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Tampa Still Adding Pieces

As if Lightning fans weren't already going to be furiously checking their programs for most of early October, the addition of Andrej Meszaros has me wondering, "Are they done yet?!"

I've gone back to look at the Tampa roster that was in place for the '07 season opener in order to document the overhaul that has taken place. It all started just before last season actually, when Owner Bill Davision began the process of selling the franchise. The trades picked up near the trading deadline when they shipped out Brad Richards and his large salary (plus goaltender Johan Holmqvist) to Dallas for Mike Smith, Jeff Halpern, and Jussi Jokinen. Following the Draft where they won the Steven Stamkos lottery, the Lightning have thrown money around and kept the phones busy acquiring a bunch of ex-Penguin forwards, an experienced (read: almost finished) goalie, and a few young defensemen with big upsides. And, lets not forget the hiring of a legendary personality as coach named "Bubba". The new owners, Oren Koules and Len Barrie promised to be busy in the off-season and build a winner. They haven't disappointed and I'm sure the rest of the Southeast is shaking in their skates.

Here's a look at the changes in the Tampa roster from the '07 opener to the current roster:


They couldn't possibly land Mats Sundin, could they?

Scotty bolts Motown for Chi-town

Scotty Bowman is almost 75 years old. But it's the 9 Stanley Cups that matter.

It's amazing when you think of the changes the Chicago Blackhawks have gone through in the last year. Their future is as bright as any team's in the NHL. And their most well-known player (outside hockey circles at least), Nikolai Khabibulin, probably won't be around to see the team reach their potential. Towes, Kane, Huet are just three of the names that will lead the team in coming years. And the fact they themselves will be led by Scotty Bowman, Dale Tallon, and Denis Savard just makes their prospects that much brighter.

If nothing else, Bowman switching teams will make the Winter Classic II between the Wings and 'Hawks at Wrigley that much more intriguing. I know I can't wait...

I have the power of the Internets!

The internet runs freely in my apartment now (after 9 months without), so let the blogging resume.
I missed writing about pretty much the whole season, playoffs, draft, and most of free agency, so I'll make up for it like Carl Lewis (YouTube link) in '08-'09.

And I begin with an NHL.com salute to the future of the Atlanta Thrashers:


I'm sure Brett Sterling and Darren Haydar (I believe it's Haydar) appreciate that. Ahhhh, the Thrashers...

Ethan, get a visor!

Two days after the Zednik incident:

Fleury Goes White

No more bright yellow's for Marc-Andre Fleury...

Citzens Voice (Wilkes-Barre) Article HERE.

Resurgent Kovie

Unless you live north of the border, you may not have noticed the resurgence of one of the NHL's top snipers.

Alex(ei) Kovalev has been superb for the Montreal Canadiens; leading the team with 19 goals and on pace for nearly equaling his '02-'03 output when he split time between the Penguins and Rangers while tallying 37+40=77.

Not many saw this coming after last years campaign with the Habs and the bad press that followed for actions both on- and off- the ice. And there's no way anyone could have dreamt he'd be wearing the captain "C" this year (if only for a game).

Canadian Press article...

Yotes rise, Rangers fall

When the Phoenix Coyotes hosted the mighty Detriot Red Wings on December 29th, they weren't playing poorly at all. The most goals they had given up to opponents in the month of December was 3 (4 times, all losses). So when the Coyotes had a 2-2 game in front of a packed house in Glendale in the 3rd period vs. Detriot and Pavel Datsyuk has a break with Valtteri Filppula and 'Yotes Defenseman Keith Ballard is struggling to get back into position, and then overplays Datsyuk as he scores the game winner, it's no wonder Phoenix coach Wayne Gretzky was so visibly upset on the bench.


Gretzky's anger must have gotten to the team - since that game the Coyotes have been awesome. 5-0 in beating Colorado in a home-and-home, Chicago, Anaheim, and Calgary. They even managed to give up 3 goals to the Avs in the 1st game and still win (in a shootout). This stretch, coupled with the aforementioned solid December, has the 'Yotes 2 points back of the 8th playoff spot out West.

On the other hand, everyone's favorite pre-season pick to lift the Cup, the New York Rangers, are struggling again. Save for the last three games of 2007, December was terrible for the Blueshirts. And now they have yet to win in 2008. Getting swept on a Western Canadian swing is bad enough, but to help another struggling team (Tampa) end their 7-game winless streak on your ice is pitiful.

Henrik Lundqvist has been struggling lately - just ask my fantasy team. The Daily News reports that Henrik has some other things on his mind, even if he won't admit it's bothering his play.

But, the Rangers obviously have other problems. The offense isn't chipping in as expected. They've averaged 2 goals per game in their winless '08. Their goal scoring is tied for 3rd worse in the league. Look at their roster and tell me how that makes sense.

Is it the late '90's again at MSG? Tons of money, loaded roster, no chemistry.