The USA
Sometimes things happen in sports that bring us together as fellow fans, and one of these events is happening right now. We folk in Florida know intrinsically what it’s like to face destruction by inclement weather, and all our compassion goes out to Texas.
Our sibling site in Dallas, Defending Big D, has written an article about ways in which we can pitch in to help those affected by enormous floods in central and south Texas. We’re keeping this article pinned to our front page so that you can find it:
“Many across the hockey community have reached out to us to know how they can help those impacted. Dallas Stars fans located in the northern part of Texas and outside the area are asking what is needed right now as people try to get through this trying time.” [Defending Big D]
Raw Charge has donated to the American Red Cross, and we are keeping our neighbors in our minds.
Let’s help our friends in Houston. The devastation there is once in a lifetime. $10 donation to @RedCross by texting “Harvey” to 90999.
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) August 27, 2017
The Bolts
Rangers fans remember how dangerous Tampa Bay Lightning can be. New York Rangers’ NHL Rankings: 4th Tampa Bay Lightning — “Despite a late season disappointment slipping them away from the playoffs, saying the Lightning failed to strike would not necessarily be correct. The Lightning not only scored more than the league average, but they also allowed less goals than the league average.” [Blue Line Station]
I’m going to guess the answer to the question in the title is “no” — NHLCan NHL teams afford to pay players on past performance? “While this should have lowered [Dan Girardi’s] value, the Lightning still signed him for $3 million a season directly after his buyout and included a no-trade clause throughout the life of this deal. His recent past performance should have been much more influential on his latest contract, and his locker-room presence less.” [Fan Rag Sports]
Sabres’ Playoff Drought Excuses No Longer Relevant: “Both Florida teams will make the playoffs if they remain healthy. The Tampa Bay Lightning are a legitimate contender if Steven Stamkos can remain healthy. Even with Ben Bishop gone, the goaltender position remains solid with rising Russian Andrei Vasilevskiy.” [THW]
Top prospects for Tampa Bay Lightning: “The Tampa Bay Lightning have emphasized improving their organizational depth on defense, and two defensemen made this list of their top five prospects. Mikhail Sergachev could help the Lightning immediately, and Callan Foote appears to be a part of Tampa Bay’s plans for 2020-21 and beyond.” [NHL]
“He may be the most well-rounded defenseman.” Coming in at No. 4 on our list is the @TBLightning‘s own @heds77. #NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/XgHOz4tVcy
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 27, 2017
