The Bolts
Andrei Vasilevskiy and the Tampa Bay Lightning can’t-couver the shut out against the Vancouver Canucks, but still come out with a 5-2 win to kick off a small home stand after a long trip. The story, “Erne”-ing their victory. [Raw Charge]
The first period wasn’t their flashiest or most complete performance, but it was a welcome reprieve from the nightmarish display in Edmonton. The Lightning’s game plan during the opening frame was to not allow Vancouver to establish any kind of momentum, and for the most part, Tampa Bay did that.
Near the end of the game, Victor Hedman scored to make the score 5-2, and by doing so, passed Pavel Kubina for most all-time goals by a defenseman in Tampa Bay Lightning history.
#HeddyMakesHistory. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/uJWRsqwWjq
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) February 9, 2018
“Erne”-ing their way to victory would not have been possible without the promotion of one Adam Erne from the Syracuse Crunch yesterday. [Raw Charge]
Over 150 games in the AHL, Erne has put up 41 goals and 47 assists for 88 points. So far this season, Erne has put up 12 goals and 14 assists in 41 games for the Crunch and is currently their fourth-leading goal scorer and seventh in points. Listed at 6’1” and 209 pounds, Erne is a left-handed power forward that can play on either wing.
.@adamerne73 bringing the HEAT. 🔥 #VANvsTBL pic.twitter.com/wNdBiNvohO
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) February 9, 2018
Another angle.
Adam Erne with the BURNING ONE-TIMER makes it 3-0 @TBLightning! #GoBolts #NHL pic.twitter.com/2Kxun2K3g9
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) February 9, 2018
Saturday night is nearly upon us and Vinny is making sure he’s ready. [Raw Charge]
“You know, it’s funny. When we won the Cup (in 2004), I immediately wanted to win another one, and I don’t think I ever really took time to appreciate winning that one. During my rookie season, (teammate) Wendell Clark told me that it would all go by in a flash and I remember saying, ‘yeah, whatever Wendell’. But that’s when you’re 18 and before you know it, you’re 35 and it’s all behind you. So yeah, I’m really going to focus on enjoying this moment Saturday night and really appreciate what it all means.”
The Prospects
The Syracuse Crunch are an organization that doesn extraordinary work in the community. From “You Can Play” to “She Matters” let’s look at all the great community activities the Crunch do. [Raw Charge]
Celebrity Bartending
Throughout the season, Crunch players appear at various bars around the Syracuse area and serve as celebrity bartenders. During these appearances, the players often wear company-sponsored jerseys that are auctioned off towards the conclusion of their visit, and all of the tips they raise go towards local charities.
Congratulations to TJ! He came back to win tonight’s @TullysGoodTimes Air Hockey Tournament.
Thank you to everyone who came out. 👊 pic.twitter.com/LtyJrR2vVB
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) February 9, 2018
The Syracuse Crunch see two players enter their dressing room on the same day two player leave. [Syracuse]
The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled forward Adam Erne from the Syracuse Crunch. The Crunch has also returned forward Shane Conacher to Adirondack of the ECHL. No additions have been made to the Crunch roster because it appears injured forwards Kevin Lynch and Mathieu Joseph are ready to return for Syracuse’s stretch of three games in three days this weekend.
There are eight (8) former Syracuse Crunch players who are on 2018 Olympic Men’s Hockey rosters. Can you name them all? Try your best in the comments! [Syracuse]
How many former Syracuse Crunch players will skate in 2018 Winter Olympics?https://t.co/XqB7Wq7twx
— Syracuse Hockey (@syrhockey) February 8, 2018
The “Hockey is for Everyone” Game
In honor of Black History Month, here is a a closer look at how black players have helped progress the game of hockey. [The Hockey Writers]
Willie O’Ree: Breaking Through the Wall
Jackie Robinson crossed into history by becoming the first black athlete to play in an MLB game in 1947; Kenny Washington and Woody Strode played in the NFL in 1946; Earl Lloyd made his first NBA appearance in 1951, but it wouldn’t be until 1958 that the first black athlete played in the NHL.
“Blues game operations director Jason Pippi takes pride in bringing gay community to Scottrade Center” and to his family. [The Athletic]
It’s the second annual “Pride Night” at Scottrade Center and many flag-waving fans in the crowd of 17,821 turn their attention to a message from Blues forward Paul Stastny: “No matter your race, your religion or whether you’re straight, gay, bisexual or transgender, if you can play, you can play.”
Speaking of St. Louis, they might be on the docket for an All-Star Game very soon, says Commissioner Gary Bettman. [Yahoo Sports]
The Blues and the city are in the midst of a $64 million renovation of the 24-year-old facility. The first phase – including a new scoreboard, new restrooms, three new concession stands, LED lighting, a new sound system and other infrastructure improvements – is already done.
Not part of the game, but hilarious nonetheless.
The @TeamUSA women’s bobsledders are a mood 😂
(via @JamieGreubel) pic.twitter.com/FiUrMdPsc8
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 9, 2018
Highlight of the Night: Pavel Zacha doing that crazy between the legs thing for a goal. [Reddit]
