The Bolts
Former Lightning head coach Guy Boucher is back in Tampa for the first time since he was relieved of his duties in favor of Jon Cooper four years ago. This time he’ll be coaching from the visiting team’s bench, but he’s not looking for revenge. “I’m so grateful… Steve Yzerman and Mr. Vinik, Julien (BriseBois), I owe them a lot. As a family we had four years down there, a really good life. I was very fortunate he gave me the reins of an NHL team.” [Tampa Bay Times]
Guy Boucher has returned to Tampa for first time since being fired by Lightning pic.twitter.com/9NZm6RURJN
— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) February 1, 2017
GM Steve Yzerman is listening to offers on pending UFA goalie Ben Bishop, but so far nothing has enticed him to make a trade. “Word is current offers are low and Yzerman isn’t biting. His risk is seeing a rejuvenated Bishop deliver high reward somewhere else.” [Sportsnet]
Jonathan Drouin was benched for the final three minutes in a crucial game against the Boston Bruins and he doesn’t understand why. “It sucks,” Drouin said. “When you’re down one goal in such an important game, staying on the bench definitely sucks. I don’t make coach’s decisions. He does. It’s up to him.” [Tampa Bay Times]
Boston Bruins’ Brad Marchand dangerously tripped Anton Stralman just a week after receiving a $10,000 fine for making a similar play against Niklas Kronwall. “Now to have the exact same predatory play take place a week later, there is absolutely no excuse for not punishing him. It was a dirty play. It was a dangerous play. And it’s obvious that he will not learn his lesson with these little slaps on the wrist.” [Raw Charge]
The League
The biggest news of yesterday was the sudden dismissal of St. Louis Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock. GM Doug Armstrong gave an emotional, candid press conference about the decision. “Ken is paying the price for all of our failures, starting with mine,” he said. “I’m the manager. It’s my team.” [St. Louis Game Time]
Ilya Bryzgalov quizzing Russians and North Americans about the order of operations in basic arithmetic is quite possibly the greatest thing to happen at this year’s All-Star Game.
February is the NHL’s official “Hockey is for Everyone” month. The Lightning will be hosting events on the 18th and 23rd of this month to encourage diversity and a welcoming atmosphere. [NHL]
