All quiet on the western front

The Lightning went through a 90-minute workout today at the Ice Den in Scottsdale, Ariz. Not much going on, particularly, just a lot of hard skating after Monday's off day.

The notables: Only center Jeff Halpern, goaltender Olie Kolzig and defenseman Andrej Meszaros did not skate. All, though, had an off-ice workout. ... That seems to indicate defenseman Paul Ranger (upper body) is ready to return to the lineup Thursday against the Coyotes. That, and the fact that Ty Wishart and Vladimir Mihalik were both sent back to AHL Norfolk. ... Kolzig is another matter. Karri Ramo is still with the team, and Kolzig, has not been taking live shots in practice. Until he can do that, coach Rick Tocchet said, it is unclear if he will be ready for Thursday. ... Enforcer David Koci is skating regularly in practice, and Tocchet said he is "close" to being available. ... Forward Paul Szczechura looks as if he will be available against Phoenix.

And finally, the organization got some good news that past two days as Dustin Tokarski was the goaltender Monday for Canada as it beat Sweden for the world junior championship. Also, forward Steve Downie was the only Norfolk player named an AHL All-Star. Downie has six goals and 20 points in 15 games for the Admirals. He had a team-high eight game points streak in which he had five goals and 15 points.

Comments

[Mike13]

A bit off-topic, but I saw this cool website referenced in a Yahoo Sports article about CBJ goalies and thought that some of you like-minded stat junkies could appreciate it:

http://hockeyanalytics.com/

Alan Ryder explores some really interesting concepts here. For instance, team defenses and the real contributions made by goalies. There is a TON of other statisical data and findings, etc on here.

[Max Hunter]

Damian,

thanks for the update on Kolzig. I don't know if it was because of my question earlier or not, but I was starting to wonder what's happen to the beast that rose "forty stories from the deep - Godzilla!" (am I the only eighties kid that remembers that Saturday morning cartoon? *L*) I really want to believe in Kolzig, I just wonder if he believes in himself.

[Joe]

Let him stay in the AHL this entire season and see where he is at attitude wise next year. He obviously has the talent to be in the NHL.

[Mike13]

Interesting thought there 2way. Prior to him putting on a Bolt jersey, I disliked Downie quite a lot for his dirty, dirty, dirty play. Not sure if anyone knows this, but he has also already been suspended while with the Admirals.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=489029

While I think the kid has loads of talent, I am in no way a fan of his thuggery antics and would just as soon be happy to see him shipped out for a good Dman. On the other hand, if he could tone it down a bit and become the player many people think he can be, I'd be happy to see him stick around.

[Brittany]

Yes, I realize he has a huge history, but while he was up he did nothing cheap or dangerous. He has a history and it will take him time to get out from under it (if he is ever able to), but I wouldn't say he has been immature or a problem since we got him. I think he adds a lot of grit to the team, has quality skills, and we need young forwards much more than we need young defensemen. Trading Downie will give us nothing more than more young d-men or someone of Malik's skill level. I think keeping Downie in the system adds more than either of those two options.

[2WayCenter]

Downie has more than a "bit of history" he is in the AHL where, hopefully, he grows up. Hockey is a rough game, but there is a line, and most everybody knows where it is. Players want to make a living, not be carried off the ice in a stretcher.

I'd like to see ownership cash in on his good streak and GET SOME D.

[Brittany]

Downie has been playing very well down in the AHL, I think the next time a forward gets hurt, he gets the call up. I wouldn't mind sitting someone and giving him the call up anyway either. I know he has a bit of a history, but I really liked him when he was here. He fits the Tocchet mold perfectly, and I think the more time he spends around Toc, the better he will get.

[Coach Bill]

I liked Downie. Bring him back.

[marosh_svk]

Hey boys,

Do we need another player to come??
I say no. Only in case that would be a defenseman.

I´ve been searching for some, checked all rosters and contracts, UFAs, RFAs, and my result is: Barker Cam
Jones, Randy
Kaberle, Tomas
Preissing, Tom

Who is your favourite or who else should we get??

If I were a coach I would prefer smaby,lundin,mihalik maybe krajicek instead of malik in every case!

trade him with jussi, recchie, and call downnie back