Raw Charge, a Tampa Bay Lightning community

Chad Schnarr of Bolt Prospects posted on the BP message forum some remarks -- paraphrased -- from Brian Lawton on his dismissal. Lawton had been aware of his looming dismissals ince the weekend. To find out more, check the above link. EDIT Here's a direct link to the audio interview from Fan 590. Hat tip to Chad who posted this on Twitter.

A few words from the new owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jeff Vinik. He confirms that GM Brian Lawton and head coach Rick Tocchet have both been fired. More on this as information becomes available.

And while a tongue-lashing from GM Brian Lawton is making all the news, I can safely say Club Two Minutes is alive and well after some of the referee antics during this one. Captain Vincent Lecavalier extended his goalless streak to 14 games, and left wing Alex Tanguay increased his to 10. The Bolts will be off until Thursday, and expect potential changes to the roster makeup before then...

Joe of JoeBoltsfan.com and co-blogger Amanda Harris take it upo themselves to grade the Lightning five-games intot eh season. They do this because apparently that's what Brian Lawton is doing -- grading the Bolts in five-game intervals. Just what is the team grade so early in the season? Click on the title to find out. And how would YOU grade the Lightning so far?

Brian Lawton and Carter Ashton look on as Victor Hedman speaks at a press conference in Wednesday afternoon. Hedman said he chose #77 because he looked up to former NHL Defenseman Ray Borque. Click the link to view the picture.

"Though Lecavalier's agent Kent Hughes said Saturday he had not spoken to Lawton, he welcomed the sentiment he has been trying to get out of Tampa Bay for a while." So my question is this: if Lawton truly has no intentions of trading Vinny, then why didn't he bother giving private assurances of that fact to Vinny and his agent when they asked for them? My guess - and it is only a guess - is that it's because Lawton is unable to find any takers for Lecavalier and his contract extension at this time, so he can say something like that and probably mean it. That doesn't mean that Vinny won't be traded if another team is interested after all, though.

Greg Wyshynski -- the Puck Daddy of lore for all to behold -- wades into the mess in Tampa... It's a rundown of what's happened the last 36 hours...

Breaking from Erik at the Trib: Koules to remain in control of the Lightning, and Lawton in control as GM. More to come I would assume, and from other sources, regarding Len Barrie and the fate of team captain Vincent Lecavalier

Just a quick link to a flash photo gallery, presenting some of the stuff prospects Victor Hedman, John Tavares and Matt Duchene went through earlier this month during their visit to Tampa.

For all of the doubt that lingers with fans, or worry... or speculation, or skepticism... there is one thing that's for certain: the OK Hockey wanst to engage the fans. On May 11th, at 7PM there will be another one of these open forums at the St. Pete Times Forum arena in downtown Tampa. Oren Koules, Brian Lawton and Rick Tocchet will all be on hand for a question and answer session that night. If any fans are planning to attend this event, please let us know in the comments...