The Bolts
The Tampa Bay Lightning put together a decisive 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. “Tonight’s effort was outstanding and looked like a Lightning win. This is the kind of hockey we’ve been hoping for since Stamkos went down. Keep it up, and we can look at a playoff run and maybe even a Stanley Cup run. The team certainly has the talent for it. Now we just need to see if they have the drive for it.” [Raw Charge]
Jonathan Drouin set up a phenomenal goal for Brayden Point to finish.
In a post-game interview, Drouin described his thoughts during the shift that set up on that goal.
Just instincts, I don’t know. I’m skating. Picked [Blake] Wheeler off there – [he] came back at me, [Mark] Scheifele came. I just went by ‘em with speed. [Brayden] Point set in the net. The goalie [Connor Hellebuyck] shifted the other way on the post. Pointer stepped in.
The two young players had quite the performance, rightfully earning top honors from the media present at the game.
Second Star Pointer, First Star Jo. #TBLvsWPG pic.twitter.com/QVG16ozN9d
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) February 12, 2017
Ryan Callahan has only played in 18 games this season because of a nagging hip injury. He is expected to be re-evaluated this week. “It could end up being in the best interests of Callahan and Tampa Bay for the forward to be shut down for the season if he isn’t making enough progress in rehabilitation.” [Tampa Bay Times]
Erik Condra has been moved from back and forth between the Syracuse Crunch and Tampa Bay Lightning sixteen times this season and it’s affecting his young family. “The constant shuffling has taken its toll on Condra’s two kids, son, Callan, 2 1/2 and daughter Ellery, 10 months. “They say, ‘It’s Mommy’s house’ and ‘Daddy’s house’. But what can I do?” [Tampa Bay Times]
At least three Tampa Bay Lightning prospects are guaranteed to make the Ontario Hockey League playoffs: Taylor Raddysh and Anthony Cirelli of the Erie Otters and Mitchell Stephens of the London Knights.
First ❎’s in West.
❎ @ErieOtters
❎ @GoLondonKnightsOfficially clinched berth in #OHLPlayoffs.
STANDINGS: https://t.co/e0bTKp2DTE pic.twitter.com/bwcp5Nk1fi
— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) February 12, 2017
The League
The city of Detroit and the hockey community at large is mourning the loss of long-time Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch. Steve Yzerman shared the impact that Mr. Ilitch had on his life. “Mr. Ilitch has left an incredible legacy in baseball, hockey and Metropolitan Detroit. He will forever be remembered for all the ways he enriched our lives. Mike Ilitch will live on vividly in my mind and heart forever.” [Raw Charge]
Henrik Lundqvist is a really, really good goaltender.
With his 400th career win, @HLundqvist30 has officially entered elite status. He’s the fastest goaltender ever to reach that milestone. pic.twitter.com/pDg6Mn3PmM
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 12, 2017
“Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson shut out the New York Islanders on Saturday in his return to game action after a long stretch away while he helped his wife battle against cancer. The game, a 3-0 Senators victory, was Anderson’s first since Dec. 5. He had taken a leave of absence after that game to be with his wife Nicholle as she underwent treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.” [Puck Daddy]
