The Bolts
Overtime hockey in the first Tampa Bay Lightning game of the season, eh? I see what kind of season it’s going to be. A lot happened in last night’s game. Anthony Cirelli proved that he’s ready for a fine season in the NHL, Andrei Vasilevskiy did everything but score a goal, and the Cats are still the Cats.
If you haven’t read it yet, go read Matt’s recap. [Raw Charge]
This is great news:
Pretty cool few days for #tblightning @acirelli22. Game-tying, short-handed goal in season-opening win. Moving into own place next week. Team told him last week he could get an apartment of his own. A rite of passage for any rookie.
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) October 7, 2018
The season opener win streak continues, thanks to this guy (and Vasy and Kuch):
The @TBLightning have won each of their last five season openers and kept pace with the Canucks for the NHL’s longest active win streak in such games. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/26XP1g4pOK
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 7, 2018
On a melancholy note, there were a few injuries, one to 39-year-old Robert Luongo: Panthers’ Luongo leaves game vs. Lightning with apparent leg injury [Sportsnet]
Midway through the second period, after making a save, Luongo had a lot of heavy traffic in his crease leading to Florida forward Frank Vatrano falling down on to his right leg.
First @nhl game, won’t be his last. ⚡️#FLAvsTBL | #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/2qogHdQqVI
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 7, 2018
And poor #13 had a moment of bad luck. I hope it doesn’t impact him for long: Tampa Bay Lightning F Cedric Paquette leaves game after getting hand stepped on [Bolts by the Bay]
Lightning forward Cedric Paquette was taking a faceoff where he found himself battling hard for the puck. Sadly, somewhere along the way Paquette lost his balance and ended up using his hands to regain his composure. In the seconds his hands were on the ice, disaster would strike.
#TBLightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy as he is introduced with his team before the start of @TBLightning opening night #NHL pic.twitter.com/8xAXdOONuA
— Dirk Shadd (@DirkShadd) October 6, 2018
There were some interesting quotes in Joe’s article about Jon Cooper’s relationship with new GM Julien BriseBois, one indicating that the team is looking to extend Cooper past his contract year: Lightning ‘fully expect’ extension for Jon Cooper [The Athletic, paid content]
Cooper noted the last time he was in a contract year — 2015-16 — his three-year extension didn’t come until December. And BriseBois has been busy in the transition. He said the key in a new contract will be compensation, noting how coaches’ salaries are in a wide range. “I fully intend on (Cooper) coming back,” BriseBois said.
Amalie Arena joins their AHL affiliate in installing new the Ephesus Lumadapt system for the 2018-19 season [NHL.com]
At a cost of more than $600,000, this Ephesus Lumadapt system is the industry’s first adaptive fully customizable LED sports lighting and controls system, allowing facility operators to buy what they need today and then remotely update, adapt and expand the system as their needs change and new technologies and features become available.
Our friends in Tampa have joined the @ETN_Lighting family. 👊⚡️ https://t.co/WWF1sysU2c
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) October 6, 2018
The Prospects
Syracuse Crunch opens season with win in Hershey [Syracuse.com]
Taylor Raddysh and Alex Barre-Boulet both scored their first professional goal in their first professional game in a 3-2 Syracuse Crunch win over the Hershey Bears tonight at Giant Center.
Upper ring is on for the first time! pic.twitter.com/5OvioBWCEL
— Jim Sarosy (@JimSarosy) October 6, 2018
Alex Barré-Boulet had two points for Syracuse tonight. Looks like he’s adjusting to pro hockey just fine. Raddysh scored his first pro goal as well.
— Alan (@loserpoints) October 7, 2018
ANOTHA ONE!
Alex Barré-Boulet joins the first pro goal club in his first game tonight. #SYRvsHER pic.twitter.com/dmKaEamQvS
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) October 7, 2018
The Game
Wait, what are the New York Rangers doing with our Vladislav Namestnikov, again?
Not a good look for Vladislav Namestnikov, who signed a 2-year $8 million deal on July 1. Rangers should proceed with caution here. It goes without saying that it is still VERY early, but further damaging Namestnikov’s trade value would be a big mistake. https://t.co/X3pFJqkupQ
— Mike Murphy (@DigDeepBSB) October 6, 2018
Hey, Rangers. Just trade Vladdy back to us for a pick or whatever if you’re gonna healthy scratch him for Cody effing McLeod. Thanks.
— Alan (@loserpoints) October 6, 2018
Around the division:
Montreal 5, Pittsburgh 1
#Habs @ Penguins Top Six Minutes: Teamwork works https://t.co/6iRYe4oPpI
— Eyes on the Prize (@HabsEOTP) October 7, 2018
Ottawa 5, Toronto 2
Game Recap: Leafs lose 5-3 to the Sens in a game they should have won. If only they had a dynamic Swedish winger to help tie up the game… https://t.co/oLZlQRLfnB
— Pension Plan Puppets (@PPPLeafs) October 7, 2018
What was your favorite moment from last night??
