Quick Strikes for Saturday, March 19

• “We’re playing like a fragile team that’s scared to lose and not hungry to close out a game,” – Steven Stamkos. [Pro Hockey Talk]
• Yes, the Lightning’s downslide must cease. [Tampa Bay Times]
• A notable piece of news form the Lightning’s 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Thursday night: Tyler Seguin being lost off the remainder of the regular season late in the game. [Along the Boards]
• Another day, another comment from someone with TSN focused on Steven Stamkos’ future and thinking about alternate destinations. [Get Topical]
• Brenden Morrow ended his NHL career formally on Thursday night. During the day, he had an article published about things he’s been taught by way of a career in the NHL. [Players Tribune]
• Who needs NCAA basketball’s March Madness when you can have the Los Angeles Kings dogs Bark Madness?!! Vincent Lecavalier’s canine is part of the competition. [Los Angeles Kings]
• Okay, how about this one: Playing the NHL playoffs in NCAA bracket style! [Anaheim Calling]
• How about another former Bolt and injury news? Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mark Barberio has been knocked out indefinitely by way of concussion. [Today’s Slapshot]
• Another guy who’s played with the Lightning, Alex Tanguay, is relevant again – especially tonight as he plays with the Arizona Coyotes. Tanguay has had a bit of a resurgence since being dealt from the Colorado Avalanche. [Today’s Slapshot]
• Head coach Barry Trotz task, to go along with getting himself and the Capitals to new heights, is to make Alex Ovechkin a more complete player. [Russian Machine Never Breaks]
• It’s been a mixed season in Raleigh, with the Carolina Hurricanes starting sluggish and slow but there are reasons for interest and excitement moving forward. [Canes & Coffee]
• A lawsuit against Mike Babcock has been dismissed, much like the relevance of the 2015-16 season for the Maple Leafs. No, the lawsuit wasn’t because of the Leafs season, but it was about another investment of his time (and finances). [Pension Plan Puppets]
• It hasn’t been confirmed in any way right now but there’s speculation that the Ottawa Senators will be hosts of an outdoor game in 2017-18. [The 6^th Sens]
• So much for Frank Vetrano making a permanent jump from the AHL to the NHL. Vetrano, a Boston Bruin prospect, is on a goal-per-game pace with Providence. He has served time at the NHL level, but his latest stint with the B’s resulted in reassignment. [Big Bad Blog]
• The end of the Edmonton Oilers playing days at Rexall Place is forthcoming. With a few head scratching scheduling for the end of a stories building and it’s loyal fans. [The Copper & Blue]
• Chris Dilks reflects on head coach Mike Eaves, who was relieved of his coaching duties by the University of Wisconsin on Friday. Puppy relevancy in hockey is rare, but it’s here. [SB Nation College Hockey]

Should Syracuse Crunch head coach Rob Zettler be retained?