Quick Strikes for Monday, March 7

The Tampa Bay Lightning have introduced a fantastic new outreach program called Distant Thunder, which connects Lightning fans from around the world. The first person to be featured in the program is someone who has long had a relationship with Raw Charge. Rafael Amarante has been a fan of the Lightning since their 2004 run to the Stanley Cup. [Tampa Bay Times]
Steve Yzerman’s inaction during the trade deadline seemed to catch some people off-guard. Some were sure Jonathan Drouin would be moved or that the Lightning would pick up that last piece needed to get them to the ultimate prize. But management remained quiet on Deadline Day. Will it help or hurt them? Only time will tell. [Tampa Bay Times]
Sure, Steve Yzerman didn’t see any offers that he felt would make the team better now. But that doesn’t mean he will stay quiet in the offseason. Lyle Richardson takes a look at what might happen around the League during the upcoming offseason. [Spector’s Hockey]
The game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night saw many young faces on the Carolina roster. As we draw closer to the end of the regular season, these young players, no matter the team, are vying for a chance to prove themselves to management in order to stick around in the future. [Canes and Coffee]
In the wake of giving up first place in the Atlantic Division to the Tampa Bay Lightning, one writer explains that it’s not about first place, it’s about the love of the race. [The Sunshine Skate]
Michael Leighton, goalie for the AHL Rockford IceHogs, set a new American Hockey League record with his 46^th career AHL shutout. The record was previously set by NHL legend Johnny Bower, who had 45 career AHL shutouts. [InGoal Magazine]
Vancouver Canucks GM Trevor Linden confirmed that head coach Willie Desjardins and his staff will return next season. [Nucks Misconduct]
The New Jersey Devils were dealt a serious blow when it was revealed that goaltender Cory Schneider will be out indefinitely with a sprain of the MCL. [Today’s Slapshot]
The Winnipeg Jets and the Edmonton Oilers will play in the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic in Winnipeg on Oct. 23. [Winnipeg Jets Official Site]
Seven years ago, Brooks Laich assisted on Michael Nylander’s final NHL goal. On Saturday, Laich assisted on William Nylander’s first NHL goal. William is Michael Nylander’s son. Better go by a lottery ticket, Brooks. [Russian Machine Never Breaks]

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