E.C.Q. -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Ottawa Senators (game 1) open thread

Home from work, finally. Just started listening to the “Unleash the Lightning!” third period CD.

One hour to go.

I’m about to get so strung out and pumped…Jesus. Hope the neigbors aren’t too sensitive.

Let’s light this bottle rocket.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 6:02 PM EDT reply actions

I want to put the season completely behind me tonight… I want to see proof this is truly the Second Season for the Bolts.

We’re officially in Pregame!

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 6:31 PM EDT reply actions

Tale of two coaches:

Brian Murray skated his players really hard this morning

John Tortorella had an optional practice.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 6:34 PM EDT reply actions

Well, there was the busing to the practice arena, in uniform, by the Lightning. Like a peewee team.

But Torts sounded confident and relaxed in the interview clip I heard on the way home. Which is about where the team needs to be, IMHO.

I’ll be doing the usual muted TV, Mish on the radio thing. Espo is supposed to be on with David.

But no HD anywhere. Why? Is this too technologically difficult, FSN/SUN? Meh.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 6:52 PM EDT reply actions

this selective stats stuff from SunSPorts is bothering me

Comparing the teams (TB — the last 16 games, OTT — the last 13) with varying periods of time does not support the image they are trying to provide of hope.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 6:53 PM EDT reply actions

You got a good point on the HD Hinch — I mean, this is the type of games they are SUPPOSED to be covering in High Def. because it’s a signature matchup (it’s the bloody playoffs!)…

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 6:55 PM EDT reply actions

gotta make a self plug here guys and gals —

If you come on the thread and are participating in open chat thread, can you do me a favor and click on the Google Ad at right? It’s the most passive way I can ask you to help support Boltsmag…

Thanks a bunch.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 6:59 PM EDT reply actions

Hey JF: You said trolling wouldn’t be tolerated… trolling for click-throughs doesn’t qualify then, eh? ;) Just kidding, bro.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:04 PM EDT reply actions

Boy, I hate spam!

Kidding. Just clicked through all the ads a couple times. WIll continue to do so.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 7:09 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks Hinch
It’s go time!

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:12 PM EDT reply actions

Keystone Kops. Did you check out the Tampa Bay collission in their zone?! Ugh Nerves

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:13 PM EDT reply actions

Grahame got super lucky there, eh?

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:14 PM EDT reply actions

Why is Murray bein’ such a whiner?

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:16 PM EDT reply actions

Hey Gary. Condolences on your loss…

Craig looked super stubborn their in front of Emry

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:16 PM EDT reply actions

With Loverboy coming over the PA in Ottawa, let me be the first to predict an inordinate amount of Rush and Nickelback.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:17 PM EDT reply actions

I just don’t wanna see Grahame mess up playing a break away this time around (visions of October keep dancing through my head)

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:17 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, there are some nerves. Graham makes a nice save from his usual position, flat on his face.

PP not looking so good yet.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 7:18 PM EDT reply actions

“With Loverboy coming over the PA in Ottawa, let me be the first to predict an inordinate amount of Rush and Nickelback.”

:D

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 7:19 PM EDT reply actions

JF: Thanks re: condolences. Condolences on the Lightning power play. :)

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:20 PM EDT reply actions

There will be time for mourning — and many more instances of it — as we progress.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:21 PM EDT reply actions

Is it just me or has there only been one sound attack for each team? It seems liek a lot of back and forth with a lot of outside shootin and broken passes.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:22 PM EDT reply actions

Whole lot of nothing in front of the Sens’ net, more action in front of Grahame. I hate listening to the CBC broadcast… they’re so condescending when talking about the Lightning.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:23 PM EDT reply actions

Crap penalty.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 7:27 PM EDT reply actions

JF / Hinch: They closely track the IPs and timing of click-throughs for the ads and may choose not to honor them, and may even suspend your account for “fraudulent” stuff. Or so I’ve heard.

Nice kill.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:30 PM EDT reply actions

wish we had the OLN broadcast here, I wish I knew what they were saying. Probably the same — sucking Ottawa

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:31 PM EDT reply actions

We got Detroit and Edmonton on OLN tonight. Robert Lang scored one for Detroit… and I hate Robert Lang.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:33 PM EDT reply actions

Lightning D is doin’ pretty good so far. I’m encouraged.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 7:34 PM EDT reply actions

Sens dude just got smacked down. Even my fiancee yelled “Oh! PUNKED!”

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:36 PM EDT reply actions

I guess the refs are keeping their whistles in their pockets for the playoffs. I’ve seen at least three interference calls that weren’t.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:38 PM EDT reply actions

Grahame stopped Alfredsson on the breakaway. Nice, but scary.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:38 PM EDT reply actions

there was a tripping behind Emry too. Taylor was tripped.

Lots of great action — but some of the shoving looks really girlish out there.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:41 PM EDT reply actions

I heard that the league sent a letter to the refs saying, in effect, “Call the playoff games just like the regular season, or you’ll be excused from calling any more playoff games”. I ain’t seein’ it. Maybe it was just PR.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

Flowerplay Tampa. They won’t call the trip, but they’ll call the Schnoz-hit.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:44 PM EDT reply actions

Five on three?

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:44 PM EDT reply actions

Funny bone antics will inspire it every time. Scrum at the Ottawa net now.

This series will not be a tea party.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:44 PM EDT reply actions

5 on 3

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:45 PM EDT reply actions

SCOOOOORE! 5 on 3!

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 7:45 PM EDT reply actions

BOOM!

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:46 PM EDT reply actions

And still on the PP

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:46 PM EDT reply actions

Fuck, I missed it!

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:47 PM EDT reply actions

I was upstairs and Erin was watching Detroit b/c we figured it was still in commercial. Yes, we know… we suck.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:48 PM EDT reply actions

Tic tac toe, Gary. Smooth passes and vinny nails it

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:48 PM EDT reply actions

Don Cherry is such a tool.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 7:52 PM EDT reply actions

getting food during intermission

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:54 PM EDT reply actions

What’s Cherry Bomb saying?

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 7:55 PM EDT reply actions

Happy birthday Vinny!

Well, I was wondering if the Lightning could find another playoff gear, like the team seemed to be counting on through the regular season. I’m not sure if this is it, but they seem to be answering Ottawa’s strengths so far.

But I haven’t seen the team maintain a high level of output for a full game yet this year. Can they?

I reckon that’s the question, ain’t it?

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 7:56 PM EDT reply actions

I will second that question.

And is it just me or did the Ottawa crowd just die a few minutes before Peter Schaefer’s penalty?

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 8:03 PM EDT reply actions

Another good PK, with a couple good JG saves. Well.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 8:11 PM EDT reply actions

Sorry for my absence, trying to reconnect/reconfigure Erin’s wireless router.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 8:12 PM EDT reply actions

excellent PK. They are playing solid… but can’t make any mistakes

Not in their own end at least.

Grahame is reminding me of 2002-03 vs. the Devils.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 8:13 PM EDT reply actions

You don’t so much as let Artyukhin play as you aim him and unleash him.

And a post shot! And a OS hooking penalty!

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 8:15 PM EDT reply actions

Vinny just missed.

ANother Lightning PP coming up

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 8:15 PM EDT reply actions

You can’t stop Artoo, Hinch. You can only hope to contain him.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 8:16 PM EDT reply actions

OK, grahame has officially impressed me. That SH shot by the Sens REEKED of the play he messed up in October that put him on my shit list.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 8:17 PM EDT reply actions

Damn. I’m seeing lots of opportunities for the Lightning…it’s gonna be a low scoring game, and one or two more goals would be handy.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 8:21 PM EDT reply actions

23-18 SOG.

We need insurance. Lots of it. I like hwo we are playing defense but we need to score again….

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 8:26 PM EDT reply actions

Great D by Kubina

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 8:29 PM EDT reply actions

Funny, I’ve seen this Lightning team before. I say they don’t score on this PP.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

Are the Sens having an off nite? Or are the Lightning making tham have an off nite?

Either way, I like what I’m seeing. Maybe it’s just good luck.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 8:36 PM EDT reply actions

Good way to describe it — it looks like only one line is playing and we are defending them well.

But JG is the difference maker

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 8:41 PM EDT reply actions

WHOA! We were ALL over them just now!

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 8:43 PM EDT reply actions

end of the 2nd, we’ll start the 3rd with about 1:40-ish left on the Phillips penalty

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 8:45 PM EDT reply actions

Great 2nd. Back to troubleshooting.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 8:46 PM EDT reply actions

Whew. End of the second, TBL start the third with the one-man advantage.

I still don’t trust JG. I should, but I don’t. He’s played suberbly…but I don’t trust him.

Crowd in Ottawa seems out of it. Good.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 8:47 PM EDT reply actions

Don’t. There’ve been too many games where he has had a slim lead and just goofed up and totally collapsed. You’ve got every right to be skeptical Hinch.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 8:51 PM EDT reply actions

Hey hey !
Checkin’ in.
LET GO LIGHTNING!!!
They look pretty steady to me. Filling lanes, blocking shots…
2xFluke cross bar, A shaft of Feds stick, and it’s 4-0 at least!
3rd coming up!!

by Bolted_Down on Apr 21, 2006 8:57 PM EDT reply actions

*LETS GO LIGHTNING!!!

by Bolted_Down on Apr 21, 2006 8:59 PM EDT reply actions

hey BD — nice to see you stop by. They’ve been steady so far, done the basics and hold the lead. That can change in a flash though.

Lets get some insurance

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:00 PM EDT reply actions

LOL! Nice Juke by Marty to avoid the hit!

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:02 PM EDT reply actions

Have I mentioned that I hate the goddamned Airport base station?

Oh, yeah, let’s go Lightning!

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:02 PM EDT reply actions

Jeez, this powerplay can’t get over the blue line.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:03 PM EDT reply actions

fizzle out on the PP…

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:05 PM EDT reply actions

Does it bother anyone else that we’ve only been able to score on a 5 on 3 pp?

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:05 PM EDT reply actions

Ottawa powerplay on Ready Freddy.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

PP OS. Good sequence, tho.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

Ottawa PP coming up — Modin 2 minutes

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

JF: Yeah it bothers me, but it doesn’t surprise me.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

Grahame got left to twist in the wind by the D. Plus, he was on his face.

Damnit.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

You could SO see this coming during that PP. Ottawa finally gave a shit.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

So tied up and the confidence of the first 2 periods falls away

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

Danny Boy just called the ref a fucking asshole. Misconduct on top of the hook?

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

Graham takes a drink. Goddamnit, he was flat on his face again. I don’t know lots about goaltending, but it seems like he goes down early.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 9:10 PM EDT reply actions

…as I said, Hinch, you have reason to worry and to be skeptical..

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:11 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks, JG.

Fuck me.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 9:11 PM EDT reply actions

Fuck. Spezza killed some shit… and Grahame… on that shot.

2-1.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

Emery should get an assist on that. Tortorella should be embarassed.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

The tale of the seaosn going on right here. We can’t put away a game. We peppered Emry with 29 shots in the first 2 and get one goal… And now the lead is gone.

Lots of time left to tie, and we got the PP coming up… But this looks farmiliar.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

I think that the guys saw how well Grahame was playing and cut the Sens too much slack. Whereas the only reason Grahame was playing so well was because the guys in front of him weren’t so confident in his abilities.

Ironic, but I’d expect the Bolts to tighten some shit up here in the third.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:18 PM EDT reply actions

short 5 on 3 and then another PP

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:18 PM EDT reply actions

…

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:19 PM EDT reply actions

Or not. 3-1.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:19 PM EDT reply actions

Shorthander.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 9:19 PM EDT reply actions

Your boy, Richards, got beat along the boards.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:20 PM EDT reply actions

I would have taken a TO after that 2nd goal and just blasted them to remind them who they are and the last two period. “Get your heads out of your asses!”

2 periods of solid play and then…… PBBBBBBFFFFFFFFTTTTTT!

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:21 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t know what to say. Are they tired? Are they undisciplined? Or, do they just not have it?

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:24 PM EDT reply actions

Same old story…their game chages with a lead. It isn’t Tort’s idea, the players just decide to slack off.

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 9:25 PM EDT reply actions

Shit’s just sloppy.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:25 PM EDT reply actions

They’re back on their heels now, and can’t do a damned thing.

Ten-second shifts seems to be the only way to keep them from dogging down.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:28 PM EDT reply actions

“Complacent” is probably the word that best defines this slack job.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:28 PM EDT reply actions

How many odd-man rushes have the Lightning given up this game?

Answer: I don’t know… but too goddamned many.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:31 PM EDT reply actions

Did you just see that weak-ass shit on the blueline? Nobody on the puck but a Bolt, and still can’t clear it… breakaway.

This is a massacre.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

Tale of the season, Gary. I don’t know what hte deal is but it’s the tale of the season with the odd man rushes.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:34 PM EDT reply actions

Hey guys, let’s call interference only after the Senators have a two-goal lead.

Do I sound like the Chief?

My bad.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:34 PM EDT reply actions

Richards got beat again, this time shorthanded.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:36 PM EDT reply actions

Feh. See ya’ll Sunday!

by Hinch on Apr 21, 2006 9:38 PM EDT reply actions

“Your failure is complete, Young Skywalker…”

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:38 PM EDT reply actions

Hrm, they pulled Grahame… about an hour after they should have.

What a shit game they played tonight. I’m disgusted.

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 9:39 PM EDT reply actions

The collapse gets me, and gets me real bad. Who are they? A bunch of rookies? Is this Pittsburgh? Is this (no offense inteded, Gary) Washington? Give me a break…

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:43 PM EDT reply actions

Hi guys—glued to the set after my dinner party crew left—told em they could stay & watch da game or leave fast! I am going back and forth on this one—were we controlling periods 1 & 2, or just hanging in there? IMHO Grahame had a few terrific saves—better than most I’ve seen. Vinny L got unlucky with that crossbar. We caved in period 3 like last game against the Sens. You guys should lay off Kubina (not “Poobina”) because he stepped up his game. Glad this fan site respects Bradmaster Richards—he was the only Bolt that went with the Senators on that fatal breakaway. But I’m worried!

by Marsha on Apr 21, 2006 9:47 PM EDT reply actions

Kubina did play well…

I can’t believe one goal tanked our confidence like that.

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 9:52 PM EDT reply actions

No offense taken, JF. The Caps regularly play with more heart than the Bolts did tonight. And Kubina played great tonight with the one exception of that hugely wide slide. No Poobina tonight… but don’t you agree that’s a pretty cool name for when he makes stupid mistakes?

It’s not my fault his surname is fecal-friendly. ;)

by Gary on Apr 21, 2006 10:38 PM EDT reply actions

…No comment ;)

by John F. on Apr 21, 2006 10:59 PM EDT reply actions

“I cant believe one goal tanked our confidence like that.”

Sens fan here…

For the first two period Ottawa looked tense, nervous, and ready to collapse at any second. We’ve done so poorly in the postseason in the past, and expectations are sky-high.

When Marty scored they, and I think every Sens fan, breathed a huge sigh of relief. The players visibly loosened up, started making passes, and looked far more like the dominating team that I’ve watched all year. It wasn’t that the Bolts gave up (far from it, until 3-1)… it’s just that Ottawa started playing their game instead of worrying about expectations.

If either of those crossbar shots had found the back of the net, I think you guys would have won, hands down.

by Andrew on Apr 22, 2006 10:10 AM EDT reply actions