Quick Strikes for Monday, May 11

Thomas Fernandez says the Lightning need to take a look in the mirror after underwhelming performances recently against the Montreal Canadiens, before it’s too late. [Sports Talk Florida]
Though there hasn’t been much to cheer about in the way of their performances lately, the Bolts believe there were some positives from Game 5 that can be used for Game 6 at Amalie Arena on Tuesday. [NHL.com]
Let “BabWatch” begin! Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock reportedly met with the Buffalo Sabres yesterday to discuss their coaching vacancy. [WGR 550 Sports Radio]
In addition to Buffalo, the highly-touted head coach was also rumored to have met with Brendan Shanahan in Toronto. [Sportsnet]
So if Detroit does indeed lose Mike Babcock to another team, they should lose smart. [Winging it in Motown]
This is the time of year when teams show what they are made of. The long haul of the season can cause teams to fizzle out at the end. But what if the NHL season were shortened? Would it happen? [The Edmonton Journal]
Having an NHL team in Las Vegas might be a gamble, but it is probably a bet that the League is willing to make. [Toronto Star]
It has been one hell of a tough ride for the New York Rangers and their fans, but they will live to see another day. The Rangers and Capitals will play Game 7 on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in a bid to advance to the Eastern Conference Final. Sit back and enjoy. [New York Post]
The Ottawa Senators have claimed a big prize in their offseason. Prized prospect Matt O’Connor, a goaltender out of Boston University, has signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Sens. [The 6th Sens]
Niklas Svedberg, the backup goalie behind Tuukka Rask in Boston this season, has signed a deal with Salavat Yulaev of the KHL. Recall that Malcolm Subban is a goaltender for the AHL Providence Bruins. [theScore]

Talking Points