Lightning can weather the loss of Ohlund
by John Fontana on Oct 10, 2011 4:50 PM EDT
in Lightning Team News
Email
Print
The news has come out that Mattias Ohlund will have arthroscopic knee surgery on both his knees tomorrow. The surgery on his ailing knees, which helped put him on injured reserve to start the season, should keep him out of commission until November. Maybe he'll be back sooner, maybe later... But it's going to be a bit of time.
Does that mean the Lightning are suddenly looking for a defenseman? Not really, no. They're already carrying seven on the roster. It's not like there is an absence of either leadership nor skill on the blueline.
While Victor Hedman has been a mainstay on the defense since his drafting in 2009, the spotlight falls upon him to step up to the next level now that his mentor is out for an extended period. New acquisitions Bruno Gervais and Matt Gilroy both need to assimilate themselves into the 1-3-1 system. Gervais will be starting on defense tonight in place of Gilroy, who may benefit from watching the game from the press box. It gives a different understanding and perspective on what's supposed to be done on defense.
Meanwhile, veterans Eric Brewer (who has been a Captain in his career) and Pavel Kubina (who has worn the "A" ) have plenty of leadership tenure to compare to Ohlund.
Ohlund being out is a loss, but the Lightning aren't unprepared for it.
1 comment
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
We've done it before..
As Ol’ Ohlie is no stranger to injuries or giving them (Ask his fellow countryman Zetterberg) …So yes indeedy, you said it, time for Hedman to finally become a big boy full time and not continue/become the Jonathon Ericsson of the Lightning.
We saw Heds do a bit of it last season, then he got “lost” during the intensity playoff push and never was able to fully recover. There was a good amount of time last season where I had Victor pegged as most improved player. Alternating between him and VL4.
However, Vinny was able to carry his improvements into the post season and finally looked like a leader that cared about his team again. Which has continued on a some what steady basis.For Hedman.. It’s still early, but from what I’ve seen of him so far, looks a lot like how he started last season… which is perfect timing, giving his mentor’s knee situation.
No better time to “test” a new line-up, than against the Caps… and it should be just that. Looks like Coach has fooled us again, going with Gervais and letting Gilroy watch and learn this time around. Does more to show how much Boucher likes Bruno, should give him some confidence for getting the go tonight. LET’S GO BOLTS!!
Let's GO.. Wings, TIGERS, Lions, Wolverines(Blue), Pistons & Bolts!!!!
by Let's JOE WINGS-BOLTS on Oct 10, 2011 6:16 PM EDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Raw Charge
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
Pages
Raw Charge on the Web
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
- Friday’s Three Stars: Devils head to Final; Brodeur, Kovalchuk the difference in Game 6
- Devils eliminate Rangers in Game 6, ending fear of the past, setting course for the future
SBNation.com Recent Stories
