Raw Charge: FanPosts

A sign of support

2013-05-22T00:40:55Z

I'm trying to rally the troops a bit here as a show of support. Well, not HERE specifically, but in reality to a player personally.

You may or may not have heard the news, but goalie Riku Helenius is supposed to be returning to the United States shortly. That may not seem like news, but why he departed the Syracuse Crunch in early April is why this is relevant. Helenius, who also left the team earlier in the season for personal reasons, was taking care of his ill mother. It was learned today that Helenius' mother had passed away.

What I'd like to do is encourage people - Syracuse Crunch fans, Tampa Bay Lightning fans, etc -- to send letters of support or sympathy to Helenius (care of the Crunch) so they are waiting for him upon his return to War Memorial.

Why? Because we're part of his family, his hockey family. And it's important that we're there for him, like it's important that his teammates are there for him on his return.

If you'd like to send Helenius a note of sympathy or support, you can send it to:

Riku Helenius
c/o Jim Sarosy
Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club
800 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202

If you'd like to participate, you're not expected to send much... Just a token of support, thoughts, prayers.

I'm trying to rally the troops a bit here as a show of support. Well, not HERE specifically, but in reality to a player personally.

Why? Because we're part of his family, his hockey family. And it's important that we're there for him, like it's important that his teammates are there for him on his return.

If you'd like to send Helenius a note of sympathy or support, you can send it to:

Riku Helenius
c/o Jim Sarosy
Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club
800 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202

If you'd like to participate, you're not expected to send much... Just a token of support, thoughts, prayers.

Who Should The Lightning Draft?

2013-05-09T00:53:58Z

There are 4 concensus "Best Players" available that could immediately help the Tampa Bay Lightning. These are:

1. Seth Jones (D)

2. Nathan Mackinnon (C)

3. Jonathan Druin (LW)

4. Darnell Nurse (D)

Due to physicality, body type, and aggressiveness...I'm hoping we draft for need and BPA. I'm thinking the Lightning should draft Darnell Nurse. He is 6'5 with a body build that could potentially mirror Hedman's (~230 lbs) except Darnell is a bruiser. He would bring attitude and clear the crease...hopefully replace (brewer?) some of our dainty defenseman.

Who would you pickup if you were SY? .... and why?

There are 4 concensus "Best Players" available that could immediately help the Tampa Bay Lightning. These are:

1. Seth Jones (D)

2. Nathan Mackinnon (C)

3. Jonathan Druin (LW)

4. Darnell Nurse (D)

Who would you pickup if you were SY? .... and why?

Topic about Tampa's newcomer Nikita Nesterov

2013-05-04T12:47:56Z

via cache.daylife.com

Hello Tampa Bay fans, I'm a hockey fan from Chelyabinsk, Russia. On the first of May it became official that one of the leaders of Chelyabinsk local team Nikita Nesterov signed the contract in NHL. For us it's a big loss, because he is so talented, so stable and so experienced despite his young age. During playoffs he even played in the center and played decently. That's why it's interesting for me to know, what do you know about Nikita Nesterov? Have you watched WJC where he was one of the leaders? Do you expect him to play in NHL or you suppose he should go through AHL? Can you compare him to someone in Tampa or NHL? (To my mind, his case is comparable with Vyacheslav Voynov as he is from Chelyabinsk too, the style of play is different but their careers developed very similarly; also maybe we can compare Nesterov with Victor Hedman, what do you think?)

Of course, you are free to ask me, as I know about Nesterov a lot and may tell you something about him.

via cache.daylife.com

Of course, you are free to ask me, as I know about Nesterov a lot and may tell you something about him.

Team press release: Lightning sign 2011 5th round draft pick Nikita Nesterov

2013-04-30T20:06:19Z

The complete team release about the news can be foudn below. Nesterov needs to adjust to the North American game, he's destined for Syracuse (or the ECHL) for his first North American season.

LIGHTNING AGREE TO TERMS WITH 2011 DRAFT PICK D NIKITA NESTEROV

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed to terms with defenseman Nikita Nesterov on a three-year, entry-level contract today, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced.

Nesterov, 6-foot, 183 pounds, played in 35 games with Chelyabinsk Traktor of the KHL this season, recording 14 penalty minutes while averaging 12:21 in average ice time. He also appeared in 19 playoff games, recording four assists as Traktor lost to Dynamo Moscow in the Continental Cup Finals. Nesterov has played in 45 career KHL games, all with Traktor, recording one assist.

A native of Chelyabinsk, Russia, Nesterov has represented his country in each of the previous two seasons. He played for Russia at the 2011 IIHF World Under-18 Championships, recording two goals and four points in seven games. Nesterov then played in last year’s IIHF World Junior Championships, skating in seven games and registering two goals and five points.

Nesterov, 20, was selected by Tampa Bay in the fifth round, 158th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He participated in the 2012 Lightning Development Camp at the Brandon Ice Sports Forum. Nesterov’s team, also made up of Vladislav Namestnikov, Slater Koekkoek and Cedric Paquette, took home the annual 3-on-3 tournament championship.

The complete team release about the news can be foudn below. Nesterov needs to adjust to the North American game, he's destined for Syracuse (or the ECHL) for his first North American season.

LIGHTNING AGREE TO TERMS WITH 2011 DRAFT PICK D NIKITA NESTEROV

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed to terms with defenseman Nikita Nesterov on a three-year, entry-level contract today, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced.

Nesterov, 6-foot, 183 pounds, played in 35 games with Chelyabinsk Traktor of the KHL this season, recording 14 penalty minutes while averaging 12:21 in average ice time. He also appeared in 19 playoff games, recording four assists as Traktor lost to Dynamo Moscow in the Continental Cup Finals. Nesterov has played in 45 career KHL games, all with Traktor, recording one assist.

A native of Chelyabinsk, Russia, Nesterov has represented his country in each of the previous two seasons. He played for Russia at the 2011 IIHF World Under-18 Championships, recording two goals and four points in seven games. Nesterov then played in last year’s IIHF World Junior Championships, skating in seven games and registering two goals and five points.

Nesterov, 20, was selected by Tampa Bay in the fifth round, 158th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He participated in the 2012 Lightning Development Camp at the Brandon Ice Sports Forum. Nesterov’s team, also made up of Vladislav Namestnikov, Slater Koekkoek and Cedric Paquette, took home the annual 3-on-3 tournament championship.

Ice Sports Forum Brandon to Host Open Skate for Military

2013-04-19T12:37:21Z

In an effort to show their appreciation for the military members in our community and raise awareness for Defending the Blue Line, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping military children play the game of hockey, the Ice Sports Forum Brandon will host a Military Appreciation open skate on Saturday, April 27th, 2013 from 1:45pm to 3:15pm.

Active duty military members and their immediate dependents are encouraged to come out and enjoy some time on the ice. Skate rentals will be provided free of charge and the Ice Sports Forum will also have skating coaches on the ice to help beginners.

The Ice Sports Forum is located at 10222 Elizabeth Place, Tampa, Florida 33619.

Defending The Blue Line is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in the spring of 2009 and managed by currently serving military personnel. Our mission is "Keeping hockey alive for the children of our nation’s heroes".

This is accomplished by providing: - Hockey equipment at no cost - Free summer hockey camps - Grants to help with local association fees - NHL game tickets for military families

For questions or more information please contact Matt Lunn at:

MattLunn@defendingtheblueline.com

Or visit the website at:

www.defendingtheblueline.org

The Ice Sports Forum is located at 10222 Elizabeth Place, Tampa, Florida 33619.

This is accomplished by providing: - Hockey equipment at no cost - Free summer hockey camps - Grants to help with local association fees - NHL game tickets for military families

For questions or more information please contact Matt Lunn at:

MattLunn@defendingtheblueline.com

Or visit the website at:

www.defendingtheblueline.org

Is it the players, or how they play?

2013-04-08T13:24:59Z

Previously, I supported the work of SteveYzerman. For consistancy, therefore, I must conclude that the roster is, in general, adequate, but how they are playing is not. Adding a goaltender has magnified this: in the most recent games his save percentage has been at the desired level, but the results were carbon copy losses.

But, as we go down the roster player by player and ask, "Can this guy be a part of a deep playoff run team?" the answer is mostly yes.

Are they playing like a playoff team? The answer is clearly no. Putting aside the possibility of ill puck luck in a short season costing them a few points, lets look at what's wrong and how to fix it.

This is a young team. They need reps at the NHL level. Some are fast learners -- others still make that dumb pass, up the center of the ice, off a skate, and back into our zone. Or have the puck three feet from the blue line and try to make a neat play rather than clear the zone. Sound familiar fans?

They may be a soft team - or, more accurately, a team that can be cycled on easily. The Conacher trade (which seems good for both clubs) was because both teams had too many of the same types of player, thus could give up quality for quality -- we may need a couple of more of these moves.

I am willing to assume our goaltending will, given decent coaching, develop. I am appalled that F. Jean wishes to change Lindback's fundamental style, and think goalie coach would be my first staff replacement. Goalie coaches are like pitching coaches, optimise what ya got - some guys throw hard, and some don't. Some guys Butterfly, and some don't. Allaire has had success with one type of goalie only-- other have left him then had success. I though Jeff Reese was the type of coach who would accept what he had, and work on details and consistancy.

We need to reduce the shots against, and enhance the shots for. I would set a target, combined, of six. At 3 each we'd move from the lower third to the upper third of the league (Tiny difference when you think about it, eh?) We need our power play to take advantage of our shooters. We need a thing to focus on in camp, to address our problems for next year, and fix them gong forward. I choose passing.

I think - observing as a layman, that the Lightning are the worst passing team in the NHL. On the tape is all too often in the skates, or even "no one's there". The skill level of our offensive players should allow use to possess the puck for much longer periods during the game. This is our best defence -- we don't have a lot of shut down defenders, but the bad guys can't score if they don't have the puck. Passing is the passer, the receiver being ready and in position to take the pass, and a structure that allows decisions to be made very quickly.

The lightning play a lot of pond hockey -- sometime inspired pond hockey. Chaos is a valid strategy for some teams in some circumstances -- chaos vs precision, think the Philly Broad Street Bullies, vs. the New Jersey Devils. We have the players for a fast skilled puck possession game -- with goalies to erase the lapses since we are trying to limit chances not eliminate them. Points in half the one goal (and empty net) games you've played this year and the division lead and eights sport are both within reach. Does anyone doubt the fact of at least one "dumb turnover" goal in each of those games?

But, cycling back to the title - I think these are mostly mental, not physical mistakes. I like the roster direction. Let's see how well this group can learn to play together. You have to be better than average to make the palyoffs -- that's not a real high bar.

But, as we go down the roster player by player and ask, "Can this guy be a part of a deep playoff run team?" the answer is mostly yes.

Nate Thompson suspended 2 games

2013-03-30T22:00:00Z

Lightning forward Nate Thompson has been suspended for a check to the head of Matt D`Agostini of the New Jersey Devils. NHL VP of Player Safety found that Thompson "recklessly target[ed] D'Agostini's head by extending up and making it the principle point of contact."

To the video:

This wasn't a hit that the SunSports broadcast even noticed, much less replayed, but having seen the hit I can't really complain about the suspension. No question that the head was the principal point of contact, and Thompson didn't make much effort, if any, to try to play the body rather than the head.

Thompson will miss games against the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes and will be eligible to return on April 6 when the Lightning visit the New York Islanders.

To the video:

Thompson will miss games against the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes and will be eligible to return on April 6 when the Lightning visit the New York Islanders.

GM is doing a really good job, so Chill a Little

2013-03-26T19:46:46Z

I shouldn't read comments on NHL.com.
The folks there pretending to be Lightning fans probably aren't.
But there is a bit of angst here, too.
Chill folks, things are actually going pretty well.

I think that evaluating the general manager on this specific coaching change is silly.
Steve hired Cooper and Boucher at the same time.
Boucher, and a team known to be in transition had a good run the first year. Actually a great run.

Improbable - heck, the Capitals haven't been the same since!

The virtues of this good fortune were a resonable financial return, and some space
from the fan base for the changes that needed to be made.

Cooper, meanwhile, had arguably the more important job. The cupboard was pretty bare
as the two cowboys had the financial wherewithal for neither scouting nor roster depth.

Drafting is important, and Steve's drafts look to have been above average, though it takes about five years
to be sure.

But it is truly the mark of a good organization to scout and sign free agents who can play, and to
provide a development environment where rough talent can be developed. It really is the case that
a Corey Conacher is "available to everyone". The Lightning appear to me to have the best record in
the league in terms of finding free agents. The farm team has improved. The players in junior and overseas are
generally doing well.

The call-ups generally seem to be able to play in the NHL. The minor league W-L record speaks for itself.

The Day Boucher started it was known the Lightning needed goaltending. An elite goaltender has kept many
coaches in the league far longer than perhaps they deserved, as many flaws can be covered by a few key saves.

I think it is fair to argue that if you have a top 5 goalie, you should be making regular playoff runs.
The obvious value makes goaltending difficult to acquire. So, what steps have been taken in the goaltending department?

Tokarski was a reasonable draft pick, tried, and found wanting. He will probably be an NHL goalie, not an elite one.
I surmise he was moved to clear the North American slot of Vasilesky, who is one of the generally acknowledged top
three junior goalies in the world. Lindback was not expensive, and has talent. At the stage of 50 games or so of NHL experience
he shows well, and seems to have been able to maintain his demeanor through sonme difficulties this year. Janus is a dark horse but playing
well in the KHL, not a bad league.

Absent a blockbuster trade, or a lucky free agency like Khabby & his Phoenix debacle, the organization is doing a reasonable job with
goaltending.

The defence has not played well. Looking at the talent as individuals, I think this is where the coaching issues may be most
telling. Especially with goaltending that could use some protection, the defensive system, either through design or execution, has sucked.

Honestly, if Lindback faced the quality of chances a Fleurey sees, would he be at .920 and 2.5??? There have been an awful lot of
turnovers at at the blue line and guys coming in alone. Things he never saw in Nashville.

So Boucher had a good year. Actually a very good year. His goaltending broke down, and he had a bad year. Steve bought him soime new players and he has had a bad (less than half a regular season) year, so Steve pulled the plug and brought in the other coach hired at
the same time, who has done better than Boucher with the responsibilities assigned to him. He is still eating his own cooking,
no "proven pro from outside" safe choice. Pulling the plug after this many games in a normal year would leave plenty of time for recovery,
but this year it is realistic to look at next.

Finally, the building has been full. There is talent in the system.Fans are treated well by all levels of Lighting management.

I'd think Steve has two more years -- to get to the playoffs and show signs that that can be repeated periennaly -- that's a five year
plan for Mr. Vinik. I see him as having accomplished a lot in his tenure so far, adressing problems promptly as they arise, building
good depth throughout the organization, with no signs of panic. If our playoff drought lasts like Toronto (oh wait, we were in the finals
two years ago), or our goaltending is like Philly (nothing since Hextall, and I love to hate on Philly) then we have a management problem.

But I see solid progress on many fronts, quick attention to problems, a fan-friendly organization. I've had season tickets for
20 years and see no reason not to continue. There are few cities where the fans hae had a better 20 year experience overall than
Tampa, and no more fan-friendly organization nor better value. When its all taken together, I'm Ok with the direction -- and of in three
or four years the mature Admiral/Crunch are the best young team in the NHL and competitive for a decade, we'll wonder what we worried about!

Defending The Blue Line in Hockey Bay

2013-03-06T19:42:23Z

Hi folks, just wanted to make you aware of a hockey oriented non-profit organization that is trying to bring its benefits to military families in the Tampa Bay Community.

My name is Matt and I represent Defending The Blue Line in the Tampa Bay/West-Central FL area.

Defending The Blue Line (DTBL) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit founded in the spring of 2009 and managed by currently serving military personnel. Our mission is "Keeping hockey alive for the children of our nation’s heroes".

This is accomplished by providing: - Hockey equipment at no cost - Free summer hockey camps - Grants to help with local association fees - NHL game tickets for military families

DTBL has directly impacted over 4000 military families by: - Issuing over 400 sets of hockey equipment worldwide - Hosting over 1000 kids to summer youth hockey camps - Sending over 2600 military family members to an NHL game - Over $1,000,000 in giving nationwide

DTBL is endorsed and supported by 12 National Hockey League teams, 30 NHL Pro Players, the NHLPA Goals & Dreams Foundation and NHL Network. DTBL has been recognized and featured by NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, NHL.com, NHLPA.com, NHL Network and Aol.com. Defending The Blue Line also has the distinguished honor of receiving White House recognition by being selected as the winner of the 2012 Joining Forces Community Challenge.

I encourage you to visit our website to find out how you can lend your support, check to see if you are eligible to take advantage of our benefits, view the current teams, players and other organization that supports us, and also get more information about our organization. You can also email me for more information at the address below.

Email: MattLunn@defendingtheblueline.com

www.DefendingTheBlueLine.org

Hi folks, just wanted to make you aware of a hockey oriented non-profit organization that is trying to bring its benefits to military families in the Tampa Bay Community.

My name is Matt and I represent Defending The Blue Line in the Tampa Bay/West-Central FL area.

This is accomplished by providing: - Hockey equipment at no cost - Free summer hockey camps - Grants to help with local association fees - NHL game tickets for military families

Email: MattLunn@defendingtheblueline.com

www.DefendingTheBlueLine.org

The New Tampa Hockey Rink Nobody Knows About

2013-02-26T22:26:15Z

Former Lightning John Tucker has partnered with Dave Beaudin, Hugo Belanger and his team to open a new ice rink called X-tra Ice at 6910 Asphalt Ave., in Tampa, and apparently it has been open for awhile.

From what the website shows and the schedule displayed, this isn't for figure skaters, so thank the hockey gods for the reduction in divets from toe picks. It appears to be primarily a training rink for elite hockey players, even at a young age, but they are also providing instruction for beginners and learn-to-play, have stick and puck time and also have leagues for both kids and adults. The adult league sounds like a modified pick-up game, which on some days would be better anyway.

But, I'm left scratching my head a bit on the marketing/advertising plan.

I play in a league in Oldsmar and do pick-up in Ellenton, and this rink has never came up in conversations with anyone, so I'm surprised how there would be so little (if any) advertising for a new ice rink—especially after and during a lockout. It appears from photos on the rink's Facebook page that the rink might have opened between late September and early November. Even during great times, hockey rinks struggle to thrive out of the gate. Maybe if I had a kid playing I would know, but a local high school hockey coach had no idea it exists. I found out about it while on the Hockey Community iPhone app.

While it's great the hockey community is showing demand in Tampa with a new rink (plus a second sheet to come in Clearwater), I'm a little perplexed at the approach for now. But hey, who's up for a game?

But, I'm left scratching my head a bit on the marketing/advertising plan.

The NHL Realignment We SHOULD Have

2013-02-24T21:34:46Z

As all of you well know, the NHL has gone through two seasons dealing with the embarrassment of having Winnipeg, one of the least southy and easty teams in the league, playing in the Southeast Division, and in response have proposed a more geographically sound realignment plan, which fans may love or hate for various reasons.

Of course, the NHL, in putting forth their realignment plan, ignored the most geographically sound model they could've possibly considered. Yes, as you well know, I am speaking of the NFL in the late 90s. Nobody cared more about minimizing travel, and nobody cared more about preserving rivalries. We could learn a lot from the 1998 NFL alignment.

So what would the NHL look like if they followed this model? Let's take a look. The league would, as it is currently, be divided into two conferences, each with three five-team divisions. Let's call them, for no reason at all, the American Hockey Conference and the National Hockey Conference. Now what would these conferences look like? Let's find out.

American Hockey Conference

East Division

This NFL division stayed properly on the Atlantic coast, as home to New England, New York, Buffalo, Miami, and. . . ummmm. . . Indianapolis. The NHL comparison is easy to see. This division should be home to the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and Florida Panthers. Representing Indianapolis. . . uhhh, Toronto is kinda like Indianapolis, right? They both cheer for blue teams. Whatever, Toronto Maple Leafs, come join us.

Central Division

This division is harder to handle, as it is home to three cities that lack NHL teams: Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Cincinnati, along with Pittsburgh and Tennessee. The latter two are easy to handle. Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, come on down. I'm sure you'll be old enemies in no time. Cincinnati isn't too difficult either. As the only NFL team (at the time) in Ohio, it's natural parallel is the Columbus Blue Jackets. I'm not even lying when I say the Jackets will love it here. They need Penguins fans to buy tickets to their arena. And they can continue their long tradition of losing to the Predators. Works for everyone! Baltimore is more difficult, but we're up for the challenge. We need a city no one actually wants to visit that is somehow home to a team that's won a couple championships. Oh, hey, New Jersey Devils, where'd you come from? Anyways, grab a seat. I have the perfect place for you. Our final member will be the toughest to find, as the NHL doesn't have tons of random Southeastern teams lying around. But we can find a Jacksonville of spirit. We need someone who's third-fiddle in their own state. . . or province. Yes, I see you there Ottawa Senators. People not noticing you? Too busy talking about the Leafs and the new team that will one day be in Hamilton we swear? It's okay, you'll fit right in here. Great! Have a seat and meet your new rivals.

West Division

In the NFL, home to Denver, Oakland, Seattle, Kansas City, and San Diego. But Oakland, we feel that San Francisco truly represents Northern California, so we're going to pretend you're still in Los Angeles, okay? And San Diego, you're kinda close to Anaheim, right? Awesome. Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, come meet the Colorado Avalanche. Since there's no NHL team in Seattle (yet), we'll have to represent the Seahawks by the region more broadly. Vancouver Canucks, come join us. And. . . uhhhh. . . Kansas City. Right. You don't have an NHL team either. So what's special about you? The weather's kinda bad a lot? Okay, the Edmonton Oilers needed a home anyways.

National Hockey Conference

East Division

In the NFL, we see Dallas, Washington, New York, Philadelphia, and Arizona. Wow, who knew things could be so easy? Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, you may renew one of the greatest rivalries in sports. You'll be joined by the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers, two teams who might actually really hate each other. And of course, we can't complete the division without the Phoenix Coyotes. Because. . . well, it's obvious, right? I thought so.

Central Division

Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota, and Tampa Bay. The Chicago Blackhawks will be happy to hear that they can keep their 100% real rivalry with the Detroit Red Wings. The Minnesota Wild actually fit here pretty naturally as well. They already get to hate Detroit and Chicago in all the other sports. Might as well add hockey. Green Bay is a little tougher. What hockey team do you think of when you hear "Frozen Tundra"? Oh wait, that's not actually tough, is it? The only problem is that Green Bay usually wins at stuff. Winnipeg Jets, maybe you can change your name to Winning-peg so that nobody will notice that you actually suck. Okay? Good. And lest the most sensible division in the league get too sensible, we'll give the Tampa Bay Lightning some expansion nostalgia and reunite them with old rivals.

West Division

This is really the pinnacle of arranging things geographically. San Francisco, St. Louis, Carolina, Atlanta, and New Orleans. Without an NHL team in San Francisco, Northern California will be represented by the San Jose Sharks, who will be joined by their rival St. Louis Blues and Carolina Hurricanes. Now we need a team from Atlanta. Preferably one who's mostly bad but every once in a while pretends to be good. Oh, hey, the ~~Atlanta~~ Calgary Flames are still left. Let's pick them. Now we need a rival for ~~Atlanta~~ Calgary. Really the only criteria is that their rival speaks French. Yeah, that would about as well as we could've dreamed, didn't it? Montreal Canadiens, you know this is the only place for you.

So there you have it. The only proper way to realign the NHL. Two conferences, six divisions. The geography is perfect. Okay, maybe not perfect, but we at least mentioned geography a couple times. And rivalries are ~~preserved~~ considered. This is how it should look.

AHC

East

Boston Bruins

Buffalo Sabres

Toronto Maple Leafs

New York Islanders

Florida Panthers

Central

Pittsburgh Penguins

Columbus Blue Jackets

Ottawa Senators

Nashville Predators

New Jersey Devils

West

Colorado Avalanche

Los Angeles Kings

Anaheim Ducks

Edmonton Oilers

Vancouver Canucks

NHC

East

Dallas Stars

Washington Capitals

Philadelphia Flyers

New York Rangers

Phoenix Coyotes

Central

Chicago Blackhawks

Detroit Red Wings

Minnesota Wild

Winnipeg Jets

Tampa Bay Lightning

West

San Jose Sharks

St. Louis Blues

Carolina Hurricanes

~~Atlanta~~ Calgary Flames

Montreal Canadiens

American Hockey Conference

East Division

Central Division

West Division

National Hockey Conference

East Division

Central Division

West Division

AHC

East

Boston Bruins

Buffalo Sabres

Toronto Maple Leafs

New York Islanders

Florida Panthers

Central

Pittsburgh Penguins

Columbus Blue Jackets

Ottawa Senators

Nashville Predators

New Jersey Devils

West

Colorado Avalanche

Los Angeles Kings

Anaheim Ducks

Edmonton Oilers

Vancouver Canucks

NHC

East

Dallas Stars

Washington Capitals

Philadelphia Flyers

New York Rangers

Phoenix Coyotes

Central

Chicago Blackhawks

Detroit Red Wings

Minnesota Wild

Winnipeg Jets

Tampa Bay Lightning

West

San Jose Sharks

St. Louis Blues

Carolina Hurricanes

~~Atlanta~~ Calgary Flames

Montreal Canadiens

Get involved in the community; write your own FanPosts!

2013-02-24T17:45:08Z

If you've spent any time browsing Raw Charge (and if you're new, welcome!), you've probably noticed that we refer to ourselves as a community. Not a news source, not a content distributor, not a worldwide leader in anything. That's because a community is what we are. Raw Charge is produced by Lightning fans for Lightning fans. We're not a bunch of know-it-alls blasting you in the face with what we think are the best ideas and the only valid opinions. We're regular sweater-wearing hockey fans just like you and we want Raw Charge to be a completely interactive experience. Not so we can figure out what kind of diet soda we should advertise, but so we can find out what you think about the power play, coach Boucher's line combinations, how the boys in Syracuse are doing, the price of parking at the Forum and more.

One of the open lines of communication we have is the game day threads where you can comment in real time as game action unfolds. Those are always a lot of fun. Lately, we've noticed that some of you have felt inclined to post some longer editorial commentary, which is, well, pretty great actually, but it's kind of wasted in that format. The game day threads usually generate hundreds of short comments that are rarely, if ever, visited once that game is over. Your editorials wind up lost, which is a shame. Instead, we'd like to encourage you to use the FanPosts feature (just like this one). That way, you can write a longer, thought-out commentary about something on your mind and not only will it not be buried in an avalanche of people typing "STAMMER!!!!!!!!", but it will actually enjoy a prominent spot right on the front page of the site where everybody can read it and interact with you. It's not uncommon for FanPosts to be picked up and shared as articles on other sites within the SBNation network.

The bottom line is that we as Lightning fans ourselves understand and appreciate your passion as Lightning fans. And when that passion motivates you to sit down and craft a number of paragraphs to share your thoughts, we want you to get the attention you deserve.

Raw Charge community roll call - time to introduce yourselves

2013-02-23T19:23:08Z

Raw Charge has been your stop for most things Lightning for almost four years now - our anniversary for starting this nut house is St. Patrick's Day, if you can believe that. It's crazy to think how long we've been around. Four years almost an eternity on the interwebz.

And would couldn't have stuck around so long without you guys. John and I started this thing with just the two of us, and now it's grown into a community that's well over 1500 members strong. Some of you have been with us from nearly the start, while others have joined us just this past week. Some of you actively comment, while others lurk - and both are perfectly okay. Though, we're always very happy when lurkers decide to join us and say hi.

So, you've gotten to know us over the years, and we'd like to get to know you better.

Well, here's your chance to tell us about yourself. Why are you a Lightning fan? How did you discover hockey? What aspects of the Lightning and of hockey are you interested in? And why do you guys put up with us?

If what you have to say is a book, then feel free to share a FanPost with us. Heck, feel free to share a FanPost with us at any time. If you have an opinion that you'd like to share, or some statistical analysis, or whatever, then by all means write about it. This isn't just a spot to come read our stuff, but it's also a spot to share your thoughts and opinions about the Lightning and its prospects in a respectful way.

Otherwise, feel free to introduce yourselves in the comments. Getting to know you and what you guys want helps us out when it comes to what to write. So feel free to share!

So, you've gotten to know us over the years, and we'd like to get to know you better.

Otherwise, feel free to introduce yourselves in the comments. Getting to know you and what you guys want helps us out when it comes to what to write. So feel free to share!

Lightning Cup Championship and Lightning Conference All-Star game slated for Wednesday Night at the Forum

2013-02-12T21:46:11Z

The Lightning Conference championship is tomorrow night in a next-door-neighbor matchup between the East Lake High School Eagles and the Mitchell High School Mustangs. East Lake, my alma mata, is the defending Lightning Cup Champion.

I'll let the Tamap Bay Lightning's own press release about the event speak regarding the events slated for tomorrow:

TAMPA BAY TIMES FORUM TO HOST FOUTH LIGHTNING CUP FINALS, FIRST-EVER LIGHTNING CONFERENCE ALL-STAR GAME WEDNESDAY NIGHT

TAMPA BAY - For the fourth time in as many years, the Tampa Bay Times Forum will play host to the high school hockey Lightning Cup Finals on Wednesday, February 13 at 7:40 p.m featuring East Lake and Mitchell. Prior to the Lightning Cup Finals, the first-ever Lightning Conference All-Star Game will take place on the Times Forum ice at 5:45 p.m. The two all-star teams will be coached by Tampa Bay Lightning alumni Brian Bradley and Dave Andreychuk, who will also do a ceremonial puck drop prior to the start of the All-Star game. The Lightning Cup Finals will be broadcast on the Bright House Sports Network.

The Lightning Conference is compiled of 18 Tampa Bay-area high school teams and the top eight teams competed in a single elimination tournament resulting in the East Lake vs. Mitchell final showdown Wednesday night. Players from East Lake and Mitchell who were selected to the All-Star game will not compete in the All-Star game and will not be replaced on the rosters.

East Lake, the defending Lightning Cup Champions, finished the regular season with the best record in the Lightning Conference with a mark of 17-2-0. They were led by Team Andreychuk All-Star selections Zane Katz and Austin Teall. Katz was East Lake's top point producer with 18 goals and 31 assists while Austin Teall tallied 21 goals and 19 assists. East Lake's goaltender David Johnson, also a Team Andreychuk all-star selection, compiled 17 wins and three shutouts during the regular season with a 2.54 goals-against-average.

Mitchell, the defending Tier II State Champions, finished the regular season just behind East Lake with a record of 15-2-2. Just like East Lake, Mitchell also has three all-star selections. Team Bradley selections are Evan Lugo, Reed Nichols and goalie Joey Robison. Lugo led Mitchell in goal-scoring and points with 25 goals and 47 points. Nichols amassed an impressive 21 goals and 21 assists while Robison collected 14 wins, four shutouts and posted a 2.18 goals-against-average.

The coaches from each Lightning Conference team selected two skaters from their respective team to compete in the Lightning Conference All-Star Game. Bradley and Andreychuk picked three goaltenders each to make up a 21-player roster for both teams. To be eligible to be selected to the 2013 Lightning Conference All-Star Teams players must be in good academic standing with their school and the Lightning Conference.

Also of note regarding the local prep hockey scene, Tampa Bay Lightning team captain Vincent Lecavalier and his namesake charity, the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation, are getting involved with it.

...and the Florida High School Hockey Association is getting involved back. While Vincent is still several weeks away from his annual Cut For The Cure fundraising event (...and head shaving),...50 Florida High School Hockey association players will be taking part in a Cut For The Cure event during gameplay on Wednesday. Take a look:

THE VINNY LECAVALIER FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH

THE LIGHTNING CONFERENCE OF THE FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

TAMPA, FL - February 12, 2013 - The Vinny Lecavalier Foundation will announce a new partnership with The Lightning Conference of the Florida High School Hockey Association (FHSHA) during The Lightning Cup Final to be held tomorrow evening at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Tampa Bay Lightning Captain and Foundation Chairman Vinny Lecavalier will be on hand for the puck drop and to make the announcement.

"This is an exciting time for me personally as my foundation expands its scope to support high school hockey throughout Tampa Bay," says Lecavalier. "I've been fortunate to be able to give back to the community in a meaningful way through our work with pediatric cancer and now I'm able to give back to my sport."

During the 1st and 2nd intermission, more than 50 young FHSHA players will shave their heads in support of Vinny's work with pediatric cancer and to raise funds for the 4th Annual Bright House Networks Cut for a Cure Charity Challenge presented by Carrabba's Italian Grill scheduled to launch March 1.

Through the new partnership, the Foundation plans to launch a new Vincent Lecavalier Star of the Week program designed to recognize Tampa Bay area high school hockey players for their work on and off the ice. While program and recognition criteria are in development, it is anticipated the program will recognize hockey's student athletes for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and community involvement. The "Star of the Week" program will then culminate in an "end of year" luncheon and awards ceremony following a practice at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in the Spring of 2014.

In addition to the Star of the Week program, the Foundation will provide jerseys for players participating in the 2014 Lightning Conference All Star Game.

To date, the Foundation's work has focused on providing quality pediatric cancer treatment and patient care through The Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at All Children's Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine in St. Petersburg, FL. To date, the Foundation estimates it has raised close to $2 million for pediatric cancer and served more than 12,000 patients through the Center.

I'll let the Tamap Bay Lightning's own press release about the event speak regarding the events slated for tomorrow:

TAMPA BAY TIMES FORUM TO HOST FOUTH LIGHTNING CUP FINALS, FIRST-EVER LIGHTNING CONFERENCE ALL-STAR GAME WEDNESDAY NIGHT

TAMPA BAY - For the fourth time in as many years, the Tampa Bay Times Forum will play host to the high school hockey Lightning Cup Finals on Wednesday, February 13 at 7:40 p.m featuring East Lake and Mitchell. Prior to the Lightning Cup Finals, the first-ever Lightning Conference All-Star Game will take place on the Times Forum ice at 5:45 p.m. The two all-star teams will be coached by Tampa Bay Lightning alumni Brian Bradley and Dave Andreychuk, who will also do a ceremonial puck drop prior to the start of the All-Star game. The Lightning Cup Finals will be broadcast on the Bright House Sports Network.

The Lightning Conference is compiled of 18 Tampa Bay-area high school teams and the top eight teams competed in a single elimination tournament resulting in the East Lake vs. Mitchell final showdown Wednesday night. Players from East Lake and Mitchell who were selected to the All-Star game will not compete in the All-Star game and will not be replaced on the rosters.

East Lake, the defending Lightning Cup Champions, finished the regular season with the best record in the Lightning Conference with a mark of 17-2-0. They were led by Team Andreychuk All-Star selections Zane Katz and Austin Teall. Katz was East Lake's top point producer with 18 goals and 31 assists while Austin Teall tallied 21 goals and 19 assists. East Lake's goaltender David Johnson, also a Team Andreychuk all-star selection, compiled 17 wins and three shutouts during the regular season with a 2.54 goals-against-average.

Mitchell, the defending Tier II State Champions, finished the regular season just behind East Lake with a record of 15-2-2. Just like East Lake, Mitchell also has three all-star selections. Team Bradley selections are Evan Lugo, Reed Nichols and goalie Joey Robison. Lugo led Mitchell in goal-scoring and points with 25 goals and 47 points. Nichols amassed an impressive 21 goals and 21 assists while Robison collected 14 wins, four shutouts and posted a 2.18 goals-against-average.

The coaches from each Lightning Conference team selected two skaters from their respective team to compete in the Lightning Conference All-Star Game. Bradley and Andreychuk picked three goaltenders each to make up a 21-player roster for both teams. To be eligible to be selected to the 2013 Lightning Conference All-Star Teams players must be in good academic standing with their school and the Lightning Conference.

Also of note regarding the local prep hockey scene, Tampa Bay Lightning team captain Vincent Lecavalier and his namesake charity, the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation, are getting involved with it.

THE VINNY LECAVALIER FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH

THE LIGHTNING CONFERENCE OF THE FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

TAMPA, FL - February 12, 2013 - The Vinny Lecavalier Foundation will announce a new partnership with The Lightning Conference of the Florida High School Hockey Association (FHSHA) during The Lightning Cup Final to be held tomorrow evening at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Tampa Bay Lightning Captain and Foundation Chairman Vinny Lecavalier will be on hand for the puck drop and to make the announcement.

"This is an exciting time for me personally as my foundation expands its scope to support high school hockey throughout Tampa Bay," says Lecavalier. "I've been fortunate to be able to give back to the community in a meaningful way through our work with pediatric cancer and now I'm able to give back to my sport."

During the 1st and 2nd intermission, more than 50 young FHSHA players will shave their heads in support of Vinny's work with pediatric cancer and to raise funds for the 4th Annual Bright House Networks Cut for a Cure Charity Challenge presented by Carrabba's Italian Grill scheduled to launch March 1.

Through the new partnership, the Foundation plans to launch a new Vincent Lecavalier Star of the Week program designed to recognize Tampa Bay area high school hockey players for their work on and off the ice. While program and recognition criteria are in development, it is anticipated the program will recognize hockey's student athletes for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and community involvement. The "Star of the Week" program will then culminate in an "end of year" luncheon and awards ceremony following a practice at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in the Spring of 2014.

In addition to the Star of the Week program, the Foundation will provide jerseys for players participating in the 2014 Lightning Conference All Star Game.

To date, the Foundation's work has focused on providing quality pediatric cancer treatment and patient care through The Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at All Children's Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine in St. Petersburg, FL. To date, the Foundation estimates it has raised close to $2 million for pediatric cancer and served more than 12,000 patients through the Center.

Lightning and Lakewood Ranch speculation

2013-01-23T22:43:28Z

This would be a front page story if it wasn't speculative hearsay on my part. But when the Tampa Bay Lightning sent out a media advisory about a "major announcement" set for Friday in Sarasota County's Lakewood Ranch area, not only was my interest piqued but my mind was made up on what was going to be announced.

And seeing I have absolutely nothing to support what I'm thinking, and still want to get it out into the public sphere, I'm using the Raw Charge fanpost area...

So, as I stated, the Lightning have a "major announcement" set fo Friday in Lakewood Ranch. From the release:

ADVISORY: LIGHTNING, LAKEWOOD RANCH TO ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP

What: The Tampa Bay Lightning and Lakewood Ranch will be announcing a new, unique partnership enabling both organizations to better grow and develop their brands.

Who: Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman, Lightning CEO Tod Leiweke, President and CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch Rex Jensen and President of LWR Commercial Realty Brian Kennelly.

Where: Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club

7650 Legacy Boulevard

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

When: Friday, January 25 at noon

The Lightning’s mobile fan truck, Rolling Thunder, along with the Lightning Girls and ThunderBug will also be on hand for the major announcement.

Read it again, read who the key players are in this event - it's not just an advertising cooperative, it's not just a strategic alliance in marketing. This is big. And it's not just going to touch on the business side of things as Steve Yzerman will be taking time out to attend. If they wanted someone for press to add profile to a small-time event, a player, Dave Andreychuk or Phil Esposito would have been asked to participate.

Sow hat could it be?

I read over the language again, and my hunch just doesn't seem to fit... I think of the location and it doesn't seem right... But, again, I come back to who is involved and the realization Lakewood Ranch is a major development tract...

I can't shake the thought a hockey facility, team owned, attached to a larger development is what is set to be unveiled.

I could be wrong, certainly. I'm not married to the thought. To have a team-owned facility that far to the south doesn't make much sense from a day-to-day standpoint (Ice Sports Forum in Brandon is convenient in its location, Lakewood Ranch is a bit of a drive... That doesn't make it useful in that regard. But the Lightning at least holding training camp in the south extends their reach in the Bay area outside the immediate Pinellas/Hillsborough region.

Another thought would be an arena venue -- 7,000 seats or so -- with its prime intention being to host hockey of one type or another. That would make for a very unique partnership.

Whatever the case, with the executives from both sides who will be at the event on Friday, something new (construction related) just might be in the cards.

What do you think? Will this turn out to be just some overglorified advertising cooperative or something tangible?

And seeing I have absolutely nothing to support what I'm thinking, and still want to get it out into the public sphere, I'm using the Raw Charge fanpost area...

So, as I stated, the Lightning have a "major announcement" set fo Friday in Lakewood Ranch. From the release:

ADVISORY: LIGHTNING, LAKEWOOD RANCH TO ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP

What: The Tampa Bay Lightning and Lakewood Ranch will be announcing a new, unique partnership enabling both organizations to better grow and develop their brands.

Who: Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman, Lightning CEO Tod Leiweke, President and CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch Rex Jensen and President of LWR Commercial Realty Brian Kennelly.

Where: Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club

7650 Legacy Boulevard

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

When: Friday, January 25 at noon

The Lightning’s mobile fan truck, Rolling Thunder, along with the Lightning Girls and ThunderBug will also be on hand for the major announcement.

Sow hat could it be?

I can't shake the thought a hockey facility, team owned, attached to a larger development is what is set to be unveiled.

Another thought would be an arena venue -- 7,000 seats or so -- with its prime intention being to host hockey of one type or another. That would make for a very unique partnership.

Whatever the case, with the executives from both sides who will be at the event on Friday, something new (construction related) just might be in the cards.

What do you think? Will this turn out to be just some overglorified advertising cooperative or something tangible?