- Andrei Vasilevskiy had an incredible beginning to 2016, becoming a new father and helping the Tampa Bay Lightning defeat the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night, 3-2, in a shootout. Other than coughing up the puck and getting scored on in the first period, he had an awesome performance. [Tampa Bay Times]
- The Lightning have had a rough going this season, however; the team has struggled offensively and is currently battling to get back in to a playoff spot. As we reach the midseason point, it is time for some reflection. [Tampa Bay Times]
- The Florida Panthers have been on a hot streak recently. They currently sit first in the Atlantic Division and fourth in the league. So what is behind the success? [The Sports Quotient]
- While everyone is focused on the developments surrounding Jonathan Drouin, another big name could be dangling in the Lightning trade block: Steven Stamkos. No, it isn’t as crazy as you think. [en-Lightning]
- The Toronto Maple Leafs traded former Lightning forward Richard Panik to the Chicago Blackhawks for forward Jeremy Morin. [Toronto Maple Leafs]
- The inaugural Outdoor Women’s Classic was held Dec. 31 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Here are some highlights from the game between the Boston Pride and Les Canadiennes. [YouTube]
- Longtime NHL referee Rob Martell officiated his final game on Saturday night. The game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Minnesota Wild was his 1,000th NHL game. [Today’s Slapshot]
- The coaches have been announced for the AHL All-Star Classic on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. [The AHL Official Site]
- This is a fascinating piece by Willie O’Ree, who became the first black NHL player when he suited up for the Boston Bruins in 1957. [The Players’ Tribune]
- Marc Bergevin, GM for the Montreal Canadiens, has built his reputation on shrewd, low-budget moves that have paid off for his team. So would it make sense to acquire someone like Jonathan Drouin? (Yes, you read that correctly.) [Eyes on the Prize]
The hockey world was sent into a frenzy yesterday when it was revealed that Jonathan Drouin had requested a trade from the Lightning back in November.
- It is an interesting move, though – even for Bergevin. Drouin is a young star still looking to prove himself in the NHL. He certainly could take a chance on the young forward if Yzerman allowed the trade to a division rival. [Eyes on the Prize]
- Another blog speculates on behalf of a division rival, this time the Detroit Red Wings, what it would take to acquire Drouin. [Winging it in Motown]
- Wait. We’re not done. The 6th Sens has introduced some speculation of their own about the Drouin situation. [The 6th Sens]
- Here are six teams that could potentially be landing spots for Jonathan Drouin. Four of them are in the Western Conference. [USA Today]
