Quick Strikes for Wednesday, March 11

Hey, did you know that the Tampa Bay Lightning have a special teams problem? I mean, who knew, right? [TSN]
Clare Austin tracks the quality of scoring chances on goaltender Kristers Gudlevskis, and basically, what’s going on in Syracuse is no big surprise. Gudlesvskis is getting zero help from his teammates, especially his defensemen. Now whether that’s a talent issue for the Syracuse Crunch or something else…well, it’s probably bit of everything, frankly. [Puckology]
Not only are fans dissatisfied by where their team is in the standings, but one Buffalo Sabres blog wants to redesign the team’s third jerseys. Come join in the fun. No, really – they want you to. [Die By the Blade]
Apparently the time spent at the rink post-playing career has scarred Wayne Gretzky for life, because he’s staying very far away from any offers of NHL jobs as he can. This is probably for the best, really. I mean, we all saw how he did with the ~~Phoenix~~ Arizona Coyotes. [The Score]
The Philadelphia Flyers are struggling under head coach Craig Berube. Weird, huh? Former beloved player doesn’t do well as a NHL head coach…. Stop me if you’ve heard this story before. [Philadelphia Inquirer]
It took 25 years for a Russian to officiate an NHL game after the first Russian player joined the NHL. Good for him and all, but I shudder to think of all the the silly Cold War rhetoric that’s going to be thrown this guy’s way. At least be more inventive with your insults, okay? [Yahoo! Sports]
I am profoundly disappointed that Alex Killorn didn’t make this list of NHLers who would be awesome on The Bachelor. So very disappointed. I mean, doesn’t anyone even read his Twitter account? [Puck Daddy]

Talking Points