Posts Tagged ‘Tampa Bay Lightning’

Will the Tampa Bay Lightning Make the Playoffs in 2010-11?

30, Jul 2010

Since the moment the Tampa Bay Lightning signed legendary NHL player Steve Yzerman to be their general manager, the team has undergone an incredible re-tooling process.

Highlighted by free agent signings Teddy Purcell (F), Chris Durno (F), Marc Pouliot (F), Brett Clark (D), Pavol Kubina (D) and Dan Ellis (G), Yzerman has slowly put together the makings of a playoff contender in Tampa.

Other notable moves include trading for veteran forward Simon Gagne and assembling a much improved coaching staff that now includes Guy Boucher (head coach), Rick Wilson (associate coach), Martin Raymond (assistant coach), and Dan Lacroix (assistant coach).

While there is no marquee name among Tampa’s coaching staff, Yzerman believes his coaching staff will bring a new direction to the hockey club and supply the team with plenty of innovative coaching, something Boucher is known for.

The guidance of Yzerman, a new coaching staff, the addition of several key players, and a roster that already includes the likes of Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, Steve Downie, reigning goal-scoring champion Steven Stamkos, Mattias Ohlund, and Victor Hedman, makes Tampa one of the favorites to compete for a playoff spot and. With a little luck they may even compete for the Stanley Cup.

Tampa Bay finished the 2009-10 season with a paltry 34-36-12 (80 points) record, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference and 25th overall.

The Lightning’s 80 points was not enough to get them into the playoffs, as they came up eight points shy. They were behind the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers. Both teams finished with 88 points, which secured the eighth and seventh playoff spots, respectively.

Despite Steven Stamkos’ 51 goals last season, the Lightning struggled offensively, finishing 23rd overall in offense with an average of 2.60 goals scored per game.

The Lightning were also one of the NHL’s worst defensive teams, finishing 27th overall in keeping the puck out of the net, finishing with a 3.08 goals against per game.

As poor as the Lightning’s 2009-10 season went, there is plenty to be optimistic about for the upcoming season.

Free agent goaltender Dan Ellis has the ability to drastically improve these numbers. A duo of Ellis and Mike Smith, while not imposing, should be very solid.

The addition of Clark on defense will help out dramatically in the shot blocking department, where Clark finished second overall last season (238). Kubina’s return to Tampa should give the Bolts a shot in the arm in the puck moving department.

The addition of Simon Gagne gives the Lightning some more depth at forward. His veteran savvy and leadership qualities should endear him to the coaching staff and teammates alike, and his offensive contributions will be welcomed with open arms.

On defense Victor Hedman should see a great improvement on his rookie season, while veterans Ohlund and Kubina should help to anchor what is shaping up to be a decent defense.

No question, the Lightning would be wise to seek out another addition or two on defense, but the overall picture is good enough to get the job done in the East.

More importantly, the Lightning’s ownership woes look to be a thing of the past. Jeff Vinik is looking to make the Lightning a winning franchise both now and for the future.

Vinik, who became the owner of the Lightning in March, 2010, is on record as saying, “I pledge to our fans that I will work my hardest as the caretaker of this franchise to build it into a world class organization, both on and off the ice.”

This summer’s coaching and player additions will go a long way in building a better future for a franchise that has had plenty of trouble both creating and solidifying a viable fan base.

It appears as if all the pieces are in place for the Lightning to have a very successful 2010-11 season. Now all they have to do is go out and prove they are worthy of making the playoffs.

Until next time,

Peace! 

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Is the Southeast getting tougher?

28, Jul 2010

NHLHS Washington Capitals Correspondent Jodie Smola writes on the happenings within the Southeast Division and how it has become a tougher and better division. Is it just me or did the southeast division get a little tougher? I do believe they did. I get to see the southeast division a lot here in Washington and [...]

Catching Up Around the NHL

27, Jul 2010

Roundup from around the league.

Simon Says Bye Bye

20, Jul 2010

Dustin Leed presents his thoughts on the end of an era in Philadelphia.

Steve Yzerman Fleeces Philly For Scoring Winger Simon Gagne

19, Jul 2010

For newbie GM Steve Yzerman and owner Jeff Vinik, the word was patience. Yet when teams just give away a top line player for what’s tantamount to a bag of hockey pucks, well, patience may not be in the Lightning’s vocabulary when they hit the ice in October.

Vincent Lecavalier finally has a winger capable of putting the puck in the net, as Steve Yzerman traded defenseman Matt Walker and a draft pick to the Flyers for superstar winger Simon Gagne.

Yes, the same Simon Gagne who was drafted the same year as Lecavalier and is second only to Vinny in goal scoring from that draft class.

The same Gagne had 524 points in 664 regular season games in 10 seasons for the Flyers.

The same Gagne who has scored dramatic OT playoff goals for the Flyers, including Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Lightning in 2004.

Walker’s a decent defenseman, who should be able to compete for one of the top six spots on the Flyers’ roster. He would likely have been relegated to number five or six in Tampa Bay, a team that isn’t known for its defensive prowess.

But a clincher in a deal for the likes of Simon Gagne? Wow.

In Philadelphia GM Paul Holmgren, Yzerman has found a trading partner willing to help the Bolts out of cap hell by acquiring some of the worst contracts done by former Lightning GM Brian Lawton.

Early in the offseason, Yzerman sent underachiever Andrej Meszaros and his monster contract to Philly for a second round draft pick.

Now he gets Gagne for Walker, who definitely is not worth his $1.5 million dollar contract and a fourth round pick next season.

Gagne, 30, comes with a $5.25 million contract and a checkered injury history.

Suffering from concussion, groin, and toe injuries, Gagne has had a bit of an up and down career. If he can stay healthy, he’s deadly. A two time All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist, and two time 40-plus goal scorer, Gagne provides speed and scoring ability to a Lecavalier line that lacked both.

Lecavalier’s numbers have dipped since longtime linemate Vinny Prospal was traded away and Martin St. Louis now plays with Steven Stamkos.

Despite his struggles, Lecavalier still put 70 points on the board last season playing with the likes of Alex Tanguay.

The Lightning hope Vinny will return to greatness with a quality winger on his line.

“In adding Simon to the Lightning today, we acquire a very talented player that will play alongside our top forwards,” Yzerman told Philly.com. “With his combination of speed and skill we are excited to have him with us and grateful he was willing to waive his no-movement clause. This trade not only makes us a better team in the short-term, it helps create long-term flexibility for us, which all along has been one of our top priorities.”

Gagne had to waive his no-movement clause to facilitate the trade and seems to have been more than happy to do so.

“I’m very excited right now,” Gagne told Philly.com “I’m looking at this opportunity as a new challenge and a new start. Tampa Bay was a team I was more than willing to waive my no-move clause for. I really like the direction the team is headed in with a solid owner, Steve Yzerman as GM and Coach Boucher.”

Whether or not the Lightning are close to becoming contenders again for a playoff spot remains in question, as does Gagne’s ability to stay healthy.

Still, Yzerman has the guts to take a chance on a talented player and gave up little to do so.

“I’m really looking forward to playing with guys like Lecavalier, Stamkos and St. Louis .” Gagne said, “I’m excited to be a member of the Lightning and I’m looking forward to starting next season in Tampa Bay.”

Best wishes to Walker, he did his job with the Lightning. He was never spectacular but he wasn’t a liability either (on most nights). He was just there with his lunch pail doing what he needed to do. He’s not going to clear the mess in front of the net, nor is he going to carry the puck for you up the ice. He can’t man a power play or join the rush for scoring. Nope, he’s just your average Joe.

We can only hope that after securing two lopsided wins against the Flyers, Yzerman can find a way to talk Holmgren into a Mike-Richards-and-Jeff-Carter for Mike Lundin deal.

Read more NHL news on BleacherReport.com

End of an Era as Gagne Departs

19, Jul 2010

NHLHS Philadelphia Flyers Correspondent David Strehle takes a look at the departure of Philadelphia sports’ longest tenured player. It’s hard to believe that just two short months after rescuing his Philadelphia Flyers from postseason elimination in such heroic fashion, Simon Gagne will no longer be wearing the Orange-and-Black. It’s now official, Gagne is an “ex”-Flyer, a [...]

Simon Gagne Gives Tampa Bay Lightning Fantastic Player, Presence

19, Jul 2010

Tampa Bay could be turn out to be a nice landing spot for former Philadelphia Flyer Simon Gagné. 

The Lightning have acquired the veteran left winger for defenseman Matt Walker and a fourth round pick in the 2011 NHL draft. The 30-year-old Gagné will be joining fellow Québécois Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier, and head coach Guy Boucher in Tampa.

For years, Gagné had been a crucial member of the Flyers who led by example and developed a reputation for scoring important playoff goals. Lightning fans will remember his overtime winner against their team during Game Six of the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals.

He continued to score vital playoff goals up through this season’s playoffs, in which the Flyers fell just short of winning the Stanley Cup against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Injuries have plagued Gagné’s career, but when healthy he’s a true sniper who scored 40 goals in back-to-back seasons in 2005-06 and 2006-07.  Before last season in which he missed 24 games, he produced a fine season scoring 34 goals and adding 40 assists with a plus/minus of +21. 

Gagné will be eager to join up with either Lecavalier or Steven Stamkos as his linemate, and could possibly reproduce such numbers.

Although known more for his offensive abilities, Gagné is very solid defensively.  He was often on Philadelphia’s top penalty-killing lines alongside Keith Primeau or Mike Richards. 

He possesses a lot of grit, a very underrated quality, and he has shown toughness by coming back from multiple concussions throughout his career and playing with a broken foot during the playoffs last season.

It’s hard to pick out a weakness in his game as he contributes in so many ways on and off the ice.  Gagné may not be a vocal screamer in the locker room, but he leads well by example and helped players like Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and Claude Giroux “learn the ropes.” 

He’s the complete two-way forward, and the Lightning will be very happy with his results if he can stay injury free.

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Next in Line: Steven Stamkos Should Be In Discussion of NHL’s Top Player

17, Jul 2010

It’s clear to any hockey fan that Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby are the NHL’s poster boys. They are arguably the two best players in the NHL today.

The debate will continue on as to who is actually better of the two, but these two get all the media attention for being the best players in the game today.

Although I do not disagree that these players are certainly very talented and gifted in the sport of hockey, I do think there are plenty of players who do not get enough recognition because of these two.

Guys like Jonathan Toews, Zach Parise, Anze Kopitar, and probably the biggest person I can think of, Steven Stamkos.

I’m sure most of you know of Steven Stamkos.

Like Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, Stamkos is a young, talented player that should be a great leader for his team over the next few years. Stamkos is continuing to get better and last season, it was very evident.

Stamkos finished fifth in the points bracket last season with an impressive total of 95 points. The highlight of the breakout season for this young superstar was the 51 goals scored by Stamkos that season which had him tied with Sidney Crosby for the most goals of the 09/10 NHL season.

He has shown some great promise considering he is in his second season in the National Hockey League. Plus, it’s a big step up from his first season when he socred only 49 points.

Stamkos was taken first overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, and there’s no doubt they made the right move that day. Stamkos dominated the OHL with his incredible play and there is no reason that he won’t be able to do the same in the NHL.

The Lightning are going to be a team on the rise for the next few years, and Stamkos will be a big part of Tampa’s climb out of the Eastern Conference basement. 

Going into his third NHL season, Stamkos will be heavily looked upon to put up some big numbers for the Lightning as they try to make the playoffs. 

Stamkos could also potentially be a great captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning. It would be interesting to see if Vincent Lecavalier is stripped of the captaincy again. Bestowing some leadership upon this young man should encourage Stamkos to keep producing like he did last season.

As soon as the puck drops the lights will shine brightly upon this young man. Whether he will embrace the work load or choke under the spotlight is up for discussion, but if you ask me, he’ll do just fine.  

Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby will certainly be big competition in the playoffs for young Stamkos and the Lightning.

Whether Stamkos will be a superstar that can be counted upon in clutch situations like Sidney Crosby or one that will choke like Ovechkin will be a big factor in Stamkos’ legacy as a hockey superstar. 

However, the kid is still young, he has plenty of years to mold into the superstar many, including myself expect him to be.

To be honest though, I don’t really think that will take too long. Sure it’s a challenge to adapt yourself to the NHL game, Stamkos’ rather weak showing in his debut year proved that, but this kid will go far. 

So all of you out there can have your Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin or whoever you may choose, because I got myself the man known as Steven Stamkos.

This article was originally posted on The Sports Dossier under the name “ Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, How About Steven Stamkos? .” Check out more great pieces from our talented staff of writers.

If you’re a writer who thinks they have what it takes to write about NHL, NBA, MLB, MMA, NFL, World Football, Pro Wrestling and more, then apply to TSD . Email me at thejerichomark@hotmail.com and we’ll talk business.

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Steven Hindle: 10 Habs Thoughts

17, Jul 2010

10 Habs Thoughts

Inspired by Elliotte Friedman’s “30 Thoughts”, here’s my set of 10 thoughts on the Montreal Canadiens.

- 1.) The loss of Guy Boucher and Julien Brisebois to Steve Yzerman and his newly formed group in Tampa Bay is certainly disheartening for Habs fans, but they must also keep in mind that the franchise certainly has an eye for talent at the coaching and manageme…

Steven Hindle: Habs Name Former Caps Scout Larry Carrière As Assistant General Manager

16, Jul 2010

Carrière Adds a Wealth of Experience to Habs Management

As I shared with my followers on twitter earlier this afternoon, the Montreal Canadiens have appointed Larry Carrière as their new Assistant General Manager.

In stark contrast to the disheartening news that the Canadiens were losing another valuable member of their management team to the group being put together by Steve Yzerman in…

NHL Free Agents: Three NHL Teams With Cap Room and Their Needs

5, Jul 2010

The NHL has announced that the salary cap for the 2010-11 season will be $59.4 Million dollars and that each team must spend $43.4 Million (cap floor).

It’s hard to believe that 23 teams have already spent, at least, the cap floor amount of $43.4 Million dollars.

On average, each NHL team has spent roughly $48 Million dollars and have committed salary to 18 players.

Teams like Calgary, Philadelphia, Vancouver and Pittsburgh have added money to their cap situations since the free agent period began on July 1st.

While a few teams like the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks have purged some salary. The Hawks have only 12 players committed to next season at just over $50 million dollars…

There are three teams right now that have a boat load of cash available, granted that it’s available on paper first as some of the NHL teams are placed on budgets from their respective owners, but in theory, they have the cash and they also have the need.

Signing free agents is a risky venture.

Look at the New York Rangers.

They have been trying for years to re-build their team onn the fly, sort of, by signing free agents.

It’s been only lately that they have decided to pull away from that notion. Until they recently signed Derek Boogaard to a 4 year deal worth 1.625 M/season this July.

I didn’t score in the NHL last season either, maybe Glen and the Rangers could use me!

Meanwhile the Montreal Canadiens brought in a truck load of free agents and in the end made it to the Eastern Conference Championships behind some great team play and a stellar hot goalie.

We are not talking an exact science here…

There are a handful of teams that have some resources available to them. There are some good players still available that could help these teams.

Let’s also remember that some of these teams still need to sign some of the RFA’s as well.

#3 – Tampa Bay Lightning

Salary Cap: $41.3 M  Cap Space: $22.4M

Lightning have over $4M in bonus cushion

Team budget: unknown

Players signed: 14

RFA’s: Steve Downie RW, Teddy Purcell RW, Nate Thompson LW and Paul Ranger D

UFA’s: Stephane Veilleux LW, David Hale D and Mike Lundin D

While Martin St. Louis was given a contract extension, the Lightning under new GM Steve Yzerman have bought out winger Todd Fedorek and lost center Zenon Konopka and defenseman Kurtis Foster to free agency. Let’s not forget goaltender Antero Niittymaki who signed in San Jose.

The Lightning added goalie Dan Ellis and former Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina as free agents.

This team needs to sign the RFA’s which could bring them up to the cap floor limit and allow the lightning to be flexible as they move forward.

Who they could add: Alexander Frolov LW

This club really only has one left winger (Ryan Malone) and Frolov would add punch to any teams second power play unit, plus be able to play a regular shift.

#2 – New York Islanders

Salary Cap: $35.9M  Cap Space: $27.8M

Islanders have over $4M in bonus cushion

Team budget: unknown

Players signed: 16

RFA’s: Matt Moulson LW, Rob Schremp C

UFA’s Freddy Mayer D, Richard Park RW, Jon Sim C

The Islanders under Garth Snow have developed their younger players and they are about to take the reins of this club.

They have added two defenseman in Mark Eaton and Milan Jurcina as well as added C Zenon Konopka. The Isles have eight defenseman under contract, so the possibility of a trade is there.

Goaltender Marty Biron moved across the river to the hated Rangers while Dwyane Roloson remains with Rick Dipietro.

Getting a new contract to Moulson should be the NY Isles priority.

Who they could add: The Isles need help up front. Ilya Kovalchuk is the hot rumour right now and with the cap space to accommodate him why not look at that option.

Once a high profile player like Kovalchuk signs with the Islanders (if he does at all), others could follow.

Look for help in scoring; Frolov and/or Paul Kariya

#1 – St. Louis Blues

Salary Cap: $31.5M  Cap Space: $31.0M

Blues have over $3.5M in bonus cushion

Team budget: unknown

Players signed: 13

RFA’s: David Perron LW, DJ King LW, Erik Johnson D and Jaro Halak G

UFA’s: Paul Kariya LW, Carlo Colaiacovo D, Darryl Sydor D and Mike Weaver D.

Retired: Keith Tkachuk RW

Ok… The Blues go out and get Halak. July 5th players can elect for salary arbitration and I’ll bet that Halak does. Regardless, the Blues need to sign Halak after giving up Lars Eller and Ian Schultz.

They will need David Perron’s name on a long term deals as well as defenseman Erik Johnson.

After that the Blues should still be in good shape to add. They need help on the backend and that could very well be where some of the youth the Blues have steps up like Alex Pietrangelo and Tyson Strachan.

The best bet for the Blues is to find two other defenseman via free agency.

Who they could add: Look at Joe Corvo D and Willie Mitchell D. These vets could take some pressure off the youngsters while being able to play regular minutes and play on special teams (Mitchell on the PK and Corvo on the PP).

The Blues have a lot of natural centers on their roster. Another scoring winger would help balance that. Look for Marek Svatos, Owen Nolan or even Pavol Demitra to return to St. Louis in a veteran leadership role.

Would Bill Guerin return?

Other teams of note would be the Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers and Colorado Avalanche.

The Av’s are committed to the youth movement that was so successful last season but still need to sign some key restricted free agents.

Under Rick Dudley, the Thrashers could very well ice a competitive team and have the flexibility to add someone else down the road.

Overall, it will be interesting to see where Kovalchuk, Frolov and others for that matter find a home as this free agency period continues.

 

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Tampa Bay Lightning Have an Active Day One Of Free Agency

1, Jul 2010

Mighty Mouse will still call Tampa Bay home. The Tampa Bay Lightning secured the heart and soul of their hockey team, Martin St. Louis, for another four years. The diminutive forward signed a four year contract extension worth a believed $22.5 million dollars.

The extension of 2010 Lady Byng Trophy winner capped an active first day of the free agency period for the Lightning’s new general manager Steve Yzerman.

Yzerman also re-signed toughman Mitch Fritz, traded away maligned defenseman Andrej Meszaros for a bag of hockey pucks and a second round pick, then signed former Nashville goalie Dan Ellis to a very reasonable two year $1.5 million dollar contract.

The team is also believed to be sniffing around Carlo Colaiacovo, an offensive defenseman who played last season in St. Louis.

The Lightning did take some hits as well, losing defenseman Kurtis Foster to Edmonton (2 yrs, $3.6 million), goalie Antero Niittymaki to San Jose (2 yrs, $4 million) and Alex Tanguay to Calgary.

Ellis comes to Tampa Bay after being displaced by Pekka Rinne, he looks to challenge incumbent Mike Smith for the main man between the Tampa Bay pipes. Ellis, 30, played in 110 games with Nashville and started all six games of the 2008 playoffs.

His best season was in 2007-08 when he went 23-10-3 with a 2.34 goals against average while leading the league with a .924 save percentage

Ellis has a career record of 50-42-10 with a 2.64 goals against average and .912 save percentage.

Ellis and Smith came up through the Dallas Stars farm system and the Lightning’s number one goalie is happy to welcome his former teammate into the fold.

“We really hit it off and got to know each other,” Smith told the St. Pete Times, “He’s just a real good guy, real easy to get along with and a great teammate and a really good professional on the ice.”

Fritz, who played in AHL Norfolk last season, signed a one year two way contract.

St. Petersburg Times Beat Writer Damien Cristodero reports that the Lightning are in the running for Colaiacovo, a former first round draft pick who’s struggled with injuries throughout his career.

“Yes we have talked to them,” his agent Todd Reynolds told the Times, “They have shown some interest. Where it will go I don’t know.”

If he can stay healthy, Colaiacovo has shown to be a capable puck moving offensive minded defenseman, scoring 10 goals and 61 points in the last two seasons with the Blues.

The Lightning may have competition for him though as Cristodero reports six other teams have an interest.

Tampa Bay did have an interest in defensemen Paul Martin and Zbynek Michalek but both signed deals with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

 

 

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With Limited Options, Holmgren’s Creativity Needed

29, Jun 2010

NHLHS Philadelphia Flyers Correspondent David Strehle takes a look at the options that are available to Paul Holmgren and which direction he may choose as free agency approaches.

With very limited options at his disposal as he headed to Staples Center in Los Angeles for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft last week, Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren [...]

Mining for Gems Deep in a Draft’s Bedrock

28, Jun 2010

SI.com’s Allan Muir has offered a glowing assessment of the Capitals’ draft work in L.A. this past weekend. George McPhee bolstered his status as a procurer of top-end talent deep in round one, Muir claimed, and the team added skill guys of intrigue afterward. He termed the Caps’ class the “crop we may be talking about most [...]

2010 NHL Draft: Tampa Bay Lightning Make Brett Connolly Their Top Pick

25, Jun 2010

Steve Yzerman certainly knows how to make an entrance. The new General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning stunned many of the experts by selecting Prince George (WHL) center Brett Connolly with the sixth overall selection in the NHL Draft.

Connolly was believed to be one of the top prospects available for this year’s entry draft, but a severe hip injury limited the 2009 WHL and CHL Rookie of the Year to just 16 games.

Many believed Connolly could go as high as fifth overall or as low as 30th because of the injury. With offensive dynamo defenseman Cam Fowler on the board, a player who played for the Windsor Spitfires and was seen multiple times by Yzerman while Stevie Y was with the Detroit Red Wings, Yzerman looked as he had no doubt in the selection of the ultra-talented Connolly.

Was Yzerman concerned about Connolly’s injury?

“I think it made him available at the sixth pick,” Yzerman told TSN, “If not for the injury, he would have been drafted much higher. It’s a muscular issue and it’s been resolved. We believe he’s healthy.”

If he is, Tampa Bay just got themselves a dynamic compliment to Steven Stamkos. The first 16 year old to score 30 goals in the WHL since Patrick Marleau, scouts rave about this youngster’s offensive skills (if healthy).

“Brett Connolly is a goal scoring phenom who took the Western League by storm last season (’08-’09),” The Hockey News ‘ Mark Seidel said. “Connolly is heading into this campaign as potentially the best natural goal-scorer in the WHL and his draft class, so scouts are left to wonder what type of numbers he would put up if he played with some quality NHL prospects that Prince George severely lack.”

Other scouts have compared him to 50-goal scorer Rick Nash and the great Peter Forsberg.

Connolly cites Nash as an idol.

“Rick Nash is a big, strong, skilled player who’s reliable in his own defensive zone and I can relate to that,” Connolly told the Vancouver Sun . “I think my d-zone has to get better, but we do have similar styles. He’s definitely a guy that I watch and can model my game around.”

As he was grilled about his injury during his post-selection interview with TSN, the youngster looked like he was tired of talking about the issue.

“I’ve been cleared by three doctors and I know better than anyone that I’m ready to play,” Connolly said, showing a slight bit of frustration with the questioning.

Yzerman hopes the chip on Connolly’s shoulder translates into more elite goal scoring talent at the Center position for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

 

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2010 NHL Draft: Tampa Bay Lightning Can Go In a Number of Directions

24, Jun 2010

As new Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman glances over the entire organization, there’s one truth that he must acknowledge—the Bolts have a lot of Joes, but not many Pros right now in their system.

On the farm, there’s plenty of role players like Dana Tyrell, Carter Ashton and Richard Panik on the forward lines, but no superstars. On the back end, Tampa Bay has plenty of stay-at-home defensemen like Ty Wishart and Vladimir Mihalik, but few puck carriers or offensive forces.

Goaltending has much more depth with Dustin Tokarski and Jaroslov Janus, as well as former first round pick Riku Helenius—but there’s an obvious need with the big club.

Probably the biggest indictment of the Lightning farm system, with needs of a scoring winger, an offensive (puck carrying) defenseman, and a number one goaltender, is that Tampa Bay does not have anyone that can step up into those roles currently in their system.

This makes Yzerman’s first draft a critical one for the Lightning, and it’s also a good reason why there’s so many different directions the franchise can go in.

Mock Drafts throughout the league are split on which player Tampa Bay will select. Some go with a bevy of forwards, who will be available at the No. 6 overall selection, while others have said the Lightning will still focus on defense and goaltending.

I don’t think a goaltender is a likely choice for the Bolts, as they have solid prospects in the lab down in Norfolk.

That eliminates Jack Campbell, the only first round caliber netminder, from being Stevie Y’s first selection as a GM.

After Steven Stamkos, the Lightning have absolutely nothing in regards to young skilled forwards. With Martin St. Louis moving over 35 and Vinny Lecavalier hitting the big 3-0 in April, Tampa Bay is in dire need of finding tomorrow’s snipers to team with the Rocket Richard award winner, Stamkos.

Luckily for Yzerman, it appears this draft is fairly deep with skilled forwards. Taylor Hall and Tyler Sequin are the best of the bunch, and they should go one and two (most have Hall as Edmonton’s No. 1 overall selection).

Depending on what’s left after Florida, Columbus, and the Islanders make their selections, the Lightning could have a shot at some dynamic playmakers.

Brett Connolly, from the Prince George Cougars of the CHL, was one of the highest rated prospects in ISS scouting before a hip injury derailed his 2010 campaign. A speedster with tremendous offensive skills, Connolly could be another dynamic center for the Bolts, joining the great tradition of Stamkos, Lecavalier, and Brad Richards.

Big Nino Niederreiter has been a popular choice of the Tampa Bay Lightning for Mocksters. The 6′ 3″ monster boasts great size and skill as well as great determination and a feisty personality.

In his North American debut with the Portland Winterhawks of the tough WHL, Nino scored 36 goals and 60 points, while racking up 68 penalty minutes in 60 games. Niederreiter was outstanding in the WHL playoffs, putting up 16 points in 13 games and was dominant in the 2010 World Juniors with 10 points in seven games.

Few doubt the talent of Vladimir Tarasenko, but they question his desire to play in the NHL. Already a KHL veteran, Tarasenko has been playing with men twice his age for a full season, playing 42 games and scoring 24 points (13 goals).

If the Lightning look to focus on defense, there’s some intriguing prospects the team may want to take a hard look at.

Cam Fowler, from the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, is likely going to be long gone by the time Tampa Bay is called on to make their selection, but if he is there, the skilled defenseman is just what the doctor ordered for the new Bolts Head Coach Guy Boucher’s defense. Fowler is outstanding with the puck, has a good shot, and is a gifted passer. He’s not one dimensional, as he takes care of his own end of the ice.

Boucher’s defensemen have to be gifted puck carriers, but fast in transition to get back on odd man rushes that ultimately will be generated with the aggressive style.

Safe is Death has returned to Tampa Bay, but the Lightning do not currently have the defensemen on the team to run that style successfully.

If he lives up to his billing, Fowler would go a long way to fixing that problem for Tampa Bay.

Brandon Gormley, Erik Gudbranson, Derek Forbort, don’t offer the offensive skill of Fowler, but they do have skills that could upgrade the Lightning Blue Line.

While the focus may be on the future on Friday night, don’t be surprised if the Lightning make a few moves to help the team this season. Tampa Bay is in the market for a No. 1 goalie, and there’s been talk that the Lightning may be in play for Bruin goalie Tim Thomas or Canadiens netminder Cary Price, though acquiring Price seems unlikely after Halak was dealt to St. Louis.

Read more NHL news on BleacherReport.com

Tampa Bay Lightning’s Martin St. Louis Brings Home the Hardware Again

24, Jun 2010

The tiniest member of the Tampa Bay Lightning came up big once again on NHL Awards Night in Las Vegas.

Martin St. Louis won the 2010 Lady Byng Trophy given to the player that exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.

It’s the first time St. Louis has captured the Lady Byng after finishing as runner-up three straight seasons.

It’s his fifth straight year as a finalist.

The award adds another trophy for St. Louis’ bulging memorabilia case which now boasts a Stanley Cup ring, Art Ross Trophy (Most Points in a Season), Lester B. Pearson Award (Most Valuable Player, voted by the NHLPA), Hart Memorial Trophy (League MVP), Bud Light Plus/Minus Award (Best Plus/Minus), and five trips to the All-Star game.

St. Louis is also a 2004 Gold Medalist in the World Cup of Hockey, a two-time silver medalist in the World Championships, and was a member of the 2006 Canadian Olympic Team.

The player affectionately known by some as “Mighty Mouse” certainly has made a name for himself after being cast off by the Calgary Flames after the 1999-2000 season.

“We all play for a Stanley Cup, but when you get recognized for other stuff besides a team trophy, it’s neat, it’s something they can’t take away from you,” St. Louis told the Tampa Tribune , “I think back on my career and as a kid if you had told me I would have a Cup, a Hart, an Art Ross, a Pearson and now a Lady Byng, I don’t think I would have believed you.”

“You look at (St. Louis) the way he competes and plays, you wouldn’t think he’d be up for an award like this.” Teammate Steven Stamkos told the St. Petersburg Times , “But he’s just so smart. He uses his speed, and he’s always in position, so he doesn’t have to take penalties. He’s there to take the puck with his smarts and his speed. That’s what separates him.”

Stamkos took home his own piece of hardware—sharing the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Award (Most Goals) with Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby.

Tampa Bay defenseman/forward Kurtis Foster finished as a runner-up to goalie Jose Theodore for the Masterson Trophy, awarded for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

 

Read more NHL news on BleacherReport.com

Steven Hindle: The 2010 NHL Awards – Vote for Your Winners

23, Jun 2010

Your Chance to Pick the Winners

With the annual NHL Awards bonanza set to kick off this evening in Las Vegas, Nevada, I thought it would be nice to give the readers of Hockeybuzz a chance to voice their opinions on who should take home the hardware this evening.

Have at it folks!

The Vezina Trophy: Top Goaltender

poll by twiigs.com

The Frank J. Selke Trophy: Top Defen…

The Hockey Guys Mock Draft

23, Jun 2010

The Hockey Guys Mock Draft

Stuff of Legends: Dino Ciccarelli

20, Jun 2010

Friend of The Hockey Guys, Brandon Macdonald, presents his Stuff Of Legends on Dino Ciccarelli.


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