on him? His name is on it, too, and the Bolts would not have won without him.

Do you see my point?

[GP]

Dave,

Red Wings D - Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Stuart, Lilja, Lebda, Chelios

Lightning - Boyle, Ranger, Kuba, O'brien, Lukowich, Picard, Lundin, Smaby, Niskala

Do you see the problem?

[Dave]

I don't understand this obsession for chasing after d-men and I'm glad to see, so far, that OK Hockey doesn't either.

Tortorella's system relies on d-men to pinch deep on the forecheck. Extra odd man rushes the other way are a byproduct of his pressure tactic. Even he acknowledges this. Yet last year's Bolts were 12th in shots against. That's not bad for any unit but especially one where roughly half the players don't even have 300 NHL games under their belts.

Be patient for crying out loud. These guys are young but they're improving. Decent goaltending will make you forget some of their youthful shortcomings.

[GP]

I think there are a lot of D-men out there who would be an obvious upgrade on what we have. Some may be attainable and some may not.

1. Paul Mara - as long as he is cheaper than Kuba and you can clear kuba's salary.

2. Marek Malik - the guy is a little soft on the boards but he is huge. Hal Gill showed how a big guy with reach can be successfull against guys like Ovechkin just by getting in the way.

3. Josh Gorges - Sign him to an offer sheet and make the Habs overpay. You can get younger with signing him.

4. Teppo NUmminen - As long as he passes his physical and he is back from his heart procedure. He was ready to play at the end of last season and Buffalo said no. He is old but he can play big minutes against teams number one lines and free up Boyle to play against the #2 line of the other team.

5. A bunch of people are in this spot - Jason Smith, Bryan Berard, Sean Hill, Jassen Cullimore & Rob Davison.

I REALLY would like to see if they could get Danny Markov back from Russia. He would be my number one.

[Dave]

1. Let's hope Niskala is here to give Boyle a blow. Boyle was skating too many minutes. At his age, that becomes an injury risk. But I don't want to see one of the best puck-moving d-men in the world replaced by a guy with no NHL games. The Bolts still need Dan Boyle.

2. I want to believe they brought Malone here to skate with Stamkos. To heck with all this lab work, you guys. The Vinnys love working together. The MVP line is proven. Keep it #1. Cement Malone to Stamkos' left side and make sure that 91 stays clean. Have Vrbata set up with his sniper gun on the right and let them gel.

3. If you think this team lacks an enforcer without Roy (and I love Roy), you've forgotten Artyhukin. He is a scary freak. Smaby is no lightweight and the 2005 1st rounder, Vlad Milhalik (all 6'8" 240 lbs of him), might be ready, too. He comes with a nasty streak. Not even Zdeno Chara will intimidate this guy.

4. Whoever suggested trading Ramo isn't thinking clearly. You don't trade promising young goaltenders, unless you're San Jose or it's at the deadline for that last blue chipper who's going to give you a legitmate shot at the cup. Remember Frederick Norrena? I guarantee you that Jay Feaster will never forget him.

5. I say congrats, so far, to OK Hockey. They've improved the team, added leadership and added the kind of depth that will make everyone more effective and more fresh down the stretch.

[léo]

Well, Mr Anybody Mikey,
Keep your greedy floridian noses away from Our Man Gorges.
In fact!, uhhhh...he's got cholera! Yeah. Terrible, terrible disease, very contagious. VERY, very contagious. It would be uhh...dangerous for your team to uhh...take him, y'know, safety's sake and all that. Plus, the customs agents, y'know, uhh...always a hassle. Oh! And the other players have to get 3inch needle shots uhh...like every day, y'know, just to play with the guy. Too much trouble. No good for TB.
And speaking of trouble, he's got an ATROCIOUS gambling habit. Yeah. Always at the casino, this guy. Terrible, terrible. No good for TB, this guy. Not worth it at all.
Best to look elswhere.
P.

[Elwood P. Dowd]

I like the smell of the two rumored defensemen headed here during the Brad Richards hand wringing fiasco.

One of the guys rumored to be offered up in Columbus was Rotislav Klesa.

The kid in Dallas that got away was Mark Fistric.

Still need a coach to show the way for the 'D'; Melrose wasn't all that with the Wings, but he may know someone who is.

My preference is Denis Potvin. The guy knows his stuff and helps out on the ice with the Stinking Panthers when he's not in the booth. They have never exactly sucked on defense, anybody notice? Scam the Sunrise Cats out of Bouwmeester and Potvin and we'd be pretty much set, I think.

Go Bolts!

[jhkyref]

We talk alot about D men, now who are the top 5 guys we would like to have and have a shot at getting. By the way great posts everyone.

[Mike13]

Leo, anybody who knows anything about prospects knows about Gorges. He's not quite a stud, but pretty darn close.

[léo]

Holy Smokes, GP!
How do you know about Josh Gorges???
He's Our best-kept secret, and the MAIN reason Streit is gone.
The kid's a winner and has guts to spare. EXCELLENT positioning, beautiful 1st passes and LOVES to get his nose dirty.
He's part and parcel of the team now. Could one day be a num3, maybe num2. A Fantastic player and a winning trade-off for Craig Rivet. Rivet, in his PRIME, will never be as good as Gorges is right now, at 22yrs old. We Love that kid.
Didn't hear nuthin' about anyone sniffin' around'im and hope to gosh it stays that way.
Yo.

[GP]

With Hossa now signing in Detroit the Bolts should take a run at RFA Valterri Filpulla. Can Detroit sign him after giving Hossa 7 mil per season? He'd bring youth.

Leo,

All good. Just wanted to exercise those bragging rights until next playoffs. Have you heard anything up there about people taking a run at your RFA like Gorges? He could be a pretty good addition to somone's team.

[léo]

GP,
Yeah, yeah.
The Flyers beat Us fair and square.
They took advantage of their opportunities and We didn't. Their goaler was up to the challenge and Ours wasn't. Key Flyers Elevated while key CHers disappeared (Markov, Streit).
And Philly had the devil's own luck on their side to boot, which never hurts. All part'o'the game; I ain't cryin' about it.
I said I would kneel and I am. That's hockey.
Philly beat Us fair and square. Whadaya gonna do?
I hate them so much.
A pox on Philly.
Like Carolina,
May our paths cross again...
Yo.