The Headline
Tweets from Tampa Bay Lightning arena reporter Caley Chelios indicate that Ryan Callahan is likely near returning to the lineup, but that Mathieu Joseph is still out an unknown length of time. In Callahan’s words, he feels great, and is “hopeful” for the game. And in Joseph’s words — well — no words at all, which probably means No Go for Jo.
Callahan said his back locked up out of nowhere before the Vancouver game. “It usually takes a day or two to settle down when something like that happens.” He said it’s never happened before, and he felt great skating today. “Today was encouraging to hopefully get in tomorrow.” https://t.co/6AnofNj5vJ
— Caley Chelios (@CaleyChelios) December 21, 2018
On his injury: “We’ll see how it responds after today but today there was no issues or anything like that so it was good.”
Practice day | Ryan Callahan: pic.twitter.com/nbcLtjotS6
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) December 21, 2018
Joseph on the ice again skating in his own at the end of #Bolts practice.
— Caley Chelios (@CaleyChelios) December 21, 2018
The Bolts
Yay:
The 2018-19 season marks the fourth time in franchise history in which the @TBLightning have recorded a point streak of at least 11 games. The others: 2003-04 (14-0-4 in 18 GP), 2002-03 (7-0-6 in 13 GP) and 2013-14 (7-0-4 in 11 GP). #NHLStats #TBLvsCGY pic.twitter.com/WmJ3oUKNHb
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 21, 2018
Edmonton is bracing for the oncoming storm, or something: Edmonton Oilers in tough against Tampa Bay [Global News]
“They play a way more mature game than they did a couple of years ago. They can come at you in waves and if you’re not ready to absorb it, they can really burn you,” explained Hitchcock. “But in the same breath, we can do that too.
On the line changes: “I think it’s good. I think you have to be ready to play with everybody and we have so much depth in this organization that it’s fun to play with everybody.”
Practice day | Yanni Gourde: pic.twitter.com/aqgPQPUUAY
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) December 21, 2018
Mr. Bryan Burns wrote his preview for the game today. Nuts and Bolts: Closing out the road trip vs. the Oilers in Edmonton. [Tampa Bay Lightning]
The Lightning’s 56 points through 36 games are tied for their most points through the first 36 games of a season in franchise history (also: 56 points through the first 36 games of 2017-18).
Apparently Mike Babcock said some nice things about Tampa and his words are making their rounds of the press: Lightning might head every power rating you can find on the NHL [Gaming Today]
“It looks to me like Tampa is better than us, it looks like they are better than everybody right now in the league. I’m not saying they are deeper, they’re more talented or any of that, but there maturity level to play every night and find a way to win seems to be there.” Babcock said. “They’ve had disappointment at playoff time and they look like they’re battle scarred and ready to go.”
“At the end of the day, not everyone gets a chance to play in the NHL. It took me nine years, so that’s an accomplishment in itself just to get a start.”
In their own words | Eddie Pasquale https://t.co/NuI7Lb6R5A
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) December 21, 2018
Looking back on the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2017 trade deadline [Raw Charge]
Before they got to that point though of being back in the playoff race, it wasn’t looking very good as the trade deadline approached. With the outlook for the team looking less than spectacular for the rest of the season, Steve Yzerman did the best thing possible in selling assets. He didn’t give up the future of the team, knowing he still had an incredible core. Instead, he decided to capitalize on his expiring assets to bolster the team for the future.
Calgary Flames podcasters were impressed by Tampa Bay Lightning fans.
Is this what ‘Class’ looks like??? #Flames #TBLvsCGY #NHL pic.twitter.com/VRw5p13545
— The Red Mile (@RedMilePodcast) December 21, 2018
The Prospects
We hope this is a rumor and nothing more:
Connor Ingram is strongly favoring his left leg. You can see him hunching over away from the play
— Tony Androckitis (@TonyAndrock) December 22, 2018
Earlier in the game:
And for his next trick, @CBIngram1 will show off the puck clearly in his glove. 😏#SYRvsLV pic.twitter.com/DEUhHfKY1B
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) December 22, 2018
We delivered lunch to @SarahHouseSyr as part of our week of assists.
Sarah’s Guest House provides lodging, transportation, meals and comfort to patients and families of patients receiving medical care in Central New York. pic.twitter.com/Rn7nousP0h
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) December 21, 2018
All of your generous donations to our @stanleysteemer Tired Teddy Toss went to new homes this week.
After being cleaned by Stanley Steemer, these cuddly critters were given out during the @SalArmySyr‘s Christmas Bureau Distribution. pic.twitter.com/Va7sl9fIqs
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) December 21, 2018
Orlando Solar Bears in Santa jerseys!
The amazing 🎅 uniforms.
The teddy bears flyin’.@OrlandoHockey is feelin the holiday spirit! pic.twitter.com/SzTCM578I7
— ECHL (@ECHL) December 22, 2018
The Game
Dan Carcillo shares how the NHL has failed to educate its players
“It’s simple. If you look at the past, you can see that they’ve killed people.”https://t.co/e6hMWXgUGK
— SB Nation NHL (@SBNationNHL) December 21, 2018
If Lundqvist wasn’t a Ranger, I’d say “unf.”
Working on the holiday spirit.🎅🏼 I spent a day with @bauerhockey meeting fans on the street of NYC, giving out gifts, and surprising @NYPD10Pct. Now it’s your turn to give the gift @Pastrnak96 @ChrisWags23! #TheGameIsAGift pic.twitter.com/8gnuOmelCC
— Henrik Lundqvist (@HLundqvist30) December 21, 2018
Hm, wonder how this is going to work out?
The new Late Hit Rule (#153) was introduced for this season. This video from the IIHF Player Safety Committee provides information and examples how it will be enforced. Find more information here: https://t.co/00UfdTG8bl pic.twitter.com/pFFeauZntu
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 21, 2018
We’ll end on a Christmas note. See you guys [much] later for the game!
When Casey’s family left on their European vacation they forgot one minor detail: Casey. pic.twitter.com/YmWuXx13Af
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) December 21, 2018
