Question of the Week: Who Are You Excited To See Facing The Bolts?

by Nolan Whyte on Jul 7, 2011 9:03 AM EDT in Question of the Week

Dwayne Roloson will be back for the Lightning, but he'll be facing some very different opponents from last season. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The draft has come and gone, free agency season is well underway, and unbelievably, trading players is cool again in the NHL; teams are cleaning house and bringing in the fresh meat. Some NHL teams, including some of the Lightning's Eastern Conference rivals, have complete re-imagined themselves.

The Philadelphia Flyers have changed everything but the city they play in, the Panthers have added ONE HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS to their payroll, while the Carolina Hurricanes have signed Tomas Kaberle, the greatest open-ice hitter in hockey (giggle). Oh, and that guy who used to play here, Brad Richards, is going to play somewhere too. I wasn't really paying attention where. What? New York Rangers? Okay, if you say so.

The Lightning have been focusing mostly on keeping last year's team together, while adding a few fringe pieces. My question to you, the mighty Bolt-o-sphere:

"Some of the Eastern Conference Teams have already undergone massive makeovers during the offseason. The Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers, and New Yorker Rangers (to name a few) will all have new identities in the fall. What teams are you most interested in seeing the Lightning lock up with when next season rolls around? Are are the Bolts doing enough to keep up with the pack?"

Answers and poll after the jump. What do YOU think? Leave us your comments!

Clark Brooks: (Clark's blog)

With the signing of Brad Richards, reunited with coach John Tortorella, the games against the Rangers will automatically be marquee matchups. I hope the Rangers are pretty good, because as much as I hate to admit it, it's good for any league when at least one of their teams in New York does well.

Beyond that, I would love to see an actual, honest-to-goodness rivalry FINALLY develop with the Panthers, especially now that the Thrashers are history. For whatever reason, Florida and Tampa Bay's teams always seem to be going in opposite directions, and the closest they've ever come to having meaningful competition is when one team is in position to be the other's spoiler. Hopefully the Panthers have finally bottomed out and will start an upswing and games between them and the clearly up-and-coming Lightning will have a real impact. In my opinion, intense, bitterly contested regional rivalries will do more than playoff appearances or even Stanley Cup championships to sway the opinions of those opposed to hockey in southern markets.

Tina Robinson:

I would like to see some sort of real in-state rivalry develop with the Panthers. I think it would be good for both teams as well as good for the NHL. One reason for a true rivalry to develop is both teams have to be good at the same time, and that hasn't been the case between the Bolts and Panthers, but with the Panthers' new additions, it is a very real possibility this coming season.

I also look forward to seeing how old friend Brad Richards does in Gotham. I don't know that his signing is enough to make it a rivalry any more that Torts' presence already does, but an old saying goes "familiarity breeds contempt", so as the Lightning and Rangers become more familiar, will that increase the rivalry aspect? A lot is going to depend on the new NHL realignment that is coming soon too. That may give the Bolts new teams with which a rivalry may develop. (Detroit, anyone?)

As far as the Bolts keeping up with the pack, I think they have. They made some additions (Gilroy, Gervais) and some old friends resigned (Hall, Roli) and if (WHEN) they resign Stamkos and Purcell, they will have accomplished quite a bit. But I'm not so sure our JM is so much worried about "keeping up with the Joneses" as he is putting together the best team for the dollar to make the Bolts competitive now and in the future. If he does that properly, the rest of the pack may have to worry about keeping up with the Lightning.

Dani Toth: (Lightning Hockey Blog)

I'm looking forward to seeing the Rangers this season based on them getting Richards and what some offense can bring to their team, the Flyers because I have no idea what to expect from them, and the Sabres because they have seemed interesting to me this off-season with the moves they have made. And let's just throw in the Jets to that mix because I am excited to see their fans in their first year of the NHL back in Winnipeg.

As for whether the Lightning have done enough, I didn't think they needed to do that much to begin with, so I am pleased so far. They were just in the EC Finals and I would like to see how this year plays out with this group before I think they need to make some major upgrades.

John Fontana:

I want to see if Florida Panthers Head Coach Kevin Dineen can make a salad out of the talent that has been tossed his way. That should be the most interesting change in the Southeast Division.

As for the Bolts keeping pace, lets look at the "key" losses: a head-case goalie with concussion issues (Mike Smith), a third line grinder / agitator who put up 29 points in 2010-11 (Sean Bergenheim), and an oft-injured, under-performing wing (Simon Gagne). Generalizations aside, the losses aren't as massive as they appear, nor are the gains of opponents. It's more a matter of perception: Washington, Florida, Carolina all needed to retrofit or rebuild their rosters. Tampa Bay has to tweak what they have, and deal with what they've lost. Those losses aren't as massive as perception (and panic) have made them seem.

Matt Amos: (Don't Trade Vinny)

Once again: I trust Steve Yzerman as much as most people trust their spouses, so, I think just having him as GM is plenty enough for us to keep up with the pack.

I'm looking forward to the games against the Capitals this year. Washington has done a lot this offseason, and on paper, look like a much better team. Which is scary, because they were pretty damn good last year. I think the Caps provide us with a true measuring stick.

Cassie McClellan:

Out of everyone so far, I'm most interested in seeing the Florida Panthers play the Lightning next season. Tampa Bay and Florida have long been billed as "rivals", but in truth there is no actual rivalry. Injuries and intense competition fuel rivalries, and the teams just haven't been good at the same time to really brew any bad blood. But the Panthers, in trying to get their payroll up over the cap floor, have added some very intriguing players. It'll be interesting to see if they'll gel and become a competitive team. And if that happens, it'll be interesting to see how that plays out within the Southeast Division and with the Lightning. It would be really nice if "in-state rivals" actually meant something, and that would be great for amateur hockey in the state of Florida as well.

(Nolan Whyte blogs about the Lightning at Raw Charge and at Frozen Sheets Hockey. Follow him on twitter @nolanwhyte.)

View last week's question: Who Do You Want Back?

Poll

Which team are you looking forward to seeing when the 2011-2012 season begins?

Florida Panthers

42 votes

Carolina Hurricanes

0 votes

Winnipeg Jets

7 votes

Washington Capitals

15 votes

New York Rangers

9 votes

Philadelphia Flyers

7 votes

Other

4 votes

84 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 21 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Rivalries are fun

It’ll be great if a rivalry does develop. In Nashville, we’re involved in some pretty lopsided rivalries—we hate Detroit, but they care nothing about us, for instance. Though there is a mutual contempt with the Ducks (cough, gag—sorry I just threw up in my mouth a little) but that’s recent and may not last.

But I also really want to get the measure of this version of the Caps.

Goaleez R weerd.
Part Predator, part Lightning.

by CAustin on Jul 7, 2011 9:29 AM EDT reply actions

I don’t think there’ll be that much of a difference with the Caps. They’ll have an outstanding regular season, of course. But then they’ll fizzle in the playoffs as they have in the past. Although, I do believe that their playoff performance problems are a coaching issue, and not a player issue.

Win or lose, I'm proud of these guys.
Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community. Follow me on Twitter: @dagmar27.

by Cassie McClellan on Jul 7, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions

The real question and excitement with the Caps is… between Ovie and Boudreau, who will kill either themselves or each other first??

So... if that was just the beginning? Can't friggin' wait to see what's next!! A HUGE Thank You to Mr. Vinik, Steve Yzerman, Guy Boucher & the whole damn Lightning team/organization!! 100% Continued support and respect.

by Let's JOE WINGS-BOLTS on Jul 7, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions

I tend to agree, myself. They’ve been banking on their stars for a while now, and nothing’s come of it. Lots of talk, though, about how Vokoun and familiarity with the new system makes them a strong contender.

I also look forward to seeing someone else have to deal with all the sticks that seem to crumble in the hands of Joel Ward. I’m pretty sure that put a huge dent in the Preds equipment budget the past few years.

Goaleez R weerd.
Part Predator, part Lightning.

by CAustin on Jul 7, 2011 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Is it October yet??

Once again: I trust Steve Yzerman as much as most people trust their spouses, so, I think just having him as GM is plenty enough for us to keep up with the pack.

I agree with the above statement 100%. When it comes right down to it, yes, it hurts to lose who we have lost, so far. However, with the exception of a few guys, how many of us even knew who half these guys were, before being plucked out of the air to come kick ass for JM and the Lightning. For example, Bergenheim, Hall, Thompson, Moore, Purcell.. regardless of whether they’re still here or not, think of how they came from nowhere to be team star in Tampa. Umm, Detroit anybody??

The ability of JM to find the diamond in the rough, added to Coach Boucher’s ability to polish it until it shines!! (their way into a ridiculous contract with another team, haha) is the winning combo that will carry us for long into the future. Add Mr. Vinik’s huge piggy bank and we’re good to go.

Who do I look forward to seeing?? Well, besides the usual Red Wings, which AGAIN, will not make it to Florida this season. (thinking only reason they made it last season, due to JM’s move) Would have to be the Winnipeg Jet Thrashers. Being that they aren’t much of a different team, than they were in A-Town. Guess just for curiosity and nostalgia purposes.. my old ass was able to see the original Jets play against the Bolts many times, before their move to Desert land.

by Let's JOE WINGS-BOLTS on Jul 7, 2011 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

Another plus to wanting to play the rangers

Game threads will be full of fun competition

"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx

In Prust We Trust

"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.

A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep

Follow me @8kpower

by Kevin Power on Jul 7, 2011 10:46 AM EDT reply actions

I’ve always hated the Rangers, mainly just due to the fact that they’re the Rangers. Over the past few seasons though, mainly since Torts became coach, I’ve taken a “liking” to them.

Maybe it’s due to the fact that most NY teams always have the best players, with the most money and always think they dominate everything. This Ranger team(besides one lil’ contract) seems to be the opposite of that. Bunch of young kids playing because they love the game and learning how to win. Having such a great coach in Torts helps too.. even though NY and Tampa are extremely different markets, the song for him remains the same. I still hate the Yankees though, sorry, haha.

by Let's JOE WINGS-BOLTS on Jul 7, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions

(besides one lil’ contract)

What about Gaborik’s 5 year 35mil deal?

and no worries about the Yankees, I’m a met fan

"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx

In Prust We Trust

"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.

A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep

Follow me @8kpower

by Kevin Power on Jul 7, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Panthers

Like noted above, I want to see the in-state rivalry develop for the first time. Florida will be somewhat decent this year so it may finally happen.

Also, I want to see just how well Bergenheim does against us, and how the crowd at SPT will receive him in Florida’s first game there.

you're not defending him are you?
are you his mom?

by toppleprone on Jun 7, 2011 9:43 PM EDT

My Twitter- follow for NHL updates

by SnipeShot on Jul 7, 2011 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

Vancouver

To me, I want another crack at the Western Conference champs. Our own little version of the SCF, if you will. We won there last year, we’ll beat them again this year.

"[The Lightning] are uncanny. When they want to get a goal, it's like they just snap their fingers or hit a button. They just dial it up. You can see it. It's like they flip a switch. When they are down, it's just like they think, 'we know we are going to score.' I don't know what it is, it leaves [the opposition] flabbergasted." - Mike Knuble, 3 May 2011

by MTBoltFan on Jul 7, 2011 12:05 PM EDT reply actions

A little Swedish for you

Den målvakten sparkade min röv ("the goalie kicked my ass.")

Goaleez R weerd.
Part Predator, part Lightning.

by CAustin on Jul 8, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm not sure how well this holds

but I always compare the Southeast to CONCACAF, in that there’s little enough respect on the national (world) stage that I tend to pull for divisional (regional) rivals when they’re not playing against Tampa (USA). There are, of course, exceptions, like Washington (Mexico), but success of teams like Carolina (Honduras) or Florida (Jamaica) are just fine by me, and I think are actually good for national (international) perception.

Obviously, the parallel breaks down a bit because the Southeast has two championships and CONCACAF has none. But I think that the question of respect may have a similar answer. There are genuine, bad-blooded CONCACAF rivalries. USA-Mexico is intense, and Hondruas and El Salvador fought a freaking war. But on the world stage, nobody really cares. They don’t understand that it can be difficult to go on the road to a shoddy stadium in Central America with poor lighting and uneven turf and pick up a win. And on the national stage, nobody cares if Tampa and Florida have a rivalry or not. If they did, they probably wouldn’t just assume there is a rivalry (right now) when there obviously isn’t. I just don’t think rivalry is the way to get respect.

Tampa and Carolina have shown that Southeast teams can win it all. The US and Mexico have shown that CONCACAF teams can beat strong international competition. But neither has respect because the perception is that one or two teams can just roll through the divisional (regional) competition without much of a fight. There may be a decent team, but it’s not competitive (for another example, see ACC football in the 90s). The way to get respect, imo, is for the second tier to show fight. Be the division that gets four teams into the playoffs or three into the conference semifinals. Have two division rivals square off for the Prince of Wales trophy. If USA or Mexico gets out of a World Cup group, nobody much notices. If Jamaica or Honduras does, that’s eye-catching. If the Caps roll through the regular season and wins the division by 15 points, people write them off. If they’re fighting through a division with four legit playoff teams, that’s different.

I think I ended up rambling a bit there. . . sorry. I’m mostly looking forward to seeing the Bolts and Canes, but for obvious reasons that are not really what the post is looking for.

Heel for school, Vol for life!

Go Bolts! Out West, go Preds! Southern hockey solidarity!

by Incipient_Senescence on Jul 7, 2011 12:21 PM EDT reply actions

But rivalries can help there, too

I think that a really good rivalry can make teams more competitive, even if no one is paying much attention from the outside. I see it every year in the Central Division. (Not even counting the Detroit-Chicago thing, which has its own dynamic.) The Preds simply play well more consistently against Detroit than they do against, say, Calgary (or within the Central, against Columbus or STL). The game means more emotionally even if it doesn’t mean more statistically. The guys are fierce against Detroit, and that can really be a boost to the reputation of the team and the division. And quite frankly, if they put on a poor showing against the Ducks, well, I’ll be one of the first to scream bloody murder. It’s expected that you play stronger, better hockey against your rivals. Those rivalries, if they develop, can boost play all around and make the division much stronger.

If FLA and TB are extremely determined to win every game they play against one another for reasons beyond standings, that will make the division stronger. If TB is determined to outrank FLA in the standings all the time, the games will mean more. If the fans refuse to allow TB to lose to FLA, there’s that much added incentive to get the win. That means that some fans won’t be able to cheer for their division rivals in any circumstance, while some will. But that’s okay.

And besides, after ten years of being a fan of southern hockey, I’m finally figuring out that respect from the rest of the world isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Goaleez R weerd.
Part Predator, part Lightning.

by CAustin on Jul 7, 2011 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Awww…we miss you guys too.

Seriously, it would be the same result on our coast. Need this rivalry.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 7, 2011 10:44 PM EDT reply actions

Wings

I love a matchup between my 2 favorite teams!

Also a fan of the Rays and Lightning.
There is no offseason.
My icon was drawn by Samara Pearlstein, talented artist/blogger at Roar of the Tigers.

by Tigers&WingsFan on Jul 8, 2011 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

So do I

And since it’s at the Joe this year I may be able to go see the Bolts for once!

you're not defending him are you?
are you his mom?

by toppleprone on Jun 7, 2011 9:43 PM EDT

My Twitter- follow for NHL updates

by SnipeShot on Jul 8, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions

How no one has been excited for Dan Ellis’ return is beyond me.

Hell on Ice/In Lou We Trust/Twitter
Talking toilet, you may call me Jane.

by Kevin Sellathamby on Jul 9, 2011 7:42 AM EDT reply actions

Everyone should be able to experience

the sweet, sweet joy of chasing Dan Ellis. It’s even better when it happens in a playoff game. :D

Goaleez R weerd.
Part Predator, part Lightning.

by CAustin on Jul 9, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

A rivalry between the Bolts and Cats would be awesome. Much fun for someone like me who lives in Orlando (closer to SPTF but family 10 minutes away from BAC) lol

by HockeyKnight on Jul 10, 2011 12:36 PM EDT reply actions