The Bolts
The Tampa Bay Lightning fell to the Boston Bruins 4-2 on Thursday night, losing top spot in the Atlanic Division as a result. [Raw Charge]
The Lightning continued to play well in the third and momentarily looked to have tied the game as Alex Killorn scored on a wrap around. The goal was immediately called off for goalie interference on Anthony Cirelli. Cirelli was camped in the crease as Killorn scored the goal and at first, it seemed an obvious call…
We’ve held first place since October 18. It’s never a great feeling to lose, but you have to admit…
That’s something to be proud of. Tomorrow’s a new day. #GoBolts
— x – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 30, 2018
Yanni Gourde continues his surprisingly electric season with a milestone point in the game against Boston.
With his assist tonight, Yanni Gourde has tied Ondrej Palat for second place all-time in franchise history for most points in a season by a rookie (59). 👊 #TBLvsBOS pic.twitter.com/tHYopFjMm8
— x – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 30, 2018
Two of the Lightning’s top boys have been dealing with injuries lately but it’s a good sign to see that both Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman played against Boston. Heddy even chipped in on the scoresheet! [Tampa Bay Times]
“It’s something that’s been nagging for a little bit,” Stamkos said before the game. “But it’s nothing serious. I felt a lot better (Thursday), so good to go.”
Stamkos on if worried #Bruins 3-0 record vs TB indication of what playoffs would be like. “No. The regular season is the regular season. (Thursday) was probably a good indication of what the games would be like. Hats off to them, they found a way to win. They’ve had our number”
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) March 30, 2018
Head coach Jon Cooper was encouraged by the second and third period against Boston, but going down two in the first is never a recipe for success.
.@TBLightning head coach Jon Cooper reacts to tonight’s loss against the Bruins. #GoBolts #NHL pic.twitter.com/65BaJIIBDU
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) March 30, 2018
Sorry, Coop.
Jon Cooper is a high school teacher who just can’t get through to his kids pic.twitter.com/Uq7HWo3CFW
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) March 30, 2018
Yours truly joined Matt Esteves for a hotly debated episode of Charged Up: a Raw Charge Podcast. Plyoff opponents, analysis of play, we go all over the place in this episode. [Raw Charge]
Our friend-enemies over at Stanley Cup of Chowder have a new podcast! “UnSoupervised” brought GeoFitz4 on to be their first ever guest! Give it a listen. [link]
Looking for something to listen to on your commute home? Look no further than @SBUnsoupervised! https://t.co/plfB41hkf0
— StanleyCup ofChowder (@cupofchowdah) March 29, 2018
The Prospects
Daniel Walcott is the Man of the Year.
Yes, yes, I know you already knew that but he’s getting an actual award this time.
Ugh, just read the article and you’ll see, promise. [Syracuse]
The Syracuse Crunch has named forward Daniel Walcott as its winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his contributions to the community during the 2017-18 season.
Congratulations to our #SyrCrunch IOA/American Specialty Man of the Year @WallyD19.
He has been honored for his outstanding contributions to the Syracuse community during the 2017-18 season. → https://t.co/t1kztd6S8m pic.twitter.com/Zik4CFzdnA
— x – Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) March 29, 2018
Some Tampa Bay Lightning prospects are awaiting the next round of the playoffs, others are in the middle of a fierce battle, a few are injured, and there’s one who’s fate needs to be decided. [Raw Charge]
The Boston University Terriers have been eliminated from the NCAA tournament, as Terriers were no match for Wolverines. Defenseman Johnathan MacLeod’s senior year ends with only three assists in 23 games. The Lightning now have until August 15th to sign him. After that he will be a free agent.
Rockets fall 5-3 in game 4 to end their season after being eliminated 4-0 in the best-of-seven series. Details: https://t.co/NTbGPw000Q #KELvsTC #WHLRockets #GoRocketsGo #WHLPlayoffs #Gordie #Hilzy #Twar 🚀🐉🚀 pic.twitter.com/iypdoo7u5x
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) March 30, 2018
Look, Mom! (yes, I’m refering to you, Acha) Reid McNeill is on the TV! [CNY Central]
There’s three weeks left in the season, so how’s the Crunch preparing for another postseason push?
Syracuse Defenseman Reid McNeill joined us live in studio to dive into what the Crunch has cooking going forward!
Three No. 3s on @CNYcentral. pic.twitter.com/tntT2pAP2F
— x – Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) March 29, 2018
Reid “Weatherman” McNeill!
Making dreams come true! @SyracuseCrunch defenseman Reid McNeill had dreams of doing TV weather. @CNYcentral made that happen on the WeatherDeck with me. Great job Reid!! Now it’s Calder Cup time! #playoffs pic.twitter.com/kAPeMnKUCk
— Wayne Mahar (@WayneStormWatch) March 29, 2018
Foote’s season is over BUT he is not eligible to play in the AHL until he is 20, not even as a try-out. [Dems Da Rulz]
Cal Foote’s season is over after Tri-City completed a shocking 4-game sweep in the first round. Foote can join Syracuse now.
— Bolt Prospects (@BoltProspects) March 30, 2018
The Game
Have you ever heard of Scott Foster? You’re about to.
With goaltenders Anton Forsberg and Collin Delia both down for the count due to injuries, the Chicago Blackhawks needed someone they could count on. So they literally called accountant and emergency back-up goalie Scott Foster to help close out a game against the Winnipeg Jets. Foster stopped seven of seven shots, including one against Patrick Laine! Talk about a night for the 36-year-old Western Michigan University grad from over a decade ago. [Sportsnet]
“A few hours ago I was sitting on the computer typing on a 10-key, and now I’m standing in front of you guys having just finished 14 1/2 minutes of NHL hockey,” [Foster] cracked.
We’re going to go through every tweet that I saw from this night because not one can tell the entire story (Steve Dangle tried).
Look at Q’s face!
Emergency backup goaltender Scott Foster makes his NHL debut. pic.twitter.com/2jY8zPFNRO
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) March 30, 2018
I know he’s not even the good Stastny but still!
Foster makes a save on Stastny. pic.twitter.com/QD5lSDzdQu
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) March 30, 2018
The Lightning aren’t playing in this game, Steven.
Dude – not just an emergency goalie. An emergency goalie with significant time left in a game his team was winning against one of the most potent offences in the league. Stops seven of seven. Easily one of the best stories of the season.
Also he is gonna be sorrrrrrre.
— Steve Dangle Glynn (@Steve_Dangle) March 30, 2018
“I made about 30 saves in a 1-0 win” This guy is hilarious.
Hilarious post-game interview from 36-year-old Scott Foster, who was called into action as the Blackhawks Emergency Backup Goaltender tonight pic.twitter.com/p4ExOQz8oA
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) March 30, 2018
Never had a save percentage above .900 in his life and he shuts out arguably the best team in the NHL for almost an entire period at the age of 36. Unbelieveable.
Updated. And upgraded. pic.twitter.com/OatjPh6zFj
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) March 30, 2018
Highlight of the Night: Sid, you are second fiddle tonight and you will like it!
