Steven Stamkos stepping up game as Rick Tocchet looks for performers. Smart

Rookie Steven Stamkos continues to play well at a very opportune moment, with his coach looking for results and ready to reward players who provide them. Stamkos’ third goal of the season late against Colorado was the Lightning’s second of the game on six power plays, its most in 10 games.
“I think when (Rick Tocchet) took over, he had a lot of confidence in me from Day One,” Stamkos said. “Even when Barry (Melrose) was here I could tell Tocc really liked the way I play and he’s really given me an opportunity. The last two games I played over 20 minutes and I felt great. I’ve put some points on the board lately and he’s given me a chance on the point on the power play there. I think its just knowing your coach has confidence in the way you play.”

Comments

[Boltflasher]

Interesting comment by Carolina GM Jime Rutherford: ""It's really not about the last four or five games," Rutherford said. "It's about changing to get the chemistry back on our team, to get the confidence back on our team and make what I would say minor adjustments in a system that really worked in the Stanley Cup year. But teams have adjusted to it, and our team hasn't adjusted over the last couple of years." ....from ESPN

Sounds familiar...

[Mike13]

Malik gave the puck up 3 times in his own end last night that lead directly to scoring chances by Philly. Thank heavens Smith was there do what he does best.

Not sure what is wrong with the PP. Vinny seems stuck in that right faceoff circle and isn't shooting much. We all know that's his comfy place, so why isn't he shooting?

[Steve]

Seems odd Maurice is replacing the guy that replaced him in Carolina last time. This is truly recycling coaches.

[PD]

Right HB and it looks like Paul Maurice takes over.
He's a 1st class communicator and the Canes will improve.

I thought he should have been interviewd by the Cowboys before Melrose.

[HockeyBay.com]

The Carolina Hurricanes fired coach Peter Laviolette today, maybe Koules Aid can pick him up cheap !

[PD]

On Arty, the guy that always gave a great effort as a bottom 6 guy, was Tarnasky. I would have kept him instead of Arty for less money.

[PD]

Ok Ajax, you're down for another 2 gallons black cherry.

Right about the x's and O's but after 25 games don't but the new faces part. These guys are pros and if the play a consistent system like pro's, will be at least a 500 team but as a pro when you are supposed to be somewhere you better be there or it all breaks down.
They have to practice that stuff until they do it in their sleep.

Patrick Mez is what he is, Vanilla.
A good ideal 3 guy and yes paid way to much in that deal and lost way too much in the Boyle deal. Playing catchup ever since.

[Boltflasher]

comment was about Brendan's post about Arth..

[Boltflasher]

I could not disagree more about Arty. He nearly single handedly won the game against the Rangers as he really got under their skin and creating some opportunities for the Bolts. Only, he does not always play that way which is part of his problem. Many games this year, he was the only one with any giddyup out there. Now that some others are starting to have some, its more noticeable when Arty doesn't....

[Patrick]

Last thing - While Malone was a great pickup, I am still waiting for Mezaros to win me over. We sent Kuba, Picard and a 1st rounder for him? I know he was a 1st rounder himself, who is only 23. But he's played over 200+ games in the NHL and he doesn't look like he's on the doorstep of his prime. So far he just looks OK to me, which is not good for what we gave up. Maybe he's still not used to the Florida humidity?

[Patrick]

Oh and I was disappointed with Arty's penalties and some of his play in our end. But I think he's worth it. Defensemen in the other end just give him the puck. It happened twice tonight. One time the goalie left the puck behind the net and neither flyer d-man went for it, they just let arty have it. Another time, a d-man was gonna get hit and he stepped back and arty just scooped up the puck and said thanks. Sooner or later those will equate to goals from the 3rd or 4th line.

[Patrick]

V4 looked better tonight than he has all season to me. He was showing determination and effort to a level I haven't seen to this point. Question is, was it only because we were playing philly?

Ajax, I agree about Stamkos... he's been more effective now that he's actually playing more than 8 minutes. 20 is probably too much right now. I agree he just needs to gain that comfort level... he doesn't have it yet. I think we've got a good player though. He was just wide on that one power play. Although I don't think he needs to be playing the point. It's hard for even seasoned forwards to play defense when things go bad on PP. Also, he seems to shoot at times when there is no traffic at the net. I'm glad he is shooting, but just needs to time it better. Keep him out there though.

[brendan]

Ajax, you are so right, Arty stinks! Do we really need this guy on the team? He couldn't score into an empty net. And he gets stupid headcase penalties I would rather see Ward play and he is pathetic. At least he has a chance at a goal. So Arty throws a couple of big hits a game, big deal!!! In the new NHL, that doesn't win games

[ajax]

I forgot to add one thing. On the last goal did you see Philly keep moving, and inch by inch gettng the whole unit closer and closer?? That is the way to play 4/3 and I might add 5/3. Shoot, College teams do this. Even on our 5/3's we are shooting 35 foot one timers. So much of that can be blamed on new faces trying to figure out each other etc etc. But again I say. Come on coaches, play the game right. Show improvement in the x's and o's and eventually good things will happen. Keep trying to one time everything, every night and you will continue to have a miserable pplay.

[ajax]

Once again just good enough to lose.
Stamkos gets himself in position, that is the key to his improvement. Good things will follow once he settles down a bit. I think he rushes things quite often. Hold onto the puck and create. His skating is his strength and often he gives up the puck with no one near him. I have asked this before though, does he have hands of stone?? 5 passes a game hit his stick and explode off his stick. Like I said maybe just gripping it a bit tight wanting to produce.
I spent the whole night watching our D after the comment about watching film and giving up the zone to easy.
Better advancement of the puck for one. After two years of the Torts wrap around I will settle for those baby steps of praise. They actually have forwards going forward, YES!!! The next step is, after the pass you need to put your head down and follow the forwards as a group. Often the puck comes back to mid ice and I would swear the D never came out of the zone. 5 up 5 back. Doesn't it seem that our forwards are constantly playing 3 on 5?? Still as the game wore our D6 just lose all space in the game. There were a couple of blue line to blue line passes by Philly and our D was still in back of the forwards. That shouldn't happen twice a year let alone three times a game. Often they get penalties cause they just don't have the mindset to move there feet. Safe is death and it is a hard habit to break. The last 4 minutes after we tied it...who didn't think we would give up a late goal??? The D made no effort what so ever to do anything during this 4 minutes than try to chip the puck to center ice. The whole team has a severe case of the hot potato. Make plays versus always dumping the puck. Back to our D. Time after time I saw a 20 foot pass that was 8 feet away from the forward. Again I think that happens cause of being in such of a hurry to get rid of the puck versus skating forward until something breaks. Good old fashion skating to the red line and dumping is a lost art with our group. The penalty kill is a head scratcher. The most passive penalty kill I have ever seen. They play that box 4. Philly pressured the puck all night. Maybe that is why they are 5th and we are 21st??
Last stat for the night. Three days ago I said Arty was braindead. Take away the occasional ooooh and ahhhh and look closer all you Arty fans. There is a reason he is 25 and really has done nothing here or abroad. He has no pressence what so ever. BD, braindead. I looked something up and this is a scarry stat about Artie. He has played 222 minutes and has 20 minutes in penalties. That stat alone is why they just can't play him...oh by the way....that was the same exact reason they didn't play him.....three years ago. The big 3 on D played 84 minutes, Lundin Krajicek and Malik played 41. Mezzy and Eminger could barely move at the end of the game. I could go on and on about that stat, but why be a pessimist?? Soooo, what an awesome game, RIGHT?? I drank almost two gallons of Black Cherry Kool Aid tonight. Love my Bolts. And, I might add, We got a point!!!!

[Leanmean43]

Total B.S. call on Malone in OT, he was interfered with by the Philly defensemen and then pushed into Biron! Refs were horrible for both sides but I think the bolts got the short end of the stick with that call in OT.

[McGz]

Lightning special teams are awful right now, they should of had at least one goal on the major.

[BrianB23]

Take that C away from Vinny!!!

[BrianB23]

Back to back special team's goals... way to stink Bolts!

[BrianB23]

Holy cow... thank the maker that Mike Smith is our goaltender.

[Oscar]

Okay Kid Smolenak, you're an assist and a goal away from a Gordie Howe hat trick.

Keep 'er going!

Go Bolts!

[D]

My TV stinks this is so bad. Forget it. I don't need the aggravation. Another L on the way, folks.

[PD]

Agree with both you guys,If the guy would just play at both ends for awhile, hit some people surprisng things happen. Everybody looks around and says to themselves , well if he's doing it I better too.

Its not rocket science but only Torts was able to light that rocket under his a**.

[D]

They do know that checking the puck carrier is legal in the defensive zone, right?

[D]

Giveaways! Yes, back to business as usual on D.

[D]

It's so bad with this team by now that I'm invariably surprised when they score. I would be shocked if they put up more than 2 v Flyers.

[BrianB23]

Woo hoo Recchi with a powerplay goal!! And Smolenak with a fight! I'm telling you all right now, the Bolts need to wise up and learn from the example that Dave Andreychuk set during his tenure here... put that "C" on Mark Recchi's jersey!!!

[BrianB23]

Bingo, you are absolutely right, and have reaffirmed a point ive made several times on this blog over the past few months. Vinny proved last year, when Tim Taylor was out, that he has zero leadership skills. He doesn't know how to settle down a locker room, nor does he know how to keep players accountable. I say keep Marty as an Alternate Captain, but give the C and the other A to Recci and either Malik or Malone. I don't think Andrej has any clue how to use his position either.

And look at that, the Flyers have already hit a powerplay goal.

[bingo]

He is now starting to show why he was the #1 pick. I'm looking forward to his growth over the next 5 months. I do not pretend to think the team will make the playoffs but he will be putting in the roots of a good career. Keep it going Stammer - BTW: Vinny he is all of 185 pounds and is out hitting you. Step up and be counted. It is time to put up or shut up. I'm tired as a fan watching you with the big skate hanging around the red or blue line. You are better than that - have some pride or give the "C" up and take the pressure off. You are a "great player" with stupendous skills but we have yet to see from you the leadership that is required to make things click for the TEAM. Earn the 'C' or give it up to Malone.

Bingo