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Quick Strikes: Yzerman enjoys great relationship between Lightning and Crunch

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman discusses the Syracuse Crunch, press box elevators are not that big of a deal, and we want to know what made you a Bolts fan.

The Bolts

Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman discusses the Syracuse Crunch playoff run, the goalie situation next year and the qualities he looks for in players. “We really enjoy working with them. They’re passionate about the Crunch. They really love the city of Syracuse. From our perspective as a partner, the thing is they want to win and we want to win. They’ve made a commitment along with us that they will do whatever we have to do to run a good program. We’ve really enjoyed it.” [Raw Charge]

We shared our stories of how we became Lightning fans. We encourage you to share your story with us too! [Raw Charge]

An article was recently published asserting that the NHL All-Star Game may not come to Tampa because of Amalie Arena’s less-than-ideal elevator to the press box. Clark disagrees. “Two things are true, though: Tampa Bay has not yet officially secured the 2018 All-Star Game and the freight elevator at Amalie Arena is a piece of junk. All I know is that if the game winds up being awarded elsewhere for that reason, that arena had better have an outlandishly, unnecessarily posh freight/media elevator.” [Raw Charge]

Lightning beat writer Bryan Burns discusses the rookie tournament, trade possibilities, and his favorite places to eat in the latest edition of his Ask Burnsie column. “I've often thought about putting together a culinary guide to NHL road cities since I'm such a foodie and enjoy searching out new places whenever I'm on the road with the team.” [Tampa Bay Lightning]

Former Lightning Stanley Cup Champion Cory Stillman landed a new gig as head coach of the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League. May he have the same success with the Wolves as he did with the Lightning!

Should the Lightning consider buying out the last year of Jason Garrison’s contract? “The White Rock, B.C., native is coming off his worst full season as an NHL defenceman: one goal, nine points, and a minus-8 rating... Garrison holds a no-trade clause. His total buyout cost is relatively cheap ($1.67 million) when you consider his front-loaded deal will provide the Bolts with the same amount in cap relief.” [Sportsnet]

“Voting for the White Region in the Best of the Bolts' Round of 16 starts at noon on Tuesday, May 23 and ends at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 26. Each matchup is listed below and you can vote as many times as you'd like for your favorite play.” [Tampa Bay Lightning]

The Prospects

Looking back at Game 3, Mike McKenna saved the Syracuse Crunch from collapse against the Providence Bruins. “With the exception of his helmet, every piece of goalie equipment that hung on McKenna's body now dons a reminder of a hockey puck that paid a visit from the Bruins.  A stick save here. A glove save there. Shoulder saves. Chest pad saves. Sliding over to knock away a rebound. Dropping to his knees to cover up a loose puck. Leg pads swiping away scoring chances. McKenna was doing it all.” [Syracuse.com]

Syracuse Crunch-Providence series hits boiling point as teams start getting sick of each other. “Wednesday's bout featured 20 minor penalties, and the types of infractions committed is a strong commentary about the evolving tone of the series... 16 penalties were all of the hostile contact variety: one cross-checking, two high-sticking, three slashing and 10 roughing.” [Syracuse.com]

The Game

The St. Louis Blues hired Steve Ott as an assistant coach. “He played with many of these players, which could be an advantage when it comes to communicating strategy (though that doesn’t appear to be something Mike Yeo has a problem with). It hasn’t been stated what Ott’s responsibilities will be, but as a brand new coach, this is an interesting hire for the Blues to say the least.” [St. Louis Game Time]

The Anaheim Ducks are pretty injured. “General manager Bob Murray announced that both Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen require major shoulder surgeries to repair torn labrums. Lindholm will need four-to-five months to complete the rehabilitation process, while Vatanen is expected to be sidelined longer.” [Puck Daddy]

The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated Guy Boucher and the Ottawa Senators in double overtime of Game 7 to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.

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