Marek Malik? Lightning blue line in flux

Marek Malik could be the next addition to the Lightning's ever-evolving defense. The 6-foot-5, 233-pound unrestricted free agent is expected in Tampa this week, though it is unclear if he will sign a one-year, $1-million contract or practice as a tryout.

Add the expected return, perhaps as soon as Thursday against the Islanders, of Paul Ranger (shoulder), and Saturday's addition of Lukas Krajicek, and you have a real episode of Extreme Makeover.

After the team (0-2-1) allowed 126 shots, the worst three-game stretch in club history, it needs it.

Malik, 33, a 12-year veteran, spent the past three seasons with the Rangers. But his relationship last season with coach Tom Renney was stormy. The New York Daily News reported Malik, after a January victory, refused to shake Renney's hand. Renney would normally shake his players hands in the locker room after victories. When Malik refused, some teammates got in his face.

Coach Barry Melrose on Sunday said the Lightning's defense has to be better with puck possession.

"It's composure," he said. "If you have a guy like (Chris) Pronger, and you have a guy like (Nicklas) Lidstrom, where they have the experience to, when they're under pressure, take take an extra step and make a direct pass; right now, our D, when they're under pressure, it's around the boards."

Beyond that, Melrose would like more physical play off his blue line, and that's where Malik, who has 584 penalty minutes in 649 career games, might help.

Bottom line, Melrose said, "What's happening now is unacceptable."

Other notes: Ranger said he will know Monday or Tuesday if he will play on Thursday, and Melrose said the team is as confident as it has been about a quick return. If nothing else, Ranger's return will help with puck possession and the transition and lower the average 27:32 of ice time Matt Carle is lugging. ... Center Jeff Halpern (knee) said he is skating an hour a day five days a week and still expects a mid- to late-December return. As for the absurd rumors Halpern has gotten fat and his career is over, I can tell you, that is not even close to being true. ... Merlose joked of the three-game season, "It feels like 30."

Comments

[ajax]

Damian, your post is a ditto of the past 2+ years for this camper. AT LEAST MELROSE RECOGNIZES THE WRAP AROUND IS NOT HOCKEY. Torts I believe preeched this type of play. Knowing this is a problem is 70% of curing it. Melrose talks about the D and uses words like more physical and hold the puck an extra second, skate an extra second etc. I think all those private chats I have been having with him at Hattrick's is paying off!!! YES YES YES Virginia. Feaster use to get on TV and say he thought we had the best D in hockey and never crack a smile. This is a good Sunday Lightning faithful!!!

[Goalman]

If Malek comes,who goes? Craig? Ward?

[David]

Carle sucks.

[danger]

Our D certainly is scary right now. The addition of a strong, solid defensemen in Malik would help us to be more physical down low, and in front of the net, but if that is what Melrose is looking for why is Smaby in the AHL? I've watched him play in college, and from what I saw in the pre-season I didn't expect him to be sent down. And speaking of Melrose...Hey Berry do you see that kid with the number 91 on his jersey sitting in front of you? How about you play him. You're telling everyone how good this kid is going to be and you've got him baby sitting the water bottles on the bench.

[Tackleberry]

Danger, I agree with you about Stammer. He only played 6 min. Huh?????

How is he suppose to gain experience at 6 min per game? So he made a few turnovers, big deal. I dont think he had more turnovers than anyone else last night. Let him take his lumps.

I have a great view of Koules and Barrie's suite. Barrie had his head down when Carolina scored their 3d. I think it was the same reaction everyone had in the forum.

Barrie is right about giving the team time. I think they are good. They need that first win for a HUGE confidence builder. I will still give them till DECEMBER to post any bashings.

Go Bolts and Rays!!

[Boltflasher]

Malik, a tryout? If he can't make this squad he should never touch a hockey stick again...

[Dave]

Yes ranger will help, Halpern is great but 30 games will be gone when he comes in,BUT having a patchwork DEFENSE with 2 of the D not even in our training camp and a 3rd Malik on the way. what the hek were they thinking , that we would just score 6 goals EVERY game. Goalies have been great.where are Consistent 60 minute Defenseman. What were they Thunkin. Heward?Niskala,& 1st & 2nd year Dmen,then Dumping one D man(obrien) for another with less experience. band aids thats all.we have all these great players,But there just names, /ESPN TV Coach Cmon, I thought, Okay, Tochett will bring something."Not"..take a page from the rays- TEAMWORK & coaching & Defense,also counting on a 18 year old is just fantasy,and laying everything on malone is to musch for him obviously.Like quellet they had success in Pitt. Thats all.Its okay i love the boltz but they didnt think this thru.Hope I'm wrong

[Boltflasher]

Big Marek was a +7 in 42 games with NYR last year...

[coach bill]

Attn. all Bloggers- there is a Bloggers Happy Hour planned for Sat. Oct. 25th at Shots ((on the patio) from 6-7:30. Please let me know if you're coming so I can tell the mgmt. of a count.

[Boltflasher]

Question: When Halpern returns do we end the Gary Roberts experiment?

[Nan]

Melrose (and/or Lawton) sees the light! We're getting a veteran defenseman for a change.
I just hope Melrose can figure out a way to get Stamkos in the game more. I know he doesn't normally do the power play and certainly not the penalty kill but what gives? Only 6 minutes?

[Boltflasher]

If the D is in flux, where's Doc Brown when you need him?....we need the flux capacitor?

[Beau]

Marek Malik is horrible. I understand the team is desperate, but this guy is bad, and the fact that anybody would think he is going to make our defense even remotely more physical is just ridiculous. Malik is probably one of, if not the softest big defenseman out there.

[keith]

Poor Ranger.....he's coming back and everyone is waiting for him to be the solution. One monkey dont make a circus.

[keith]

Beau.....big men softies. We love 'em in Tampa. Kubina, Kuba, Malik will fit right in. Lets hope his handbag is just a little heavier than Carle's and Krajicek's

[Don in St. Pete]

Malik, Was a healthy scratch for the playoffs plus 21 regular season goals. I guess he had a problem with Renney. The guy does have phenomenal +/- numbers over his career, including +28, +32 and +7 the past 3 years. Check out the Stamkos like move he pulled ona shootout goal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlplXgDMDdA

[Boltflasher]

I think the situation on D is such that instead of criticizing a guy who's not even here yet, we should be asking him to hurry up and get here...

[Pd]

Agree, throw him in there. Maybe he could hit somebody.

[CM]

Detroit put defenseman Kyle Quincey on waivers because they have too many NHL players for the roster spaces they have available. He might be an affordable pickup for Tampa.

[Guli]

trust me, as a Rangers fan you do not want to count on Malik to be your savior. For his "physical" play, don't let the numbers fool you, we hated him because he had such a huge body and never used it

[Don in St. Pete]

Guli, Malik may not be the physical presence we need but he may offer more ability and composure than what we have now. You don't get those kind of +/- numbers by playing bad. It seems we had 6 breakaways where we just blew by your D in Prague. If we could have buried more than 1 of those we might have won a game or 2 from you over there. A lot of the big d-men average less than a hit a game. Check out Pronger and Niedemayer. Skill with the puck and positional play are important too.

[Boltflasher]

Wow, bloody ending to Ducks-Coyotes, with a linesman bloodied during a fight, and Gretkzy wanting to come off the bench to go after...Pronger!...uh, Wayne, calm down, you don't want a piece of Pronger...

[Goose]

Halpern skating one hour a day ?

DC,
Please let us know when he's skating/practicing with the team.

I believe he's finished, until he gets back into the lineup.

[msp]

I agree with danger. Smaby should be up here, at least for now while they are figuring things out and with injuries. Bring up Smabes for Gods sakes. Who agrees???

Go Bolts!

[leanmean43]

The defense moved the puck well for 2 periods and we outshot Carolina until the third. For some reason the team started to sit back and play it safe in the third and that's what led to all the penalties. I don't know if Melrose told them to sit back in the neutral zone or what, but that's when it hit the fan. If the Defense plays like they did the first two periods for a whole 60 minutes they aren't that bad.

Sure it sucks that they lost when it should have been an easy game, but those first two periods really showed how much potential the team has. I am the only one that saw that? The young D just needs some poise in the third period and make the first pass instead of dumping the puck in the neutral zone.

[Joe in DE]

Hi guys, as a Ranger fan I figured I'd chime in on this one.

Most Ranger fans would have been willing to trade Malik for a bucket full of AIDS. Aside from Tom Poti and Denis Potvin, there haven't been many players who have felt the wrath of the MSG crowd worse than Malik. The Rangers are certainly better without him, but truth be told, I don't think he's as bad as he got portrayed in NY.

He is a big guy at 6'6", but don't think for a second that he's a physical D man. He's not, but he's not afraid of getting hit like Sister Christian Backman, who we pawned off on Columbus. Malik, is a typical European D man, who is more stick work than muscle and grit. He's not the fastest skater and can be beat with speed. However, he was a scapegoat for the Rangers. Many times Rozsival would pinch and get caught and hang Malik out to dry on odd man rushes. Malik would get the ire of the fans even though he was smart enough to stay in position. He will occasionally score and doesn't have a bad shot. He can make a good outlet pass and get your forwards the puck coming out of the defensive zone, which judging by the two games you played against us, you need like a cure for cancer. Your top forwards can't score if they can't get the puck, and Malik could help you with that. That said, there will be moments where he will commit and egregious turnover and you will want to strangle him. Most of all, playing for a team and city where the spotlight doesn't burn so bright, along with a clean slate will do a world of good for him. Not all players are cut out to play in NY.

He made 2.5 mil/per as a Ranger, but considering he was a healthy scratch by the end of his term here, he could likely be had for half of that. He's an unfailably nice guy, dedicated to his family, and I wish him the best of luck

[Voice of the Turtle]

In his NHL career in Carolina, Vancouver, and New York, Marek Malik demonstrated skills as an effective stay-at-home defenseman. He is skillful at using his huge wingspan and knows how to throw his hips and elbows around to protect the puck, clear the front of the net, and sustain a physical presence. Assuming that he is in decent shape and his game has not degenerated over the summer, he would likely be a very useful and steadying addition to the Lightning blueline. Marek would also blend in nicely with the growing number of classy Chech players on the Lightning roster.

Does anyone remember his breath-taking shootout goal as a Ranger a few years ago? I loved it!

[Voice of the Turtle]

In his NHL career in Carolina, Vancouver, and New York, Marek Malik demonstrated skills as an effective stay-at-home defenseman. He is skillful at using his huge wingspan and knows how to throw his hips and elbows around to protect the puck, clear the front of the net, and sustain a physical presence. Assuming that he is in decent shape and his game has not degenerated over the summer, he would likely be a very useful and steadying addition to the Lightning blueline. Marek would also blend in nicely with the growing number of classy Chech players on the Lightning roster.

Does anyone remember his breath-taking shootout goal as a Ranger a few years ago? I loved it!

[Voice of the Turtle]

In his NHL career in Carolina, Vancouver, and New York, Marek Malik demonstrated skills as an effective stay-at-home defenseman. He is skillful at using his huge wingspan and knows how to throw his hips and elbows around to protect the puck, clear the front of the net, and sustain a physical presence. Assuming that he is in decent shape and his game has not degenerated over the summer, he would likely be a very useful and steadying addition to the Lightning blueline. Marek would also blend in nicely with the growing number of classy Chech players on the Lightning roster.

Does anyone remember his breath-taking shootout goal as a Ranger a few years ago? I loved it!

[Voice of the Turtle]

In his NHL career in Carolina, Vancouver, and New York, Marek Malik demonstrated skills as an effective stay-at-home defenseman. He is skillful at using his huge wingspan and knows how to throw his hips and elbows around to protect the puck, clear the front of the net, and sustain a physical presence. Assuming that he is in decent shape and his game has not degenerated over the summer, he would likely be a very useful and steadying addition to the Lightning blueline. Marek would also blend in nicely with the growing number of classy Chech players on the Lightning roster.

Does anyone remember his breath-taking shootout goal as a Ranger a few years ago? I loved it!

[Boltflasher]

Joe in DE, thank you for take on Malik from the NY point of view!!

[sully]

As a ranger fan I would also like to echo the thoughts of Joe in DE. Malik is a large D man but will never toss out those punishing hits like a Pronger or Phaneuf. He will although make good plays with his stick and make a decent first pass. On the other hand he is in fact the softest 6 foot 6 D man you will ever seen and he will occasionally make terribly decisions with the puck. The most important thing to remember is that he played first line minutes for most of his time with the rangers, which he is not suited for. If Tampa can sign him for second or third line minutes for a million or less per year he might be worth it. Just don't expect much and don't sign him for a lot.

[Hockey Chic]

Morning fellow bloggers,

I assume everyone including the bolts are over their hang overs as I would hope that someone tied one on after what I assumed was a pretty stinky game.

I did not see it yet as it was taped while I was on the ice and at the tourney. I kept coming off the ice to the bench asking my coach ok whats the score. He said he did not know but he was getting updated on the rays scores. lol Guess he did not want me distracted.

Anywho we won the Keg!!! It was a shut out 3-0 and I had to leave there hall butt back to the tourney in ellenton and be back on the ice at 7:30 am. I did it and it was always great playing with my team.

I know Barry, OK and Barrie are hoping we calm down about the losses and we need to but lets turn this next game around and get a win. It sounded to me like we took some pretty bad penalities and that definitely needs to stop.

The chic will be in the house and looking forward to rooting on the bolts and getting our first of many I hope home game wins.

Go Bolts!!!!

ps coach bill I will be at the bloggers happy hour.

[pj]

As a fan of the NY Rangers, you do not want any part of Malik. He stinks. He once scored an amazing shootout goal for the rangers to win a game. That was about the only good think he does. For a big guy, he NEVER throws the body. He is prone to coughing up the puck. He was the object of relentless booing at MSG. STAY AWAY!

[Steve]

If Malik is the answer, what could possibly be the question? He's terrible, I'd much rather have Quincey off of waivers from Detroit. If we are looking for a more physical defenseman, Smaby is a much better option already than Malik is. He is not a good puck mover, is a head case, and this just in, he's not physical (despite his size).

[NYR FAN]

As a Rangers fan during malik are here's what I got to say about him.

Don't get your hopes up guys.Yes maybe he was treated wrong in NY but for every nice pass he'll commit 2 3 turnovers he's slow he beat easily with speed and wheb that happens he has a habit of hooking players.Out of 600+ pen minutes around 450 is hooking and tripping calls.He does not hit at all.He doesn't fight or stick up for his teamates.He has great +/- but don't let that fool you.He always played withb good players.Last 3 years he played with Jagr so his last 3 seasons Jags was the reason for his +. Good luck to him and you guys he's a great person but a bad dman in new NHL.

PS they shouldve never let Torts go and deff they shouldve never hired that clown Melrose.If you guys get a good coach ull be a powerhouse

[slapshot]

Bring Back Mihalik

[Arto]

Hi guys!

I don't like Malik in our team at all.
Besides that I have a question. What do you think about Prospal's play this season? How about making some changes in our top line? (maybe moving up Vrbata or Malone to help them or do you think that's better not to mess with the MVP?)

[Bobo]

As a NY fan that defended Malik I can tell you this.

He is a good stay at home D-man and does not get caught much up ice. He plays his position well and had some of the best plus minus in the league.

He is not physical but he is is a big guy. He played into the fans dog house by having a few goals deflect off his legs from 10-15 feet out and into his net when trying to block shots.

After that he could do no right in some fans eyes and they would boo him when scoring goals or making great passes that lead to goals.

I was embarrassed as a Ranger fan for the way they treated him.

Give the guy a chance but don't expect Scott Steven type hits from him.

[Not the Marlboro Man]

I was wondering why no one took this guy back in July. He not that bad of a defender, but that's just what you get...a defender. VOT's assessment was correct on him. This will be a good move by the Bolts to get someone that knows defense. We have enough wannabee forwards and so-called power-play quarterbacks.
Back to basic hockey, keeping it simple is what wins hockey games!

[kincaid]

Malone could'nt keep up Arto

The team lacks team speed big time

[Chris QCT]

For NYC.... Malik biggest problem was he never used his size. You simply cannot big that big of a player and not play a physical game in NY without everyone getting on your case. His other issue was the speed of the game. He gets beat to the outside often and just gets beat to the puck overall.

He is big on respect. When players like Marc Staal and Dan Girardi started to knock him down the depth chart, he developed a huge chip on his shoulder. He still felt he should be a top 2 d-man when he clearly was not and did not take to the press box without disrupting the locker room.

TB looks like the Penguins did right out of the lockout. Too many changes at one time. Melrose looks more like a gimmick coach than a real one. If anything, he's the biggest problem. It does not look like he ran a good training camp.

[PD]

Bada Boom Chris. I see Melrose as a gimmick , crony choice too.
This is the stuff Koules is made of. It's Flim flam

Why were people like Burns, Maurice, Anderson not even interviewed?

[léo]

As an outsider, I think I can now ask the important question.
3 games, though enough to judge talent and chemistry, is enough to judge alignment and direction.
So I ask: Do the guys upstairs know what they're doing?
Do they listen to OTHER player evaluation reports or do they narrowmindedly only follow their's.
Marek Malik? Marek Malik???
Have you not heard what the Rangers say about him? Have you not seen what he brings for the past 2 years?
He scored a beauty 3 years ago? Ooooooh... Well, he must be GREAT then.
If the plan is to have him "stand up" at the blue line, things are gonna get much worse. It's EASIER to go around a flat-footed lug "standing up" on the blueline than a slowpoke you're breezing around.
The slowpoke can still "poke" ya.
He who stands up and MISSES on the blueline is OUTTA THE GAME!
It's only 3 games but I'd recognize that smell anywhere: Panic.
Kouliwood's plan is not transpiring as he had foreseen and now he's scramblin'.
Could be an interesting soap opera with Melrose snappin' every 2 games. Better pace himself or he'll run out've things to bash his team with by the end of the month!
P.

[Steve R]

leo,

Pretty soon he'll throw sticks around the locker room and call them "lollygaggers" ala Bull Durham.

[léo]

Ya lollygag your way through training.
Ya lollygag your way through practice.
Ya lollygag your way on the ice.
You know what that makes you?
Marvin! Tell'im!
Lollygaggers!
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!I love all the non Bolt fans on here telling us what we should and shouldn't do. I do agree if it's true they're bringing in Malik that it's a panic move. Why didn't they do it a month ago? Ranger is about to come back which changes the whole complexion of the d for the better. Our problems saturday were as much the fault of the forwards as the d. Some of this fault lies on the cheap penalties and some on the mismanagement of TOI by the coach. I welcome Malik if they are bringing him in, but the return of Paul Ranger is much more important in my view.

[deanhall]

I have watched three games in person including the 2 preseason. The D has looked the same. Are the fans and management this shocked? Matt Carle has been a yo yo (some good plays some horrible plays). Too much of the time the only way the out of the D Zone was for the forwards to do the D's dirty work in the corners and along the boards. Witness Arty coming away with the puck a number of times to get the Bolts moving up ice. Management appears to have made some bonehead decisions. But let's give 'em awhile before passing final judgment. PS: Tell Len Barrie to leave his personal feelings (Boyle) out of personnel decisions.

[schoony]

What kind of player is this malik guy?Dont know much about him...

[Karol]

I am still waiting to see the team that all the trades and buys went for !
Ok so its early.. yada yada yada ! Ya put a bunch together and what do you have.. Lightning.

I sure they shape up. Cause we have Vinny, Martin adn Vinny..Steven etc etc to deal with.

As far as Lawton ( & his cronnies) , he has to remember who he sent to the Sharks, and who is playing on a winning team now! In a way it was a blessing for Boyle.. he didn't have to play on a loosing team!
Doubt they ever lives that down!

Won't be long before St Louis decides to leave.. he has no ties or loyalty, he doesn't even live in Tampa Bay area off season. Then I wonder who will lure Vinny away ??
He will be harder to lure, since he is planted here !

Paul Ranger.. I hope he gets better fast, but please don't put all your coins on Paul.
Some of the others that are hurt.. Jeff.. I hope he gets better, but.. I also hope he decides to stop w/ hockey, his walking and legs are worth more than they can pay him!

Remember there is no loyalty w/ this new ownership.. so take care of yourself guys.. they could care less!

Oh and would someone inform the City of Tampa that their side walks and walk ways to the Forum are God Awful..
All that money coming in and they can't fix a side walk ! The stintch from the "homeless" is terrible too !
But they have to live some where !

[Joe in DE]

Chris QTC is right on as well. Malik is a very proud guy and didn't like getting knocked down the depth chart. In fact, him and Avery had gotten into a physical altercation at practice; Malik winning physically and Avery winning verbally. Him and Renney did not get along either. Malik never got respect in NY. Watch the video of his sick SO goal winner. Even the announcers are ragging on him. Then he scores the sickest goal and wins the game, and instead of celebrating hardcore, his reaction just kinda says "see f*ckers, I'm not as worthless as you think I am". Seriously, Ranger fans would boo him when he'd score. That's messed up, but it's part of playing in NY.

I chime in on this blog because I don't really have a beef with TB. If this was a Devils, Flyers or especially Islanders blog, I'd tell you to sign him and then tell you to eat s*it.

[rbc]

WOW, the sky is falling according to some of you people. Yes, they faltered in the 3rd but that will happen with all the new players and system (cut down on the stupid pen.). Hope they do not go the malik route but their team so will deal with it. I thought we had some crazy fans here in bolt land, just reading on some flyer blogs that the game against the habs is a must win for the flyers (0-1) crazy. Patience, people it will take some time they looked better sat. than the previuos game and hopefully thurs. they put a whole game together. When they play like we know they can the bolts look great, give them time.

[Don in St. Pete]

RBC, I'm with you. Stop the lazy penalties and it's a whole different game saturday night. You can cross off kyle Quincey, he was claimed by the Kings off waivers. We'll be okay whether they sign Malik or not. Ranger will be back soon and Heward had his best game so far saturday.

[Craig]

I agree with others that say Smaby or Mihalik should be brought up if our goalies keep getting peppered with 40+ SOG's. At least they bring the physical prescence and backchecking we desperately need or if nothing else, big frames to block shots or takeaway angles. I like Smaby's game and Mihalik impressed me with his skating(better then I expected). I like Ranger when he's not knocking scoring goals for the other team but we're gonna need a lot more than a rusty and probably not 100% Paul Ranger. Hopefully a change of scenery will benefit Marek and the Bolts D.

Sat. was an odd game. We started off great until the officials seemed to balance-out the penalties for Carolina in the 2nd/3rd periods. That coupled with us content on sitting on a 3 goal lead let them back in it.

Too bad we gave that goal up 24sec. left in OT because if we had gotten to the SO, that'd be practically an automatic 2 big points for the Bolts.

At least the effort was better, for the 1st two periods than the 2 games in Prague combined.

On a side note, it was cool to see the amount of support the Rays got at the game from the fans and the organization. This area's actually starting to become a great sports community!

[Troy]

Rangers fan chiming in... not a typical Rangers fan ( or NHL fan ) but one that actually watches the game away from the puck.

Malik should be in the NHL somewhere. Malik is no physical punisher which the article might have one believing and it's true a lot of Rangers fans got on Malik for not using his body as obviously as they would like.

BUT... when a guy his size leans on you in front or on the boards, it wears you out...this is where his size comes into play on the physical level. Most fans of the game only care about the big open ice hits... well forget it, Marek isn't throwing those... but he will wear out opponents and he will make some teams change their game plan to work the other side to get into the zone. Malik is outstanding positionally and has exceptional reach, he also doesn't get shaken by a missed play. He is a high quality veteran leader and a calming influence on the blue line.

When someone writes about the "Rangers players getting into his face about not shaking Renney's hand" keep in mind that the Rangers have been a team with a divided locker room for at least 2 seasons... possibly even longer.

The proof of Malik's play is in his plus minus. Sometimes that stat can be a bit of a hit or miss kind of thing.. but in Malik's case it shows his game.

In the past 5 seasons he was a plus 125 good enough for top 5 in the league. That says something.

What else says something is that he was paired with Rozsival the majority of his stay in New York and Malik during those 3 seasons is a plus 67 ( 185 games ) while his partner was only a plus 45 ( in 242 games ).

Doing the math that would mean Rosy should have had roughly the same Plus 67 in the games he played with Malik... so how does he end up 22 points behind him? it had to be the minus 22 he was in the 57 games he played without Malik.

Malik was the best defensive player the Rangers had the past 3 seasons... he isn't flashy at all... he isn't a great outlet passer... but he is solid, great positioning and stays at home... I can't think of someone who fills what are obviously giant needs in Tampa right now better.

[Topshelf]

I am up for signing Malik at a reduced price. He is not a savior for the D, but would provide a more solid anchor on the 2nd or third pair. He has had not good but great +/-. Many seasons he has been the top +/- guy on his team.

What bringing Malik could do is really ground our D. With a Ranger return, Carle then drops heavy minutes and thats a good thing. I like Carle but as others mentioned before, he makes mistakes and if you can cut down on his time out there, less mistake. Also Heward should be far from 20 mins a game he is getting, even though he had two assist Saturday night, he should be nothing more than a 6th or 7th d-man.

Sign Malik to $1.2 mill or less, anything more isn't worth it and Smaby or Mihalik would do fine.

[Steve R]

Trying to find confirmation, but word on one of the Caps blogs is that Ranger's prospect Cherepanov had his heart stop after a collision with Jagr.

[Not the Marlboro Man]

Building a team from the goal out is essential in the NHL. I hope this band of Yahoos have figured this out by now. This team disassembled a pretty mediocre defense for a terrible one. Who ever said that they needed to bring up Smaby and Mihalik is correct. The kid Heward is terrible, I have never liked Meszaros that much and he has yet to show me anything. They paid way too much money for Meszaros and dumped three pretty good defenders for very little in return. Luckowich, Picard and Kuba were all fine. If they would have brought up Mihalik and Smaby along with Carle and Ranger, I think they would have been fine, at least until the trade dead-line. Now they have no consistency and no chemistry. This team is going to have to make a decision...whether to be a Helter Skelter team which they are now...or be a real team and develop a defensive approach that will work. I'm sick and tired of watching hockey games with forward minded defenseless defense-men. I'd take a team that stays at home with the defense any day to the pinch and choke odd man rush machine that we have seen thus far. Melsore might not be a fan of the trap but he's getting his @$$ handed to him by lack of defensive knowledge and his inability to adapt to the situational play. This is not a good hockey team right now and the message that they exhibited after the other night's loss to Carolina was not to panic...but they are doing just that. Brian Lawton and company made some fatal mistakes during the free agency period that are now making this season's beginning pretty miserable. The main problem is 1) they failed to recognize a need for a coach who has more prowess than style. 2) They have failed to recognize that defense is essential for winning hockey games. 3) too much experience isn't alway as necessary as you might think. When they added Gary Robert and Mike Recchi both I shook my head. Why two old guys, why not use some of that money and grab a defenseman. Well as they say, the chickens are coming home to roost. The gimmicky approach to the NHL might sell tickets in the off-season but it won't sell any during the season. The only thing that will sell tickets in this town is winning, not gimmicks. Its too late to get back the names that were all traded away in the off-season but they are going to have to to re-assess their approach because it simply isn't working. Melsore and Lawton are going to have to find a happy medium to work with right now before they start pointing the finger at one another, its only a matter of time before this happens. The sad thing is that both of them are at fault.

[léo]

R.I.P. Alexei.
Condolences from Mtl.
P.

[jim-nj]

malik would be an improvement but wouldn't be a contribution for much success. And melrose is a joke. But I don't blame the team for trying with him.

[PD]

Ditto on Alexei

[Craig]

Ah man, Alexei Cherepanov never recovered. Extremely sad news for his family and the Rangers oganization.

R.I.P.

[Steve R]

That is such a shame, prayers go out to his family.

[PD]

Marlboro, point by point.. 100% dead on.
Well posted.

[DCA]

If you want a physical defenseman, check out Kyle McLaren, who has been waived and sent to the minors by San Jose, to make room for Boyle and Lukovich. I bet Barry would want either or both of them back right now.

[MattR]

Barry Melrose on Lundin. "He realizes he’s not the biggest or strongest guy out there. He uses his stick and body positioning. He is a smart kid.”

but what do i know? watch the kid play and you'll stop saying he's not good enough. or atleast you will if you know a thing about hockey.

sorry but i had to continue to prove my point that anyone that says Lundin isn't good enough for the NHL doesn't know hockey. the end. :)

[Tony]

Quincey was claimed by the Kings...

[Boltflasher]

Troy, thanks for your informative post on Malik!

[Don in St. Pete]

RIP AC! What is it with these young athletes now-a-days? God bless his family. NTMM, I personally believe you're a little hasty in your assesment. While I agree they may have been a little optomistic in their assesment or our defense, I still think it's too early to throw the team, the coach, the GM and the owners all under the bus at the same time. With a young d there will be bumps in the road, but if you remember the playoffs in 07" who was our best player? It was a rookie Paul Ranger ( who also scored 10 goals last year despite playing half the season with a torn labrum in his shoulder). Matt Carle will be a good player. It's just a matter of whether or not you have the time and patience to live with his mistakes. The forwards deserve as much of the discredit as the D for the dismal performance in the first 3 games, including the over abundance of penalty minutes they've taken. While I'm not a fan of unbalacing the lines, there could be some merit in dropping Malone to play with Grats and Hall, dropping Roberts to play with Jussi and Recchi and moving R2KN up with Stamkos and Vrbata. The speed of this second line would eliminate there defensive liabilities as the puck would be in the opponents end most of the time. This would also allow theMVP line to be reunited.

[PD]

Catch 22 there Don
Move some speed up sure but man those last two lines will have circles skated around them judging from the speed of the league this year/

[Boltflasher]

Yes, move R2Kin to Stamkos line and we'll see Stammer's 1st goal...

[Boltflasher]

Ryan Malone, is, Im afraid, too slow for the top 2 lines (which is why you rarely saw Andreychuk on top 2 lines except on PP)...Malone could still be impact player same way but he needs to stop taking so many penalties...makes sense to move R2kin to Stamkos line to give that line some puck possession along with Arty's speed and rush...the bottom 2 lines are going to have to check and bang some bodies because they don't have the speed especially if Arty moves up to help Stamkos and Vrbata

[Boltflasher]

So, yes, PD, good point!

[Don in St. Pete]

PD, I saw it loud and clear in Prague. Although the Rags didn't have their $hit together yet, they still skated circles around us, which is sad as we have some skaters. Until V4 comes back full time, we are vulnerable to lopsided ice times in favor of getting our top 3 out there. I think management should be getting SS out there, even if it's for the last 15 seconds of a PK. He's been solid in the circle and we need our best players on the ice more often. I would project the following lineup for the next hgame if I were coach.

V20-V4-MSL
Vrbata-Stamkos-R2KN
Malone-Grats-Hall
Roberts-Jokinen- Recchi

Ranger- Metszaros
Malik- Carle
Krajicek- Niskala/Lundin

[PD]

Stamkos's ice time is a mystery.

Are they afraid that he will turn it over? Who doesn't?

Are they afraid he gets hurt? Makes no sense.

They desparately need some guys that can skate.

Is it too cynical to think Melrose is using the mindset of a 1995 coach where rookies learn the trade before getting their feet wet?.

There are 19 and 20 year olds playing critical minutes all over the league.

[the mullet]

Everyone is making great points, but I have to say...NTMM AMEN! Im starting a rally..BRING UP SMABY! Use the farm system...that's what it's there for. Who's with me!!

[léo]

You can't call up any players.
You've named your starting roster and are STILL trying to deal for D.
If you call up a KID from your farm who didn't make this D-DEPRIVED team in THE FIRST PLACE...
You will lose a lot of face.
It will mean that you accept to go BACK TO SQUARE ONE.
Like last year. So that claiming to be in position to take first in the division becomes a big joke.
Don't joke.
Stay serious.
Trade'em, fine.
Can't call'em up unless 3 (which is, I assume, the number of your reserves) injuries are involved.
Or do whatchoo want; what do I care?
I'm just sayin': If you start bleedin' in the water, guess whatchoo gonna attract?
Say, that reminds me: when's our next game?
P.

[Not the Marlboro Man]

Thank you Don for being a little critical of my assessment. I may have been a little eager to throw my favorite "Mullet" (not the fish) under the short bus. Do I believe this team is going to be competitive? Sure, but its going to take allot better coaching than what I've seen thus far. 6 or 7 undisciplined penalties in a row took this team right out of their stride the other night. Melsore should have way more control over this bunch than that. There is too much individual play, way too much lackadaisical play and not enough action behind the bench. I know that Melsore is rusty from sitting behind that ESPN logo for all these years but that's no excuse when you have essentially three of the best forwards in the game, a solid goal-tending corps and a 6'8" and a 6'5" stud staging in Norfolk when they should be crushing bones in Tampa.

I'm not too worried yet, but if they continue this lousy style of defense and refuse to defend the neutral zone and blue-line they will continue to struggle and will wear out even the best of goalies.

Melsore is worried about his d-men making that first pass out of the zone a more efficient one. If you stop the odd man rushes followed by 3 minutes of tiring play in your own zone, you want have to worry about that "efficient" pass as much.

This front office just don't get it. Small defensemen that can quarterback a power-play don't cut it when defending your zone. That's why I was mad as hell when they got rid of Picard. With Picard, Smaby and Mihalik, it was their best chance to achieve success this season at the blue line. Now they are back to square one again and looking for answers. Where is the physical play they promised? Where are the big aggressive defensemen Melsore so greatly appreciated? Why is it so imperative to play two old-codgers in place of fast bone crushing youth? If you want to impress me, start making some good decisions behind the bench and from the front office. Sure my assessment might be hasty, but its not without some truth of what my eyes tell me and what my understanding of the game as a former college defenseman is.
In fact Melsore was once a d-man, I would expect a whole heck of allot more out of him simply because he knows the position, but he acts as if he doesn't have a clue.

[ajax]

When I read Melrose's comments I think he is dead on. For me, he talks in a language that prior Bolt clubs never got. Do you remember at about 70 games last years, Torts made a comment that they made a tweak in the penalty kill, the D was standing up on the blue line and challenging the forwards more, and I was like, NO S**T SHERLOCK. Torts had a system unique to the annals of hockey. A force everything wide, passive defense. Melrose, he doesn't butter coat it and his assessments, at least for me, are positive steps to building a winning team for the long haul. The last three years all you heard Torts and Feaster do is blame the goalie, all the while the whole hockey community was saying how terrible the Lightning D were. Net: I think Melrose does see the problem and hence probably does have a solution. Sooooo for this camper, the silver lining is that they do recognize problems. Big step over past failures. Specifically Melrose talks about the D being very comfortable wrapping the puck around the boards. I saw that 50x, are you kidding me it was more like 100x, a game for 3 years and never once did I think our coaching staff was doing anything to change it. Just the opposite, our D were taught to do this. Our forwards always went to a spot up the boards to get a pass, and it absolutely killed our transition game. Melrose at least knows this is not how to win. Big big difference over last few years teams. BIG. Just me. (disclaimer, even with Ranger back they still need to find another #4) Heward seems a tad slow to me and Lundin can't win a single battle, ever. The real way to play hockey is to keep 1 or 2 forwards at the top of the faceoff circle and count on your D to win those battles down low. Those times of our opponents cycling with the puck forever and our forwards in way to deep to help, see almost every shift of Lundin. He can be the Albert Einsteins of hockey smarts but the kid is physically over matched, IMO. Marty said what I have been saying for 3 long years. When the forwards have to help so much all they have left is to get the puck to center ice, dump and get off the ice. Melrose is dead on, they have to demand the D do the job by themselves to free the forwards to actually play offense. See 5 goals in 3 games. Just me. I would like to say this one more time(at least) the blog is full of comments about how we got rid of all of the good hockey Dmen. We were last in the NHL(actually 29th) last year. With all the groaning, please let me know why that happened with such an elite crew? I know I know, Homer couldn't stop the 7 odd man rushes we allowed every single game. It has been 3 games with 10 new faces and Melrose is assessing the situation dead on. The waiver wire is hopping, we do have some assets to trade if need be. This ain't a sprint. Hollywood inherited a last place team with nothing in the minors, his nickname is Hollywood, not Houdini!! AHHHHHHH !!!!!

[PD]

Ajax always funny how opinions that don't fit your mold are deemed groaning.

It's great that you have had a eureka moment and figured out that the system is wrong but one little problem, we don't have the talent on D to win the battles down low. ZERO. But then again its hardly all their fault.

To answer your other question,"With all the groaning, please let me know why that happened with such an elite crew? I know I know, Homer couldn't stop the 7 odd man rushes we allowed every single game"
Its actually quite simple.

Over the last couple of years, the team speed has not kept up with the NHL.

Game, set, match.

Why do you think we are getting outshot so badly regularly? Its hardly just the defence.

Once our greatest strength ,team speed, is now our greatest weakness.
Rangers skated circles around us.
Wait till you see Montreal skate

Malone Recchi Roberts Gratton etc..cement on ice.

One guy that can skate, Stamkos is never used.

The cap hirings were never scouted for speed to properly to play in the new NHL.Simple

Any player additions going forward should be vetted in that light but not likely with these Know it all clowns running the ship.

[ajax]

PD, you have only one opinion and it is 110% negative. You even labeled Vinny a drifter/floater or something like that. In reality it just killed you to see someone other than your Toronto Blue do something positive. A 52 goal score drifter. I am sure he couldn't find a spot in your awesome lineup. Your negativity gets so so old to everyone but you. You bask in it. In your mind we should have kept Richards and traded Vinny. Of course I see the D can't hold their own. Been writing that way before you showed up PD. My point is at least we have the brass in place that also sees it, and will work to correct it. For someone who follows the richest franchise on the planet and they have been stuck at a D- level for years, it never amazes me why you waste your time on a team you can't stand. Toronto invested in 3 Dmen making 5+ million and were HORRIBLE defensively last year. Maybe you could spend some time figuring out their mess for awhile?? PD you write in 100% absolutes, must be nice to know how impressive your hockey eye is. When you are enthralled by Richards and Kuba, in my simple hockey opinion, you have forever pegged yourself as not as brilliant as you label yourself. I see where Toronto gave up a 3-0 lead. Isn't that justice to see it happen to the all knowing Canadian geniuses on the blog. I hope you wrote a scathing blog from A to Z how Toronto stinks. I Know I know they are rebuilding and have a clear goal in mind. A billion dollar club rebuilding. Sort of a self admission to complete organizational failure. Toronto is allowed to rebuild(for the umteenth time I might add) but we need to be Cup ready in 10 days. Imagine a Manchester United or Real Madrid having to rebuild because of inept management for years. Unlimited resources and a horrible hockey team. I would be bitter too. AND PD the total depletion of the roster was not the fault of present management. But they are paying for the past sins, the total neglect of the farm system, etc. Feaster will never be a GM again, ever.
They inherited a wrecked ship. It will take time, something you Toronto fans should know all about. With so much negativity out of you,(oh I forgot, realism out of you) it makes me wonder what satisfaction you get out of it?? To spend so much time on something you can't stand. Crazy.

[PD]

Man you blow like MT Vesuvius Ajax.

An entire diatribe that not once refutes what I wrote, mostly because you can't so you make up a lame straw man argument and throw the Leafs in there on top.

That’s just non sensiscal to say the least.

How about my point being the Bolts biggest problem is a lack of team speed Ajax? That's my opinion. It's allowed here..ask Damian.

If you find that negative, well tough titty.

I spend up to half a year in Sarasota and have a couple of other teams that I follow. Thats just being a fan. Not allowed. Didn't see the sign.

I never blog about them unless asked.

Lack of team speed Ajax, Reality bites.

[sal the barber]

pole dancer bites too. for the love of god please stop enabling these pukes.

oh what do i care? i'll just start scrolling down to the name box and if it's an out of town nose picker, i'll skip the writing, if you could call it writing.

[ajax]

Thank-you Sal, I have been advised by many to ignore a certain blogger, but the negative negative negative gets so under my skin sometimes. That is my New Year Resolution. I will remain as stupid and blind to the obviouos truth as all of the rest of us minor league (Tampa) hockey writers. If I could of just been born in Canada!!!!

[PD]

Just grow a pair AjaxSal and try and live in a world of differing opinions.
I know its tough when you are always right.

[MJ]

Marek Malik is not the answer....you'd be better off with a traffic cone. If there's any truth to the fact that he's rarely out of position, it's only because he can't move enough to get out of position. One thing you can count on: when the game is on the line, you don't want him near the puck....if he has it, he'll make that game losing pass through the middle of the ice every time (even without pressure).