The Bolts
The second line of Brayden Point, Ondrej Palat, and Yanni Gourde carried the Tampa Bay Lightning to first win of the season. “Their hustle resulted in both of Palat’s goals (yes, I know one was an empty-netter but without Point outracing a Panthers defender beforehand that goal doesn’t happen) and their board play made Florida’s job of getting the puck out of their own zone a nightmare.” [Raw Charge]
Pointer’s first goal of the season fools Roberto Luongo short side. [Reddit]
Sometimes you have to ask your goalie to bail you out and Andrei Vasilevskiy did that a few times last night. [Reddit]
A quick power play passing plan (a PPPPP if you will) leaves Vladdy Namestnikov wide open in front of the net, who makes no mistake. Thats how you run a power play!
The @TBLightning‘s puck movement: BEAUTIFUL.
More highlights: https://t.co/aLz5PiZ94V #NHLFaceOff pic.twitter.com/jrZQzb1F5J
— NHL (@NHL) October 7, 2017
JustinG. looks at how this years’ Tampa Bay Lightning were assembled. Hint: a few might be draft picks of the franchise. “Faced with a disgruntled superstar who only wanted to be traded to one team, Mr. Yzerman pulled off a pretty good haul in Ryan Callahan and a first round pick. While trading for the Rangers’ former captain was an excellent move, signing him to six-year deal the summer after has proven a bit more troublesome.” [Raw Charge]
Tampa Bay Lightning Founder and Hockey God Phil Esposito looks towards the scoreboard from the bench. Bet he’s watching some silky passing plays.
Everything we have, it’s because you saw something in us.
Cheers to you, Espo. ⚡️ #Bolts25 pic.twitter.com/7XHyziqIbQ
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 7, 2017
Jake Dotchin starting the season as a healthy scratch definitely surprised some people. “Dotchin played in only the final preseason game after violating an unspecified team rule. Cooper, when asked after the morning skate why Dotchin would not be in the lineup, said, ‘You have 23 guys, 20 get to play … Not everyone is going to play every single night. When your name is called, you’ve just got to be ready to help us win, and that’s it.’” [Tampa Bay Times]
Carol and Barney Barnett have been honored as Lightning Community Heroes for their work in environmental and marine conservation. “Carol and Barney’s generosity extends to other areas including children’s services, literacy programs, poverty, education, business development and healthcare.” Congradulations to both of them and we thank both Carol and Barney for their generous work. [NHL dot com]
The Prospcts
Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Boris Katchouk has totalled 4 goals in his past 2 games! Those two games were back-to-back so safe to say Katchouk is heading into the weekend a happy man.
GOOOOOAL YAS ANOTHER ONE!!! 2nd of the night for Katchouk! pic.twitter.com/PkUreO5KEe
— Soo Greyhounds (@OHLHoundPower) October 7, 2017
Mitchell Stephens and his nifty mittens scored this goal in an eventual 3-1 loss to the Rochester Americans in the Syracuse Crunch season opener. “Stephens finally solved Ullmark three minutes later. He capitalized on an open rebound just left of the crease. Assists went to Adam Erne and Mat Bodie.” [Syracuse Crunch]
The first goal of the season goes to @Stephens2727. Here’s to many more this year, boys. pic.twitter.com/KMLKFUci9k
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) October 7, 2017
Erie Otters forward and Bolts prospects Taylor Raddysh looks to have returned from injury ahead of schedule. Bolts Prospects on twitter noted that the original injury could have held Raddysh out for a few weeks so the fact that he is back so early is promising.
Huge boost for the Otters, Taylor Raddysh back in the lineup after missing past Saturday’s home opener
— Aaron Cooney (@Aaron_Cooney) October 6, 2017
The Game
During the moment of silence to honor the victims of the Vegas attack last week, the Dallas Stars skated to the other end of the rink and stood with the Golden Knights. It truely was an amazing moment. [RMNB]
A touching moment as the @DallasStars stand with the @GoldenKnights for a moment of silence to honour the Vegas attack victims. #VegasStrong pic.twitter.com/KZYIXiWiE7
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 7, 2017
Sticking to the Star and Kights game, Ben Bishop has to leave the ice to get some repairs for his face, after taking a puck off the mask.
Ben Bishop has to leave the ice for repairs after taking this shot off the mask.https://t.co/4Up9vYgZpv pic.twitter.com/kub4hc5VpF
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 7, 2017
Last thing from this game, I promise. James Neal gets the first goal in Vegas Golden Knights history. He would end up with 2 in that game, and the Knights would end up with the win! [Knights on Ice] [Reddit]
Speedy Detroit Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou still does not have a contract from the club (because they don’t know how to manage the salary cap and literally can’t afford to sign AA). As a result, AA is flying to Switzerland to skate with HC Lugano.
RFA Andreas Athanasiou, who has yet to come to terms with DET on a contract, flying to Switzerland tonight, will start skating with Lugano.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 6, 2017
In some more hockey history, Nathan Walker will become the first Australian-born player to ever play a game in the NHL. “The Sydney, Australia, native became the first Australian drafted to the NHL after Washington selected him in the third round, 89th overall, in the 2014 NHL Draft.” This is only a snippet but you NEED to read Walkers story. Let’s just say it starts with flying to the Czech Republic as a 14-year-old to play competitive hockey. [NHL dot com]
