The Bolts
Corey Long wrote up a nice feature on Brett Howden that my mom brain can’t remember if we’ve posted yet or not, so here it is again: Howden focused on future with Lightning. “Hard-working and honest … he plays the game the right way,” Roest said. “He plays 200 feet and doesn’t cheat the game. He went into [Syracuse] and had six points in eight games as a pro, which isn’t easy to do because that league is not easy to score in. For Brett to go in there as a young age is impressive.” [NHL]
We’ll miss you, Desjardins: Tampa Bay Lightning Alum Cedrick Desjardins announces his retirement from hockey. “Unfortunately, one particular former Tampa Bay Lightning netminder has made one of the toughest decisions any hockey player can make. At a Press Conference for Boot Camp, former Lightning goaltender Cedrick Desjardins officially announced his retirement from the sport of professional ice hockey.” [Bolts by the Bay]
Yesterday, Ms. Trace introduced us to her favorite team, and new TBL ECHL affiliate, the Adirondack Thunder. “But a few familiar names emerged: Patrick Maroon, Carter Hutton, Zac Rinaldo, Harry Zolnierczyk, just to name a few. Michael Leighton, Tye McGinn, and Nic Riopel (all familiar names in Crunch land) also spent time in Glens Falls during the Phantoms run.” [Raw Charge]
And Geo speculated that 2017-18 could see return of seven defensemen for Jon Cooper. “It seems unlikely for Cooper to sit three of the five experienced defensemen to play three youngsters that, including playoffs, have a combined 90 games of NHL experience. At this point, you have to write Victor Hedman, Anton Stralman, Braydon Coburn, and Dan Girardi into the line-up every night that they are healthy.” [Raw Charge]
It’s a shame Rxlands lives in Canada:
Calling all #Tampa-area artists! Want a chance to have your art hung inside @AmalieArena?
Check it out: https://t.co/ls6XQB2HGu pic.twitter.com/5MeUhPC5Aa
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) August 10, 2017
Bank with Chase? You’re in luck:
Heads up to our fans that use @chase! Beginning tomorrow at 10am ET, you’ll have access to a special pre-sale.
📝: https://t.co/faTlPOMFUs pic.twitter.com/ycEwsgJYZ5
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) August 9, 2017
The Prospects
Deep in this article, there’s a line about Jonne Tammela making a run for the Crunch lineup. “Russian import defenceman Gleb Babintsev, Kemptville 73’s forward Bobby Dow sign to play with Peterborough Petes for upcoming season.” [Peterborough Examiner]
The Game
Former captain, NHL player Smaby rounds out UND hockey staff. “After leading the program to a pair of Frozen Four appearances and a Western Collegiate Hockey Association title in his three seasons, Smaby went on to play in 122 games over four years with the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning.” [KFGO]
The Vegas Golden Knights shouldn’t aim to win in their 1st NHL season. “While we all debate roster spots and lineup positions, it’s worth asking whether the Golden Knights should even want to be a good hockey team this year. Arguably, the NHL and the hockey community should want Vegas to do well in 2017-18 to build a core fan base and generate noise in a non-traditional market. Yet, there is sense in playing the long game here, which is what general manager George McPhee may have been doing all along.” [SBN]
Craig Ramsay named head coach for Team Slovakia. “It was announced on Thursday that former Atlanta Thrashers head coach Craig Ramsay will be stepping behind the bench for the Slovakian national team, inking a two-year deal to lead the European roster through the 2018 Olympics and both 2018 and 2019 World Championships.” [Fan Rag Sports]
You know it’s the off-season when…
STOP RUINING MY FUN https://t.co/KhEkad9GdT
— Matt Sammon (@SammonSez) August 9, 2017
