Lightning's preseason road trip good for the on-ice product, GM Brian Lawton says, and the bottom line

The first thing that jumps out at you when you examine the Lightning's preseason schedule is the grueling four-games-in-four nights road trip:

What is most interesting is that three of the games -- Sept 21 in Regina, Saskatchewan, against the Senators, Sept. 23 in Loveland, Colo., against the Coyotes, and Sept. 24 in Winnipeg against the Oilers -- are classified as Lightning "home" games, an important distinction because it means Tampa Bay will get a check from the games' promoters, in a lump sum, to cover the team's expenses. Even better, GM Brian Lawton said, the money made will be enough to cover a good portion of the Lightning's overall training camp expenses.

The Sept. 22 game in Everett, Wash., is reciprocity for Phoenix playing Tampa Bay in Loveland. Visiting teams (Tampa Bay in this case)  must cover their own expenses.

We'll have a full story in Wednesday's paper, but was curious about the perception of a plan which leaves the Lightning with just one game at the St. Pete Times Forum -- Sept 18 against the Thrashers -- out of seven exhibitions. The other road exhibitions are in Dallas and Atlanta.

Lawton said part of that is an attempt to save fans some money.

"What we'd like to do is reduce the overall amount that our fans are spending," Lawton said. "We recognize times are tough ... so we thought it made sense to lighten the overall amount."

There also is the idea of seeing a lot of players in a short amount of time, and Lawton said he has to bring at least 30 to rotate so no player, as per the CBA, plays more than two straight nights. Lawton also likes the idea of playing in front of what should be full crowds, which would not be expected at any NHL venue, including the Times Forum.

"Getting ramped up and playing in front of a full house and feeling the energy let's them know it's time to get their game faces on for the season," Lawton said of the players.

But it is the franchising of "home" games that makes this plan so interesting. Lawton said the team is not making "exorbitant" money, and anything it saves goes back into player salaries. Still, it is an example of how financially troubled teams have to be creative.   

Comments

[Don in St. Pete]

All of what I'm going to say is pure speculation, but it appears they wanted a couple of righthanded shots. That's understandable but I'll say again for every keeping count that Matt Smaby will not be denied but will work his way deep into the lineup unless he's traded. Someone made a good point about why we are signing these number 5 and 6 d when we have a number of prospects.

[Herb]

I guess most of you bloggers that are complaining about the lack of home preseason games must have not been to many or any at all. The only good thing about them is that you wait all summer long to go to a game, that you "jones" for live hockey action. When in reality, they are usually terrible games played by mostly AHL players and rookies. They aren't worth the time and money until the real season starts. If I didn't get them as a full season ticket holder, I would not pay to go.

[Patrick]

Wow, Kurtis Foster was one of the guys I thought they should consider - but that was back when I thought we had no money and before they signed Ohlund and Walker. I've never seen him play, but he's young for a free agent, has scored some goals and is big. But he looks like he wasn't playing a lot of minutes in Minny. I don't really get why we've now signed two third pair free agent defensemen in Walker and Foster now. It's getting me nervous that they are going to start up another round of trading defensemen two at a time. And I'm getting a bad feeling that either Smaby or Ranger is going to be traded.

So far it looks like we're going to have at least 4 out of 6 new defensemen on opening night. I wonder if some of this is in case Mezzy or Ranger aren't fully recovered from surgery to start the season? Has anyone heard about their progress?

[Don in St. Pete]

Thanks Olin! Jon Jordan reporting on Twitter that the Bolts have signed defenseman Kurt Foster....this is starting to look like last year only with d instead of forwards. Go figure...........

[olin]

...Don in stp and other's
The "wall" was located in front of the framed Khabibulin poster holding up the Cup I believe section 116 downstairs, if that poster is still there. Is on the inside concourse, if I remember right, where is Coach Bill? he can tell us all.

[goldenbolt]

Vbrata that's the ticket for the scoring winger? Egad's let us hope he can be moved.

[Don in St. Pete]

Jon Jordan has on Twitter that Vrbata'a Agent reports he's definitely coming to play in the NHL this year. I hope he shows up ready to play, or that Lawton can move him.

[D]

"What we'd like to do is reduce the overall amount that our fans are spending," Lawton said. "We recognize times are tough ... so we thought it made sense to lighten the overall amount."

Can't you just see that one coming out of the side of his mouth? Now, I'm really getting suspicious.

I guess this means we can look forward to getting a couple of hot dogs and beers for less than $30 at the Forum this season.

[Don in St. Pete]

Mike and all, Where is the Wall located again? On which level and between which sections? I'll be there around 6:30 PM.

[Ray]

"trip good for the on-ice product"

How can it when they won't have too much practice time while playing 4 games in 4 nights?

[hockey granny]

Hey there Hockey fans!

I'll be there Saturday with my daughter and grandson. I just bought his first pair of real hockey skates, gloves and two Easton sticks. Like most kids he wanted to sleep with them! I would love to meet some of you guys. Where and when? I'm sure we will be early so that the little one can shoot pucks and climb the big balloon.
Can't wait to see the youngsters play. I'm getting tired of watching reruns of old hockey games!
See ya Saturday!

[olin]

...Don-in STP, I'll be there sat nite and check out around 116- I'll prob have a MODO/LULEA shirt on for Victor/Mattias...might even be up in the am for my auto's.

[Mike13]

I'm going to the Young Guns Camp on Saturday. I plan to get there shortly after 5 so the kids can play around before the scrimmage & super skills competition at 7.

What time do you want to meet at the Bulin wall?

[Lightning Rod]

Hey Bolt
Just to let you know. Yowmen's Road pub on Davis Island has over 170 beers on their menu. I am sure they have the 2 you mentioned. If you go there, try ScullCrusher from Scotland; but at 10% don't do many before a game.

[goldenbolt]

I have some things to do and will not be-able to make the Saturday affair. I'll be out of town on business. So any information you could provide on the players with your keen eye would be great.

I expect hedman to be just fine.
If you could keep an eye on Hutchings (Marty in the making), Tyler, Fadden, Wishart (sp), Carter, Lawrence, Witkowski and the two goalies Tokarski and Helinius. That would be great.

Mike

[RealBoltsFans.com]

Great time to go to Vegas, 110 in the shade... guess it beats 100 heat index in TPA, but duh who cares? whats this have to do with Lightning's preseason schedule? Do us a favor and call each other... OH back to the blog... The Scheduale sucks only one game in TPA ( Guess they realize no one will show up since NHL takes a back seat to Boring Baseball / Gator games )

[Casper]

Good luck to you, Boltflasher. I was bummed when they closed up the Whirly Ball joint up on West Charlie. I’ve always known Larry’s Villa to be a nice place to bring the wife and kids. (Wink, wink)

Tell them out there we don’t like the idea of that bypass in front of the Hoover Dam, either!

Regrets for this weekend; there’s a real gun show in my little hovel. That’s if I lose the honeydew list.

Go Bolts!

[Boltflasher]

Thanks Don, never had a bad time in Vegas...hopefully you and some of the wallbangers will go on Sat and report back...have fun!....unfortunately found out Quark's Bar has been closed!!! no more Romulan Ale or Klingon Blood Lager... :(

[Don in St. Pete]

Boltflasher, Save some money for season tickets! Better yet if you hit the jackpot buy a suite for the wallbangers. Good luck and enjoy.

[Boltflasher]

Will be on a short vacation in Vegas over the weekend and see some relatives...otherwise I'd probably go...

[2WayCenter]

Sounds like a good idea under the spin. The fans know the teams is watching expenses so it makes sense to be compensated. Hopefully, the "promoters" do not have clauses in their contracts regarding what players will skate. Send the kids and pay a few bills and we are good.

[Michael]

Don, I might be going. I usually dont get in on the debates but I do sometimes. Maybe I will see you there.

[Don in St. Pete]

Anyone planning to be at the SPTF on saturday night? Where are the wallbangers? I don't care about the autographs but I am interested in seeing Hedman, Ashton, Tyrell and Ohlund for the 1st time. Ajax, Casper, Boltflasher, Coach Bill, Hockey Chic, anyone?