Tocchet seethes, wants team to compete

What is so interesting about listening to coach Rick Tocchet is that he, unlike John Tortorella, doesn't let his emotions run away with him when he talks with reporters after a game, even when he is so obviously angry.

It was like that Sunday night after Tampa Bay fell in about as listless an effort as could be 3-0 to the Senators. But it wasn't so much the loss that bugged the coach as Tampa Bay's inability to generate outrage at a Senators team Tocchet said was challenging the Lightning physically.

"I'm just from the old school. When you get pushed around, you have to push back," Tocchet said. "We're accepting when guys on the other team are agitating and making a push. We need guys to push back. I'm not talking about dropping the gloves, just playing good, clean, tough hockey. Be abrasive. We need abrasive players on this team. We need guys lively on the bench, not just sitting there."

It was all very evened and measured. But Tocchet showed his anger when he argued with referee Brian Pochmara late in the game after Lightning forward Ryan Craig was given two minutes for cross-checking Ottawa agitator Jarkko Ruutu across the chest and breaking his stick in the process. Ruutu got nothing despite going to his knees to avoid Craig's check and sliding into Craig's knees, both of which had surgeries.

"I just thought it was not professional," Tocchet said. "I have a suit on, I can't do anything about it. I wish I didn't have a suit on."

One thing is sure, he said, "This is our building. This is not going to happen next year. We're going to make sure we play smart, tough hockey."

What do you think? Do you like the sentiment? Look, it's tough playing this time of year. The team is out of the playoffs. It's played meaningless games for about a quarter of the season. It must be hard to find the "on" switch.

But as Tocchet said, "If you can't give emotion for 60 minutes, you've got a problem."

Other game notes: Goalie Karri Ramo said after the game he had some neck pain from getting run  over by Ottawa's Nick Foligno. ... Tampa Bay called up right wing Brandon Bochenski from AHL Norfolk in response to Matt Smaby's lower-body injury. Why not call up another defensemen? Because the Lightning wanted a look at Bochenski, who had 27 goals, 53 points in 69 games for the Admirals. Left wing David Koci wasthe sixth defenseman. ... Bochenski is the 49th player to suit up for the Lightning. The team record is 53 set in 1999-2000. ... GM Brian Lawton and Oren Koules spent about an hour answering questions from several hundredformer season-ticket holders, who were invited to the event. Most interesting to me was Lawton saying he didn't do Tocchet any favors with the interim label, though his intentions were good as he was trying to take some pressure off the coach when he took over from Barry Melrose. Anyway, if anyone was at the event, feel free to post your impressions.

Comments

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

Karma

I feel you my brother,but what can we do ?

In montreal you are born in this hockey system with a habs flag and a pair of skate.

our grand-father and father did not go out on saturday night and watch the canadien on TV.

in emotion and in a fanatic way the canadien here is stonger then goverment politic
and then, they even use this to get votes lolll leo would tell you it's a mad house and very ofter way to crazy

everyWere you go here people are talking hockey.

Habs is a big target for all other fans teams it's been that way and will always been that way.

Some good fans some bad fans most of the lightning fans are not even from florida and came to lived there from up north.

Not many Natural born and raise from florida people go see hockey, well i think in my book, correct me if i am wrong.

The Sad part is the lightning had a solid core of players and manegement destroy that in most part

i think if you are a hockey fans even when your teams is gone for the season
if you like hockey you should appreciate good plays from any teams.

It's call fair play and fair hockey
we can't control what all the habs fans do or not do but that sure don't mean we are not good people it's only hockey

I really enjoy the bolts too otherwise why would i post here ?

But i hear you and hope next season it will be better for the bolts.

Marc

[karma]

Leo,
Putting the shoe on the other foot is not always easy. As a true Lightning fan, since before the team even took to the ice in 1992, I've watched for years as our "boys" have been traded, managerial disasters, lack of stability in ownership, etc. Finally, with the Davidson group, the hiring of Torts and the Feaster replacing Dudley, the team had an actual "plan", young players were allowed to develop and select veterans were brought in to provide maturity and leadership in the room.

Finally, instead of our barn 1/2 full of fans for the Leafs, Flyers, Rangers, and from your fair village, it was selling out with Lightning fans. Ah, the glorious days of winning...

Then disaster. A lock-out, a lost year of contracts, our goalie leaves for Chicago, and while winning and making the playoffs is nice, we haven't been good enough to win it all.

Finally, it's freakin' ground hog day all over again! No stability in ownership a useless rookie GM, questionable trades, too many injuries, and, to makes this truly disappointing, OUR barn is more than 1/2 full of fans from Toronto and Montreal screaming for their team, not mine. It hurts brother. You'll never have that feeling living in Montreal, but trying walking in my shoes for a season or two.
Peace

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

2way

actully yes Canadien Fans where in a good mood yesterday, well Half good so the Sens lost, hehe did not expect them to give everything they had knowing, it will help the Bleu White and Red in my mind.

Canadian teams are very much in competition belive it or not ;)

But Back to Square one the habs are still on artificial respiration to make the playoff.

with 6 games to go it looks like it's gonna be a Wire job till the end
to make it, with one mulligan in ther hand.

Huet was not that good, maybe he felt the presure of the 22000 fans at the bell Center witch i was there don't know.

suprise by the performance of swiss cheese Price but again one good 3 bad one will see.

Yeah boston got ther share of glory indeed,actully glory for me is mesure by the new system,rules,etc.in new age of the NHL today 30 teams now

So the original 6, guess it's not fair to compare them to the new expension teams.

Leo

you are on fire my man
funny post.
épargne les pauvres gens de ce blog ma fois du bon dieu hehe

6 to go and boston is in the habs target that should be interesting if that happen knife will be flying on that playoff round, but first they have to make it, not a easy task.

Randy

Yes i know it's better at night for snooky but when i am in florida i go on the water from day to night so maybe we can catch some Red Snapper of Grouper too hehe

[2WayCenter]

Leo - You seem to be in a good mood after the game last night.

When I think of "Hockey Glory" I think of the Bruins of the early 70s. That is what I was born into. I am here now and grateful I have a team to watch and support.

My post was about Canadians and their superior attitude toward new market teams. But your reply was entertaining, so thanks, especially love the part about "chucking flaming spears into hordes of infidels". Rots a Ruck there Moses;)

[Randy C]

Marki,

Fishing for snook is best at night under the lights people put on their docks to attract the fish. When hooked, snook often jump out of the water, the lights make the fish look like it is on stage against a black background. A large fish boils the water leaving a white foam on top. Add your favorite beverage..........on fly has to be unreal.

Flasher,

For those of us who believe OK has learned their lesson, we can only wait and see. Have to admit I would like to see Lawton develop a fan friendly demeanor. Sure would help how he is perceived, not sure anything would slow the negetivity.

[leo]

First off, 2Way, NEVER use my own words against me. Not fair.
Secondly, doesn't apply.
"What have you done for me lately" can NOT be answered by "We won a Cup 4 years ago."
But as to "What have you DONE?", winning one Cup doesn't make you any better than those who've done the same. Winning 24 however...
Now, as to the arrogance issue, are we talking about "Canadian fans" as you put it, or Canadien fans? Two different types of fans.
Expecting the Red Sea to part in Canadian greatness? Uhh, no. Why should it? ANYone can play hockey and be great, regardless of where they're from. But expectin it to part in CanadiEn greatness? Well...yeah. When you think "Hockey Glory", Tampa Bay comes to mind before Mtl under pretext that you won a Cup more recently? Please. Allow us our elitism, mate. Doesn't mean we ain't nice folk otherwise though.
And why is it, everytime I come in to say hello and talk about the Bolts, we're back on my Boys and I'm chucking flaming spears into hordes of infidels to protect the battlements?
It's just so happens my team is the most prestigious in hockey history. That ain't MY fault. What do you want I should do? Was BORN into this; I can't change nuthin.
Guess you gonna hafta make do with my arrogance, 2Way, but you will quickly find, as have others here, that's it's mostly harmless.
If I'm here and I read any mention of my Boys and I don't quite agree, I mean jeez, put yourself in my place, I give the other side of the coin, the side a lot of folk in Florider have called "CanadiAn hype and fabrication" and "Cheap lies by CanadiEn media to engineer strife in TB over a player they NEVER had a possibility of getting."
In other words: Lawton was simply minding his business, hands in his pockets, not bothering anybody, and Bob Gainey decided to spread lies.
Only natural to respond.
P.

[2WayCenter]

Flasher - Oh I see what you mean and agree. Cheers!

[Boltflasher]

Thanks 2-Way...I think I have misworded...I should say support the team, continue seeing the team play and continue posting comments about decisions made, and buy season tickets to support the team whether you like management or not so NHL hockey venue doesn't go away...by all means criticize if you don't like something they did...I do!! Saying you will not buy tickets and etc, does not help the situation, only makes it worse...lack of sales will have unwanted consequences...

[2WayCenter]

Actually "Windows of argumentation" as you call it is a valid and current argument. Same vein as, what have you done for me lately?

I do not know you Leo, but what I have read of your posts I like. However, that does not make up for the occasional arrogance that Canadian fans and the Canadian media exhibit toward new market teams. So when you stroll down here talking about your beautiful team don't expect the red sea to part. Just saying brother.

[Leanmean43]

Ajax,
Correction, Lawton did call a press conference the day after the rumors hit the fan. It was on the Lightning website and they showed parts of it on the local news. I think it's still on Lightning TV on the Lightning website. It's under Lockerroom on page 5, it's called the Brian Lawton press conference from january 15th.

[leo]

Oh Karma, please.
"Windows of argumentation" is NOT an argument.
In the last 2 years? The Ducks have won HALF of the Championships.
Does that mean their success rate in attaining the Cup is 50%?
C'mon. In the last 15 years. You have ONE more Cup than us. In the last SIXTEEN, we're tied. And in the 23, we have TWICE as many as you do, so please.
Same TB argument: We won a Cup 4 years ago so only Anaheim, Carolina and Detroit is better than us.
Please.
Never said we were BETTER, Karma. Could you show me where I said that?
Said we were the greatest team in the history of the world and are entitled to unilateral respect, if not downright awe.
Never said we were better.
Nuance.
P.

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

2way

well i use cesar to all teams not montreal if it's that you are talking about mister hehe

Never been to rome actully don't really care to go hehe

[2WayCenter]

Yeah, I got your use of Cesar, and turned it around to make a metaphor between Montreal and Rome. Have fun buddy!

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

2Way

That should be Kewl to see indeed well your better then me catching snook let me put it this way hehe

And don't worry about boarding people talking about fishing they bored us talking about finance all the time so who cares :)

[2WayCenter]

Marki - I am master of nothing but have managed to fool a few snook into eating bucktail and steel. Not to bore hockey fans, see my post a few weeks back;)

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

2Way

well the thing is i never meet cesar so i cheat and use the international language witch is one for you and one for me and the rest of hockey fans,politic,or my team is better then yours i leave that to Genius hockey specialiste :)

[2WayCenter]

Marki - Cesar should be more respectful of its subjects, in turn will get what is deserved. In place of self righteousness and pride. After all, Ceasar's kingdom is exceedingly small when compared to what really matters in the world.

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

2Way

Yeah No Douth About Snooky i will keep you posted for sure

Randy told me that you are the Master of fly fishing with snook witch i never saw.

that should be alot of fun indeed Molson in Hand ,Sunshine and watching the pelican and the manatee yeah

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

Karma

Hehe Oups your right it's supertramp my bad my bad,

Hmmm now why did i wrote Air Supply ? hmmm oh, probably because the habs needed a *Supply of Air* in the Standing to make the playoff lolll yeah maybe But your right thanks for correcting me mister.

Now about the habs hehe well get in line on that one i don't really think espacially on the Bolts blog people gona cheers for the Habs.

center-of-the-hockey-universe fans
your right again, well the way i see it there is good habs fans and less good habs fans, you also have the one bragging about ther 24 stanley cups title Blah Blah Blah, and the one thats likes hockey and willing to give to Ceaser What is to Cesear like a
good performance of Hockey in any teams in the NHL

Well i would say this like The Great one Said Numero 99 >> You are only Has good has your last game played> May the Best team win

Correction on 100 years it's actully the 99 years hmmm i think :)

But to be honest i could care less about the 100 or 200 years Marketing is all my good man.

[karma]

Leo,
In competitive sports, there is no such thing as entitlement, and you are only as good as your current season. Sure the Bell Centre is full of banners, but that's all in the past. Lightning fans understand this, and as a result, we respect other teams and their fans (mostly). Leafs and Habs fans always think they and their teams are better than everyone else. The beautiful irony is that our little team in Tampa has won more Cups since 1992 than the Leafs, and more this decade than the Habs!

It's just nice to knock your boys down a peg or two. Humility can be a beautiful thing. Trust me it's something we in Tampa have learned the hard way.

[2WayCenter]

Karma - with you on the Panthers. Let's give the Canadian media another reason to despise Florida.

[ajax]

Talked to a guy today who has a buddy in promotions for Lightning...same phrase that I hear so often from everybody....Lawton is not a well liked individual...he does tend to rub people the wrong way, doen't he....puppet that he is...the other thing about over the weekend....did you see the 110% denial by Donovan about going to Kentucky?? What I got out of that was the comparison to the VInny rumors..."I like it here but it is not my decision"" Wouldn't we all have felt better if they called a news conference like Donovan did and said....100% no way...how hard would of that been for management and VL4 to call a news conference and squelch all rumors.....THEY DIDN'T, and that is my point....I take that back...Lawton finally did say he wasn't going to be traded...Vinny still is saying it is out of his hands....not exactly the commitment Donovan gave.....If I was a betting man...i would say he is going...the stars are aligned....just me but I really think Vinny wants out....I think the owners would shed a few fake tears and Gretzky would meet Vinny at the airport and parade (I hope I am right) Has anyone else seen the zillion articles from various GM's around the league the last few weeks talking about building the organization thru D?? And some of you want Brad/Marty/Vinny dream team GM Feaster back.....I would give anything to have out leading scorer have 68 points and we go 42-28-12...anything...I think the Buffalo GM is up for contract....go gettem....their player development in a small market, small budget team seems light years ahead of us the last decade.

[2WayCenter]

Flasher - Although I always like your posts, I disagree with your last one. Ownership needs a thick skin and must smarten up. We have every right to tell them so.

The league will not let OK move the team. Look what Bettman said about the Coyotes last week, yes, for sale, no not moving. And we have a bigger draw and more hockey here in Tampa area. I can count 10 sheets of ice within an hour of Tampa and there are probably more. I heard a displaced fan in Phoenix complain that the only ice in the area just closed and now they get roller or nutten. Tampa is a better hockey market than we get credit for.

Randy and Marki - Wind has been up and I've not been out much this year. Need an excuse so let me know and we'll plan a trip.

[leo]

Karma,
You'd rather the Panters made it than the Beautiful Team? Oh Karma.., say it ain't so.
Oldtimer,
No one is implying that the mismanagement of truth within a sports franchise doesn't occur elsewhere, only arguing that doubting the integrity of those responsible for it should naturally come as a consequence.
P.

[karma]

Marki -
"Dreamer" is by Supertramp, not Air Supply.
And yes, the hab-nots may be playing their way out of the playoffs -- Never thought that I'd cheer on the stinkin' panthers in this life time. But, I'd rather see them in the post-season than Habs and their center-of-the-hockey-universe fans (hell of a way to celebrate your 100th b-day...missing the playoffs to that other team from Florida!)

[Boltflasher]

Again, unfortuately, the consequences of not supporting the present ownership may be contraction or relocation. Something we don't want regardless of how much we like or dislike the management...

[oldtimer]

Fish Tales:

Lying by management has filtered it's way into sports on a regular basis. Jay Cutler contended at the trade deadline that the Broncos were shopping him. Flat out denials all around by mgt. They said they were only approached about Cassell. Then two weeks later we hear they had talks with the bucs, chiefs, lions, vikings and bears !

Former Bucs coach Gruden was called a liar on the air by a player who was on his roster at the time Keshawn Johnson. Other players followed suit about Gruden's lying.

Dan Boyle made the same statement upon his trade. "I was flat out lied to" he stated publicly. Same comments from Torts.

It's probably a reflection of our society, how commomplace lying has become. When the Bolts brass speaks, it's usually with "forked tongue."

A question for anyone who got to see Koules, Barrie or Lawton. When they were speaking to the fans did any of them appear to be wearing pants that were on fire?

[plates]

Randy, as said before by others...an example of the budget tightening you are defending: hire a new VP position that happens to be the GM's wife (the realtor) with no relevant experience. She begins to hire staff. And bet that Mrs Lawton's salary is 6 figures. Then cut others and start charging low wage employees for parking and try to do same to players. Self-serving and unethical plays by Lawton and supported by Koules in the newspaper. I and many other here are not suckers that will support such blatant disrespect to the fans, city, and organization. Most Bolts fans smell a rat when it's pushed in their face. The good news is the hope that Lawton will leave town (remember he lied about trading V4 too, but got his wife a VP job). Indefensible, sorry.

[plates]

No Randy, it's just about not spending hard earned $$ to support shady business. Facts are out there if you follow it, but some people may choose to ignore it. You tell me how you explain some shady things like the Lawton wife hiring, charging low wage employees for parking. This isn't about tightening a budget...Lawton's wife added expenses including hiring her own staff. FACTS that Lawton and Koules own. I love the Bolts just not the guys turning this franchise into the JOKE of the NHL. My money waits until they are gone, but you can have my seats at a discount.

[ZERO]

Puck68 - Good posts, and thanks for the update about the meeting. Sounds like management is saying the same things they've been saying for awhile. And that's a good thing...maybe there will finally be consistency.

I'd really like to see Tocc with a full offseason, and yes...I'd love to see what's left of the core intact.

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

Randy

Oh good
end of june for Snooky fly fishing ?
2way told me that his boat does not take Habs fans so i can't go hehe well maybe if i brag him with some free molsons ice cold instead of 10$ beers at the st-pete arena i have a chance :)

Gainey here in montreal well people are still asking why carbo was layoff

did not change much in my point of view
and the big debate here is having a bilingual coach for the habs.

shoots on goal got down and defence got a bit better and power play just a tad, nothing to break the bell Center

Gainey is very relax on practice with the habs some players like kovy brisebois the older guys has optional practice, don't know if it's good since they are playing ther lifes in every game espacially tonight Habs fans are praying that the sens wins Vs Fla.

Next season and Gainey returns does not go in the same Phrase in my book so Price Protege of gainey maybe up for exchange witch i would not mind and get Steve Mason from Columbus >>>>>> dreamer nothing but a dreamer (Air supply song) hehe

[karma]

Good comments Puck68.
Don't be a stranger.

I personally am debating my renewal not just because of my doubts on the team, but the commitment I'm required to make in money, time and travel. I've sat through a lot of rebuilding years in the past, and am not so my desire to do so isn't outweighed by my required commitment...
Don't get me wrong, I'm a die hard Lightning fan, and a great fan of all hockey in general. Just $5k for another season where I only make it to 1/2 of the games due to other obligations (and nearly NO takers for free tickets when I can't make it), makes this a very, very difficult decision this year.

[PD]

Winnbig I'd put the under over for next years renewals at about 58-65%
5336-5520 ..that won't hunt.

[Puck68]

Yeah... I do believe a word Lawton says, when it makes sense. They were embarrassed this year. I believe that. Defense is our top priority. I believe that. We need stability. I believe that too. They're happy with Tocchet. Vinny, Marty, Stamkos and Smith are here to stay. Makes sense. Lie right in the faces of existing and potential season ticket holders? Doesn't make sense. C'mon. They had their one year. This year I'm disappointed. Next year, if no improvement, I'll be angry. But not yet. Doesn't make sense.

[Randy C]

Marc,

Season is open untill june, I have time off in april and hope to spend some time catching a few. I may have to stalk 2way for a trip, at night on fly just makes me crazy. I can't say I'm surprised about Gaineys lack of success. Doesn't seem to be getting the team behind him. What are you hearing?

Puck68

Lawton and ok have been saying we needed D consistantly since January. Also that we hoped to get some players in the draft, I, like many here, hope we can bring in one or two experienced blueliners to help our young guys grow and get the puck to our forwards and not be afraid to carry the puck. We are close now if we get healthy and stay healthy and get real help on D! Now we wait, and speculate, and second guess...................

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

hmmmmm Vegas Odds for tonight game

Habs favorite 1.80
Chicago 2.15

interesting

[Winnbig]

Anyone actually believe a word Lawton says?

LAWTout it is on our last home game.

Who is making the shirts?

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

Randy

I would not pay to much attention to those people that say not renewing ther tix season if they do have season tickets. it's just to play with people on this blog.

When Snook season comming ?

Leo

Big Game tonight for the habs to stay alive.

2way

hehe good one on the 2$ beer but i would do like leo said but instead i would bring a keg

[oldtimer]

Puck68,

Thanks for the ifo. It's nice to hear what the owners say first hand. Sometimes rumors can fly out of control but it's nice to read something factual. A lot of great posts on these blogs and I'm probably the least experienced computer guy to ever write a post on here.

Appreciate all of you!

[Puck68]

Lawton acknowledged how bad we need D. That Vinny and Marty are staying. That the draft can get us one or two NHL-level contributors for next year. That they need stability and are "very happy" with Tocchet and will make an announcement right after the end of the season, so the whole off-season can be under their direction.

[TBLWNSC04]

V4 has really no one to play with him at his level. In a season already over,why would he go 150%? Yeah I know,he gets paid. Don't forget what Matt Cooke did to him last game last season w/ a shoulder separation. I tell you what though, the talent level HAS to get better in all phases of the game. It starts by winning your first few games next year. We need players w/ superior skills that are proven...At this point if they win great, if they lose,so what, just don't get hurt...Which seems to have plagued us this year. You can't win games if players are constantly showcasing for a job!!

[Randy C]

Days of posts like todays really irritate me. I hope when your kids try as hard as our owners did and fail, you don't threaten to quit them. The failures of last summer, Boyle, Melrose ect....... the horse is already dead, it does not feel anything any more. I can not afford season tickets or I would get them for next season. Those of you that can, and now want to protest by not renewing them, are you really a fan? Do you hold yourself as accountable as you blame OK? Do you really have the facts from a credible source? Are you trying to save money in your own budget? But its not alright for OK to tighten the purse strings? Go beyond your frustration, anger and pain before your next vent on the blog. Do you want this team here? I do! In case anyone hasn't noticed, these guys didn't make chicken soup out of chicken poop, but in several games since December, they sure fooled me! These guys have not even had the team for a year. Relax, lets see what they can do this summer, the past is the past. GO BOLTS

[Boltflasher]

Agree, don't have a #1 or #2 even with Ranger and Mezzy. As PD has said, we may still need another goalie...Ramo has been playing better but still lets in a bad goal every other game which is too many...we need another scorer at right wing instead of double shifting MSL...but most of all need, for the love of God, defenseman who can carry out the puck, skate forward and pass it with equal efficiency...

[Boltflasher]

Agree Patrick, good post by Puck...

[leo]

I know you don't mean to offend, mate. All good. To business,
It's always been wishful thinking getting Vinny. Won't deny that. But now, reporters LYING in the papers? In the hopes of...? C'mon, Lean. Lawton called us and dangled Vinny.
Looked to be in exchange for Plecky, Gorges, Subban and picks of some sort. (any consolation to you, I FREAKED, no way! Subban is a God. Within his third year in the NHL, if not sooner, he'll be top-3 pt-gettin D-Man, my new favorite colt)
But Lawton said "never, never, never", Lean. Yes or no? Yet, there is no DOUBT there was SOME form of exchange, even you acknowledge that.
Right away, keeping in mind that I am not as familiar with the complexity of the Boyle story as y'all are to categorically call the guy...untruthful, I can do it in THIS circumstance.
He said "never, never, never talked to anybody about V4." Bob Gainey said they did. Lawton is saying Bob Gainey is a liar.
Read a Grisham novel once, think it was "The Rainmaker", where the mentor lawyer teaches the young lawyer to try to pop the super-question during trial: Is your ENTIRE testimony as reliable as the answer you've just provided, sir?
Is Lawton's entire testimony to be regarded in a different light than his denials about talking to MrGainey, Lean?
Here's what we "learned" up north, and when we spoke about this a few months back, a lot of you fine folk confirmed this to me (not that that is proof conclusive): One part of TB management wanted to do it and proceeded to make initial headway; another part of management, initially skeptical but agreeable, rightly put the kybosh on the deal after the news leaked and the State of Florider freaked.
I'm not about to downplay the fervor of the Canadian hockey media, Lean, but consider that it surely doesn't equal ANYTHING reporters from the American football media get up to.
Canadian sports reporters REPORT on hockey. It's their field of expertise.
American media goes overboard about Football.
English media goes overboard on soccer.
New Zealand on rugby. India on cricket.
Only natural. Sensationalism is the extreme, more like, having something to talk about on Sportsdesk, and not fabrication. Fabrication, once exposed, strips the reporter of credibility, his prime credential. No reporters want that, regardless of where they practice.
P.

[Patrick]

Puck68,

You are my new hero. Best post I've read on this forum in a while. You pretty much nailed certain people on this blog with your expertise comment. Especially liked the part about the never failing to be wrong about it, and they also never seem to remember it either. I pretty much agree with all your points on the team. One thing about Ranger and Mez though - they may have played like #3 and #4 d-men this year, but they are still young, doesn't mean that's their ceiling. Lashoff also looks promising, but still young.

Leanmean has been touching on exactly what I was talking about on the last thread - all his examples, plus the completely wrong reports about not being able to pay Vinny his bonus, telling him he was going to be traded when we were in san jose. It basically is hysteria. The canadian media serves it and many people up there can't seem to get enough. Not just talking about Vinny either. We had PD linking us to toronto tabloid articles half the season that would drone on about all the financial troubles of our franchise and would then back it up with maybe two obscure points that can basically be summed up as "if there are dark clouds in the sky, it must be raining." It's presented as if it's proof by inference, but it's just speculation as there are big gaps between their "facts" and their conclusions.

[Leanmean43]

Puck68,
Can you share some details from the Q & A on here. Did Lawton acknowledge the need for stability, a puck moving D-man ? Did he say Vinny will stay?
Just let us know what was discussed at the Q&A.

[Puck68]

Season's been gone for a while. Tough to watch. But I for one am sick of the "expertise" on this board which never proves to be true. Speculation and opinion? Fine. Just bill it as such, not some "I know this for sure" nonsense. Here's what's gonna get my season ticket $$$:
Stamkos one of the few bright spots, due to MSL at his side. V4 sacrifices, and plays with the wingers du jour who, frankly, aren't skilled enough to be effective with Vinny. MVP will be back together next season and just fine. I don't want Vinny going 110% right now. Don't get hurt... just come back strong next season. Seasons like this happen. We've got 5 of our top 6 forwards. We're close up front.
A rested, healthy Smith can grab us 10 points by himself next season. Not sure about a backup. Ramo maybe. We're good in net, but can upgrade our backup. We're close in goal.
R2Kin is fun to watch, and adds an important dimension when he plays smart. Koci plays an important role. We have other good role-players.
Ranger and Mezzaros are good #3 and #4 Dmen. We're hurting for a #1 and #2, but who isn't? They're rare. Murphy looks promising at the point. D is what scares me most, though. Lawton stressed that in the Q&A. He's not oblivious to that fact.
What we need more than anything is stability, character and identity, which we can't have now with the injuries and auditions that are happening game after game.
OK, Lawton... you got your Mulligan from me. Name Toc head coach. Next year, no mullet, no Prague. No excuses.
And for the bloggers who insist on sharing the "inside scoop" and who never fail to be wrong about it, do what fans do and simply chalk it up to "wait 'till next year."

[Leanmean43]

Leo,
I understand where you're coming from, the Lightning owners gave the media their fair share of ammunition. When I said "Canadian Media" I didn't mean anything negative by it, sorry if I offended you. I respect the Canadian Media's passion for hockey, but you have to admit they over-dramatize stories, and sometimes they jump the gun on reporting things before they are confirmed. My point was I think they could have fabricated a lot of their reports about Tampa. For example when Al Strachan (however you spell it) said Len Barrie came in the lockerroom in Prague. I think they could have fabricated or over-dramatized the Vinny rumors as well. I have no doubt Gainey and Lawton had some dialogue but I don't think it was serious discussions, just hypothetical conversations every GM has. I believe someone from the Montreal organization leaked the hypothetical conversation to La presse to create buzz in the 100th anniversary season. I just think it was wishful thinking by the Montreal organization and La presse. They were hoping Vinny would demand a trade from lowly Tampa if they stirred up the rumors.

[leo]

I hear ya, 2Way.
A man shouldn't have to produce EFFORT whilst enjoying a cool beverage. Defeats the purpose.
Shoulda known better. My bad, mate.
Maybe next time though, bring a milk-bottle basket. You see what I'm saying to you? Huh? Huuuh?
Oh yeah. "I'll have a dozen, please."
-"A DOZEN?"
"Yep. Just pop'em in there. That's right; line'em up. Oh hello, there's a whole other row! Four more, please."
P.