The Bolts
Lightning fans have a lot to be grateful for, starting with a fantastic owner in Jeff Vinik and a brilliant GM in Steve Yzerman. Not to mention high-quality, loyal players like Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman. The list goes on and on. [Raw Charge]
The Bolts talk about what they’re thankful for this year. Alex Killorn accidentally turns sweet potatoes into a dessert? Sounds delicious.
What are you thankful for this year?
Our #Bolts took some time to answer that very question. pic.twitter.com/aDhQqNooQl
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) November 24, 2016
Was that not adorable enough for you? Listen to the players reveal their favorite Thanksgiving traditions. Slater Koekkoek sounds genuinely bummed about missing the holiday at home. I hope his grandma is freezing some leftover stuffing for him.
Here’s my Jr Reporter segment from last night – a special Thanksgiving edition. Hope everyone is enjoying time with family and friends. pic.twitter.com/1Zbm6HZJt4
— Wyatt Ross (@HockeyWyatt) November 24, 2016
Our friends over at the Pension Plan Puppets have some words of praise for the local broadcast team at Fox Sports Sun. “The interviewers, Paul Kennedy and Bobby Taylor, act the same way. They aren’t speaking at 500 words per minute out of a necessity to fit in a constrained segment. It’s a casual and friendly conversation. They are enjoying what they are doing! We, the viewers, learn something.” [Pension Plan Puppets]
Since I’m happy and full of turkey, I want to see those four glorious goals from Wednesday night again. The national broadcast was heavily in favor of Philadelphia, but lucky for us, we can re-live the magic set to tune of Dave Mishkin’s voice. For more highlights like this, check out the YouTube page for Bucs – Rays – Bolts
Time to put some controversy to bed. JT Brown punched a phone out of the hand of a fan who was heckling him at the end of the game against the Predators. The Lightning have decided to replace the fan’s phone and send him a signed jersey. [Tampa Bay Times]
The Blue Jackets come to town tonight, led by former Lightning coach John Tortorella. In case you were wondering who Tortorella replaced when he landed the head coaching job in Columbus, it’s Bolts assistant coach Todd Richards. This is the first time Richards will face his former club. “The best way I can explain it to people is this: You’re in a relationship and they break up with you and you run into them on the street. At times it’s a little awkward. But each time you see them, it gets a little easier. I’m looking forward to the game. No bad feelings.” [Tampa Bay Times]
The Game
Manon Rheaume is perhaps best known as the first woman to play in the National Hockey League – suiting up as a goalie for the Tampa Bay Lightning back in 1992. She continues to be a pioneer for women in hockey. “‘I’ve always been passionate about hockey,’ she said. ‘I spent my life in arenas and I’ve played at the professional level. To have a chance to earn a living in the sport I love, I couldn’t ask for more.’” [The Star]
Speaking of women in hockey, the National Women’s Hockey League is in turmoil with the recent announcement of a 50% pay cut to player salaries. Tatiana Rafter, forward for the New York Riveters, explains the immense stress of the situation. “Now, with low salaries slashed in half, and an uncertain future, we must contend with basic needs – can we pay rent, pay for food, transportation etc…” [Stanley Cup of Chowder]
With the Vegas Golden Knights officially named and ready to join the NHL, it’s time to start panicking about the expansion draft. According to the rules, teams must protect all players with No Movement Clauses in their contracts. For the Bolts, that’s Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Ryan Callahan, and Valtteri Filppula – unless one or more of them get traded before the end of the summer. Read up on all the complexities so you know exactly what to worry about. [SB Nation]
Enough stressful news! Time to relax with this weird NHL float from the Macy’s Day Parade featuring Eric Lindros and Mark Graves awkwardly waving and clapping surrounded by referees on unicycles while Daya sings. Yeah, you read that correctly.
@daya ‘s performance at @Macys #thanksgivingdsyparade #words #sslp @MELANIEFONTANA co-writer!#proudmom #top40#ctgirl @1027KIISFM @965tic pic.twitter.com/LP0oAPIgGj
— Janis Fontana (@jfontan57) November 24, 2016
