Lawton: Smith is our No. 1 goalie

So much for the idea the Lightning lacked confidence in goaltender Mike Smith. Brian Lawton, the team's vice president of hockey operations said Monday that the No. 1 job "is Mike's job to lose," and that the two-year, $4.4-million contract extension was a way "to instill some confidence in him. ... We wanted to eliminate any doubt where we stand. We are behind him 1,000 percent."

Smith, 26, who will make $950,000 next season in the final year of his current deal, admitted he was a bit unnerved when the Lightning signed Ollie Kolzig, a former Vezina Trophy winner. But Lawton said he sees Kolzig as more of a mentor, who can spell Smith when he drops a few in a row.

Now, that is not to say if Smith is awful and Kolzig is great in training camp, things won't change. Smith even said as much.

"If you don't play well, you're not going to play. It's as simple as that," Smith said.

"It's not a gift," he said of the No. 1 job. "You have to prove you're the guy and hopefully I can come to camp and do that."

But going into camp, there shouldn't be a controversy.

Smith, 26, was 3-10-0 with a 2.79 goals-against average and an .893 save percentage in 13 games after being acquired from the Stars in the Brad Richards trade. Personally, I don't think you can truly evaluate Smith off those games. The guy had never been traded before. He went from a playoff team to a team that would finish last in the league with teammates who, like he said, "We didn't give up, but a lot of us were just waiting for that season to be over with."

Smith predicted he would be a much more consistent goalie and said, "As soon as (last season) ended, I was so pumped for the new season. Getting to talk coach coach Melrose, he sounds like a great guy to play for, and I'm looking forward to getting to camp. I said to (owner) Len Barrie when I talked to him, I said, 'A lot of us can't wait for camp to start.' All these changes have happened. I'm definitely looking forward to it."

Smith said whether he got the contract extension or not, he had come to terms with Kolzig's presence, and is looking forward to the collaboration.

"Ollie has been through a lot of stuff in his career, so I think it's going to help me be a better goalie, looking up to him and learning a lot from a guy like that," Smith said. "I'm excited to get to know him, and, obviously, he's going to be a great role model to mentor myself by. He's been through a lot. If there's something I haven't don, he's sure to have done it. He'll be a great guy to be around."  

Comments

[PD]

Bang on about Like Schenn..a pure mean shut down D. Great draft pick.

Agree if the deal is right on Booman..he would be a score and affordable. Worth using a 1st pick for in the package

[Don in St. Pete]

I'm not saying we shouldn't go after pronger, bacuse he can skate. Above post's are right in that the leafs are desperately trying to unload Kubina, McCabe or both. They have Luke Schenn, the 2nd best player in the draft IMO, who should be ready next year. I wouldn't give up on the Bouwmeester idea. Though it's a division rival we have a surplus of what they need forwards. They traded Jokinen and signed Stillman to replace him. I think you offer them Jokinen, ouellet and the Sharks #1 it's a no brainer. they're trying to rebuild but score some goals and keep the fans happy.

[Steve R]

leo,

That 10-2 game was glorious to behold, for us anyway. 6 goals in the first (free wings!). Chara decides to dance with Brash, not much of a fight, more of a clutch and tackle. Both in the sin bin for 5, good trade off for the Caps as Brash has 1/20th the impact of Chara.

Thomas pulled, then goes back in, then gets pulled again. Good stuff.

BUT.... the next time we played Boston, Brash has the mother of all brain farts when we're up by one in the third. 5.5 minutes or so to go and he picks up a double high stick minor, +2 minutes for roughing. half a minute later Erskine does something dumb and it's 5 on 3.... Boston won that one. No joy in Muddville.

[kincaid]

Mostly because all 4 would be an upgrade.

[Boltflasher]

Yes, there are Leaves fans who have been trying to sell us on several Leafs that were being dumped by that organization...e.g., Raycroft, Tucker...and now McCabe and Kubina? If the Leafs don't want these guys, why would we?

[ND]

You are way off base on Kubina ND, he was a rock last year and Leafs are in no hurry to trade him, they want to move one of the two for cap reasons but would much prefer it be MCCabe.
No way he goes on the waiver wire because he has a no movement clause.

Bolts need a pp qb or its over.

I'm suggesting available guys with salaries in Marty's range..go crazy with other teams.

No waiver expert but if a player does clear the wire with no takers they can be sent down. When you try to bring them back up then any team can claim them for half their salary I think..

[Nate Dogg]

That's good logic for your argument, Leo, but PD pretty much has my rebuttle.

However, PD, both of those d-men are done. Kubina couldn't outskate a 10 year old when he played for us the first time. However, back then, speed didn't matter. Now...it does. In a BIG way. Take into effect that he can't even stay healthy, then I honestly see zero upset to bring in Kubina, especially with his contract. McCabe...I'm not sold on him either. I know Leaf fans will say whatever it is they think is right, but in all trueness, he's outta gas. What reasons do you see in bringing McCabe? Better put, what are the positives that would come with it?

IMHO, I just see someone like Barret Jackman or Derek Morris fitting that bill. Not to mention, you wouldn't have to trade all of our assets we have (Smaby, Mihalik, Lundin, Ramo, Helenius, Ward, Ouellet, Jokinen, Craig, Darche, 2 1st rounders, and 2 2nd rounders.) It would just be a select group within that set.

I understand McCabe is rumored to possibly be on his way to the waiver wire. However, I just don't see it. Even if he's out of gas, you gotta believe he still holds some trade value. Then again, it is Fletcher running the show up there. PD, or anyone for that matter, do you know anything about teams having to pick up part of its player's salary after their player was picked up on waivers? If they do, what %? I vaguely recall something about Pitt picking up Roy's salary after we plucked him. The ONLY way I would even consider McCabe is if the Leafs were paying half of his salary and we didn't have to give up any assets in return for him...aka waivers.

ND

[PD]

Pronger for Marty?
Why would Bolts do that?

Marty is signed very cheaply for two more while Pronger costs more, 6.2 and is in his lame Duck(no pun )year, UFA next.
No way they could fit him under the cap next year with Vinny's retirement contract kicking in.

Trading Marty for an extablished top 2 dman who is at the same salary Cap level and contracted for a couple of more years, does make sense though.

Insert name here...Ill start. McCabe/Kubina.

[léo]

So how does St-Louis for Pronger sound, Nate? Crazy? I'd think about it. Pronger's heavy suspension rate has labeled him "dirty". Know what I say? Good!
GP,
Really? Oh man, I guess I did blink. It just looked like everytime the Cappers scored, I saw Thomas' mask. Sorry. 23min, jeez. I was kinda afraid I'd missed it too, cuz that made no sense at all.
And about "franchise", here's a good one,
I would say Pronger is "franchise".
But that St-Louis isn't. "Franchise" means: one guy that can fortify a whole team, motivate them, carry them and scold them.
Bottom line, for the next 3 years, you gotta team and you gotta choice, and it's not about Love; it's about the business of Winning, next 3 years,
Pronger or St-Louis?
P.

[Nate Dogg]

Well keep in mind who your source is, Boltflasher...Dennis Potvin. Helluva player. But I don't think Bowmeesy is better than say...oh I don't know...Lindstrom or I don't know...Phenuef?...or Chara....or Pronger...or even Boyle!!

But yeah, Leo...you need to stop putting glorious thoughts into my head about Pronger. That's as likely as Beauliveau playing on a line with Vinny L. Just ain't gonna happen. How do we unload a huge contract for another? Don't get me wrong, Prongy's the man...minus getting suspended every other playoff game he plays in.

We just literally can't afford anyone probably over the $3.5 mill mark. (Tis a shame...)

[GP]

Leo,

According to the box score, he was yanked on two different occasions. His replacement, Alex Auld, let up 3 goals on 3 shots. I guess they thought they were better off with Thomas in net. Auld played a total of 23:30 and Thomas played 36:30. Here is a quote from Thomas, "It's really tough to take." "It was embarrassing. On the other hand, what's the difference? If you lost 3-2 or you lost like that, we're still in the playoffs as of now. You definitely should learn from it, but you can't get too far down."

Is this what you were looking for Leo?

[léo]

Well, Flasher,
When you saw him, he must have been at 150% cuz I wouldn't go so far as to say "franchise".
Not that I'm the one who said he was slow; haven't seen him enough to judge. From what I saw, he plays sound and has some Presense. That doesn't make him a Niedermayer.
Gotta be careful throwin' the word "franchise" around is what I'm sayin', I guess.
There's a weeee step between DiPietro and Luongo. Not a big one. A wee one. I think that step is what separates the applications of the word "franchise". I may be wrong.
But anyways,
I got a Trivia question! All kids and sizes! Actually, I just wanna know myself and I don't feel like googlin' at this time. That's when THEY watch. ('X-Files' music)
So,
March 3rd 2008. The Cappers OBLITERATE the Bruinies, 10-2.
Here is the question: Why didn't they yank Thomas??? That's right, folks; he stayed the whole game. Unless I blinked. So why wasn't he pulled?
I don't wanna hear the other guy was hurt; I want something good. What happened?
Totally believe in you guys, thanx a bunch. 'Night
P.

[Boltflasher]

Yes, Bouwmeester is a franchise D and Fla would not like dealing him here but one of those 1st rounders Bolts has for next year might tempt them (though, it would significantly add to the cap problem)...also, whatever poster say he was slow maybe saw him when he was not 100%...Potvin calls him the best Dman in the league..

[GP]

Boewmeester is a RFA who elected for salary arbitration. He will probably sign the arbitration awarding (if he is not traded) and become an UFA after next season.

The major rumor I heard was him going to Philly. That rumor has been around since last years trade deadline. I highly doubt the Panthers would trade to a inter division rival.

[kincaid]

Doubt that Booman is a free agent of anykind, just disgruntled. Zero chance they would trade him here because he'd be the best player in the trade.

We have nada to offer anyway. I;m sure Mr Burke would be pleased to do more business with us after the Obrien deal.

[léo]

Wooooops!
Please accept my apologies.
I never intended to be other than

Yeah, Division,
But the way Turtle said it was much more firm and decisive.
As We say in french, Turtle, "Into my arms, brother!"
All business.
Show me the money.
Bottom-line.
Now THAT'S a hockey post!
...if I'd'a said it, y'all woulda killed me...
About Boomister, Bowmeister, Browbeater, whatever,
Is he UFA or somethin'? I'm not sure, too lazy to check. Is he?
If not, I would tend to agree with the idea that a team won't trade to a division-rival. For the simple reason that the player may come back to grind his axe, as seems to be the case with Boo towards Miami, from what y'all are sayin'.
Guess they'd do it for ONE'A'YOURS that would grind his axe in TB, but for picks? Even prospects?
Why would they? Where's their profit in allowing Boo to haunt them 8 times this year? (or 6, or whatever they change it to) Picks? I don't see it. Prospects? Like who? Ramo? I don't see it. Would they?
Just a question. I don't presume to understand the adversial aura between both teams as much as y'all do, so you guys know best about that.
Would they REALLY trade Boo to you? Do y'all see that being possible?
Cuz yeah, go for it!
But uh...
Really? BEFORE having to face you 8 times this year? (or 6, or whatever they change it to)
...still think there's no harm in askin' Burkie 'bout Pronger; y'never know...
P.

[PD]

Ditto Don!

Boumeester is a helluva player and will require a helluva contract after someone empties their cupboard for him.

[DivisionNick]

Turtle,

What you said is almost word for word what Oren said at the Town Hall Meeting. Winning games puts butts in the seats.

[Don in St. Pete]

PDS, I've insulted you in the past and for that I'm sorry. But I'm not sorry that we disagreed. It provides for a healthy discourse and airing of opinions. Word out of Mihami ( I did the mispell on purpose ) is that Bouwmeester won't sign their for anything, He wants out and their sole remaining options to get anything for him are to trade him now for assets that could help the team this season or to wait until the deadline, when they'll get more but it eill be of little help. The stinkin' panthers are loded on d after the Jokinen traded but have little beyond the first 2 lines. It would make sense to go after B-me as he could be a franchise d-man on the right team.

[Don in St. pete]

Nate, I cannot oppose signing Bouwmeester if the dedcided to go there because he's a dramatic upgrade over what we have now. The stay at home, bonecrusher, take no prisoners top 2 defenseman is in short supply in the NHL and possibly with good reason. it seems every team has 1 or are looking to get one, but nobody has 2. The law of supply and demand.

[PD]

I'll give you a solid two for three Don:

*Vinny doesn't run out every ground ball and may not be the best captain
*no way Panthers trade us Boumeester

Not sure about McKee being a top two. Haven't seen him much since his Sabres days but he is definately a top 4 solid stay at home mean guy.

[Don in St. Pete]

Nate, I hear ya dogg.....I yhad seriously considered Jay Mckee because he was a top two but even though Jackman had a minus 12 that would be like a plus 15 on our current group. The Blues have 7 defenseman signed though Woywitka is to a 2 way. They could sure use a little help on the top 3 lines and a package of Ouellet and Jokinen would have to be seriously considered. let's hope Brian Lawton and the owners are paying as close attention as you and I.

[Nate Dogg]

Oh I'm with ya, Don. I was in class and not able to go to the town hall meeting.

Glad I could be of service, DivisionNick.

On the Bouwmeester idea. EEEGGGHHH! As Leo previously (and wisely) stated before, we have plenty of puck movers now. Now we need a MAN in the top pairing. A "Man's MAN", dab nabbit!

A MAN who's back hair is so burely and thick, it would bring a tear of joy to the eye of a mother wolverine! HOO-RAW!...

...ahem...sorry...even if he isn't part warewolf, we need someone with some brass juevos to PUNISH opponents. A defensive SHUT DOWN specialist who can also tack on about 18-22 pts a year.

A TRUE leader. I guy who can log 25+ minutes. A guy with enough experience and intangibles to gain the respect of the youngins, yet young enough to be in the Lightning's picture for 3+ years!

Like I've said a million times...this guy is Barret Jackman (look at his contract!...perfect fit into the Lightning's 2,5, and "10" year plan)

I mean Pheunuf (spl) would be the obvious choice, but his contract is out of reach. We would have the assets to acquire him (2-first& second rounders and the slew of forwards), but his contract EMEDIATLY kills it.

So who fits all that billing and has the contract to match? Senor Backman! VIVA!

IN YO BIZZ!!!!
NATE DIZZ!!!

[Don in St. Pete]

Mike, I thought oren looked agaitated and didn't particularly answer any of the questions given him. I missed the 1st half hour before I figured out that AOL was the problem. I would imagine most of the juicy questions came in the 1st half hour. Damian has started a new thread, so let's go there to discuss, but what was their answer to the Boyle debacle?

[Mike13]

I watched pretty much the entire town hall meeting on Lightning TV (on lightning.nhl.com). It was pretty neat. One of the fans tried to get word on whether or not Lecavalier would be the Captain this year. Melrose wanted to talk, but Oren told him he couldn't.

One fan asked about a Melrose mullet hair wig night at the Forum. Melrose poked fun at the fan's hair in response. It was kinda funny.

Another fan asked about how Boyle was treated on his way out. The response was first from Oren and then from Len. Both had canned answers about making the club better both now and in the future, blah blah blah. They basically dodged the question.

There was a bunch more that was asked, and talked about. I can't remember everything. Besides, it lasted for about 1.5 hours. I simply can't remember all that was said. Any other specific questions about what went on at the meeting?

[Don in St. Pete]

Where is everybody? I know the thread is getting old, but I was wondering if anyone had comments about the town hall meeting?

[Don in St. Pete]

I guess you all must be at the town hall meeting. I couldn't make it but between working on business proposals was trying to access it on the Lightning homepage and the link is not working. Figures.....

[Don in St. Pete]

As much as I'd like to see Bouwmeester in a bolt sweater, I can't see Martin sending him to a division rival. They's be seeing him 5 times a year and if he played well and they didn't the fans in Miami would be in an uproar. He is definitely a top 2.

[Voice of the Turtle]

Have we forgotten the hoopla that spewed from the management of the Lightning when Monsieur Marc Denis was aquired from the Bluejackets. I wish a much better fate for Smith.

Yet, the declaration of Smith's ascent to #1 goalie puts needless additional pressure on the guy and opens the door for the present management to potentially look like Jay Feaster who wore on his face the egg that Marc Denis laid.

I've indicated this before and I'll repeat it. You can make all the claims that you wish, but if you really want to put people in the seats, shut up and win some hockey games. Action speaks louder than words.

[David B]

Just heard an hour ago on hockeybuzz that Jay Bouwmeester is probably going to get traded. I know a lot of us figured that and it's been out there before, but aparently it's definate that he will be traded somewhere now... any thoughts on us landing him? Don't know alot about him though...is he a top 2 d-man? I guess the same problem we have had with getting a guy like Seabrook, will come back and bite us in regards to Bouwmeester...

[Mike13]

I think Carle will impress us. I'm hoping he just had a case of the ever so common "sophmore slump". Just like O'Brien.

That's a common theme in my mind this off season when it comes to thinking about my beloved Bolts.
I hoped the ownership thing would get resolved.
I hoped they would re-sign Lecavalier.
I hope they will make him the C.
I hoped they would keep the top pick in the draft.
I hoped they would fire Feaster.
etc...etc...etc.

So far so good. I am SO FRIGGIN' EXCITED for the season to start! I've taken to playing hockey on my old xbox again...

[PD]

Dave who knows but they would have to come up with Cap space to land a #2D and who else is there to trade. They have painted themselves into a corner.

very appropriate choice of words when you said they would be "banking heavily on Niskala and Carle"

[DivisionNick]

Well, Nate's comment about Kuba and the HGH thing made me spit my coffee all over my keyboard. thanks man.

Isn't Carolina dangling defensemen right now? I thought they were willing to part with Kaberle and Wallin. I'm not making a case for either of them, just throwing some names out there.

[Word]

Janik signed today and Aaron Johnson who was signed a week ago...If you guys want Sopel for Jokinen and Quellet sure why not but not Seabrook..

[Don in St. Pete]

I read on the Hockeybuzz site on the Blackhawks blog that they've signed Janik and another defenseman with some NHL experience.

[Dave]

Why would they trade Marty after going after Vinny P to reestablish the MVP line? That doesn't add up. Besides, Marty is becoming cap friendly.

I don't see how they bring in a #2 dman and stay in the middle of the salary cap pack at this point. Clearly, another move or two is coming with Boyle and Luko gone but it also looks like OK is banking heavily on Niskala and Carle.

[léo]

What do you mean, PD?
Brodeur did just that last year in NJ!
Don't assume SuperStars can't perform where ordinary players do. Everytime I hear that "even Brodeur couldn't play well here", I cringe. YES, he could. And you'd SEE the dif between a SuperStar and Joe Schmoe.
For Sydor, Ajax, I wouldn't say "finished"; he still has excellent PP upside, but otherwise, feh, I guess it's over.
"It's Grahame and Burke all over again", JB? Smith/Kolzig is the same as Grahame/Burke? Well, personally, I'd take the first tandem over the second, any day of the week.
It was SMART of managment to name Smith num1.
And Dave's brilliant post explains most of the reasons why.
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

PD, You may be right, but I'll bet that won't stop OK and the gang from trying. While I agree that our defense hasn't improved yet on paper. i think they higher quality forwards on the offensive lines is a big help. I'm still hopeful they can pull the trigger on a deal for a top 2 defenseman.

[JB]

History repeats itself. It's Grahame and Burke all over again. At least Grahame had the strong numbers going into his ill-fated starting bid.

I wish these owners would shut up already. Hey Lawton, let the goaltenders dictate who will be the starter, not your big mouth.

[PD]

Don can't see anyone other than Marty that would get us anything close to a top 2 dman , well lets just call it a #2 Dman.
That is a commodity that is gold these days..look at this years draft.
Offering a # 1 and #2 would work possibly but then what of the cap?

And didn't we pay a #1 for O'brien??

Defacto GM Barrie was pretty clear that the Bolts wouldn't be near max cap but in the middle somewhere , which brings us back to Marty again.

I don't think even Brodeur would survive with the D line up as currently iced.

[Dave]

Telling a goalie he's #1 is like telling a reliever he's the closer. The point is to instill confidence in his talent and let him know that he isn't going to get jerked around.

Now Smith can relax enough to show us whether he really deserves it. I think he does but I also think he needs to tone down the stick work just a tad. Picard's save v Jagr was fun for a team headed nowhere. For a contender playing a meaningful game? No thanks.

Trading Ramo would be a dumb mistake. As it stands, the Bolts have real depth at goaltender. Ramo is a legit #1 prospect with NHL experience who won't kill us, if pressed into duty as a result of an injury to Olie or Smith. That's a situation every NHL team wants and needs. Having established it, I doubt OK will blow it up by dealing Ramo.

Whether we can get a decent d-man for the likes of Craig, Jokinen, et al, I don't know but, either way, I'll feel a whole lot better if we start the season with Ramo in Norfolk.

[Don in St. Pete]

Ajax, I agree on Sydor. There's others out there, that have some size and are a little fleeter afoot. I'm not sure why they haven't talked to Nordstrom or Carney. A few other guys could likely be gotten through trade so I have to hope they are working that angle.

[ajax]

Doggy, I know nothing about Carle except what I "read" Not alot of good coming out of the San Jose blog. I am with you, hope they are wrong but that said his stock fell real fast, which is rare for someone so young with such good stats (just like Kuba after one very good year) Young D are like young pitchers in baseball, get as many as you can. I always questioned how someone so hyped as Kuba could be let go at the time and after two years I (for me) write it off as another Feaster headline (no substance) deal. I do agree with Lightning Rod about the whole year. The team gave up on Torts. I still don't like the toughness of our D6 but I think all of them will feel like they have been let out of prison to be without slave driver Torts. Frame of mind will make all of them better, but euphoria won't last 82 games plus, PLUS playoffs? Need some shut down guys on the payroll.
Ladies and Gentleman, I will go on record. Darryl Sydor is so washed up. I beg everyone to write this in every blog for the next weeks and hope Hollywood reads. He is so much slower than the Sydor of 5 years ago and he certainly doesn't have the size to compensate (or nasty) I will have a relapse of my Budliteism if they sign this guy. I shudder to think of it. Talk about a guy who gets beat wide three times a game. It will be I think his 5th team in 4 years, three stints with the bolts?? Slow and small is a nasty combination in the NHL.

[Tom M]

People move in the direction of their currently dominant thought.

When Warren Spahn's pitching coach visited him on the mound in a crucial game of the World Series, referring to the upcoming batter, Elston Howard, he said, "Whatever you do don't throw him a high, outside fastball or he'll knock it out of the park.!"

Of course the next pitch delivered to Howard found the seats in left field.

So will it surpise anyone if Mike Smith falls on his face after hearing that the number one job is his to lose?

Hardly! Wouldn't you have expected a wannabe GM to know better?

[ant]

First of all Leo, let me just clear a few things up for you.

1) We dont have a bunch of Seabrooks, like you said. He is an amazing talent and we only wished we had 4 to 6 guys like him. The only guy I could see compairable on this team would be Ranger. And he still isnt on par with Seabrook.

2) You are right, we do need veteran leadership on the blueline, but the Lightning are trying to win in the neer future, not just this year. That being said the right move for the Bolts at this time is to go out and get a top pair defenseman (most likely in the 23-27 year old range)by using the assets (excess fowards, a 1st and 2nd round pick, and prospect defensemen) we have to give up. Then when thats accomplished, we go out and snag a guy like Sydor off of waivers. We dont need to shy away from top tier talent because thier young.

A lineup of :
Seabrook - Carle
Kuba - Ranger
Sydor - Whoever

looks alot better then:
Kuba - Carle
Ranger - Sydor
Obrien - whoever

[léo]

Not you Don. Poster's name was "pshhh".
As for your extra magic thing, I totally agree.
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo, I am about the most law abiding blogger you'll ever run across. You're post above is full of good info, and for the most part I am in agreement. Although I question whether we can get 2 solid veteran d-men with the cap space we have and the assets we have to trade. I might be dead wrong and Ok and the boys may be cooking up a couple of monster deals as we speak. The rumour wires have been strangely silent the past couple days after the flurries of the weekend. I sure hope they have a little more magic in store.

[léo]

That's fine, Don.
No one is denying that Seabrook or Weber will one day be Great. Ok? Great.
But not til a few years. To deny THAT would also be a lie. We're not talking Crosbies here.
DeVries? You've said it all. A solid defenseman. Excellent leadership. Not enough talent. Just goes to show you NEED a mix of both. Why not go for him instead?
You've got Seabrooks. In fact, that's all you've got. You don't need more Seabrooks. You need more DeVries-is-is.
Guess that's what I'm saying. Yeah, I read your whole post; you say you need veteranship, then say you could live with Seabrook. ??
Sure, he'd look good in silver'n'blue, but not now. Who's gonna fortify him to take on the big boys down low, a-scrummin and a-fightin' for every inch of ice in the corners?
Who's gonna protect him when a prig "accidently" punches him in the face?
Who's gonna soothe him and rebuild his confidence after last shift when a goon was starin' him down? "I'm comin' for YOU, kid! I'm gonna HURT you! Watch your BACK, kid! Watch your lovin' back!"
No one to fortify them and they'll play scared. And they'll lose battles. And eventually? They'll get blown by the outside and forget to clog the middle.
So ta heck with Seabrook.
You got a man in net.
You got men on O.
Now get some men on the blue-line.
And then, you can take on the matadors!
Might even hit Our red cape, a game or 2.
Maybe.
Olé.

P.S.: pshhhh. Opinion. Yes. But also? Character. Gotta have character. Of COURSE, I'm hockey arrogant and I see how I can annoy some. I'm a Mtler; both go hand in hand. But I sure don't want to offend anybody; think my record so far speaks for itself.
There are rules CLEARLY posted in the top left side of this page. I am abiding by them all.
Are you?

[Don in St. Pete]

PD, You are right again. However since I believe our chances of bringing in a Lidstrom, Chara or Phaneuf are nil to none, I think a solid top 2 guy that can log the 24-25 minutes would be most helpful. We definitely don't need any 14-15 minute Lundin, Janik and Lukowich types.