Is the Lynx in trouble?

Was the promotion of goalie Riku Helenius to AHL Norfolk tied to the financial trouble being felt by the ECHL Augusta Lynx?

Norfolk GM Mike Butters said Sunday, "His call-up had zero to do with what is going on in Augusta."

Butters said Helenius, one of Tampa Bay's top prospects, was called up for evaluation and to work with organizational goaltenders coach Cap Raeder.

Still, the situation with Tampa Bay's ECHL affiliate seems difficult. At a news conference on Saturday, GM Dan Troutman confirmed the team is having financial trouble but a report Saturday on the WJBF-TV web site was more dire, quoting owner Robert Burch as saying new investors to close a $300,000 budget gap to keep the team in Augusta had to be found within days.

There has been talk the league could step in and run the team in case of emergency. But no one from the team or league could be immediately reached. Lightning GM Brian Lawton said Sunday the Lynx did get the cash infusion needed, though that could not be confirmed.

"So now they are moving forward," he said. "But there's all sorts of emergency plans in place, and things like that from the league, so it's something we're monitoring very closely. We don't have a tremendous amount of players there, but we certainly want them to do well. Recently, we recalled Helenius. It wasn't because of that. But, really, we're down to very few players, so it won't have a major impact."

Lawton said the Lynx has indicated it has the money needed.

"That's what they tell us. We're not privy to their books, but there was a lot of speculation out there about it and the league has also reassured us there are plans and things, so it's something we're monitoring."   

Lightning prospects on the Lynx roster include center Chris Lawrence and defenseman Kevin Quick.

"Interestingly, when things like this happen, it's amazing how many people contract you," Lawton said. "We've had numerous inquiries from other teams and other leagues. We're talking about a nominal number of players here, but everyone likes to have an affiliation with an NHL franchise. It just helps the business."

Comments

[McGz]

I agree on the brutally reffed game. Lots of missed calls. Upshall did go for the back of the head and one of his feet left the ice. What's the book definition of a major boarding penalty?

[PD]

Bad bad ending for Malone for sure.

Brutally reffed game with no flow.

Hate the Flyers but that boarding major and game misconduct on Upshall was totally bogus.

[McGz]

PD maybe you should produce a business plan to Koules for hockey in O-town.

THAT was a BS call on Malone in OT.

[PD]

Malone has a clear cut beakaway with 16 seconds left in a tie game and can't score then gets a penalty shot on the same play and can't score on the penaty shot.

Bolts lose in OT

[PD]

man they have been on the pp all period and now another. Got to pop one

Vrbata can skate, don't get it with him.

[Boltflasher]

Another slow start, but unlike previous games, they snapped out of it (an encouraging sign?)...yes, would like to see a goal, not sure how
they'll play if they fail to score...and I agree, Vrbata may have played himself off the team with any future play for trade showings only...but I think Bolts may be stuck with the salary...

[Boltflasher]

I don't know where the rink over there is either...maybe, that's part of the problem. Should put one near the Disney resorts...

[PD]

Its right up his alley, something he could do well

5 minute Flyer major..be rather nice to score.

[Boltflasher]

I agree PD,...something Koules should think about...tapping into that Disney crowd...he should know what Hollywood strings to pursue for that setup...

[PD]

Twas I Flash, guess I was into some of McGz stash but I think its a very servicable idea.

The key is proximity to Disney and sorry I have never been there, where the rink?

If its a close shuttle and they promote it with the hotels as a fun inexpensive family night out I know Canadian Families would eat it up. There tons of them at Disney all season.

Some good hockey, in good seats and plenty of arcade stuff around and you have a winner.

[Boltflasher]

I about fell out of my seat...was that really PD promoting hockey in the deep south in Orlando???

[McGz]

PD you could use a little optimism. It's not in the koolaid though.

[PD]

Pass me some of that McGz

[McGz]

Signings like Roberts, Recchi and Kolzig for one year, are more for mentorship to the young players, then on ice production. The veterans are there to teach Stamkos, Arty and Smith, etc to be professionals. That value is hard to measure in dollars. Although, Roberts' contract is a bit rich for the cap, at one year only, these contracts fulfill a need for these young players. I don't have a problem with them. I think only one fwd and goalie, along with Marty and Vinny could have served just as well.

What mistake the owners made was hiring a coach before a GM and thinking they could be GM's for while. By trading Boyle and not signing a (proven) steady dman in his place, the Bolts lost two-fold. Their transition game went to crap. And there is no veteran presence on the d side of the puck.

This is why the revolving door on defense commenced and they still struggle in this capacity. I say keep the message consistent at all levels of the organization, see what we can do this year, let those transition year contracts run out, get in on the JayBoew sweepstakes, and draft as many quality players as possible. (Greg Malone is a huge upgrade in the scouting department BTW.)

Another possibility is a trade for Ohlund or Komisarek, or sign these guys as quick as possible next summer.
WIth the continued development of Smaby, Wishart and Mihalik in the minors, only one of the above 09 UFA's are probably needed. Hey, anythings possible, I'm an optimist, what can I say?

[PD]

Absolutly right Mike 13, they aren't the worst team in the league and they weren't last year, they just played like it.

How can a team with 4 and 16 be at the bottom?

The coach and GM have no real authority from their "in over their head", micro owners.

its that simple

[Mike13]

IMO, its less about the Lightning's ownership being disfunctional, than it is about having a vision for the team. Perhaps their goal of winning the division was simply too aggressive and needs to be reconsidered.

It seems to me that they knew they had a very strong core and were only a few pieces away from achieving the goal. Where they went wrong was in some of the personnel (both coaching and players) decisions they made from there.

They have good pieces to build on with
Lecavalier, St. Louis, Prospal, Jokinen, Stamkos, Malone, Artykhin, Meszaros, Ranger, Lundin, and Smith.

They thought that bringing in strong veterans such as Recchi, Gratton, Malik, Kolzig, and Roberts would put the team back on top.

They were apparently wrong. They failed to bring in the right head coach. They failed to bring in solid, veteran defensive defensemen (more than 1). They failed in other areas in addition to these.

Their intentions seem pointed in the right direction, but they missed the boat on a few decisions. Therefore, they need to reassess THEMSELVES and need to determine if they are going to restate their objectives for the season, or if they are going to keep steamrolling along and perhaps smoosh some personnel in the process.

Still, as things are, I don't think this team's roster is the worst in the division. Which means to me that they probably won't get an oppotunity to draft guys like Hedman or Tavares. A top 10 pick maybe, but probably not top 2.

[PD]

Well Ajax you have culled some of my thought, the #1 problem here is dysfunctional ownership.
Lawton and Tocchet are unfortunate puppets who can't do their job because they are not given the autonomy and authority to do so.

No one knows this more than the players , especially the ones with the long term contracts.That makes the outcome predicatable

No player knows it more than Vinny, secure with a retirement contract and no Torts hammer nightly to worry about.
Life on the beach is good.

Say what you want about Torts, he drained every oz. of effort out of those guys.

[ajax]

I was never a great fan of Ramo. That said look at our blue line. Then digest the Smaby is always our first call up for help. Summation, our minor league team is probably as overwhelmed as our major club. Hence, poor teams usually have poor stats(everywhere)
I do watch hockey way to much. My great weakness/strength in life. The intensity level in the corners and in front of the net is by far the most disturbing part of the whole Lightning aura. It has been going on for 2 years now. How many times did we hear Torts and Feaster threaten the players because of lack of effort. Their has been one constant over the last 2+ seasons in Tampa. Constant revolving door of players. This breeds uncertainty and doesn't allow the players to get in a groove with each other. Hockey needs that oneness. That is why rock steady management is more important than any one or two players(or Fab4) Our management has been stinky for a long long time. When you look at the swooping curve of our history the Stanley Cup year looks more and more like a blind shot in the dark versus any Managerial skill. It was all here and gone in a flash. Everyone hates the Cowboys, very few willing to gulp and admit that the road to the bottom has been being paved and repaved for quite a few years. You have to sign a zillion free agents when the minors are rated league wide a F-. Then to expect a 50% new team to come together in 20 games in ludacris. I want the owners to preech accountability and growth and stay the course. This ultimatum stuff is what sinks the team lower(Feaster proved me right on that one) The GM needs to work hard at some "good/better" trades. Tocchet needs to focus on the things he says in the paper. Breakouts time and time again. Preach baby steps of playing the RIGHT way versus going to the press all the time. I hate that whole thought process. You don't change your kids by screaming at them in the mall, you change them by instruction and patience and pulling your pants up for the long haul. Character breeds character, right?? Owners and Coaches need to stick to their guns and get the heck out of the press!!! Let Melrose and Torts do their jobs!!!

[PD]

Chic, an enterprising owner with a few smarts could put a successful minor team in Orlando.

The area would have to be readily accessable to Disney and very family friendly,(with shuttles to Disney).

They could tap into an inexpensive, fun night out for northern (hockey loving) tourists with families, if marketed properly.

[Hockey Chic]

Morning Fellow Posters,

It seems to bad that the lightning seeme to always have problems with their farm clubs. I would welcome a team to Orlando as in proximity it would be half way for me and any hockey is good hockey IMHO.

Anyone catch the wild/aves game last night dude that was off the hook. It is not just the lightning that had a hard time with the Aves. It was 6-2 when I turned it on and they came back with two pp goals in the second. Hard hitting nasty nasty game...Those two teams did not like each other at all. lol

Anywho on to tonights game. Lets see some fast energy hard hitting game right out of the shoot fellas.

We need this win and we need it bad. Will be watching from the sofa with a cold frosty in hand. Hope I do not spill that one as I have to clean it up.lol

Go Bolts!!!

[Mike13]

Ramo needs to prove that he can be counted on to bail his team out. Give them a chance to win. His offensive support is pretty good. Defensively, they stink.

[Oscar]

Easy on Ramo. Tortorella is gone and we've still managed to mess with his head.

Another year in the AHL, some said. (With our wonderful coaches, not even mindful of Cap Raeder.) Ramo has proven capable of mediocrity with our sorry defensive efforts at the NHL level, so what's the big hairy deal? He could do strident work for Mtl, SJ, or any other club with a dad burned respectable defensive SYSTEM.
Think New Jersey wouldn't love to have him?

If it gets John Madden down here I'd say pull the trigger and good luck scoring on Karri if he's got Lamorello's boys looking out for him.

We need to cease ****ing around with kid's heads and instill a system in which everyone can believe.

Believe, that would infer credibility and we know we're screwed there, from the top on down.

Go Bolts!

[Tallahassee Mike]

I think it might have something to do with these numbers:

3.58 0.886 5-9-3

That's Ramo's GAA, SV%, and record. He has no shutouts. If Smith was posting those numbers there'd be an AHL call-up. This is the same deal, albiet on a lower tier.

[Joe]

On another topic was lookin at WHL stats. Dana Tyrell is tearing it up over there. Hopefully he will be NHL ready next year. Time for a youth movement.

Ramo has been terrible at Norfolk this year. Not sure why you could see last year he had some talent.

Anyway lets hope we at least beat Philly tues night. Hate those darn Flyers.

[McGz]

I mentioned this a few days ago. Times are hard all around. Hopefully they stay afloat and our prospects development isn't stunted.

[Nfkfan]

The reason why Ramo ain't gettin it done is that he cant stay in the freaking net. I'm willing to bet that the reason that Butters stated is just the official PR reason, and the real truth will be out in the next few days. I hope Augusta finds an investor for their sake, but Im pretty sure they are done.

[Boltflasher]

Another reason for the call-up...Ramo ain't exactly getting it done...

[Jim- NJ]

U can exhale again- Hutchinson's a Star now.