Preseasoned Capitalization

by John Fontana on Sep 20, 2006 11:39 PM EDT in Game Previews

I didn't listen to tonights radio broadcast of the Lightning vs. Capitals game, but from what was passed on to me - it sounded familiar in a negative sense and (upon reading the recap) familiar in a highly positive sense.

The negative sentiment was directed at the Lightning special teams not taking advantage of opportunities and the Lightning offense not capitalizing more against the Caps (but they were facing Olaf Kolzig). When I heard Vinny Lecavalier scored on a 5-on-3 to tie it, visions of last season danced before my eyes and memories of listless and uninspired play with lone goals on lop sided Power Play opportunities (if at all).

Dan Boyle's game-winning, overtime goal (also scored on a power play) cemented that thought in my mind.

But lets get to the good news. The one stat that stands out to me is Marc Denis 40 saves. Denis, whose stats were less-than-stellar during scrimmages over the past few days, let in an early goal (on the 2nd shot of the game) but settled down. I wish I had seen the game to be able to comment on the defensive effort in front of him and what not...

Sorry for the blind-eye comments on the game... Bolts win the Preseason opener 3-2 in overtime.

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We went to the game last night. Smaby needs to be cut… don’t wait another minute to ship that kid. Before the season even starts (for real), the wife and I have taken to referring to one particular (new) blueliner as “Kubastank”, and the powerplay was just as bad as we all feared.

by Gary on Sep 21, 2006 12:36 PM EDT reply actions

I expect more cuts after the Detroit game, Gary… I also don’t expect Matt Smaby to be with the Bolts after it. He’ll be in Springfield.

As for Kuba — he’s getting over hernia and hasn’t been working his legs more than on a bike during the off season because of it. It’s a shame that he’ll be getting into shape as the season progresses.

by John F. on Sep 21, 2006 12:40 PM EDT reply actions

Hi Gary, am jealous you got to see the game. What did you think of Alexeev and Milley? Did you see any new strategies with the power play? Can the D hold steady enough until Ranger returns? (Can you tell I’m pumped about the season’s return?) :)

by Marsha on Sep 22, 2006 12:09 PM EDT reply actions

Rangers injury creates an opportunity for bubble d-men who would likely be shoe-ins for Springfield demotions in any other instance.

Mike Egener, now is the time for you to step up!

by John F. on Sep 22, 2006 12:16 PM EDT reply actions

Marsha: Alexeev didn’t look bad per se, just didn’t do much to make me notice him on the ice. Milley looked good; you know he scored a goal, and there were a few times aside from that where I was impressed enough with his play to scream “Stormin’ Norman!”

The powerplay needs some new stragegies, that’s for sure. Too much passing all around the perimeter, a dearth of shots, and Lecavalier doing very little, seeing as he needed a little help from the Caps’ D to get his goal past Olie.

As for Bolts’ D – well Ranger’s foot had better heal up pretty soon. I’m not encouraged at all by the rest of the guys on the blue line.

by Gary on Sep 25, 2006 11:09 AM EDT reply actions