This is going to be a good hockey team

I know, they're 0-2-3. They matched the 1998-99 team as the only Tampa Bay squad to start a season winless in five games, and the team lost a franchise-record third straight overtime game. It has just eight goals. But I really believe this is going to be a good hockey team.

I'm not saying it will make the playoffs or anything beyond what we can evaluate right now. And I know I'm going to hear about this on this post and at the end of the season if things don't work out, but this team is so much better than it was even three games ago, the difference is notable. Paul Ranger has single-handedly settled the defense; I'm not saying it's great but it is a huge improvement. The goaltending is solid. All the team needs right now are goals, and it is not possible the top two lines will continue to be as lame as they've been so far.

I know, Marty St. Louis has just five shots, Ryan Malone eight. Radim Vrbata already is scratched.

Now, think about this. It's five games into an early season that really is Tampa Bay's training camp. I am discounting the trip to Europe. It was great for bonding but lousy for building the on-ice product. Too much travel, sloppy, though enteraining, games against non-NHL oponents. Don't bring up the Rangers, a different situation with a generally stable core of players.

Hey, I could be so wrong it's laughable. It's happened before. But the Lightning buzzed through one of the best defensive teams in the league, and if not for Eric Belanger covering up two open nets, Tampa Bay wins.

Geez, they had 30 hits (Steven Stamkos even got two), 59 total shots, including blocks and misses.

The key might be the mind-set of the players. If they get discouraged at the early lack of results, that's trouble. But there was enoughy chatter in the locker room after Saturday night's loss that it shows the players had some perspective. I don't think it was false bravado either.

I'm sure they are disappointed they have to wait three days to face the Thrashers. What this group needs now is games.

Comments

[O. Koules]

You folks don't like the fantasy team I am building? I didn't have to put up dough for the franchise so I have all kinds of cash to spend on aging players that really don't fit here. Heck, I'm looking into signing Mats Sundin. And if it all falls apart? Palace Hockey owns the team again and I walk away. Please pass the saw. I can always go ice fishing.

[Billy Charlebois]

"he [Melrose] couldn't win the Cup with Wayne Gretzky on his team!"

I should have worded that "he got to the Finals and couldn't win the Stanley Cup with Wayne Gretzky on his team." There was ONE Stanley Cup Final team with Gretzky on it that did not win the Cup, and that was the 1983 Oilers. As far as "Gretzky" teams not winning the Cup, there have been "Gretzky" teams that didn't make the playoffs.....but that's not the point. The point is Mullett Man was the Coach that year, they were in the Finals, Gretzky was on the team and they did not win the Cup. The turning point of the series???? McSorley's illegal stick penalty. Who is ultimately responsible for that penalty??? The Coach. Ergo........

[keith]

Simplistic? 10 points off the pace after 5 games. The Cup is won by the team that wins more games than anyone else....not on promise and potential.

[the real Coach Bill]

"...the W-L column is a bit simplistic..."

Gawd, pass the KoolAid.

[Twinebulge]

"he [Melrose] couldn't win the Cup with Wayne Gretzky on his team!"

True. The Oilers didn't win the Cup with Wayne Gretzky on their team either, the first couple of years. Come to think of it, neither did St. Louis the one spring he was there under Keenan (who HAS won the Cup), and neither did the Rangers win the Cup with Wayne Gretzky on their team. Otherwise, that's a great stick to beat the coach with after 10 whole games counting preseason, of which he won four, mostly playing AHLers against the other teams' starting lineups.

I can't say for sure since I'm far from an expert (unlike the majority here) but part of hockey knowledge could be having the acumen to recognize good aspects of the team and promising individual players when they appear, and being able to discern marked improvement when it occurs. Going strictly by the W-L column is a bit simplistic sometimes, as is the assertion that we're vying for 28th in the league...in the 2nd week of play after a European vacation.

Instant and massive dominating success right out of the gate would be nice, but just for fun let's check back in after a month and see if they show signs of jelling into a cohesive unit that can be hard to play against

[O. Koules]

I agree, B.C. Makes you wonder about the hockey knowledge on this blog. A lot of pom pom waving for an 0-5 team with eight goals. They've played 4 of 5 at home and have two home games this week with multiple days off in between. Then the next 7 out of 8 away. The jury will be in at the end of that road trip. I have already seen tix advertised on the web for less than face value.

[Billy Charlebois]

This is going to be a good team? When? Let's look at this year's team. They have one line that can score, and the talent ends there. The defense, on a good night, is suspect, with no one able to move the puck or make a good outlet pass. The goaltending is OK, average NHL talent. They're last in a division where only the division winner makes the playoffs and they're in a battle for 28th spot in the league overall. The only difference between this year's team and last year's team is the owner and the Coach. A Coach, by the way, who hasn't been behind an NHL bench for thirteen years, and when he was behind the bench, he couldn't win the Cup with Wayne Gretzky on his team! As far as this team goes, it's not going anywhere until they get a premier goaltender, a couple of good rushing defensemen and more scoring power on the second and third lines.

[Boltflasher]

If there are locker room problems, it did not look like it last nite. ALL of the lines played well. Three sets of forwards were rotated well on penalty kill, and the team looked "comfortable" unlike any of the previous games. Ranger has made a tremendous difference on this team.

[Herb]

Real cute, I see that you are off of your medication.

[B. Melrose]

Herb, I couldn't tell by your posts that you quit drinking. And Twinebulge, why don't you ramble on even more? Your self-indulgence even exceeds Ajax. Oh and Marv, those are Red Sox fans fighting for front row seats at the Trop. Get a clue.

[Herb]

Very nice points Puck.....well said

[Puck68]

Generally, I agree that we'll be OK. I don't buy the locker room nonsense... yet. One important point, however, is that Coach Melrose's "puck control" offense seems to be out the window. We're firmly back to dump-and-chase, and it works for our speed and our winger's dig-it-out ability in the corner.

Another problem is that although I think the kid's gonna be great, Stamkos is not yet an NHL second-line center. Soon, maybe, but not yet.

And power play is disgraceful. With the way calls have been going, we're going to have to capitalize if/when we get the chance. I love the way Arty's playing. How about trying him on the PP, park him in front of the net, and just watch them try to move him. Even if he never touches the puck, imagine the size of that screen!

[Twinebulge]

Couldn't agree more with those who saw the same outstanding hockey game I saw last night. Finally we outshot a team and didn't allow 40 on our net. Only in a fantastic, action-packed display of teamwork and just plain hard WORK for 65 minutes could a contest end in a 0-0 tie and still be one of the most exiting games in recent memory. That was some good, hard-hitting, old-time hockey...including being able to bear-hug your opponent with both arms, as happened to Carle, and not get a call. What the heck was that if not a restraining foul. Oops, that's right, we're not allowed to gripe about the crappy officiating any more. Anyway, this game obliterated the myths that (a) Bettman's wet dream of endless scoring and 9-7 finals is what hockey fans need, and (b) these guys won't play for Melrose. (Could it be the greatest athlete ever to play a team sport, who also played for the guy in a Stanley Cup Final, knows what he's talking about regarding Melrose being a skillful players' coach who guys will like working for? Then again, he probably doesn't read this knowledge-packed forum, so he could be unaware of the facts)

IMO the wisdom of picking up veterans like Recchi, Roberts and Gratton was on parade last night. Sure, Gratton led the NHL in face-off percentage at over 71% going into the game, but he'll get better. It's early yet. And Recchi's veteran smarts came into play when he challenged a MIN Dman at the blue, blocked the pass with his skates and then had the presence of mind to feed a perfect, soft bank pass off the boards to the spot where the penalty box occupant would be streaking to upon exit. A flawlessly timed play like that is one of the little things that CAN end up being a game changer. Add to that Gary Roberts' toughness and never being out of position despite his abundant experience, and that line of geezers is looking good to me.

Thanks Matt Carle for saving a certain goal into the open net, bailing out the wandering risk-machine named Mike Smith--who nonetheless gets a pat on the pants for another outstanding, solid effort in net. Every time I see the guy lumbering behind his net with his 40 pounds of gear, engaging in stickhandling duels with forwards, I hear that 50s song in my head..."I'm the kind of guy/Who likes to roam around/I'm never in one place/I never settle down/They call me The Wanderer/Yeah I'm The Wanderer/I wander round & round & round & round & round...."

Yes they only have 3 points in 5 games and we want wins...but every one of their losses since preseason started has been by just a single goal, and if they keep playing and HITTING like this, they are going to win puh-lenty of hockey games. And they're going to be FUN to watch. Go Bolts!

[Herb]

Hey Coach put my name on the roster for the cocktail party but only if my 16 year old daughter is permitted to attend because she is my hockey buddy on game nights. Oh and by the way I would drink and O'douls or coke because I had to quit drinking 16 years ago.

[Herb]

One other point that I noticed about the game last night was......NHL referees could not call a junior game properly. Those clowns last night were absolutely disgraceful. David Koci, seconds out of the box when a Wild player stops on a dime in from of him, gets called for interference while late in the game well behind the play in the 3rd period, Gary Roberts was clobbered by a defenseman and no call. R2 delivers a clean crushing check in the 3rd and the player (#47 of the Wild) throws some punches to the back of R2 and no call there as well. These guys (all NHL referees) are pathetic.

[ajax]

Everyone has their ear to the ground hearing dissension. Hmmmm. Maybe, but I just ain't buying it so early. I do hate when any coach is constantly blathering to the rags, such an ego thing. Keep your gripes in house, that is what got Torts losing his locker room. It will take time, but good things will happen. I see Roberts and Gratton play and they look like they could care less, hence why more minutes?? Chris Gratton could be a force and an excellant defensive third line player, the skill is there, the heart isn't. His role could be one of great leadership and inspriation but instead it is one of playing out his career at making some extra dough. I am sorry, but I would trade him in a New York minute. You do need a veteran presence, we have to many of those. It is a fine line, but if I do have one beef with Melrose it is the constant forward swap. They are new and yes he is experimenting, but you can't find anything constant if it changes every 10 minutes. Vrbata I am sure is being shopped. The guy ain't even in the doghouse, he has been put on the shelf. I think they will get something for him. Expect to see more low scoring games until the forwards get to know each other better. Transition from D to O is the basic ABC's of winning hockey. Protecting your own end seems to be something we really are doing 10x better than the past two years. The other piece of the puzzle is moving forward as a unit, have not seen that so far. Are we a good team?? I see potential, but I have always believed good teams find a way to WIN, not moral victories, not the "we are close" statement. We have played all 5 games where a break here or there, we could of won or lost. That is the definition of "average" They haven't turned that corner yet, so sadly it is "thumbs down" at present. But that said, I knew 110% at the beginning of last year, that we had no chance to make the playoffs with the roster we had. Funny I don't feel that way today. I think we have some good players. Jeepers I hate to agree with the negs on the blog, but our team speed isn't a strength. After 5 games, the ever changing opinion is kind of shocking, the D looks better than the O after the last few games. And for gosh sakes Melrose, play Smith every single night. This is the single no brainer of decision making. For all of the Olie fans, remember one thing about Olie. He is older He is slower. Washington went on a heck of playoff run last year and the last 10-15 games of the year and every single playoff game, OLIE sat. Healthy scratch. Smith gives this team a chance to win, period. Use him. Please.

[PD]

Succinctly put Coach B.

[the real coach bill]

As I hope you know, I didn't write the above article. Whoever did is probably the same insecure person who has recently given Sarasota bill a bad name. Do you have a thing against bills? Maybe I should become coach william( except I hate that name). See you all at the happy hour at Shots this coming Sat from 6-7:30. So far we have me( hopefully not my imposter-although he'd be welcome),Don in St.Pete,the real Hockey Chic,Tackleberry, bingo,Olin,Lightning Rod, Tampa Wine Guy, Melanie(maybe),and also hopefully Leo by phone(813)301-6705. Anyone else that I haven't mentioned? Let us know if you're coming.

[Marv]

When I read the negatives on here today, it reminds me of the cry babies blasting the Bucks, or Yucks as they were called. Or, the Rays. Now you fight for a front row seat because they are winning! Some sports fans!

These guys played probably the best game the team has played since early last winter! They were busting their arsses trying to win. Couldn't agree more with DC.

The majority of these guys have never played together and need time to jell. Give 'em a break!

Hey Matt, great two saves last night. Notice no one who has been down on you gave you credit. Thanks.

Marv

[Nan]

The guys looked much better last night. Still have stupid penalties though but on the plus side they are getting good at killing them.

Ranger has made a big difference and it starts with the defense. Once that improves which it has, then the offense will come.

[Coach Bill]

I remember your posts from last year Steve-O and they weren't realistic then either. There is indeed dissension and Melrose is the problem. Also the team was put together without much thought to chemistry and fit. I believe they have published a Hockey for Dummies book and I'll be glad to give you one at the Bloggers Happy Hour.

[Herb]

Three things stuck out the most for me watching the game from section 320 last night. First thing was that I thought Melrose finally got the right line combinations right. All of the lines that played together were good. R2 was a human wrecking ball. Second thing was that Ranger was an absolute beast on D and sorely was missed in the lineup. Third thing was Smith was absolutely brilliant in net and exuded confidence the whole game and played like an extra D-man on some nice passes up the ice to the forwards. I have no beefs with the game tonight except I thought in the shootout that the Bolts tried to do much with the puck/ too fancy, but so what. Go Bolts!!

[Steve-O]

No respect in the locker room? What team are you watching? They played incredibly hard last night and you just don't give that kind of effort when there is no respect. M-rose said he wanted an intimidating hockey team and the hits I saw last night, esp. Arty, had the Wild were nervous and we spent the night in their zone. Since the Wild have shown to be very potent on offense, how can you knock a regulation shutout by our defense. Yes the forwards need chemistry but only 3 (MVP)have truly played together before. The Bolts are a rebuild and the foundation is starting to harden. I wager the forwards need 2 more games before we see a major breakout. Did we expect to go from last to first in the first two weeks of the season? This isn't McDonalds, its Hockey!

[Not the Marlboro Man]

Zenator made some excellent points. Everything he said was concise, to the point and right on.

The biggest issue I have with this team is Mullet Head. He has shown thus far that he is not up to the challenge. Sources tell me that there is already dissension amongst players and coaches and Gary Roberts has been in Mullet Head's office with several other players putting their ear's to the door. Roberts is crying already for playing time and doesn't care how the other players feel about getting a shot. Roberts being the old codger of hockey that he is should be more supportive of his coach...but that's just it, They must truly not respect Mullet Head's ability to make good decisions. This is too bad. It got way out of control way too soon in the season. If this trend doesn't correct itself ASAP, I would say that Mullet Head would definitely be on the clock. I don't want to sound like a freaking know it all, but I truly believe that hiring Mullet Head was the worst decision that this team could have ever made, especially with so many better qualified coaches out there. My choice would have been Pat Burns, he's been away from the game for awhile also but the difference is that he has forgotten more about hockey than Mullet Head ever knew!

[PD]

Leo on that Stamkos vs Koivu thing. You win I'm cutting my losses.

[Pd]

Melrose can't be on the clock because it was Koules that hired him not Lawton. He will never fire him.

A broadcast two days ago featuring a former GM (not Feaster) said the word inside the room is that the players have no respect for Melrose and Melrose has no respect for his coaches.

He's the man

Damian just what is your definition of a good team?

[zenator]

Excuse me, but I could not disagree more. This team is poorly constructed with a coach, who has been away from the game for a decade.

It suffers from a mix-match of forwards, whose styles do not complement one another. It suffers from a soft, mistake prone defense that has so much trouble clearing the puck that there is almost never a crisp transition from defense to offense. That is the reason BTW that St. Louis and others have so few shots on goal.

I predict a long year...

[Phil Y]

Maybe we can get Denis Savard to drink the Koolaid?? Is Melrose on the clock yet?!?

[Not the Marlboro Man]

Too many chefs spoil the soup....ever heard that old cliche? Gary Roberts, Mark Recchi and Chris Gratton are not making a difference on this team the way that they should be. Melsore is not utilizing his talent in ways that will give this team the best possible chance to score and win. This team is still looking for chemistry, still looking for someone to step up and someone to take full charge of this team. The talent is there, the will to force their will on the other team is not.
Words are nothing right now...goals are all that should be speaking and I'm not seeing many. There is allot of money being handed out on this team for sub-par play. Yes this is a good team, but they need to find answers before the next game and find them fast. If they go into November struggling the way they are now, its going to take allot to get back into the division race.

Terrible showing in the shoot out last night...this team should have at least 3 wins right now but its always something different that bites them. This is indicative of a coach that is having problems.

[nick]

They looked good last night. Its amazing how Ranger improved the D. If I remember last year they started with 3 wins and look how the season ended. IF they keep playing like last night they will have a strong season.

[Hockey Chic]

DC and fellow posters,

I am so glad you felt that way as well. Last night was by far the best game I have seen from this TEAM. I emphasize TEAM as that is what they looked and played liked. Dropped passes were picked up, the D was phenomenal and Paulie outstanding. I also thought Matt Carle had the best game by far and looked very comfortable. Did I mention I thought Recci and Roberts picked it up a notch as well. And Arty wow he has really matured and become a great player in the past two years.

Again excellent game guys now lets keep the saw rolling. lol Lets keep the Mo and get the first win. Great game, unbelievable D and the rest will come.

Go Bolts!!!

[ajax]

Weird night? I just now saw the boxscore. Minnesota gets 6 more PPlays and we outshoot them by 11 shots??
AND Lose!! Maddening.

[Emaad]

Absolutely. It's wierd to say but I've been pretty content with the last 2 losses because they created chances and had lots of shots on goal. As Dave Mishkin says after games like these, if the Lightning keep playing this way the wins will come.

[Danielle]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one. I was so impressed with the way they played tonight. They played hard, and didn't fall flat in the third (amazing!) The whole ref situation stinks though, and the ticky-tack slowed down the game tremendously. Was Koci benched? I didn't see him back on the ice after his second penalty. Anyway, I was really impressed with the hitting tonight as well... it definitely seemed like there were more hits tonight than in the whole season (and pre-season) combined. I can't wait to see them play Tuesday. I definitely think that once they get their first win, they'll keep the momentum going. GO BOLTS.

[CSampson]

I definitely agree. What a solid game tonight. Minnesota didn't deserve a single point, let alone two. This was Tampa's game and they outplayed Minnesota the whole game. Even though we lost, I was so impressed with tonight that I didn't care. Can't wait for tuesday!