Vinny: I'll be ready for opener

Caught up with Vinny Lecavalier the other day, and the Lightning's superstar center, coming off arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder, said he is skating in his native Montreal and has no doubt he will be ready for training camp. As for being cleared for contact and being ready to start the regular season, he said, "I'm sure I'll be ready to play."

The key is being cleared for contact. By the time training camp starts, Lecavalier will have healed for five months. That, according to his understanding, is the quickest he can be cleared.

"Once training camp starts, basically I would be allowed full contact," Lecavalier said. "But the first days I would want to build confidence. Even though it might be good, it can still get very sore. One step at a time."

The steps have been long and grueling since Lecavalier sustained a torn glenoid labrum in what was supposed to be his last game of the season, April 3 at Washington. Lecavalier, you recall, was supposed to have arthroscopic surgery to repair his sore right wrist, an operation Lecavalier's agent Kent Hughes on Monday said is"off the table at this point". Lecavalier was going to skip the final game against the Thrashers. He missed it all right, but after his shoulder was hurt on a questionable check by Washington's Matt Cooke. He had surgery April 15.

Lecavalier said the first time he skated he had a stick in his hand and felt "terrible. It didn't feel like where I wanted to be. I couldn't shoot. I was like, 'Oh, my god, I'm not feeling right.' Not to be able to shoot like I normally can was disappointing."

He said he has skated five or six times since.

"It's not 100 percent, but it's getting better and my shots are getting better," Lecavalier said.

In addition to rehabbing, Lecavalier bought a house he said is about 30  minutes from downtown Montreal. And he recently took a week off from rehab for a getaway  with long-time girlfriend Caroline Portelance. But clearly his days mostly have been taken up with rehab.

"With a shoulder injury like this, you do something for the first time and haven't done it in a while, it feels terrible," Lecavalier said. "But the second time it's way better. It's like the first time I did a push-up four weeks ago; oh, my god. But the next day I could have done 10. You just build your shoulder and confidence about not getting hurt again. You have to be careful. ... I'm still getting stronger and building it up, but I'm way better than the first day, so I'm excited."   

Comments

[Don in St. Pete]

I'm relieved Vinny is on track to be ready to start the season. It may be prudent to hold him out of contact for a few days.

[Stacey]

Apparently D.C. can read my mind b/c I have been wondering about Vinny recently. Uh, yeah, I agree w/ you Don. I hope he'll be ok. I'm sure he will but it's hard to read Vinny say that taking a shot felt terrible. Makes me want to throw-up a little.

[HockeyBay.com]

An awesome Monreal Native that now calls Tampa home! See No Vinny for Habs Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns8TalvyZlA

[Hockey Chic]

Glad to hear Vinny is doing better and better. Just remember to be patient and try not to do to much to fast.

Rehab sucks but what is worse is over doing as it seems you pay for that much more.

Hang in there Vinny. The fans cannot wait to see all the fellas. Go Bolts!!

[skp]

yikes, no wrist surgery? vinny was a shell of the player he was in the first half of the season once that wrist injury started becoming an issue....i hope the rest was all that was needed, it's a long season, and even though he & 2 or 3 other guys won't have to completely carry this year's team like in the past, but if the injury causes him to fade out as the season wears on, that's a serious problem for this team.

[PD]

Congrats Skp for the understatement of the year.

[léo]

That IS a good question.
Once everything is said and done, loss of Boyle, Tortie troubles, goalie troubles, the defense's breakdown, his fault, your fault, my fault, yakkity-yak...
Why DID V4 slow down so much in the 2nd half? (even though he's a great player, don't get me wrong) So how come?
Can it be, dare I say, loss of Morale?
He re-signed, so he DOES see a bright future in TB. He DEFINITELY wants to play in TB.
But if his Morale is put to the test in difficult times? Hm. Consider 2004: Was he REALLY hindered in any way during that run? I don't know; you tell me.
Fair question, I think.
Interesting.
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo, a fair question in my book, and no he wasn't really tested that year until the East Final against Philly, but during that series, Vinny proved he was one of the elite. After an embarassing 6-2 loss in game two V4 came out and crushed anything that moved, but especially Keith Primeau. Although V4 didn't score that many goals, his physical play cleared space on the ice so his teammates could. He litterally picked us up and carried us on his back against Philly. My feeling is if they're any questions we have 4 extra forwards on the roster. Let V4 sit ( against contact ) until we get to Prague.

[léo]

Ok, Don. That's fine. Hey, I witnessed some of that. V4, personally, wiped Us out 2 games out've the 4-game sweep. Granted, We sucked, but still.
But at the time, 2004, Brad was roaring, your 3rd liners were controlling and Khabi was stopping. A very good crew giving V4 LOTSA chances to succeed, not the other way around.
Since V4 took over after that, he has done a splendid job in my book...with an undercaliber team. His morale never NEEDED to be put to the test so it's never been an issue.
And of course, before anyone gets upset, I don't mean "morale" as "moral fiber" or "mental toughness" or "non-chokinicity". I mean "morale" as in Mats Sundin morale. As in "I will do whatever I can to be the best in the world and do my part to better the team but I do not have Rage. I won't be ASHAMED to lose. I am content to never succeed as long as we all try really hard to win."
Does V4 fit into that mold? Y'all know him better than I do; you tell me.
I'll never dispute his accomplishments, Don; the guy's a Star.
But the question WAS,
Why DID he slow down so much in the 2nd half last season? As pertaining to HIM alone, the Star, and not attaching fault to the supporting cast.
Gretzky could play 4 on 5 the WHOLE game with two donkeys and a mule and STILL finish +1. Fuhr in net of course.
Why did V4 slow down if not morale?
P.

[ajax]

Leo what are you trying to suggest about Vinnie and 2004?? He didn't show up?? They all showed up. He had 9 goals and 7 assists. The high for the whole playoffs was 12 goals. Maybe I lost something in translation.
Speaking of not showing up, I looked up the last 3 years of VL4 versus the "Artiste" Kind of comical stat.
NON-Powerplay goals over the last 3 years.
Vincent 88 goals
Artiste 41 goals (a certain Leaf, 58)
Maybe the Artiste should show up more and then he could help his team get to the Holy Grail before he retires, or is traded to the Panthers to finish is underachieving career. Peace.
PS Vinny has more even strength goals the last three years than the Artiste has total goals. Like I said, kinda comical.
Think milliseconds, how fast Montreal would package the fadiing Artiste for the indomitable Vincent LeCavalier.

[léo]

I JUST finished explaining the difference and you promptly get upset, Ajax. I'm NOT suggesting V4 didn't show up in 2004. He CERTAINLY did. I was THERE. I SAW it, remember? HE was the BEST of TB in Our series against ya, I can say. (Don't know about the others) What I AM suggesting, is that SINCE then, the supporting cast wasn't as solid as it was in 2004, leaving HIM the lone Man of the team.
Now everyone looks up to HIM. "Whadda we do now, boss?" because he's the Man and no one else isn't.
Like Sundin.
Whom We would LOVE to have.
But not for his "morale" cuz THAT part of Our team is taken care of. Didn't Bourque fit in nicely in Colorado? "Hey, Ray, we need you to come over and show some Manly Backbone on this team cuz these clowns Sakic and Forsebrg and Roy aren't cuttin' it." C'mon.
Let's cut to the chase here Ajax,
Why did V4 slow down in the 2nd half this year?
It's got nothing to do with "disappearing", has it? It's more, perhaps, "resignation"? Morale.
As for L'Artiste, what exactly are you trying to accomplish? Trying to make me say, "Oh my gosh, you're right, he's terrible, all his plays are the fruit of cosmic alterations of reality, his 37 goals are in ACTUALITY merely 6.2, he's worth less than every other player in the world, all my love and respect for the guy is disappearing under the weight of all-important stats, I feel tears welling up, and, and, and, boo-hoo-hoo! Oh, boo-hoo-hoo-hoooonk! Oh, forsooth! Oh! Oh, what wasted times and hopeless dreams spent on this fabricator...whom I now hate with all the might of a jilted partisan!" ? Ok then.
Satisfied?
And I also say Kovy gets 19pts this year, ok? And that V4 will be better, better, better and it'll make Kovy cry.
Cool?
Sheesh.
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

Well there's a couple of reasons V4 slacked off at the end of last season. First off his best friend Brad Richards got traded to Dallas and his friend and linemate Vinny Prospal got traded to Philly. Then his wrist which was scheduled for surgery didn't get repaired because of the blind side, dirty hit from Matt Cooke, which caused a rotator cuff tear in his shouldered which is more severe. V4 will be back kicking some sHAB @$$ and taking names. The sHabs will be lucky to finish third in the east and Leo knows it, so give the guy a break....he's crying inside.

[ajax]

I was typing while you were posting, and supporting Vinnie, my bad, we crisscrossed posts. You are back to being my number one blogger(har har) PD, fading fast.

[Pd]

Sounds like Leo hit a nerve, a big one.

Vinny's willingness to be a pro not a floater was what almost got him traded. Torts made him the player he is/was.
Sure hope there is no confirmation that V4 said he wasnt coming back if Torts was here because that would put a rather fine point on what Leo is hinting.

Don, Primeau was the best player in that Philly series by far. He almost won it for them too except Tamp's real cup hero, Habby, stopped him on a clean breakway with the score 1-1 late.

[ajax]

None of us were coming back if Torts stayed, the guy lost it. The coach with the awesome resume got one job interview in 7 vacancies and was the first one crossed off the list. TGod "Hollywood" had the sense to send him and Jaybird packing post haste. Thank-you if Vinny if you finally said what everyone in section 126 has been saying for two years!!! falling faster, pd, but still loving ya!!!

[PD]

Bitchy, bitchy Ajax

No Tortorella no cup, that's a no brainer/

[léo]

Don,
"Brad Richards", "Vinny Prospal", "then his wrist", then "Matt Cooke".
WITHOUT laying blame on others, I said. Are you saying that without those guys, he's a regular shmoe?
He's a Star. This guy's fault, that guys's fault, c'mon. This is V4 we're talkin' about.
Why did the Star slow down in the 2nd half?
The wrist? When exactly did that start bothering him? Cuz the Cooke hit was delivered pretty late in the season when your die were pretty much cast, if I recall.
He'd slowed down before then.
How come?
P.

[PD]

Rather good Q. Leo

IF there was something that needed fixing on the wrist, you would think that the mechanics would have done it while the car was on the hoist, no?

[mary]

maybe he slowed down because his wrist was getting worse? and that one of his linemates got traded,and Marty also slowed down??

whatever, Im happy to hear that he is doing better, and that he'll be ready for camp.

[ajax]

Maybe they were playing on the worse team in hockey and playing the most minutes in hockey and playing the hardest minutes in hockey (how many other top 10 scorers in the league are killing penalties in meaningless games, for an idiot coach) The whole team quit on Tortorella, so I guess they all must be bums. The smell of fresh air will go a long long way with many, MANY, of the holdovers from last year. PD couldn't disagree with your comment about Torts anymore than this little typewriter would allow. We had an awesome team that year. Yes, he was apart of it. But in 3 short years we have 2 players left off that team. The perfect retort to your claim is with the same coach we were the worse team in hockey. Couldn't of done that without Torts either PD. Smile PD, this is suppose to be fun. Good night to all in Bolt Land!!

[PD]

Come on Ajax you know better.

Take your bitterness out on Jay Feaster. He was the one who let the roster atrophy, not Chilly Pepper

[ajax]

11:31 pm August 25th, in the year of our Lord 2008. Mark it down, PD and I finally agree on something. PD you are relatively new to the blog. I have written for near two years that Jay Feaster (very nice man) single handedly destroyed this franchise. Although, you know deep down that Torts gave his 110% blessing on the 7.8 mil large that was given out to the next Gretzky. Either way I am soooo glad Feaster is gone and the collateral damage of Torts was necessary, because losing made him a MANIAC. Without the new owners, I guarentee Feaster would of done nothing with players, minors, scouts, or Torts. I probably would of done the unthinkable and not renewed (I am a season ticket holder since the fairgrounds) On the bright side, I feel good that we have made huge strides in our relationshop PD. Keep agreeing with me and I will put you back on the top of my Xmas list. Leo and his stinking Shabs just got bumped.
Can you hear me singing myself to sleep, "GO LEAFS GO, GO LEAFS GO"

[Boltflasher]

THN reporting that Vinny about to be re-anoited with the "C"...

[PD]

No promises Ajax, but on Feasty, its Kumbaya.

Where we still disagree is with the Koules approach.

We have lost two dollars, (Richards,Boyle) and picked up 8 quarters to borrow Leo's analogy.

We have no defence and not much beween the pipes.

I would have done it much differently but couldn't afford to buy the team and get to play sports monopoly.

[PD]

Makes sense Flasher if he got Melrose the gig.
Wrong guy I think, I'd put it on Marty.

[Twinebulge]

Vinny getting the C, there's the shocker of the summer. I was thinking Jason Ward. Way to scoop it TSN

"IF there was something that needed fixing on the wrist, you would think that the mechanics would have done it while the car was on the hoist, no?"

That's right: no. The reason boils down to rehab.

This isn't a car with parts you just take off and throw in the garbage and bolt new ones on. With the wrist and shoulder injuries on the same side as in this case, the rehab of each joint would have been utterly sabotaged by the surgery and resulting weakness in the other. As the shoulder is the joint with the worse injury, by far the greater range of motion, and the much larger muscles to bring back up to mass, it took instant precedence over a wrist that can be made to serve with less flexibility. That wrist will get rehabbed even more than it already is as the season goes on. Hope he doesn't need surgery on that puppy midway, though, that would intensely suck

[léo]

Ok.
So V4 slowed down during the 2nd half because the whole team had quit for Tortie and V4 could no longer PROFIT from other players, is that right?
In other words, V4 himself has nothing to do with V4's PLAY, is that what I'm hearing?
Little comparaison,
Sundin didn't "slow down" last year. Why not? Older and slower than V4, yet consistent all year through on a team that ain't much more advanced than yours, imo.
No, no, no; there was a MARKED difference between V4's play in 1st and 2nd halves of the season whereas Sundin, no.
How come?
Paul Maurice? Darcy Tucker? Keys to the kingdom, those? Give V4 guys like that and he woulda been consistent all season through?
What gives?
P.

[Tackleberry]

This is in from THN:
It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but the Tampa Bay Lightning will name Vincent Lecavalier their captain sometime in the coming weeks, a Bolts official told The Hockey News.

Its about time! It was either V4 or MSL.

Cant wait to get back from Qatar. Who would have thought that Qatar has a mall with an Olympic size skating rink. Should have brought my skates.

[PD]

Just say it Leo cuz you are dead on.

[ajax]

PD and Leo in cahoots, who woulda thought of it. It was a terribly long and draining year in Tampa, agreed?? If not, please enroll in Psyche 101. Marty shut it off also, so in your analogies make sure to include him as a slacker also, but please factor in that they (and not Toronto) were the worst team in hockey. Also factor in they were playing the most minutes in hockey. Also factor in they were the number one penalty killers on this painfully thin team. They went far and above the call of duty in my humble opinion(and yet shockingly were called out on numerous occasions for not giving enough) Oh my gosh, there were a zillion factors that Mats didn't have to deal with. Oh yeah, also factor in that even though they shut it down with 20 games to play they both still out scored Mats in goals and assists. Last year, somehow doesn't need an apology from Vinny (and Marty) I think they left every single ounce of energy on the ice for a coach who still thought they needed to give just another few ounces of pain!!
Think of drudging to work in a job you hate and a boss you hate and then multiply it times 100, and that is what you had in Tampa last year. Remember a guy named Brad Richards who made the comment, he felt like he was let out of jail, well Marty and Vinny did hard time last year, it was no pampered superstars I assure you. They were Superman and Torts was kryptonite!!!
PS. They both averaged 4 minutes a night more than Sundin. They both killed penalties every other shift for 80 games. 4 minutes extra is brutal, anyone who knows hockey knows what 4 minutes(6/8 extra shifts by the way) will do to your legs. Multiply 4 minutes times 80 games, with the average player playing 20 minutes(average Forward) and you see Marty and Vinny played 16 more games than most players (they were deep into the playoff run before it ever started, time wise)
Anywho, to get out the microscope on the "effort" of those two, is "looking for problems"

[PD]

Funny Ajax you never mention plus/minus.

One of those Bolts plays his a** off everynight, the other waits at the blueline for the breakout pass.

Fear not the country club is back with Melrose.

[léo]

No that's it.
I got the answer I was looking for cuz we ALL realized it last year and we all blogged about it.
There was NO ONE else!
It was either V4 or the zamboni driver. Who would you rather have on PK? Or on PP? Or in the final minutes? Or to take a face-off? There was no one else. What was Tortie supposed to do? What could ANY coach do? Well, you do like Toranna's gonna do, tank it for the 1st pick in the coming draft...which YOU DID! Without SEEMING to tank it, which is even better.
Some could therefor argue that being able to recognize early the stankness of this year's edition, TB management was "savvy" in its "efforts" to obtain Stammy. Relax, I'm not saying you did but the final EFFECT has you all STRUTTING, yes or no?
Cuz an extra 4 minutes a game to Sundin, compounded after 41 games, and OF COURSE it will take its toll. But as I recall, though some of you DID see that one day, V4 would crack under the work-load, most of you realized that if you played anybody else, you'd get run over. And no one wants to get run over.
"Fatigue", we are talking about now. Common sense.
So you switched Brad for Malone and threw some extra bodies in there. Old and almost-finished extra bodies but extra bodies nonetheless.
So are you satisfied that V4 will NOT suffer from fatigue this year?
And Ajax,
PD says I'm dead on cuz he agrees in that particular case. I will revert to being "ignorant about hockey" the second he no longer does agree.
Tis the nature of the leaf.
P.

[Pd]

"So you switched Brad for Malone and threw some extra bodies in there. Old and almost-finished extra bodies but extra bodies nonetheless".

Kinda my point too.

On the Leafs, tough to tank with Toskala in the net. If they had kept Raycroft you would have made some sense.

[ajax]

PD on opening night I will buy you a beer. You will be easy to spot. The guy wearing the Home Maple Leaf Jersey with Sundin on the back, a "C" on the front, holding up a huge sign with large black letters:
"Trade Vinny, Bring Mats to Tampa"
Of course Leo will be easy to spot with his Red and Blue "Artiste" jersey. PD, exactly what more would Vinny have to do to prove himself to ya??

[PD]

He's not Steve Yzerman Ajax, nuff said.

[léo]

PD,
You SHOULDA kept the injured Toskala out, you mighta gotten Stammy instead of 13th place, though Schenn ain't bad, wouldn't you say? Maybe a little "mission-accomplished" there? That's num1.
Num2 is me saying "gonna do", not "did" à propos Toranna. I was talkin' about TB.
TB completely fizzled out, for whatever reasons, and got Stammy. "did".
I comapared that to what Toranna is "gonna do": completely fizzle out and get Tavares. "gonna do".
Two separate and different points, based in time.
Except Toranna's "whatever reasons" are BLATANTLY more defined, to all non-leafers of course. If you weren't delusional in THAT aspect, I'm sure you would agree with EVERYTHING I say, and not just the parts that don't concern YOU.
Gotta love leafers, Ajax.
In the same breath PD says we make the same point but I make no sense.
Funny.
P.

[PD]

But leo, that's you in a nut shell, so to speak.

[ajax]

And Sundin is?, plllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaasssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeee.
I have never seen a player so touted/revered with so little accomplished on his career resume. His greatest stat is his longevity. If you play enough and have enough 31 goal seasons you accumulate some good numbers. I don't want to lower myself and say Sundin hasn't been a very good NHL player, but nothing suggests greatness, individual or team. In the last two years Vinny has accomplished as much as anyone in hockey but why the negativity?? Mats is loved in Canada and has lived there his entire life. Vinny is hailed in Canada and lives in Tampa, FL. That right their is a huge difference in the superlatives thrown around town.

[Steve R]

Leafs are not going to suck enough to be in the running for Tavares.

[léo]

Don't tell Toranna that, Steve; you see their latest signing?
Ajax, check this out,
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/50923-matt-sundin-tempers-flare-up-on-bleacher
Not as a source of insight but as a beautifully coordinated attack on Sundin and the hype around him. A very mad Ranger fan.
Well premeditated. Direct. Breathless. Vicious.
Brilliant.
Enjoy.
PD, stay away. Objective minds only.
P.

[ajax]

I wrote the same thing, asking the million dollar question, what has he really accomplished?? I am just sweeter with the pen and refuse to attack anyone personally. The key is the over and over and over number. 38 years old. 19+ minutes a game for a horrible Toronto team. He ain't the Messiah(may never have been) but for sure, he ain't the straw that stirs the drink at 38. Just my humble(wrong) opinion. And one mighty expensive straw at that.

[Steve R]

leo,

You talking about Boumedienne? So? It's a 2 way contract, he'll be in the minors. Your point?

[Pd]

At 37 Rated top 5 centerman last year by your touted guy at TSN Ajax, captain of the GoldMedal Sweden team, sifting through 20 million dollar offers.
Actually plays defence, Imagine that Ajax.
Someone else can chase you around the goldfish bowel this time.
Tell us again how he isnt on the top 50 tradable contracts list there Ajax, a golden zinger for you..lol

Steve what is with Wash letting leafs scoop that boumedienne D guy? Likely for their marlie roster but he had 41 points in 52 games at Hershey which aint bad for a dman.

[Steve R]

PD,

It's going to be crowded for the Caps in the AHL. There are a bunch of youngsters from the last couple of drafts who need the ice time.

[ajax]

Wasn't Joe Thorton number 6 in that article?, we all have our opinions, I have to serious believe their ain't a GM(or other writer) on the planet that in year 2008 would rather have Sundin over Thorton. Just me (probably everyone outside of the Toronto met area). Same with Sundin over Vinny, again just me.
and remember "offer" not offer(s).
Never could see why a 90,000 Mercedes was better than a 75,000 BMW, but that my friend is what makes the world go round. But many owners prefer to throw the money around for a "name" versus spending the money wisely (see Boston's management versus Yankee management, the last 3-4 years) Same analogy PD. You win. Again. I think a better honor would be captain of the NHL all-star team. Again that honor was given to Sundin more of his age than his playing ability at his age, but round and round we go. Oh yeah, Captain of NHL all-star team?? that was overrated Vinny. Oh yeah, MVP at the last World's?? same bum. Do you know Mats Sundin has never won any NHL Trophy or season scoring/goals/assist title. Crazy ain't it. Can anyone imagine Sundin playing 28 minutes on back to back nights at age 38 and killing penalties. Me Either.

[léo]

Steve,
That as an add-on but mostly the Finger still.
What's my point? Same one I have with Theo.
Not enough.
Despite what they did against shoe-makers in the iihl or whatever.
P.

[PD]

Aj he grabbed the 5th spot on plus minus but its moot who cares. The guy was a stud last year at 37.

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo, Here's some stats to back up my point about Richy and prospal being traded. V4 before the trades +3, V4 in the 20 games after Richy and prospal were traded -19. You figure it out. Marty;s numbers were similar before and after. They all gave up once they knew management had thrown in the towel. Pd, I have a real problem with your 2 dollars to 8 quarters attitude. While I liked both Boyle and Richards, on a last place team they were luxuries. Richy was a great centerman as long as you had bonafide scores on both wings to bury the puck. Boyle was a great PP qb and puck rushing d-man as long as you had a pronger type to cover for him on the countless odd man rushes the other way, which we didn't have. The trades of both of these players have improved the club both in the present and in the future. Malone scored 27 goals last year, Richy's career high was 25. Vrbata had 27 as well. How does that make them quarters and Brad a buck? You're perspective is scewed by the man crush you had on these two players.

[ajax]

St. Pete Don, let me buy you a beer.
For most teams, and in this league most definitely means majority, they have to spend wisely. Signing 4 (B) players and giving up 2 (B+) players is a huge win for the organization. And one of those B+ players has been hammered on this blog for years. Regardless of the name attached to the monster contract, tiny Tampa Bay proved without question, you can't have 50% of your budget on 4 players. The important thing was to get some balance. Do we have it?? Time will tell, but without a doubt the "Star" experiment was a failure.
We are almost there!!!! The first puck being dropped and then we can all see where the chips fell. I see:
Better Forwards---way way better
Better overall depth
Better goalie---way way better
Same D---the huge question mark to me.
Will they play better for a different coach?? A different system?? (Torts had a system that was inflexable and to be nice, "unique") I am not sold on these 6 guys handling there own end. I hope to be surprized. I am concerned about so many new faces, some off season mending of bodies, how long it will take to gel into a team. And Melrose is a new coach, and we needed a new coach, but I seriously question his ability to jump in after soooooo long out of the game. He just doesn't strike me as a hard worker, and this team will take alot of hard work for the first couple months. Opening night will be awesome to say the least. Can not wait!!!!!

[léo]

Think you got me confused with another poster, Don.
I'm looking at what you're saying to me and I don't understand how it relates to anything I accused Vinny of vis-à-vis Prospal and Brad...whom I now supposedly have a crush on...uhhhh...I look back at what I wrote and I was asking a question, not making a statement.
In fact, looking more closely, I see that I made sure to PRESENT it as a question that YOU, as TB fans would be better suited to answer than me...soooo...
What the heck are you talkin' about? What'd I say? What can I do for ya? Prospal, Brad, what?
I just asked why V4 slowed down and Ajax RE-PRESENTED what ALL of us were talking about after X-Mas: that playing so much, sooner or later, V4 was gonna crack. Only human. Playing the same minutes, Sundin would cracked sooner, absolutely. And that's it, case closed. What more do you want?
Oh, and notice how Leo refrains from putting labels on others' "perspectives", going so far as to calling them "screwed", for eg. That's like saying "you don't know hockey". Not nice.
We learned long ago that to ACCEPT one another would make Us strong.
We would leave the peasants to fight amongst themselves for scraps such as...say...oh, I dunno...
One Cup every 18 years.
Let's be nice. Let's be like what's-his-face the robot and "play safe". Why attack Leo? Leo's nice.
Plus, he's the best.
Anyway, that's what he told me.
P.

[PD]

Leo I thought your man crush was on Kovy...you cheatin??

[Pd]

Aj,totally agree about Melrose.

How do climb back from 10 years of caviar in the booth?

[léo]

That's right, PD.
KOVY, Don!
Get your man-crush attributations straight, would you please?
Thanx PD.
P.

[Steve R]

Don, who was Malone's center for most of his 27? Malkin? You think he's going to match that production?

[PD]

excellent point S and not a tap in like half his points likely were. Bolts way over paid for him.

[léo]

True dat, Steve.
But, personally, I think Malone's value went sky-high because of his Grit more than his production, especially in the playoffs, where pts matter most and where Grit prevails in them.
Still, we have to remember that Malone seasoned out at 54-55 pts (or whatever) playing with Malkin, so maybe TB can't expect him to produce MORE than that playing on a less (sorry but you know it) talented team than Pit.
Now, should you get to the PLAYOFFS, THAT'S where Malone's gotta show that he's worth all that dough yer givin'im.
If that's TB's plan, which is an excellent one, then WHO'S the D gonna be to back up this plan? Cuz there ain't no plan without no D.
Ask Ajax, he'll tell you aaaaaaall about it.
Who you buyin'?
Who you tradin' for?
Where's he comin' from?
Can you trust'im?
And will 1 be enough?
No D? You're sunk. S.-U.-N.-K. Sunk.
Tell me you guys at least have a list of suspects.
P.

[léo]

Sakic signs for a year.
No Sundin in Colorado.
1 down, 5 to go.
P.

[léo]

Oh, hello! Might be movement...
After Bob's half resignated, half sour grape tone of yesterday, "He hasn't ever really shown any privilege towards Us - At his age, has he kept himself enough inshape this summer to be ready for training-camp?", it would seem the dream is over.
Then this little ditty,
Carbo seriously thinking about giving K the Younger center duties. We LOVE it! Not the biggest guy in the world but a raging puma filled with brains.
You remember the young K of course. He's the one who made Kane and Gagner the players they are today.
Oh, and We LOVE to see guys hit him to "get him off his game". He's unexpectedly brutal.
Along with Gorges, a Shining Light in the playoffs.
But is it enough?
You can tear into me now.
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo, I was not trying to bash you on that post. I was trying to answer your question. I was a little tipsy by then and didn't elucidate my thoughts well enough. It was actually PD I was accusing of having the man crush on Boyle and Richards. and whose view I meant was Scewed. I personally believe Malone will exceed his production from last year. He'll see a lot of Time on the PP, likely even the 1st unit with V4 and Marty. They definitely wanted him for his grit and to cover SS's back. Our D is not as bad as you make out Leo. The year before last Kuba had 15 goals and a positive +/-. Ranger was our best player when we lost to Ottawa in the playoffs and had 10 doals last year, but only 2 in the second half after injuring his shoulder. O'Brien was excellent when he came over from the Sharks at the end of 07'. Pickard has proven he's a solid physical defender and will only get better. Most of these guys were in Tort's doghouse at one time or another, and I think it's safe to say a clean start under a new coach and a new system, will be like a breath of fresh air. That being said I still think you have to be shoppers now and at the trade deadline if you're in the hunt. The guy I was really impressed with last year was Jan Hejda of Columbus. I had him at the top of my shopping list but he resigned with Col a few weeks before the FA period started. No speculation on who they might deal for as there is no way of knowing for sure who will be out of the hunt.

[Don in St. Pete]

As I had posted months ago, apparently the Lightning have some interest in Keith Carney and Mark Popovic. If they sign Popovic, it would probably be a 2 way deal and in my opinion a waste as we already have decent depth on the backline in the system. Carney is a different animal though, the tough, steady stay at home veteran that could mentor our young defensive core. Although he only played 3rd pairing minutes with the wild last season, he could probably be had for cheap money and is an amazing +164 for his career. That is just sick, +164! Who has those kinds of number, Scott Stevens? I think Carney would be a huge addition to our backline and on the Wild blogs many are moaning about his departure from the Wild.

[ajax]

I would sign any free agents from the West. Leagues go in cycles and right now the West is much better. Hence, their castoffs will be better than the East castoffs. Pretty simple. Last year all we had was castoffs. I am now casting off.

[PD]

Heh Don a new coach doesnt make an AHLer into an NHLer and you remain bang on 8 nobodies are much better than Richards and Boyle.

[Don in St. Pete]

PD, I have to question your judgement if you consider Malone, Vrbata, Recchi, Roberts, Halpern and Jokinen as nobodies. I seem to remember that Roberts won a cup with Clagary and that Recchi won cups with Pitt and Carolina. Vrbata and Malone both had 27goals last year. Sorry to burst your bubble PD, but we will actually be better in our own end without Boyle and Richards. The power play will be a work in progress in how we replace Boyle and Richards.

[léo]

Yeah PD! Roberts won a Cup in Calgary!
Hello?
And Recchi won Cups in Pit and Car! Tampa is SET. These guys are LEADERS, PD, champion scorers whose decrepitness belies the fact that they are Supreme players that will completely change the outlook of this team into one of WINNERS.
Wake up, PD. Gotta question your judgement too. I'd MUCH rather have Recchi/Roberts instead of Brad, why, with those Cup-winners, I could...I could...snort!...BWAAA-haaaa-haaaa! Oh! Sorry, I couldn't keep a straight face!
Don! Don, c'mon, snap out of it. You still "tipsy"? C'mon, this isn't you,
"..we will actually be better in our own end without Boyle and Richards..."
Don! Better WITHOUT Boyle???
San Jose has Boyle INSTEAD of Campbell. I wonder if they are not MUCH better off. MUCH better.
Brad for Malone, Don. That's your switch.
And yes, nobodies, to fill out your depth concerns AND Boyle.
...better without Boyle...Cuckoo!
C'mon, Don. Have a coffee, go outside, walk around, grab some nice fresh air for a bit, few more sips of coffee, then come back, refreshed and clear and we'll be here, mate. We'll be here for you. C'mon.
Cuz... ouch!
That was... that was ouch!, mate.
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo, I refuse to argue with idiots. I will only say, we'll see.

[léo]

Took a month to go from "the most knowledgeble poster on this blog" (your words, Don, yes or no?) to an "idiot" (I assume you were referring to me). What happened?
You say you're better off without Boyle; I say that's cuckoo and I'M the idiot?
What, what, what???
Hey, Don, I'm sorry. You know what? You're right. You ARE better off without Boyle; Recchi'll slip back; you'll be ok.
Sorry. Ok? I'm sorry.
Whew, resorting to personal attacks once your points are questioned, Don, people'll start to think you break easy.
I always have time for those who disagree with me! That's the whole fun. None of them are "idiots" for that, Don. Not in my book. Cuz the truth is, there is no wise'ole man, whether I say cuckoo or not. I'm right here; hit me. If you dare.
Cuz if you were brave enough to stand up for a point you saw as solid, you would've.
But you didn't. You called me an idiot instead.
...you refuse to argue with idiots...Oh, how NOBLE of you, sir. To STUBBORNLY refuse to look CUCKOO defending your point, you mean. Right? THAT'S what you REALLY mean, right?
Insulting or demeaning folks, yuck, We don't do that, ever. ANOTHER singular difference between Us and you.
If you love hockey; We accept you, cuckoo or not. You're certainly not an idiot, Don, not in my book.
Anyways, back on point: PD's right. Malone for Brad and nobodies added. Can't count Halpern, Jokinen cuz they came with the Brad/Smith deal. Roberts, Recchi, Vrbata, no D as add-ons? Not enough.
Feel free to insult me some more if this fact soothes you.
Peace.

[Steve R]

leo, I for one feel much better after insulting you. It's cheaper than therapy.

[léo]

I please to aim, mate.
P.

[Steve R]

Could this be a new D-man for the Bolts?

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/17685-Source-Senators-defenseman-Andrej-Meszaros-agrees-to-offer-sheet-with-another-team.html

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo, Sorry for calling you an idiot, but the post you made certainly made you look like one. We traded Brad for Smith, Halpern and Jokinen, not Malone. We used the money we saved to sign Malone. If you consider Vrbata and others nobodies than I guess all those lousy sHAB players who scored 27 goals are nobodies too the right? Leo you take great joy in insulting our intelligence, so sorry if I was a little abrupt but you post was and still is idiotic.

[léo]

Don,
Could you please show me WHERE I said you traded Brad for Malone?
I never said that.
I said "switched", as in "replaced". Did I not say that? Never said traded. I can wait while you check...cool?
Ok, so that's ONE thing taken care of. Secondly, if my post REMAINS idiotic, please point it out to me; the last thing I want to do is waste everybody's time with things that I simply don't understand or am too unlearned to comment about.
Please. I'm not being smarmy; please let me benefit from your insight.
For the record, from the deadline's roster, SWITCHING Brad for Malone and ADDING Vrbata, Recchi and Roberts is enough for you at forward?
And the loss of Boyle on an already slim blueline with NO replacement is incidental to you?
For me to think otherwise is "idiotic", yes?
As for losin yer cool, don't worry about it; I fully accept my role as Nemesis on this blog. Just because We take a high moral ground in Mtl doesn't mean everybody has to. No worries.
But as nemesises go, Don, I'm pretty nice, aren't I? (raging elitism aside) I like to think my volleys are well-oiled affairs, equal parts pee, equal parts vinegar with but a wee dash of honey to perfume the morsel.
You didn't think everything was gonna be peaches'n'cream though, didja?
If I'm wrong or misinformed or forgetting an important detail, well lo!, please educate me and I'll be better for it.
So where am I idiotic?
Hit me.
Thanks in advance.
P.

[PD]

Don you used the $ for what again?

Curly, Larry and a couple of 40 year old, past glory, shmoes.
Totally interchangeable guys that are readily available at the NHl's dollar store.

Malone came because Tbay overpaid by at least 500 a year and he won't have Malkin to prepare his dinner.

Meanwhile you let Brad Richards and Boyle bonafide producing NHL stars just go for hope, wishes and poorly spent cap space.

Imagine even Feasty, if you will, with a max salary cap to spend. He would keep Marty, Brad, Vinny, Dan, add Stamkos and still have the money to buy a few key parts like a shut down D or two and a goalie. Then add some guys to work the wall cheap and voila..somthing to crow about.

They have blown it playing sports monopoly. Yes time will tell and very quickly. This team ,as currently constructed, is destined for fighting the Pants for 3rd in the South Least/

Regardless of how badly you click your heels and wish it to be different.

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo in your previous post before your response it clearly says "Malone for Richards", no matter how you want to spin it. PD, I respect your opinion, but we disagree a lot and this is one of those times. Slam me if you want, but the bolts will be challenging the CrAPS for the SE title and putting a heap of pressure on the pens, flys and sHABS. Toronto meanwhile will be dead last in the NE and fighting just to stay ahead of the Isle and Thrash.

[Boltflasher]

I expect the team to start off poorly (new players, new coach, new system plus tiring trip to Europe) and gradually get better as the season goes...playoffs?...maybe, but I am cautious...

[léo]

Excellent, Don! Yes, indeed, the matter should be settled quickly.
Yes, I said "Malone for Brad". You notice that right afterwards, PD COPIED/PASTED my post and said that was EXACTLY what he was saying. Therefor, by your rationale, PD ALSO thinks Brad was a trade for Malone. Correct?
So I put it out there: PD?
When you agreed with me, did you think Malone was TRADED for Brad?
Whatever the outcome, Don, is THAT a spin? I'm spinnin' this to save face after making a goof?
Or do you REALLY think I thought Malone was traded for Brad?...after I harped so much about a goalie for TB during the year?...after I kept referring to Brad's contract as the BALL'N'CHAIN (remember folks?)...after I ran my mouth about Smith and kinda still do so? I thought Brad was traded for Malone?
PD? (the leaf enemy, mind!)
Straighten this out, wouldja?
You understood that "switch" and "for" didn't mean "trade", or didn't you?
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo The details don;'t matter as much as the truth of what was said. Your implication was that we had traded Brad for Malone. You've also ( totally in charachter from previous posts ) refused to answer the question where if Vrbata is a nobody then the K btorthers and everyone els on the sHABS are nobodies too. Your selective dyslexia serves nobody but yourself and PD, who maintains his Leaf leanings to a fault and worships the formerly traded players.

[Steve R]

Don, I may be proven wrong, but I really don't see you guys in the hunt to win the SE.

Agree with you that Vrbata was a good pick up. He'll do good for you on the 2nd line.

[ajax]

You all are taking this way to serious. Find Zen. Breath deep.
Think Karllson, Ward, Darche, Homer and McDonald. Without those 5 how could anyone argue we are not better??
And let's get one thing straight for alllllll to know. I "AM" the chief IDIOT on the blog. Please don't steal my title!!!

[PD]

Leo, me thinks Don was taking it too literally , I see it as you do, what came out of the washing machine.
I also see 2 impossible to buy stars, go down the pie hole. (Actually I didnt copy you, same wavelength on this one).

No expectations for the leafs other than that they are doing it the right way finally, the only way to win..growing your own.
If I said Leafs would challenge for 1st In Ne then that would be equivocal to the most recent Donism.

Ajax we all get to wear the pointed hat, share brother.

[Steve R]

PD, well said. Realistic about this season and hopeful about the future with good scouting/drafting and the farm system. Nothing wrong with that approach.

[PD]

Its the only way Steve, see Detroit.
You need the young developed homegrowners to work cheap for a while and then fill with a couple of key free agents.

The other way around can't be done. Its like a dog chasing its tail.

[Steve R]

And see Pitt. Until they gave up the farm for Hossa that is. That trade is going to hurt them for the next couple of years.

[léo]

"the details don't matter"?, "selective dyslexia"?
Don, I'll say it again: just because you don't understand doesn't make ME incoherent. And because you didn't pick up on the hockey lingo I used (which ALL others did) doesn't make ME mistaken.
Consider that you're the ONLY one who accuses me of thinking that Malone/Brad was a trade. "The details don't matter; all that matters is the truth of what was said"? Good grief. Well, in that case, Don, a case could be argued for "selective perception" instead of "selective dyslexia", wouldn't you agree?
Now, as for avoiding the Vrbata angle, are you dealing in beads??? Vrbata? Ok, yes, he's a good pickup; never said he wasn't.
But I agreed with PD that he's a nobody. A "nobody", you cry? Yes. Where's he from, Don, Nashville or Phoenix? I forget.
Nasville/Phoenix to Tampa. Who is this guy? 27 goals? Higgins had 27 goals too. In Mtl, not Nashville/Phoenix. Plus, We think he's had a bad year.
Who would you rather have?
K the Elder had 27 goals too. In Mtl, not Nashville/Phoenix. Plus, he's just a kid.
Who would you rather have?
One who scores under Fire? Or one who scores in Nashville/Phoenix?
I consider Malone to be worth more as a player than Vrbata SIMPLY because Malone has SHOWN that he produces under Fire, whereas good'ole Radim hasn't. Who's got more goals?
Hey, given the proper setting, maybe Vrbata is just waiting to explode and to SHOW me and the rest of hockey-planet that he ISN'T a nobody, that he can shine under Fire...for what the Fire' worth in TB.
Honestly, without checking anywhere, without googlin', who IS Vrbata? Where's he from?
What is it? Nyi, Pho? Stl, Nas?
I have no idea.
A nobody. Let's see him play. Let's all let him become somebody.
P.

[Steve R]

leo, he came from cactus country via, the windy city, tar heel land and the mile high city.

[léo]

There you go. Thanx Steve.
And one more thing,
Since I was man enough to "unavoid" the Vrbata issue, maybe Don can do the same on the issue HE brought up and that now HE avoids.
That, (get this), you will be better off WITHOUT Boyle, with no one yet to replace him.
Don?
Maybe my perception was selective; educate me.
P.

[PD]

well his movement will create less work for the Tbay tendon surgeons, that's a good thing.

[léo]

Ok Mezsaros (or whatever).
Boyle SWITCHED for Mezsaros. (again, Don, here I don't mean traded)
Is that enough for the TB D this coming year?
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

Leo, What I said was that not having Boyle would improve us in our own end, not necessarily our overall game. No, I don't think Mezsaros is enough, and Ok and Len may not be done yet. I think we gave up too much for him, but only time will tell. Not sure our defense is better adding 1 and subtracting 2. I guess I might be a little more comfortable about our power play. Kuba had 15 goals in 06-07', but he specialized in the Torts syle stick-checking defense. I had high hopes that Pickard would develop into a top four d someday. I would have to guess that there is still some wheeling and dealing planned, so I'll withhold my overall judgment of the deal until I see what other moves are made.

[cyndi howell]

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT SEASON. GO BOLTS!

[scott in Michigan]

Do you wear any special brace on your shoulder pads and what type do you wear? My son is a hockey player and recently hurt his shoulder and we have to purchase the correct type of shoulder pads/brace- that will be fitting for after him rehabing. Any advice or suggestions for a brand name and type of brace for the shoulder?

[PD]

Scott contact the Bolts Team trainer through the main number. You will have to leave a number.

He will point you to the right guys.