Steve Yzerman to be introduced as Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager at 3PM press conference
by John Fontana on May 25, 2010 10:06 AM EDT
in Lightning Franchise news
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PrintLadies and gentlemen, the wait is over. This is a developing story and we will have more as it becomes available.
Steve Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings legend, will become the Tampa Bay Lightning's sixth general manager this afternoon, replacing dismissed GM Brian Lawton and following in the footsteps of former GM's Jay Feaster, Rick Dudley, Jacques Demers and Phil Esposito.
We've been waiting, waiting, waiting... And early this morning a news release from the Lightning announced the scheduling of a press conference for this morning. Various reports have also come out, and Jeff Vinik's wish of silence can no longer be kept in check.
Of course, at this point, this silence has turned into a hell of a marketing tool, as the hriing is not only a huge name -- but there is huge hype around someone finally filling the position.
Steve Yzerman's name had been tied to the Lightning GM role since a report surfaced weeks ago from TSN. Other names that had come out of the woodwork had been Pierre McGuire, Ron Hextall, Doug Risebrough and dark-horse candidate Claude Loiselle. But the one truth that prevailed since rumors first sprung up about Yzerman, was the truth of silence. Jeffrey Vinik did not want negotiations playing out in the media, or names leaked to the media.
[Note by John Fontana, 05/25/10 11:16 AM EDT ] Sportsnet.ca's Nick Kypreos reports via Twitter that Yzerman rejected the Lightning job multiple times, until the offer became too good to refuse. An ownerships take in the club is also potentially there.
[Note by John Fontana, 05/25/10 1:36 PM EDT ]As it stands right now, www.tampabaylightning.com will be streaming the press conference live online. The NHL Network will also have it. It's likely Bay News Nine or Bright House Sports Net will be presenting the presser
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Nothing concrete is out
If this turns into a “Dewey Defeats Truman” moment….
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
Congrats on it not be He Who Shall Remain Nameless.
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
by BReynolds on May 25, 2010 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Oh How True!
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks!
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
This thread is being updated as we go here, so please keep that in mind and check back.
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
Boy ain't this taking the thunder away from the Stanley Cup Finals!
The hockey world is all “atwitter” (pardon the pun there, it was intentional) with this news. I think that may have been part of the reason for the wait. Maybe the team didn’t want to disrupt the conference finals during the series. Now that there is a break between those games and the SCF, it’ll give everyone a little fodder to chew on for a few days.
Welcome to Hockey Bay USA Stevie Y!
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
Finals start Saturday. This fills the lull.
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on May 25, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Loved this off of Twitter earlier:
@Everett_Duke: If Yzerman takes the job in Tampa, will Canada have to acknowledge the existence of the southeast division?
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
WIN!
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on May 25, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
You think this pisses off most of Canada? I do. And as another poster on Twitter (Wyshenski, I think) said, the hockey media won’t be using “Lightning” and “circus” together any more.
I’m not saying this action gives the Lightning instant credibility. To a certain extent it does, but only the actions of the new GM (WELCOME STEVIE Y!!) and the players he signs and/or keeps on the roster will give them credibility, but this is one HUGE step in the right direction.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s part of the whole “World Class” bit. You’ve got to have respect and credibility, and Yzerman has loads of it. And, he’s a class individual – everyone knows that. So Yzerman taking this job instantly makes the Lightning look like a contender, a team to be seriously reckoned with, even if they probably aren’t right now.
Still, having said that, I’m only cautiously optimistic. I’m waiting to see who he hires as his head coach. That one move can make or break this whole deal.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, misspelled name...
It should be “Wyshynski” for the twitter post I was referring to. Sorry about that. Didn’t check it before I posted. My bad.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Seriously, I am so bored with the GM search. Hurry up and pick someone…
by Meredith Qualls on May 25, 2010 10:47 AM EDT reply actions
He’s picked. The press conference is at 3 :-p
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on May 25, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
We've added a poll to this post
If you are here and treating the site as an open thread, please hit refresh
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
So when is the press conference open thread John?
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
This afternoon
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on May 25, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd be curious to hear your guys' opinions on this:
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-does-steve-yzerman-as-gm-mean-for.html
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
As far as the Vinny part of it..three words...
NO MOVEMENT CLAUSE. Vinny has already said multiple times he is happy in Tampa. I’m not saying he couldn’t get traded, anything is possible, but it would take a lot to persuade him to move.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I respectfully disagree. NMCs are things that guys put in their deals to make sure that they don’t get traded to a cesspool like Edmonton, not so that they actually don’t get traded. I think if St.Louis goes (and I think he will) then Vinny would waive. He doesn’t want to be a part of a rebuild… and besides, the weather is nice in LA
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
I don’t believe Marty is going anywhere. He voiced some concerns about the direction of the team, but this move can’t do anything but help alleviate those concerns. This team doesnt need a total “blow up and rebuild”. There are a lot of good pieces in place. It’s up to Yzerman to find the rest of them.
Besides if they don’t resign MSL, there will be a total revolt in Tampa regardless of who they bring in. If you don’t believe that, then you don’t understand the position those two have (Vinny and Marty) in Tampa.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
The GMs job isn’t really to appease the fans though, it’s to win. Do you think they’d be better off with an aging St.Louis at $6.5 per or would you rather have the prospects that a player of his calibre would yield?
Clearly as a non-Lightning fan I can’t understand the level of idolatry you feel for either of those guys, but as an impartial observer, I think that’s a better way to win.
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
Shouldn’t Detroit have traded Yzerman as he was an aging star? They should have rebuilt using him as trade bait.
St. Louis and Vinny are guys akin to Yzerman for Bolts fans. That’s all you need to understand.
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on May 25, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Detroit had ‘win-now’ calibre talent around the aging Yzerman though (and they did win, you’ll recall).
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
The Lightning aren’t that far off from that – with the right coach.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
They aren’t far off from being competitive, but they aren’t winning the Cup anytime soon. Detroit at that time hadn’t missed the playoffs in years…. Tampa hasn’t made the playoffs in years…
You guys have a lot of skill but you’re not the late 90s Red Wings
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
We don’t want to be. We want to be the 2010 Tampa Bay Lightning. Whatever that may be.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
They might be comparable to the late 90s Wings in a shorter space of time than you might think.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe. But I’d be careful about comparing this team to one of the strongest dynasties of the modern era. They might surprise me, to be sure, but I think the most likely path to success sees MSL traded before long
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
We didn’t compare them to the 90s Red Wings. You did.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
No I didn’t. Someone said that trading St.Louis would be like the Wings trading Yzerman.
That’s apples and oranges as the teams occupy different spaces
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
Then that makes this whole discussion moot. Since you can’t compare apples and oranges, neither you, I nor anyone else has any idea what direction the Bolts will take.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Right… you can’t know…
That doesn’t mean you can’t have arguments or rationale for what position you feel they OUGHT to take. All Im saying is compare them to something that’s close to what they are… not to some idyllic dynasty
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
And I am not comparing them to anyone. As I said in a previous post, I want them to be the 2010 Tampa Bay Lightning, not somebody or something else.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
We shall have to wait and see.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
For the record;
I’m not trying to be a troll here. I like your team, and I like your fans.
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
We like discussing, so neither of us are trying to attack you. But we will voice our opinions. So it’s all good. :o)
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh I don’t feel attacked — I just don’t want anyone to think I came on here to pick a fight. I like to get some perspective from people that are ‘attached’
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
Oh good. Civil discussion is not only welcomed but encouraged. I wasn’t thinking that you were a troll.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
And the old “trade Vinny” and “trade Marty” are arguments we’ve heard time and again. Nothing new there.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree that the GM's job it to put together the team that has the best chance to win.
If not, he doesn’t need to be the GM. But they do, I feel, have to take into consideration that getting rid of certain players (on any team) would be a PR nightmare they don’t want to deal with, especially early in the tenure of any new GM.
Marty has one more year on his contract and according to capgeek, it’s not 6.5 but 5.25. Then they can decide if they want to continue with his services or give him the choice to decide if he wants to come back at a lower number.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, Marty’s current deal is very reasonable, but as I said in my article, he’s due for a raise as he has outperformed that deal. I think 6.5 is probably the number. I’d be shocked if he took less than what he’s getting now, unless he gets hurt next year.
If he doesn’t get dealt then things with MSL will go one of two ways: 1) He’ll stay but make more money or 2) He’ll leave and you’ll get nothing back for him.
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
And that's a chance that TB fans are willing to take.
As you said you are not a Lightning fan. Hindsight is 20/20. We’ll take our chances.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
St. Louis isn’t a free agent for another year, so why have this discussion now?
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Because the article in question suggests Marty get traded before the end of the dea.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
OOPS.
Sorry, that should be “deal”. Forgot the “L”
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Because Yzerman will have to decide on a direction before his deal expires
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
Which isn’t for another year. Marty threatened to leave in order to get the new owner to prove that they’d be competitive this season. Well, with hiring Yzerman, the common thought there is that they will be. So, this argument is pretty much a moot point at this time.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
As a Leafs fan, I can assure you that the stench of the prior GM lingers for more than a couple of seasons. Yzerman is fantastic but he can’t turn the ship around instantly.
I don’t see the argument as a moot point at all. If Yzerman chooses ‘youth’ as his direction then St.Louis is gone. If he thinks they can win this year, then he stays. The direction he chooses is entirely pertinent to St.Louis’ immediate future
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
But it’s not. St. Louis was the reason that Stamkos scored over 50 goals this last season. Without Marty, Stamkos wouldn’t be where he’s at. Even if they go with youth, St. Louis is an invaluable mentor – and linemate – to Stamkos.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
And that is something we already know. I’m sure the GM will do whatever is best for the team. I just don’t believe that entails trading Vinny OR Marty.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Would you pay Marty 6.5M for the next three season after this one?
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
Would any 35-year-old hockey player expect to be making $6.5 million a season? Only in his dreams, I think. No matter what his name or statistics might be.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s the deal Iginla got in Calgary and his numbers aren’t as strong as St Louis’ were last year.
Ryan Smyth got that deal and his numbers aren’t close and his body is more worn. It happens
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
Right. But both of those guys have bigger reputations. They’d expect more – or, at least, their agents would because of that.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Iginla does. Smyth doesn’t.
MSL won a Hart trophy. He has as much of a legacy as anyone.
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
Ryan Smyth? “Captain Canada” himself? I’d say he’s got a reputation.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I have no problem with giving Marty a raise. But with Marty it’s not all about the money. You are not a Lightning fan, so you would not understand like those of us that have followed him for the past few years. Marty wants to win.
I don’t know that the figure you quoted is accurate or not. Neither do you. If this team proves that it’s well on its way to being a contender, who’s to say Marty won’t take less. In dollars or years.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I know it’s what he’s worth. What I don’t know is if he’d take less.
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
That will be up to Marty and Stevie Y, won’t it. And I don’t doubt that Marty would if it means the chance at a Cup.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
And you think TB is his best chance at a cup in two years’ time?
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
It could be.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
What makes you think they won’t? I don’t have a crystal ball. All I can say is whatever the GM does this offseason will have a lot of influence on those chances.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
The best information we have access to (talent and prospects of Tampa compared to other teams as well as their cap situation) suggests that there are other teams that are much, much closer. If winning is all that matters and I’m MSL, I’m packing my bags
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
There’s much more to a team than what you can find on paper.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
And sometimes all the information in the world doesn’t mean squat. You can’t measure heart. Look at this year’s Montreal Canadiens. They shouldn’t have gotten as far as they did. But teams play beyond their talent and means. The 2004 Bolts were exactly setting the world on fire, but they did at the right time and look what they got. A Stanley Cup trophy.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
The statement should be “The 2004 Bolts WEREN’T setting the world on fire…”
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I know that things like this CAN happen. Montreal this year, the Oilers a few years ago, the Canes when they won the Cup… it does happen.
But the trick is to optimize the likelihood that it will. Not to stubbornly cross your fingers and hope that it does.
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
And how better to optimize that than to have talent like MSL and Vinny on your team? MSL has more heart than any player I have watched regularly in a LONG time. He’s carried this team. I’m not sure what it would say for Marty to suddenly pack up and say “see ya, I’m going to win a cup somewhere else”.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Alright, let's shift the topic a bit then;
What does Yzerman have to do to move the Lightning from ‘three years out of the playoffs’ to ‘Stanely Cup contender’?
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
Actually, could you restate this below to start a whole new discussion? We’re running out of room. :oD
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Good idea! Post will be below.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
And they got hot in January. Prior to that they were at the bottom of the league and Torts was in real danger of getting cut loose. It’s not so much getting hot as WHEN.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Did anyone even notice that outside of Florida?
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
Shocking news, huh? :)
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on May 25, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I still remember people telling me he was going to be bigger than Richards.
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on May 25, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
My jokes aside, I really like this hire.
Probably the biggest reason I fell off as a Lightning fan is because the franchise does not seem to be stable. The lockout pretty much mauled the Stanley Cup team and killed casual fan goodwill. Every ownership group has complained that the team hemorrhages cash. The Koules ownership group, either through incompetence or maliciousness, has attempted to run this franchise into the ground. I’m not a big believer in cliche’d intangible attributes, but what I think Yzerman brings to the Lightning is hint of stability, much like Wayne Gretzky did for the Coyotes.
Jesus Didn't Tap.
Credibility more than stability… Stability is a factor, I agree… But Vinik himself is proving stability.
The only guys who think Vinik is unstable are Ken Campbell of THN and George Malik of Mlive.com
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on May 25, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Uh, do they really count, John?
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
They're media
Jokes…. But media.
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on May 25, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Bad jokes. But they still make me laugh.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn't really know that Vinik is bringing stability to be honest. Like I said, I fell off the wagon.
Jesus Didn't Tap.
I understand
He wants thigns world class, and does not plan on being tight fisted with spending.
"Seen Cincuenta" -- 04.10.10 -- Raw Charge.
by John Fontana on May 25, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, and can I just say that I was at least half right?
What if the Tampa Bay Lightning already know who they want?
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 10:58 AM EDT reply actions
You were probably more than half right Cassie. I’d give you 3/4.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey, we’re under the microscope today boys and girls:
Steve Yzerman takes over Lightning; circus closed indefinitely
Check out the last link in the story.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:08 AM EDT reply actions
I saw that. Not just the Lightning getting a closer look today, huh?
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Via Twitter:
@RealKyper: Hear SY turned down TB job multi-times until an offer he couldn’t refuse was made. Also rumblings of an ownership stake could be involved.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:18 AM EDT reply actions
Besides getting a coach that can maximize the talent of the players he’s got? They need serious help on the blueline. Their 3rd and 4th lines need help as well, or at least someone that can motivate them into contributing.
A good bit of the problem this past season was that the Bolts were a 1 or 2 line team. Shut down Stammer/Marty or Vinny’s lines and you had no problem beating that team. The D couldn’t make a decent pass out of the zone to save their collective lives.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
Would you take Kaberle straight up for your first rounder then? If you think you guys are close and you’re in ‘win-now’ mode
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
I wouldn’t. Personally, I don’t think the defense is that bad – they just need better coaching. They need a winger or two, maybe another defenseman, and that’s about it. Keep Niittymaki, bring up Tokarski, and I think they’d be set. This team has good chemistry together, despite the problems that they had – most of which were created by poor coaching that included changing lines up almost constantly. Get a good coach that fits the style of this team, and I think they could go far.
There's nothing quite like the sound of a frozen puck hitting the glass. It makes me happy.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community.
by Cassie McClellan on May 25, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Yzerman likes familiarity. I wouldn’t be surprised if he poaches McLean or somebody off Babcock’s staff.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Mr. Vinik said he wants a GM and coach with the same vision for the team. What better way to do that than have a coach from the same organization that the GM comes from? I think that Paul MacLean would be a good choice. Maybe Kevin Dineen. Someone with ability but not the same old retreads. That’s why I like Stevie Y as the GM. Not one of the “old boys” that have been bouncing from team to team for the last decade or so.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know that just Kaberle would be the solution to the problem.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
As Cassie just said, and I agree, the problem seemed to be the coaching more than the players. Hedman will (or at least SHOULD) improve; it takes D longer to mature than wings. I’d like for them to resign Kurtis Foster, he of the glass shattering slap shot. I think Ohlund was misused and Smaby and Lundin are starting to become very good Dmen. If Hedman gets his confidence and play back to a high level, he will be hard to deal with because he’s got size, a good shot and skates very well.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
2nd year defensemen typcially regress
See Luke Schenn.
In his third year I think you’ll start to see the real Victor Hedman
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
I hope he doesn’t regress too much. Vic started out like gangbusters, but in the last quarter of the season, he seemed to be regressing then. His defensive play was tentative, he seemed to pinch at the wrong time and his passing got sloppy. A good part of that was because the kid played way more hockey than he had ever played before and his body was wearing down. He’s got to work on getting tougher and meaner. He’s got something you can’t teach and that’s size. If he ever starts playing like it, then look out league.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d look for a slight improvement in offensive output and probably a bit more defensively frustrating moments. His size will be an asset eventually but until he learns North American ice angles, he’s going to get beat on the cycle a lot (like he did last year)
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
And there is the coaching thing again. My honest opinion is that if they get the right coaching in there, he’ll steady up quickly.
Now, the only coach that has been fired so far is the head coach. The rest of the coaching staff is still there, at least for now. But if they do bring in a Paul MacLean, for example, I would think he would want his own staff in place.
The defensive coach this past season, Wilson, was a puzzle to me. He was supposed to be the “defensive guru” to set the D on a straight course. But the defense just didn’t go anywhere. And other than Kurtis Foster, they contributed almost nothing to the offense. I don’t know if that was a difference in opinions between Wilson and Tocchet or if his (Wilson) style just didn’t fit the personnel the Bolts had on hand.
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
To be honest, I think your D needs some work. I like Hedman long-term. Foster is a decent second pairing guy. Ohlund is hugely mis-cast on the top pair and other than that you guys are kinda a train wreck of fringe NHLers
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
Mike Lundin has the makings to become a “shut down” defenseman. This past season, he played mostly against the other team’s top scorers. He did a very good job of shutting down the likes of OV, Crosby, Malkin and the like. And we see the a LOT (at least OV and company) because of being in the same division. I think he’ll be fine. Ohlie doesn’t need to be a top pair Dman, I agree he was mis-cast as one. He’s a helluva hitter (just ask Phil Kessel or Hank Zetterberg) but fast he ain’t. I’m not sure what to make of Matt Smaby. He’s got the size (6’5") but he just appeared lost or something. But he got overlooked for the first part of the season for some reason. (That coaching thing rears its head again)
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyway
It’s been a pleasure speaking with you and getting your opinions. I’ll keep stopping by to get a pulse on all things Tampa and to see if any opinions change in time.
I encourage those of you who are interested to check me out at BlueChipProspects and to comment on the threads. I’d love to hear from you and add to my discussion.
Cheers!
http://bluechipprospects.blogspot.com
No problem! Stop by anytime!
We have game threads for every game during the season, so stop in and say hi!
I have come to a conclusion... Martin St Louis = waterbug on meth...
by Tina Robinson on May 25, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
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