Game 5: Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers
by Cassie McClellan on Oct 15, 2011 11:04 PM EDT
in '11-'12 game recaps
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The Tampa Bay Lightning lost to the Florida Panthers in their second shootout loss in a row 3-2.
They looked better than their previous game against the New York Islanders, but anything would be better than that. They had more jump, but still lacked discipline. They were a little more organized towards the end, but they still were very sloppy.
It's as if they've forgotten how to play in Guy Boucher's system. All but defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron, of course, with his two goals. But then, Bergeron's been playing this system for going on three years now.
Think about that for a moment. It's most of the same team from last season. They all struggled with Boucher's innovative 1-3-1 system for the first two or three months before sort of getting it down. Though, after seeing how it was supposed to work when at a game in Norfolk, they never really did get it down.
It's as if they came into camp thinking that they've already got it all figured out, but really didn't remember it right despite that. They're disorganized, they aren't sure where anyone's supposed to be, and they're sloppy because of it. It's no wonder they can't get anything going.
The worst is the defense, which had its problems last season. Matt Gilroy is completely lost out there. It's as if no one's told him where he should go or what he should do, at least in a way that he can understand it. Bruno Gervais is a little better, but not by much. Eric Brewer and Bergeron know what they're doing, but everyone else in between sort of knows and sort of doesn't.
Then there are the forwards. About half of them know what they're doing and where they're going, while the other half isn't entirely sure. It looks like chipmunks doing a Chinese fire drill at times.
It's most obvious in their transition game. On offense, most of them know what they're doing. But it's when they transition to defense that it all falls apart and leads to odd-man rushes.
You've got to give it to Mathieu Garon. He played a great game. You really can't blame him or Dwayne Roloson for the four-game losing streak.
What a way to start a new season, huh?
No, I don't think that they're resting on their laurels from last season. I think that they collectively believe that they all know what they're supposed to be doing, when at least half of them really don't. And who knows if they'll listen to a refresher because of that.
The Lightning are currently 1-2-2 on the season and are fourth in the Southeast Division. Yep, the 4-0 Washington Capitals are very afraid of them in regards to the standings, aren't they? At this rate, the Lightning probably wouldn't be able to beat an AHL team.
The next game is Monday, 17 October. It is the official home opener of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and game time is 7:30 pm ET. If you aren't attending, then please join us here. The game thread will open up at 7 o'clock.
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Can I say it again, Cassie?
R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Even bears must face this fact: we're nothing without Rinne.--Grizzledbear, 10/9/2011
Part Predator, part Lightning.
If it’d make you feel better, Clare – sure.
"You don't have enough talent to win on talent alone." -Herb Brooks
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community. Follow me on Twitter: @dagmar27.
by Cassie McClellan on Oct 15, 2011 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
My last one, I promise. :) Well, until the next time.
DAMN YOU, POKE CHECK!!!!!!
(My husband is laughing at me. I may have to staple his socks together.)
R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Even bears must face this fact: we're nothing without Rinne.--Grizzledbear, 10/9/2011
Part Predator, part Lightning.
Garon said in the local fishwrap that very pokecheck “usually works.” So he apparently uses it regularly, and is successful.
"The Revolution will be complete when the language is perfect"
- Smith in Orwell's 1984
On top of all the sloppyness, lack of organization, lack of jump I would add that they look very slow out there. Do you guys feel the same?
I’m little disappointed with our top players so far, especially Stamkos. The whole team looks bad right now, of course, but these are the moments that you need your top players to step up and carry the team and that’s definitely not happening. I mean, Kopitar, Giroux, Tavares, Kessel and Doan are doing it. Hell, RNH is doing it. Steven Stamkos isn’t.
Following the Lightning all the way from Brasil!
by Rafael Amarante on Oct 15, 2011 11:34 PM EDT reply actions
I don’t know. I saw the speed at times. I agree with Cassie, though, that they don’t seem to be sure where they’re supposed to go, so I kind of chalk it down more to indecision than to not skating and moving their feet.
The other issue seems to be timing. Lots of passes to no one, lots of turnovers.
R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Even bears must face this fact: we're nothing without Rinne.--Grizzledbear, 10/9/2011
Part Predator, part Lightning.
Stamkos has had his chances
I wish rather than just blasting away he would get his shots on net. I think it’s just a matter of time until Connolly fits in, they showed some flashes tonight.
Pavel Kubina had an awful game with the one exception of assisting on MABs second goal.
Ritola showed good hustle and awareness once again but both Vinnie and Bugsy looked like they were skating in mud. The second line has showed absolutely nothing.
Blair Jones shows hustle but severely lacks in any endurance.
Gilroy wasn’t the problem tonight and I disagree on Roloson this first week. He has looked shaky at best.
For the record as a neutral observer, I don't know WTF you guys are doing playing Gilroy and Gervais at all.
As an Isles fan, I’ve seen both players.
Gervais is a marginal 6th man at best – basically he’s a replacement player (for those who don’t know what that means, it means he’s the guy who should start in the AHL and be your first call up, but not one you have any expectations for, just an injury reserve).
Gilroy spent last season playing super weak competition and getting very generous offensive faceoff time, while playing limited minutes. And he doesn’t score enough to justify such sheltering. And he didn’t play the minutes very well either.
Now both guys, especially Gilroy, might flourish in a new system eventually (Tortorella abuses some guys and lets others, like Gilroy, only play the crappy leftover ice time; Gervais looked okay alongside a good D-man in Mark Streit). But neither guy has proven to be even decent defensively, and with one defensive spot already allocated to MAB (another player Isles’ fans are familiar with as being great on O, but not on D), I can’t see it being effective to have both guys on the roster. Maybe you could get by with one of these guys, but two is ridiculous and will harm you guys, even if you are scratching one of em.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
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I think that Yzerman and Boucher are after more offensive-minded guys. That’s part of their secret plan to take over the world. You can teach defense but you can’t instill offensive instincts in someone who doesn’t have them. And to be fair, Brewer’s our only d-man who hasn’t really had a bad game (yet?). It’s not like anyone else is getting the system either.
Taking a chance of Gervais or Gilroy would be much less of an issue if the rest of the guys were more solid defensively.
R.I.P. Belak, Rypien, Boogaard, Lokomotiv.
Even bears must face this fact: we're nothing without Rinne.--Grizzledbear, 10/9/2011
Part Predator, part Lightning.
Sorry Guy
No offense.. but think I will trust Yzerman & Boucher over a random Isles fan. That’s why we have scouts, prospect camp, training camp, etc. To find the right guys for the job and will reserve any thoughts about said players, until we get a bit further in the season.
So far, we’ve made a killing taking players that were “under achieving” else where, (especially Long Island) bringing ’em down to this system/set-up and watching them flourish. Did you have the same thoughts about Bergenheim, Thompson, Roli??
Other teams bench warmers, can become another teams lead guys.. with the right coaching and leadership, you’d be surprised how some players bloom. Just ask the Red Wings, who have also made a living, making such moves. Were not interested in names and superstars, just good, hard working players… who have the right mind set, on and off the ice. We have some great talent down here and soon as things start “clicking” again.. watch out.
Bottom line: Steve Yzerman is our JM, Guy Boucher is our coach… they know what they’re doing and I trust them 100% to do whats right for the team.
Let's GO.. Wings, TIGERS, Lions, Wolverines(Blue), Pistons & Bolts!!!!
by Let's JOE WINGS-BOLTS on Oct 17, 2011 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for agreeing with me, Cassie
Now that you’re on the “Gilroy really isn’t all that good” train, I will say this was his best showing so far.
What’s so frustrating for me is the team seems to be trying to disprove that whole “one year more of knowledge means one year better” theory. Very frustrating to see.
"The Revolution will be complete when the language is perfect"
- Smith in Orwell's 1984
I didn’t say he wasn’t good, just that he looked lost. And that’s not saying much since at least half of the defense is in various stages of being lost as well. He’s good – otherwise he wouldn’t have won the Hobey Baker in college. He just needs someone to point him in the right direction is all.
"You don't have enough talent to win on talent alone." -Herb Brooks
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community. Follow me on Twitter: @dagmar27.
by Cassie McClellan on Oct 17, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
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