The Bolts
For the first time in franchise history, the Tampa Bay Lightning completed a regular season sweep against the Detroit Red Wings. [Raw Charge]
It appears that Andrej Sustr has a new goal song – “Oops… I Did It Again” by Britney Spears. Do whatever makes you happy (and helps you score goals!)
Sustr on his goal song tonight ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/WlSbSuJIfm
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 31, 2017
Victor Hedman tallied an assist last night, bringing his total points this season to 66. That’s a new franchise record for points in a single season by a Lightning defenseman. “To have that record means a lot to me, obviously. I’m very fortunate to be part of this organization for a long time, and I’ve just got to keep trying to become a better player and keep growing – and bring a championship to this town again.” [Raw Charge]
“[Tyler] Johnson practiced for the first time with the Lightning during the team’s optional morning skate on Thursday… ‘Every day’s getting better,’ Johnson said. ‘It’s been one of those ones where it went really slow at the beginning, now it’s going pretty fast. So, it’s been good.’” [Tampa Bay Lightning]
When the Lightning visited Joe Louis Arena for the last time on Friday, Red Wings forward Anthony Mantha threw a few extra punches at Greg McKegg. Last night, Luke Witkowski responded to Mantha with a few punches of his own.
“Syracuse Crunch owner Howard Dolgon published a fresh new batch of ominous tweets this morning that have left many in Syracuse nervous for what the future may hold.” [Raw Charge]
The Prospects
These highlights will focus on players who contributed goals or assists last night as well as goalie prospect Connor Ingram. Mitchell Stephens (London Knights) was held off the score sheet.
Matt Spencer (#27 in white) picked up two assists and Christopher Paquette (#12 in white) contributed an assist to help the Peterborough Petes defeat the Niagara Ice Dogs 6-2. The Petes swept the Ice Dogs to advance to the second round of the OHL playoffs.
Two days ago, Goalie Connor Ingram (#39 in white) made 48 saves on 49 shots as his Kaloomps Blazers lost 1-0 to the Kelowna Rockets. Video highlights were posted last night so now you can watch some of his superb work. He was named second star of the game.
For his five-point effort on Wednesday night, Taylor Raddysh of the Erie Otters was given third star honors by the OHL.
Palmu, Strome, Raddysh are Wednesday’s #OHLPlayoffs 3 Stars of the Night.
PERFORMANCE RECAP: https://t.co/TuwTHp1oVv pic.twitter.com/8FAFISgP05
— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) March 30, 2017
The Game
“The Florida Panthers, who piled up a franchise-best 103 points last season, saw their playoff hopes officially dashed on Thursday night when they lost to the Montreal Canadiens 6-2 and the Boston Bruins beat the Dallas Stars 2-0.” [Sun Sentinel]
Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland is looking to keep a competitive roster. “I don’t believe in tear downs and massive rebuilds because I don’t believe you can just guarantee the end result is going to turn out to be Stanley Cups and dynasties. You could go in the wilderness. I look around professional sports and there’s other teams in other sports that were great teams for a long time and now it’s three, four, five years, they can’t get the culture back. Once you lose it, you’re chasing.” [Sportsnet]
St. Louis Blues fan Arianna Dougan is fighting neuroblastoma. Vladamir Tarasenko won her a trip with the team at the Blues’ Casino Night. She had the chance to interview Tarasenko on the road trip. The results are super adorable.
