Surprise: Heward in, Koci sits

Though he said it wasn't a "total surprise," Jamie Heward said he did not know he would get thrown into the Lightning's first game when he signed a day ago a one-year, two-way contract that pays $475,000. But the veteran will be in the lineup today in Tampa Bay's season-opener against the Rangers.

"I didn't know what to expect," Heward said after the morning skate. "To play in the first game is nice."

Enforcer David Koci, whom coach Barry Melrose on Friday indicated would play, will sit out along with forward Ryan Craig and defenseman Mike Lundin. But it was Heward's insertion into the lineup that drew the most interest.

The 37-year-old, who came to the Lightning on a tryout, played in the first preseaon game against the Penguins, and, while he played well, was sent to AHL Norfolk. Heward had not yet signed a contract, and was contemplating whether to play or perhaps do a bit of coaching. Then Tampa Bay sent defenseman Andrew Hutchinson to Norfolk, and the Lightning's top six averaged just 23.8 years old.

Heward, the Lightning determined, adds a veteran presence, and in his ninth NHL season, he can step in, he said, without feeling too out of place.

"The game in Pitsburgh is still fresh in my mind," he said. "I just do what the team tried to do and emulate the same plays. I'll ease into it and do the best I possibly can for these guys."

Said Melrose: "A defenseman is never out of the game; that's what everyone should realize because they're so hard to find. We just felt he's a big body, doesn't beat himself and that's what we need right now. We've got a really young D. We're hoping he can come in and be a guy who moves the puck, plays good in our end and shoots it when he gets a chance."

Koci, who is from Prague, wouldn't say he was disappointed.

"I knew it would be hard to make the team. They signed lots of players," he said. "I like the challenge. I think I'm ready toplay every time. I just continue to work hard and wait for my chance, and when I go there, show I can play. That's all I can do. So far I'm happy and grateful to be here."

Comments

[PD]

Judging by the 2-1 advantantage in shots and Leanmean's observed neutral zone gatherings, I'm thinking Melrose had some sort of a passive trap game in play to help his defence compete.
No way they can trade rushes with the Rangers.

Today Rangers have last change so expect it to be more wide open.

Ajax I agree on the skating. Sure we have some good skaters but the speed league wise has really rocketed and we aren't classified as a fast team by any means. That was 4 years ago.

[Not the Marlboro Man]

This D-Scheme is awful. Melrose had better switch it up to something more simple and aggressive because he doesn't have the experience necessary to pinch and retreat. Better switch to a Left wing lock or trap at least half the time. Shane O'Brien continues to embarrass himself!

[Boltflasher]

People, this is Game 1, this team is still trying to find itself. The passive play in the neutral zone hints at some uncertainity and tentativeness. This team does not know what it can do yet...I do agree the D is not skating...

[Tony]

Get use to the way Vrbata's playing. You'll be seeing a lot of that or he'll be seeing a lot of the bench..

[Leanmean43]

Another point on team speed. I think the reason the bolts looked slow in today's game is because the D didn't make a crisp first pass out of the zone. Crisp first passes makes a team look a lot faster coming through the neutral zone.

It also looks like in Melrose's system he doesn't encourage them to forecheck unless the other team is deep in their own zone. I think that need's to be changed, we basically looked like New Jersey in the neutral zone. Playing passive in the neutral zone i think is a main reason for the lack of puck possesion.

[Leanmean43]

I don't think team speed is an issue, you've got speed guys like: Marty, Vinny, Stamkos, Vrbata, Jokinen, Artyukin, Recchi, and the most of the guys not on that list are at least decent skaters. Gratton is good skater for a big guy, and Malone is a decent skater for a 6'4 guy as well.

[ajax]

Don St. Pete, I think one of the concensuses on the blog is our questionable ability to skate. I have had that gnawing at me since 3 days after camp started. Old habits are hard to break. The little I saw, Mezzy knows how to turn those hips and look up and skate forward. Lots of it is just pushing yourself. It is what it is. 3 games vs. the Rangers and shots about 130-65. I don't think it is any coincidence that the Rangers shed a bunch of old guys. Good for them to cut loose name players and bring in more speed. Stamkos being one of the better skaters, and 8 minutes is a mystery, but I for one questioned his body long time ago. At his weight he will have to be an awful good skater to compete day after day. IS Vrbata the first person officially in the Melrose doghouse?? Melrose and company have to demand the D put their heads down and advance the puck. Like any machine just one part failing can have a huge domino effect on the rest. D that don't skate starts a chain reaction which means no transition and no sustained offense. We have been very poor at this for 2 years, going on three now.
These owners aren't blind, they see this big time and I am sure are going to pull the trigger on a move.(please)

[Don in St. Pete]

I'm back for a more in depth review than before as I was on my way out the door. Good observations by Bingo for the most part. Did anyone else notice than V4 did not take a shif on the PK after the first period? He also got creamed all night ( in Prague it was a 6:00PM start ) in the faceoff circle. V4 was not the best player on the ice and that's what we need him to be to win consistently. I personally wonder if he's really ready. He didn't play defense at all which is bad news for us. Gomez was the best player on the ice today, and in reality he singlehandedly beat us. He carried the puck up ice out of the defensive zone whenever he was on the ice, negating their defenseman having to deal with our forecheck. Marty was the second best player on the ice and one of our most physical. Naslund was the 3rd best player today, and though he's lost a step still has great moves and the knack for finding the open ice. He'll score 30 this year if Gomez can continue to feed him the puck. Meszaros was not moving his feet and skating in the 1st period which lead to the 2 cheap penalties which helped interrupt our strongest performance of the game. From the 5 minute mark to the 15 minute mark of the first period we dominated the Rangers. They had no answer but we undid all that by taking a succession of bad penalties ( though the one on Artyukhin was a joke, he didn't interfere with the guy he just stood his ground )which disrupted our flow enough that the 2nd period was all disjointed though our d stepped up and plyed well at times. Matt Carle played quite well today, Better than expected, and better than he has throughout the preseason, even physical at times, but this brings me back to the same problem we had last year. He's Danny Boyle without the flair and the bells and whistles. Do we really want him playing 27 minutes a game? If he continues to play those kind of minutes, it will make for a long season. I'm guessing that Melrose kept the minutes of Mihalik, Niskala and Stamkos down because it was there first NHL game. Please don't restrict these guys so much, all did quite well today, especially Mihalik who I had down as #2 in hits after R2Kin and B4 Grats, who was a stud in the faceoff circle. Jokinen finally started to fly in the 3rd period, but by all rights he's a top 2 line guy and needs more ice time. Recchi was our 3rd best player today after MSL and V4 which is a sad testament to the effort put out by some. Vrbata did very well in the 3rd period and I'm sure that line will get more ice time tomorrow. OB played his typical game. Turned inside out on one play, caught on the wrong side of the ice on another ( which lead to Naslund's goal )and on a couple of occasions just blowing guys away in the corner and passing the puck efficiently up ice to start the rush. Heward will sit tomorrow and Lundin will be back. Say what you want about Mike but it's rare when the other team scores when he's on the ice. I look for Niskala and Mihalik to get more minutes tomorrow and for the 2nd line to get 50% more ice time. Koci will almost certainly go tomorrow to try and instill a more physical element to the game. Look for Hall ( although he played well today ) or Roberts to sit, or possibly Gratton. Skate guys skate! No more standing around or not moving your feet. Let get this going! Go Bolts!

[Tom]

I've watched and written about hockey for over 30 years. I'm not presumptuous enough to think that I have all the answers or that I know more than the coaching staff.

However, Barry showed his rust today. He didn't make the best use of his players nor did it look like he had a strategy for solving Lundqvist among other things.

There was a point in the game where the Bolts were being outshot 24-4 and you just don't get many W's when that happens.

We also took it on the chin in key face-off situations, got beat to the puck, and showed no passion when passion would have helped.

And Roberts' dumb penalty! What was he thinking? If that "WWGRD" mentality was a big hit in Pittsburgh, maybe they discovered exactly what he did do and that's why he's in Tampa now.

I'm certain everyone's player of the game is Smitty. He stood on his head and his defense, well, sucked.

Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day...go Bolts!

[mike p]

I agree with Voice of The Turtle, the lightning defense were having a really tough time moving the puck up. Now, hopefully this will get much much better with the return of paul ranger, but it seems like another veteran dman with this ability is sorely needed. Another thing I noticed was out inability to keep the puck in the Ranger's zone during the powerplay, thus not gaining any pressure. Melrose better figure this out or we're going to be in for a long season.

[Herb]

Absolutely dead on with your observations Bingo. I have ALWAYS maintained that OB was a complete WASTE of manhood on the ice. I was thoroughly impressed with Recchi on the PK. Him and Smitty were the only bright spots on the ice in my opinion. Vinny was in the game for the first 10 minutes and then disappeared.

[PD]

20 shots and this was a Tampa Home game. Tomorrow the Rangers are the home team and can put their checking line on V$ all night.

[bingo]

O'brien has to have the slowest feet on the team for a "D". He was beat several times to the outside reaching with the stick. The first ranger goal was his fault in that he lost naslund(sp) and once again was way out of position.

Smith was outstanding for the first game. However, as has been mentioned by many for the last couple weeks 40 shots a game will not make you a winner.
The PK was great. Rechi and Hall showed the experience of not panicking with the puck. Something we have not seen in forever that is a plus.

Why stamkos did not get more playing time to use his speed to undress their 'd' is a coaching mystery to me.
Still not impressed by Carle. MVP line looked just fine nice shot topside Marty.
Great to see Vincent playing hard and going to the net.
Arty seemed to be the only one hitting anything or did I miss something.
No puck control inside the "O" zone out side of one of the Power Plays.
Heward can go home he looked awful and took a bad penalty along with Mezz who took a couple bad penalties.
Malone got called on one cross check that the Rangers were doing in front of the net all game. Yep it was a penalty but would like to see consistency.

The ICE was an embarrasment to the NHL. That looked worst than the old days at the Fair Grounds 90+ outside and dripping wet inside. Hope tomorrow's ice is better. When you play on bad ice there is many chances for a leg, groin and/or hamstring injuries.

How many penalties? 7/8 that had a HUGE impact on the game. Most were of the lazy I'd rather hook than skate variety no body checks just lot's of the stick stuff and in the new NHL (and I do like the hook call) it is lazy play. There is no excuse for that type of play.

Like other's I say bring up Smaby he and Mihalik (who played well on the PK) are not afraid to use the body and can take the abuse. OB trade bait for 8'th rounder in 2020.

One game in it is still obvious the "D" is a work in progress.

Ok, those are my observations. Let's hope the kinks are out come morning. If they give up another 40+ shots tomorrow it will be another "L". Barry oh Barry time to do some coaching eh!

Bingo

[Graham]

Everyone up top here still loving Heward's addition? If so, all I can do is laugh at you. Old, slow, turnover machine which is exactly what he showed previously.

[Tony]

Right now the D-men look ordinary to me. No one stands out and when a Colton Orr is able to go around one of your defensemen (OB) like a turnstyle your in trouble.They don't have a puck mover on the back end(Ranger?). I too was miffed at the lack of ice for Stamkos. Malone was invisible. Roberts should know better. Great goal by MSL and V4 looked good along with Smith between the pipes.

[Nan]

I think the question of the day is why didn't Stamkos get more ice time. What's up with that? Also that was a stupid penalty by Roberts and he is what, the 42 year old veteran on the team?

Looks like some puck possession drills are needed badly because our guys lost big time on keeping and/or getting the puck. This is not a surprise that the D needs some work. They are young and all new to each other.

The MVP line looked good - Vinny was really skating and Marty was his usual self - all over the place. Great game by them as usual. Smitty was also great!

Go Bolts!

[léo]

Nobody says "Carey Price" anymore, Ajax...
I missed the 3rd period.
Despite the big difference in shots at the end of the second, I thought TB was keeping up its part in the game.
What happened in the third? And what was the final score? (sorry for not being up to current events, folks)
And Smith? How'd he do?
P.

[ajax]

Very hard to play the new NHL without Dmen that can skate.
The biggest news out of the whole game has to be Stamkos, 8:25 the fewest minutes of anyone on the team. Speaks volumes, and please do not write they are bringing him along slowly. Slow yes, 8 minutes, Ouch!!
PS. I would love the job as senior writer for Yahoo Hockey. I imagine they live and eat hockey and have a world of resources to write from. Surely must make them inferior to all of the resident Canadians on our blog roster.
I was out with a truck load of boys and missed most of the game. 40 shots on goal is a very very bad sign, again. From the little I saw the D is not skating forward at all. I saw that for two straight years and this is a huge part of a complete team that creates offense. Can't be 3 against 5. From what I heard on the radio and I did see 10 minutes on TV, Smith is the real deal. He might not be Carey price (who is?) but the guy is such an upgrade over last year it ain't even worth discussing. On to tomorrow and we can get a split. 8 minutes?? I also heard them say more than once that Vinny was all over the place. Good news for all of us if that was true. Carle 29 minutes, wow.

[Voice of the Turtle]

Sorry to sound like a broken record, but over 40 shots against was a reflection of the Rangers' ability to control the puck in the Lightning zone and between the blue lines. The Bolts were outplayed and out-coached in this contest.

The defensemen allowed the Rangers to unimpededly buzz around the Bolt net in every period. New York dominated the game because the Lightning usually could not cleanly clear the puck out of their end of the ice. The Lightning also failed to sustain sufficient pressure on attack.

This game would have been a gross embarrassment had Smith not found away to hold the team in the game.

The Dmen are lacking experience and the ability to move the puck up the ice. Along with others who share these concerns, I have posted about this again and again. Hedward is hardly the answer. They need competent veteran help on the blueline!

Another point of interest involves the Rangers' physicality vis a vis the bigger and stronger Tampa Bay team. I did not see the stats yet, but it seemed the more effective and more frequent checking was done by New York.

The Lightning certainly led the Rangers in the category of lazy penalties, but my main quarrel had to do with what looked like an intentional high stick by Roberts in the closing minutes of the third period (I watched it over several times). That was a bonehead move, leading to the winning power play goal by NY, that cost the Lighting the chance to salvage one point or, perhaps, win the game.

Its fine to look for positives and build on them, but there are some concerns about this roster that must be addressed. If a team continually struggles move the puck into the offensive zone, it will loose a great many NHL games. This contest left Tampa Bay fans disappointed, depressed, and deflated: three words that all begin and end with "D."

[McGz]

I agree Don. Its seems that the third and fourth line played more than the second. I haven't seen ice time numbers but I bet the MVP line was under 20 mins too. I think being shorthanded so much handcuffed them. I also thought Malone was not as visible as he could be. It seemed like the Rangers had the puck the whole game. Where is the puck possession? Also not impressed with the lack of fore check by the forwards. Just because the defense won't be below the red line doesn't meant the the forwards can't pressure the puck.
I was really impressed with Smith. He stood tall and stopped almost everything sent his way. He was a little out of position on Naslund's goal but the go ahead was tough. I want to see more physical play from the defense and fore checking by the forwards.

[Vickie]

im sorry everyone but i cannot stand matt carle

[Don in St. Pete]

I'm kind of scratching my head after reading the event summary on the Bolts website. I can't believe you can't get Stamkos, Malone and Vrbata on the ice for more than 13.5 minutes. Part of that was Malone spending 4 min in the sin bin, but I just can't believe stamkos doesn't get a couple minutes on the PP. Vrbata had 3 shorthanded goals last year and didn't get a shift on the PK. I'm not going to lambast the coach after 1 game but I have to believe he wants to see the second line get more touches. An observation on the Rangers. They're defense is slow, really slow, really, really slow. We were going by and around them left and right. In fact those watching would have noticed they stacked they're forwards along the blueline throughout the 3rd period. I'm hopeful we'll show a little more fire tomorrow.

[Mike13]

All-in-all, Smith looked fantastic. The defense did not do well enough on controlling the puck in our own zone. Mesz and Mihalik, and maybe O'Brien looked pretty good. Carle, Niskala, and Heward were not good. Lecavalier, St. Louis, and Stamkos looked really good. Prospal, Vrbata, and Malone looked good. The rest were absolutely invisible. Very bad turnovers by Heward and Artyukin.

It's certainly not doomsday though. I saw a lot of things that I liked. Several players did a great job clearing the slot in front of Smith and forced most of the shots by the Rangers to come from the outside. We just need to do better in transition and put more pressure on the opposition's goalie.

[GOP]

Lawton, stop playing politics and start playing the best players available.

Heward IS and ALWAYS has been a JOKE.

For the love of god, how can this organization allow a Washington Caps reject to play for them ?
It's absolutely disgusting to watch Heward.

[Borat]

Billy Ray blew it by sitting a kid in his home town.

Letting Koci play is classy, sitting him out is classless.

Strike one old man.

[olin]

...is first game, but giving up 41 shot's we will need ole in middle with karri on right and smitty on left...too many penalties for too many shots.

[Beau]

Thought the first post didn't go through...sorry : )

[Beau]

Sorry excuse for a hockey game.

Keith, Melrose is proving himself a liar.

Play Koci, and bring up Konopka for some excitement. If Koci isn't a good enough player then trade for a heavyweight you will play.

How in the hell is Heward GIVEN a roster spot when it was earned by Smaby? Lawton and Melrose are not off to a good start IMO.

[Woodsy]

Heward had more turnovers today than the Pillsbury Doughboy. I'm not impressed.

[Beau]

Sorry excuse for a hockey game.

Play Koci and bring up Konopka for some energy and excitement.

The could go undefeated the rest of the season and if they played like this I wouldn't pay a penny.

[keith]

Where is the toughness Melrose said he wanted? Arty looked like the only one wanting to bang the boards.Boy is he a freight train.....penalty waiting to happen. Old man Recchi looked good shorthanded....experience equals smarts. Like the look of Meszaros. Thought Malone would have been more visible. Tough rolling puck for Stamkos to put away, but looked good even so. I know its only game 1 but how about a little more fire in the belly. MSL awesome as ever.....give Vinny the assist. Disappointing result but saw some good things to come...most of all maybe we have a REAL keeper for the first time in 4 years

[mike p]

oh and, smith of course!! bravo!

[mike p]

stupid penalty to take for roberts and I HOPE melrose has a plan for trying to reduce the number of shots on net, because smith was good but he's not gonna be good after 20 games of 40+ shots! Nice work Marty, Vinny, Stamkos, Recchi, and Mezaros! Good to see some people show up for the game.

[PD]

Good point McGz, 8 minutes for Stamkos, 29 for Carle?? Whats up with that?

[McGz]

Above post was mine.

Well I guess we couldn't expect too much the first game. Smith stood on his head and got beat by a deflected shot. The Rangers looked way faster than us. No way we win giving up that many shots. I was pleasantly surprised with Heward's play. Vinny and Marty looked good, not used to see them playing that little. It seems like they needed to play more when we got down 1-0. Meszaros looked good as did Carle.
Way too many penalties as well, that needs to be fixed and the pp was lacking too. I liked how Vrbata played and Stamkos I think needs more ice time to be effective. All in all it was a solid first game. Lundqvist was good but we need to shoot more. However, its hard to shoot without the puck. Arty looked good and almost scored on a turnover. I didn't see much hitting and we need to pick it up in that department as well. Go Bolts!
By the way I couldn't get the game on NHL center ice for some reason but got the MSG and Sunsports broadcast in HD!

[Don in St. Pete]

We had a little better flow in the 3rd with some great chances. A number of turnovers by the d though. Jokinen and Vrbata were much better in the 3rd, but stupid penalties took their toal again, especially the call on Roberts. Seems that St. Louis, Malone and Recchi were the only forwards working hard on the back check. Hope they show a little more poise and jump tomorrow.

[PD]

2-1 in shots for NY.

Guess Melrose didn't want to play trade rushes with the Rangers.

[Marosh]

Colton Orr vs OB 1-0 :))) before the fight

how could he do that, OB dont kill yourself

[Marosh]

There was a chance to buy tickets for sick money at first, then the owners were asking double price for that.

Good I´am at home, enjoying the game and hope tampa will answer in the 3rd period.

[Don in St. Pete]

Too many cheap penalties leads to no flow on the offense. Recchi and Hall have been excellent on the PK. Mihalik, Niskala and Meszaros have been better this period. OB beaten badly by Colton Orr ( how slow can you get? ) and then way out of position on Naslund's goal.

[Marosh]

poor second period for us! we were totally outplayed in this part, because penalties are the biggest issue for us.

Smith and gomez are brilliants of this game

[Patrick]

This game is virtually unwatchable. No hitting, no passion, all diving. Hell, i'd rather watch a pre-season game....

I'm just glad none of us had to pay money to see this garbage.

[léo]

That's my point too, Ajax. We share the same cynicism of human opinion. When we hear flattering opinions, it's the Bible (for you: it's Puck Daddy; for me: it's me); but when it's a dissenting opinion; it's biasness.
Kinda like Don calling me incoherent one day yet totally agreeing with me the next. Meanwhile, I'm just being constant.
By the way, I agree with Don here (the incoherent bastich) about mediocre play by BOTH teams, nevermind the three scoring opportunities per side.
I was earlier just licking at my chops at the anticipation of writing this:
If this SEASON game is any indication of Our opposition this year?
We're goin' through yehs like a chainsaw through a wedding-cake.
Enjoy those tickets, MikeP! And I HOPE you realize that you could EASILY quintuplate your moolah on gameday by reselling them to Habfans who will surely be present.
We got Minny tonight inOur last preseason game. Looks like We got the full roster too.
Now watch Us lose 8-0 so I can look like dang fool...
P.

[Herb]

LOL Ajax, just read some of the viewer comments on the bottom of the page and you will see that you are right.

[ajax]

Not bad 1st period for the worse team in the league. Ha Ha
Don St. Pete, yes we are faster than last year. Every grade we get is improved from last year despite what some say. But that doesn't equate to league fast, right?
Leo the Hockeynews puts Price first so now they are the Bible on hockey. Bias is a hard thing for some to recognize. Again, where did you get your credentials smarty pants?? Kipursoff is 21st on the list. Luongo I thnk was 11th. Safe to say this list would get alot of disagreement from the rest of the idiot hockey world.

[Don in St. Pete]

Mediocre first period by both teams. Lundqvist has been stellar in net. Bolts started slow, picked up steam and then played sloppy the last 5 minutes. Carle has been solid in our end.

[Marosh]

good 1st period, vinnie looks like a superstar with marty, artukhin is a monster, we missed that a long time, Vrbata had a chance to pass but he DOJEBAL TO(slovak:)), smith is sharp, mihalik plays very very strong in his own zone, good start boys

[JS]

I have it on the NHL network, channel 215 on DirecTV. Its in HD as well.

[Herb]

Thank you for the Center Ice TV package, where I can watch the MSG telecast in HD. I like Rick Peckham but to watch a game in HD is MUCH,MUCH better. The package this year allows viewers to pick which telecast that they want to see. Sunsports SUCKS for the lack of HD telecast. Get in the new century would you please Sunsports!