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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: