Quick Strikes for Thursday, October 15

• The Tampa Bay Lightning’s inability to win faceoffs is hurting their penalty kill. [Tampa Bay Times]
• Rumor has it that talks on head coach Jon Cooper’s contract extension have already started. [Tampa Bay Times]
• Talking with Jonathan Marchessault of the Syracuse Crunch. “You’re either improving, or you’re going downhill.” [Syracuse.com]
• Defenseman Slater Koekkoek and Luke Witkowski are back in Syracuse, being paired together on the Crunch’s blueline. Both are working toward the next step in making the NHL.
• Speaking of the Crunch, make sure to check out their week in review, and looking to the future. [Tampa Bay Lightning]
• Should the Tampa Bay Buccaneers be sold to Lightning owner Jeff Vinik? The question stems from the Glazer family seeking to play Bucs home games in other locations. [Bucs Nation]
• Relatedly, the Lightning are considered not only today’s top team among fans in the NHL but also ranked No. 3 among sports franchises in all four major pro sports. Why are they placed so much higher than the Bucs? Fan engagement, for one. [Tampa Bay Times]
• We all know the Carolina Hurricanes are in the middle of the rebuild. Here’s a look at what their future might entail. [Canes and Coffee]
• The Vancouver Canucks are trying something new with individual player goal songs and Radim Vrbatais taking the fun one step further. He’s letting the fans choose the song. [Canucks Army]
• Fantasy Hockey: Henrik Lundqvist of the NY Rangers is the goaltender to have. This week, he has the favorable scheduled spot, and he boasts a top-tier .943 save percentage through his first three starts this season. [USA Today]
• In 2009, NHL counsel Julie Grand advised Commissioner Gary Bettman to keep focus off retired players regarding concussions. [SB Nation]

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