The Bolts
Associate Coach Rick Bowness was behind the bench for his 2,165th game last night, surpassing legendary coach Scotty Bowman. “”I’ve been very fortunate that I played for a little bit and I’ve been able to coach every day of my life and that’s what I’m very, very happy with,” he said. “I can look back at my life and say, ‘Man, I’ve worked in a game my whole life.’ That’s pretty good.” [Tampa Bay Lightning]
A kind gesture by @mnwild media relations staff, posted for arriving press, congratulating @TBLightning Rick Bowness pic.twitter.com/KlCpIodrLu
— Paul Kennedy (@PaulKennedyFOX) February 10, 2017
The Tampa Bay Lightning secured a point as they fell 2-1 in the shootout to the Minnesota Wild. “A point is a good outcome against the Wild, who have been one of the best teams in the league all year. Even knowing that, accepting one point in a game that the Bolts controlled from start to finish is difficult. Especially when they so desperately need every point they can get.” [Raw Charge]
Vaslievskiy is made of rubber and steel. It looks like he misses this shot because it doesn’t hit his pad. That’s because it hits his skate. pic.twitter.com/xLPsx9aUmh
— InGoal Magazine (@InGoalMedia) February 11, 2017
Because the Lightning are struggling in the standings, it’s possible that Ben Bishop will be traded at the deadline. “[Bishop] has turned in two solid performances in a row, including a 28-save shutout of the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday. With the Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames and St. Louis Blues enduring goaltending woes that could have implications on playoff participation, Bishop’s recent resurgence could prompt renewed interest in the big netminder.” [ESPN]
We’ve covered this at length, so here’s an update: Jon Cooper sticks with Lightning goalie plan. “Our plans we’ve had in place all year, we’re not deviating from it. Obviously ‘Bish’ had a shutout (Tuesday against the Kings), but Bish played (two games) in a row, gave us a chance to win, and we did (both games), and now it’s ‘Vasy’s turn.” [Tampa Bay Times]
Jonathan Drouin, Brian Boyle, and Ben Bishop showed their support for autism awareness.
Syracuse Crunch forward Cory Conacher was recently interviewed on the VarsityBros podcast. “I’m playing well which is good for my confidence. I’m just waiting for the next call-up from Tampa, hopefully.” [VarsityBros Soundcloud]
The League
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 11, 2017
Jiri Fischer describes the profound impact Mr. Ilitch had on his life. “Jiri Fischer was lying in a hospital bed, shortly after a brush with death, when he went into cardiac arrest during a game, and Mike Ilitch was there for him. ‘Mr. Ilitch was the first visitor I had in my hospital room,’ Fischer, the former Detroit Red Wings defenseman, said Friday. ‘I found out later the first thing he told my fiancee (Avory) at the time was, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll take care of Jiri. We’re honoring the contract and we’ll make sure he gets better.’” [MLive]
So what exactly gets a player kicked off a faceoff? “NHL linesman David Brisebois explains the correct procedures for faceoffs and why players are sometimes removed from the faceoff circle.”
It’s no secret that GM Steve Yzerman is actively searching for defensemen to help the Bolts blue line. The Anaheim Ducks might be the perfect trade partner. “Youth, term, and top-four talent on the blueline is something the Ducks are swimming in. And considering they might lose some of that talent in the expansion draft, it makes sense for them to move one of them before the deadline for some assets.” [SB Nation]
The National Women’s Hockey League All-Star Game is sold out! “If you’re just hearing about the NWHL’s All-Star Game this weekend, or even the NWHL in general, here are seven things you need to know about the League and the events.” [CBS Pittsburgh]
