Lightning Round: Have details on the Lightning’s new Reverse Retro jersey leaked?

I usually take jersey leaks with a grain of salt. Until there is something official from the team, or they’re on the racks in the stores, I don’t get too excited or disappointed by what’s circulating out there. That being said, oh boy do I hope this one comes true.

Honestly, they can just roll out that jersey and I’ll send them all of my money. However, chances are they will tweak it a bit like they did with the Reverse Retro’s a couple of seasons ago.

Photo by Scott Audette /NHLI via Getty Images

Most likely they will update the blue and maybe the logo. The Lightning strikes on the sleeves have to stay, as does the wave. It is such a wonderfully chaotic design. While Phil Esposito may have changed his mind on it, he was in charge when it was designed.

They debuted them on February 8th, 1997 against the Buffalo Sabres. The early review from the Tampa Tribune was not overwhelming,

“The best thing to be said is that the numbers are easy to read even from the far reaches of the Ice Palace and no one was comparing them to the hideous uniforms that will be worn by the Denver Broncos. That makes it a slight plus.” *

The St. Petersburg Times wasn’t impressed by either the team or the jersey, “Because just when you start to think it might be worth the investment, the Lightning - much like its new third jersey - leaves you wondering what all the fuss was about.”

Coach Terry Crisp, “I wouldn’t blame the third jersey any more than the first or second. Would you?” **

The team did end up going 4-2 on the season with their new sweaters that season. They would make occasional appearances over the next two seasons before being quietly retired.

Since then, they’ve been a polarizing moment of history for Lightning fans. It is rare to meet a fan who doesn’t have a set opinion on them, either it’s one of the best jerseys ever worn or the worst thing ever seen in sports. Even the national media is a bit mixed on them. Last year when The Athletic held a “best jersey for every franchise” draft, the Storm jersey went 24th to Sara Civian:

“This monstrosity, on the other hand, is pure art, the definition of so bad it’s good. Actual lightning on the shoulders? Check. Stormy waves in lieu of waist stripes? Check. A font that looks like it was electrocuted by Pikachu? Check. Rain all over the chest and back for some reason? Check. This jersey had it all.”

Perhaps now, more than two decades later, and with a slight little adjustment or two, the Storm Jersey will make it’s triumphant return.

Lightning / NHL News

Lightning mailbag, part 2 [The Athletic]

It’s hard to pick [the next captain], especially with [Steven] Stamkos still here. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Stamkos remained in Tampa beyond his current contract, which has a couple of years left. That being said, I’ve felt that Brayden Point has the qualities to be a captain. He’d be more of a lead-by-example type guy, but he’d be one to consider. If [Victor] Hedman outlasts Stamkos in Tampa, he’s a strong option, too.

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s path towards a dynasty is at a crossroads [The Breeze]

But why did Tampa decide to re-sign younger, less experienced players while [Ondrej] Palat and other key contributors to the current championship core are set to become free agents within the next few seasons?

[Julien] BriseBois’ sights seem to be set on a future that doesn’t include the team’s current biggest stars. As it seems, his strategy is to lock down and develop Tampa’s next young championship core now, so that Tampa is prepared when its older, more seasoned core leaves through retirement, free agency or a trade.

The Lightning’s Reverse Retro wasn’t the only one icethetics provided details on in a long Twitter thread yesterday.

Patrice Bergeron returns on a one-year contract [Stanley Cup of Chowder]

At long last, the Bruins have crossed a major item off of the off-season to-do list: the team announced this morning that they’ve signed Patrice Bergeron to a one-year contract.

As many expected, the contract required a little bit of creative accounting to make it work for the salary cap: the deal is worth $2.5 million in salary, plus an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses.

David Kerjci returns to Boston on one-year deal [Stanley Cup of Chowder]

Krejci’s return from Czechia after just a single season in his home country isn’t a shock, as it’s been rumored for a while now, but it’ll certainly add fuel to the “players were tired of Bruce Cassidy” fire.

Vegas Golden Knights sign Nicolas Roy to five-year extension [Knights on Ice]

Roy is coming off the best statistical campaign of his career. Last season, the Amos, Quebec native logged career highs in goals (15), assists (24) and points (39) while earning big minutes as one of the Golden Knights’ top centers. Of the 23 forwards to suit up in a regular-season game for the Golden Knights last season, only Chandler Stephenson and Jonathan Marchessault saw more overall ice time than Roy.

Arizona Coyotes sign Lawson Crouse to five-year extension [Five for Howling]

Arizona Coyotes General Manager Bill Armstrong isn’t afraid to let things go down to the wire. Lawson Crouse’s arbitration date was scheduled for later today, but instead of that happening, the team agreed to a five-year deal with Crouse with a $4.3 million cap hit.

Presented without context:

* “Game Review” Nick Pugliese The Tampa Tribune, Feb 9th, 1997 retrieved via newspapers.com on August 8th, 2022

** “Sabres bottle tepid Lightning” Tim Buckley The St. Petersburg Times, Feb. 9th, 1997 retrieved via newspapers.com on August 8th, 2022