Baby steps for team, MVP line in first victory

Yes, the third-period collapse was uncalled for, but we can chalk that up to the pressure of a five-game winless streak to start the season. No wonder the sticks were gripped tighter and the team was back on its heels. What the Lightning has to hope for now is that with the pressure to win its first game gone, the jitters that surfaced Tuesday stay away.

More good news on Mike Smith, who played another great game and saved the day a couple times when the defense let him down. But to me the most notable part of the game was that Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis and Vinny Prospal made big contributions. St. Louis had two assists and won a wall battle to get the puck that led to Lecavalier's winning goal. Prospal also scored. A nice pick-me-up for a team that had just eight goals coming in.

The line, like the rest of the team shouldn't get too cocky. It still spends way too much time running around in its own end, and the power play, which counts so much on the line to get going, is 3-for-30. Still, if the Lightning is going to go anywhere this season, its star line has to start clicking. Did we see the start of that on Tuesday? Perhaps. As Smith said, "Build Vinny's confidence a little bit, get that line going. Tonight they were big for us."

I know a lot of you are upset about losing David Koci to the Blues, but listen to what coach Barry Melrose said after the game.

"Hopefully, if St. Louis puts him on waivers, we'll pick him up again."

A last bit of intrigue concerns the acquisition of wing Matt Pettinger, an investor in owner Len Barrie's Bear Mountain resort in Victoria, British Columbia. Barrie said Pettinger is a "very minor" investor and their relationship had "zero" to do with acquiring him.

Vice president of hockey operations, Brian Lawton, said Barrie told him, "I've known him for X number of years but you have to go with what our scouts and say and what our management says. Yes he does like him and he was very forthright about that. But it's not at a point where he is making that decision for the hockey club."

Wing Gary Roberts and special assistant Mike Vernon also are investors. Asked about making hockey decisions based on his business connectuions, Barrie joked, "I wish it could be because we'd have a Hall of Fame team."

And just a couple stats to wrap things up:

The Lightning tied team records with its sixth straight one-goal game and fourth straight overtime game. ... Roberts played his 1,200th NHL game. ... St. Louis got his 300th NHL assist. ... Melrose won his first NHL game since April, 6, 1995, when he ran the Kings.

Comments

[Hockey Chic]

Coach Bill,

I just found out that my grandson has a hockey game that weekend in Clearwater and he is spending the weekend with me. So I hate to but I gotta cancel.

I would like a rain check though. Looking forward to Saturday night meeting the fellow posters (lol) and watching the Bolts bring in another win.

Go Bolts!!!

As far as Koule-Aid and rosies and supporting the team regardless being a sign of blind stupidity...how 'bout a tip of the cap to the loyal Rays fans who've stuck with that dismal franchise since Day 1 - now they're getting the last laugh. Hope the guys win the World Series so those folks can taste the sweet success like Bucs fans who followed them since the Creamsicle & Pansy Bruce days, and us Lightning fans who suffered through the Espo Hall and Thunderdome teams to get to the Cup and know that chemistry doesn't come overnight

[coach bill]

Hockey Chic- Tack's too nice. I think he should skate with Don ( or you). See ya Sat. WE still on for Nov 8-9?

[Hockey Chic]

Coach Bill it is cool I will be there between 6 - 7:30 see you all there.

Hey the real anonymous I could not agree more with you about who is replicating our posters names. I think we should let that person meet our very own Marine Tackelberry. That should take of it.

Go bolts...

"Savor the win as they'll be few and far between. I hear the NHL is going to try to put another team in Toronto (expansion or move). I'm tellin' ya... OK Hockey is going to decimate the team and move 'em with Mullet Boy the unwitting dupe (kinda like real life)."
--Mike S.

Wonder what the "S" stands for....

[**The REAL Anonymous** >:^D)]

Herb--as I elucidated earlier (more than once) posting with no name is IMHO the only effective protest against (a) antiquated software that allows (b) gutless turds to steal the user names to post obnoxious drivel. (As far as we know, there's really only one other person on here, playing the roles of all the "others". ;^D) The sooner everyone gets on the bus, the better. Or, just keep posting under your name and then have some zit-faced twit rip it off, like coach bill and hockey chic and don and I and so many others have experienced. Signing a post with "**The REAL so-and-so**" does no good, the snotwads just duplicate that too

Keith--IMHO it's the doomsayers and chicken littles, relentlessly cutting down the team and insulting all optimistic Lightning fans as "Koule-Aid drinkers", who drive fans away. As to your other point, it's difficult to see how dragging politics into a hockey discussion after a 3-year campaign of mind-numbing tedium that has most sentient people wanting to shove knitting needles into their eyes and ears just to escape it would do any good. You're too late with that idea anyway, it's been done ad nauseam elsewhere. But thanks for trying

madgal--someone called in to the Chief's radio show after the game and mentioned that he, too, saw Marty score a goal just inside the post that slipped past the officials. Too bad the game wasn't on TV or we could check the slo-mo and maybe know for sure. Amazingly that was the only phone call they took the whole show. Things will pick up after a few more wins I'm guessing

Go Bolts!

[Herb's analyst]

Thought you were off the sauce, douchebag. You should have gone to your last AA meeting.

[Herb]

Insert "won" instead of "one" in the appropriate place in my last post. I guess I should proof read my post before submitting them. oops!

[Herb]

Max, no truer words were ever spoken. Like the ignorant and gutless turds that don't leave a name or copy someone else's name to make a pointless remarks. Like the dumbass who forgets "great sports cities" like Houston and Buffalo and that can't win a major championship in any major sports. Philly doesn't have any NFL titles. Has one the same number of World Series titles as the Atlanta Braves in 100+ years in baseball. The Flyers that haven't won since the very early '80's.

[coach bill]

Melanie- We are meeting at Shots, a sports bar on the patio at the forum. The mgr. will reserve us a spot ( several tables). We will meet from 6-7:30 and Hockey Chic will take all our info and send us a list of all our friends with funny names.Can't wait to meet you and your daughter. Sorry Hockey Chic. You probably didn't know you were "working" Sat. night. You're an awesome Chic, Hockey Chic!

[Melanie]

I am still planning on making it on Saturday to the get-together! Where is it we are meeting again?? Oh, if there is a "Melanie" imposter, you can have all my debt that comes along with being me!!

Anyways...I am looking forward to Saturday’s game because it will be nice to see Boyle and Lukowich; however, they are not in the TBL sweaters!!

I was not at last night’s game but I did listen to it. I am glad TBL won and that makes one. Let's hope the momentum keeps coming and they make it two on Saturday.

Patrick - I agree with you that Barrie needs to take a hike. We NEED enforcers to watch the backs of his teammates. We need some a--kickers!!! I know Gratton can hold his own; I am not worried about that. But our enforcers (Roy and Tarnasky) are gone. I am NOT happy about that. I'd hate to see the end result of the guy that picks on Artyukhin. I am more than sure he can fight. I was under the impression that the new owners wanted to be a tougher team. Maybe I misunderstood their wants.

See you all (I hope) on Saturday evening!! Just remind me where and what time. OH...I will have my 5 year old daughter with me and she is a HUGE Lecavalier fan!!

Zbohom, ktorá teraz!

rbc what are the lifetime winning percentages of the Lightning, Rays and Bucs?

Could that be why ESPN named Tampa as the worst lifetime sports market in the states?

Enjoy the current winning because it was paid for by endless laughing stock teams and their resultant #1 picks and it never lasts long.

To boast about it is laughable.

[Boltflasher]

Let's see, Koci...41 seconds ice time and 4 minutes in penalties taking no one with him to the box...not a good ratio to keep yourself on the team or get playing time...

[Boltflasher]

Talking about sour grapes and the negativity on this blog, near my section were some people in BoSox gear who cheered for Atlanta because they were pissed the Rays beat their Sox. The Bolts, I'm sure, are thankful for the money they paid for the tickets anyway...

[Tony]

Excellant post Patrick..What league is Barrie watching?

[Max Hunter]

To the fans that have to endure few people making ridiculous comments -

Just ignore the ignorant.
Just ignore the ignorant.
Just ignore the ignorant.

If you respond they will respond.

Max

[Geografer]

Ajax - you want to know why Roberts was on the ice with 40 seconds to play? See the above info about him also being an investor with Barrie. Hope the guys on the team are willing to open their checkbooks as it seems if you want to play or just want to be on the team all you need to do is invest with Barrie and you are golden!

[Patrick]

In relation to Len Barrie saying there is no need for a guy like David Koci, and that there are no tough guys in the eastern conference, or heavy hitters who need to be neutralized:

Atlanta: Eric Boulton, Exelby, Thorburn
Boston: Shawn Thornton, Lucic
Buffalo: Andrew Peters
Carolina: Wade Brookbank, Lacouture
Florida: --Wade Belak, Boynton, Ballard
Montreal: Georges Laraque
New York Rangers: Colton Orr, Voros
Ottawa: Chris Neil, Jarkko Ruttu
Philadelphia: Riley Cote, Downie, Asham
Pittsburgh: Eric Godard, Brooks Orpik
Toronto: -- Hollweg, Jamal Mayers
Washington: Donald Brashear, John Erskine, Bradly

This list speaks for itself. But who cares about Vinny's, Marty's or Stamoko's health and peace at mind. Lets all just hope they don't get their heads run through the boards or have sticks slammed over there hands and legs. Because who needs to worry about that when you have Len Barrie dropping the gloves and running his mouth. Go back to your resort....nobody wants you here.

[Mike S.]

When they play someone with a decent record... or not lose a game in the third period... or get a defense... then maybe they'll be some excitement. I used to be an ardent supporter of the Lightning (even through the misery of last year)... that was until the advent of Mullet Boy. The Lightning have regressed to the 1980's because that's all Melrose knows. It's not "old school," it's just old. I love the bay area... always have. I still keep up with the Lightning (otherwise I wouldn't be posting here) but will never watch or go to a game until Melrose is gone (hopefully soon). The condition of the Lightning is so very disappointing. It truly saddens me to have watched a class act in the past become nothing more than a bunch of wanna-be thugs wandering around the ice without much direction.
As for the Rays... yeah, I got a feeling they're going to take it all and good for them. I've been a fan of there's from the beginning.

[rbc]

The fantastic sports area known as tampa bay, has rays playing for the world series and also the super bowl winning bucs along with, bulls, gators and a whole host of other events, the attendance was fine and has been for 15 years, who wants to move to canada, not gonna happen, also last i recall 2 teams were moved cause you could not pay people to attend the games. the haters are just jealous because the bay area is gonna to have a another championship team in about ten days.

[Casper]

Nice job last night, Gang.

We need to kick it up a notch on Saturday; any club that can do without a Kyle McLaren on defense is going to be tough. (It's the s y s t e m ) DFB will only be on the ice for 30 minutes or so, (therefore, don't count on scoring while he sits, catching his wind.) and he'll have one heck of an axe to grind.

Similarly, I fully expect Matt Carle to go out there like a pit bull with an attitude and show San Jose what they cast aside. We want to see Sharks laying on the ice with #5 standing over them, taking the puck and driving forward, NEVER backward!

Keep progressing and doing your assignments; jump over the wall each time and take it to 'em! Let them worry about us!

Which Lightning team will show up? The puck-hungry ones, I hope.

Every shift. Every game, one at a time. Win.

Go Bolts!

I'm hoping we take the momentum from this game and take down the Sharks. We should get some serious momentum if we can beat the sharks and take that on the road next week for two quick road wins although Buffalo next thursday will be our hardest game so far this season

[ajax]

Ya can't please everyone. When we commit penalties we are horrible and slow and a joke. When we get a PPlay we are lucky to win. Jeepers Creepers.
Last year I thought we were lucky everytime we won. This year we have been in every game and lately we have carried the play for most of the game. 6 games into the season and for me and only me, I see improvement, I see competitiveness, and that is a good sign in any business. I just wish we would of kept Homer instead of Smith. Small chuckle allowed.

[Mike S.]

They want you to pay the inflated prices to go to the game. It doesn't appear there is any profit in televising the games unless they're playing the Red Wings or other good team.

I don't mind versus but in 2008 for an NHL game not to be covered by either teams regional affiliate is concerning to me. You couldn't watch this game if you wanted to and i wanted to.

If you look at the NHL's schedule there are several other games that will have the same thing happen (i didn't see any upcoming lightning games not covered)

The NHL is only hurting themselves not requiring these games to be televised and I'd also like to see another network pick up games.

[Mike S.]

Savor the win as they'll be few and far between. I hear the NHL is going to try to put another team in Toronto (expansion or move). I'm tellin' ya... OK Hockey is going to decimate the team and move 'em with Mullet Boy the unwitting dupe (kinda like real life).

[David]

A win is a win is a win.

The 3rd period collapse again is concerning.

Even more concerning was the lack of tv coverage. I saw Bruins were on the network that must not be mentioned. I guess they have the right to blackout local games when they do a national broadcast.

Wake up Bettman and kill the current tv contract. Give it away to ESPN, or pay them and write it off as marketing expenses.

[Craig]

Yeah, we kinda brokedown a little bit in the 3rd period but I loved what I saw from the team last night.

Malone, Reechi and Roberts all came out with a lot of grit and determination from the opening puck drop. Arty continues to impress with his hitting(he devastated some dudes last night), puck handling and skating, although he still occassionally turns it over in the neutral zone. But he continues to be one of the hardest working guys out there along with Marty who was everywhere.

And I can't get over how impressive Ranger looks. He's slimmer, faster and playing smarter. There was one shift where a Thrasher was cruising up the boards with the puck and instead laying a check, he took an angle and took out his stick with his body and took possession. Smart play. Hard to explain, you had to see it. And Smitty had some unbelievable saves last night.

Give it time...

Finally a win, hope they can keep it rolling against the Sharks. I love Melrose but in my opinion our coaching as far as strategies and gameplanning isn't working.

Maybe he should go work for the big ESPN hype machine again cos lord knows he helped the lightning hype machine sell tix in the offseason

[Patrick]

Len Barrie is so full of it.

This team is starting to resemble the George W. Bush administration. But the difference is, they're no where's near as entertaining as them....though they are almost as inept.

[Don in St. Pete]

I think DC is right that they were a little tight in the 3rd. It bears noting that Roberts and Jokinen were out there for both Trash goals. Good to get one under our belts and a couple days rest to get ready for the Shanks. I'm looking forward to seeing Boyle victimized for a couple goals. Go Bolts!

[rbc]

Hockeybay, at least it wasn't the bolts in the box, as has been the case in the last 5 games! They still had to score the goal too. We won the game, come on, are you people so petty that how we won it is comming into question? You people need to get lives and enjoy the win. I'll bet fly-fans won't bit** after their first win or how they won it. Still early and looking better every game, hopefully melrose has the team work on playing a full 60 min. and trying not to sit on the lead. You know for you whiners they played 6 games and got points out of 4 of the games, goaltending and defense have been suprisingly good!!! go bolts!

[keith]

Well Mr Anon, welcome to the friendless, nutjob, negative blog, so glad you could contribute and join our fold. Get over yourself. The whole point of a blog is to have a forum to express personally your point of view. Dont like what you see, check out a little wheel thing on your mouse....its called scroll. Try it if what you're reading doesn't sit well with you. As for lack of contributors,its posts such as yours that others get tired of reading and stay away. C'mon this is for fun. Want something serious to worry about? Worry who the next president is going to be.....thats a serious concern.

[HockeyBay.com]

It was nice they picked up a win, but they blew a 2-0 lead as usual and the only reason they won is because Atlanta got a penalty in OT...

[madgal]

No mention of the non-called St Louis goal last night...all of us sitting in section 103 saw it They even showed it on the jumbotron during the first intermission...

Just a handful of posts after the first win of the season? Guess people would rather kvetch.

Proving once again that with a few exceptions an internet forum is essentially a gathering place for friendless nutjobs and negative whiners, who have noplace else to gather because they are friendless nutjobs and negative whiners

Go Bolts, congrats Smitty, Vibrator (1st point of season), MVP line and Coach Melrose.

OK, one little issue here. Whoever is in charge of the PA taunts our guys after they allowed the tying goal by playing The Who's line "The change it had to come/We knew it all along"?!?!? Yo Einstein--pay close attention--you play that after _WE_ score in the final half minute to tie the game. Make sense?

Let this be the next headline - Lightning Shocks Sharks in Tampa Bay

[keith]

A win is a win. Two points in the bag and on we go. Its not "how" but "how many". In March no one will be thinking about a lead (and almost game) surrendered late. Looking forward to see Boyler back in SPTF again, albeit in a different uni.

[coach bill]

Way to go, Bolts. Nice move Hockey Chic. Hope all can make it to the Happy Hour on Sat. night at Shots from 6-7:3family friendly). So far, we have Tackleberry,Hockey Chic,bingo, Olin, Lightning Rod, Tampa Wine Guy,Herb and daughter,Keith, Casper,me,and hopefully Melanie and DC and a call from Leo in Montreal. If you're coming please let me know so I can give them a head count.
Anymore posts probably won't be me as we are getting alot of imposters who write insulting things and use our names. We're not at all like that.

[Steve-O]

Great to get the monkey off our back, but we gave up a chance in the 3rd to put it back in its cage. Is it conditioning or confidence that allows the breakdown in the third? Gotta finish. #1 rule in sports you gotta finish. Lots of positives last night and Smitty is proving some folks wrong (so far) He is giving his team a chance to win and that should foster more confidence for the forwards to attack, as the season progresses. Points in each of the last four games is definitely the right direction. Now come the Sharks and a very emotional game for a lot of folks. Are we up for the task?

[**The Real Hockey Chic**]

Can you say Hell Yes!!!! Woo Hoo!! Way To Go!

What I saw last night was sheer determination and grit to get their first win and for it to be against the trashers that was even sweeter.

My friend and I got picked to move down to the 129 section right after the start of second period. We where 6 or so rows from the ice. To the left of the goal mouth.

What grit, what determinaton on everyones part to win that game. Now that is how you get er done fellas. Congrats to all. MSL way to set up the game winner and MVP line. Great work on everyones part..

Go Bolts!!! Lets keep the mo rolling..

Let's look at a list of Barrie's investors to determine who will be on the roster next week. These guys are joke owners. What a travesty!!!

[ajax]

Looking thru the stat box and uncovered just one question. What was Gary Roberts doing on the ice with 40 seconds to play? He played less than any forward yet was on the ice with 40 seconds to go?? Crazy man.