The Bolts
Our friends over at Bolts Jolts explain the season in numbers. “There are a lot of different questions surrounding this team now as compared to the beginning of the season. Only one really matters though: Can Tampa Bay be the team everyone thought they were and make a run to the playoffs?” [Bolts Jolts]
The Lightning dropped yet another game, falling 4-3 to the Boston Bruins. “The Lightning continued to struggle and will enter February well out of the playoff race.” [Raw Charge]
Brayden Point played in his first game since injuring his wrist over a month ago, picking up his fourth goal of the season.
Elliotte Friedman weighed in on what players may be traded before the deadline. “The name I’m hearing the most now is Ben Bishop,” relayed Friedman. “I don’t know what’s going to happen there, but I have a feeling that Tampa is ready to send him somewhere else and give Vasilevskiy the net. I think there are teams out there thinking that Ben Bishop rejuvenated can make a difference. I think the biggest issue is going to be what’s the price. I think Tampa would like to get better offers than they’re getting.” [FanRag Sports]
A couple of ESPN analysts think the Bolts might be able to turn this season around and advance to the playoffs. Pierre LeBrun believes this team is too talented to fail. “Seriously though, it’s too good a roster not to get something going finally, and let’s face it, the Atlantic Division isn’t exactly a juggernaut.” [ESPN]
Everyone is speculating on what Steve Yzerman will do at the trade deadline. “But it will be tough to stand pat, given the talent on this team right now. Windows only stay open for so long, and this core can’t stay together forever. Their time is now… or at least, it was supposed to be.” [Sportsnet]
Whether he is a buyer or a seller at the deadline, one thing is certain – Yzerman is only going to make a move if it benefits the team now and in the future. “What we feel are the areas we want to address, it’s more of a long-term thing than a rental,” Yzerman said. “If those opportunities come along, we’ll do it.” [ESPN]
The Hobey Baker award is among the most prestigious honors a player can receive in NCAA hockey. “Ross Colton, Tampa Bay Lightning prospect and 2016 4th round draft pick, has been nominated from the University of Vermont. He’s put up 22 points in 25 games in his Freshman season for the Catamounts. He leads his team in goals, assists, and points.” [Raw Charge]
The League
Florida Panthers goalie James Reimer and his wife April Reimer welcomed baby girl Nevaeh to the world yesterday. Congratulations to the happy couple!
Pure bliss & happiness… Welcome to the world Nevaeh Adelyn May Reimer! My heart can’t contain this much love!! 💗👶🏽🎀 pic.twitter.com/lfrhRb4cgG
— April Reimer (@april_reimer) January 31, 2017
The NHL is not planning to put advertisements on player jerseys. “It’s not an active discussion among NHL clubs,” Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “I always said we wouldn’t be first. OK, great. The NBA is doing it. But it would take an unusual circumstance – which I would define as ‘a lot of money that I’m having trouble comprehending right now’ – for us to even be thinking about it.” [Puck Daddy]
Goodbye Albany Devils and hello Binghamtom Devils. “The New Jersey Devils are relocating their AHL franchise from Albany to Binghamton.” [TWC News]
GM Steve Yzerman reminisced about his first All-Star Game appearance. “Now these kids, they’re household names around the world before they’re even drafted,” Yzerman said. “For me, nobody even knew how to pronounce my name, where I played. And it was good, because you just came in and did your thing. But I had no idea if I was even going to make the Red Wings, let alone be an all-star.” [NHL]
