10/3 Lightning at Thrashers 7pm

[Sotnos]

I'm amazed no one beat me to this. :)

Note the early start time.

From DC:
The last time the Lightning lost a season opener on North American soil was 2001, 3-2 in overtime to the Islanders at home. It lost last season's opener to the Rangers in the Czech Republic.

I'm extra excited as this'll be the trial run for my new DVDR

[Top Shelf]

Speaking of new DVR, as I was trying to set it last night to record, my TiVo guide showed MLB baseball for tonight at 7pm on Sun, on both their HD and SD channels. I'd sooner watch roadkill decompose. Anyone know if this is just an error, or is it on another channel, or am I going to be listening to the final strands of Mishkin's vocal cords shredding??? :D

Thanks

[Sotnos]

Where do you live?

Scratch that inquiry, not important. I just looked at the SunSports schedule and you should either be getting the Bolts game or something called Sports Science. :D Must just be an error on TiVo.

[Hoek]

Yeah it should be on. Yay for HD road games finally!

[Hoek]

Wait a second.. Capitals?

Thrashers!

[Sotnos]

Wait a second.. Capitals?

Thrashers!
Haha!

In my defense I'm at work, sad about being here and haven't had near enough coffee :(

[jaydeedub]

I live up here in Jax and mine is showing The Lightning Season Preview at 6pm then the game at 7pm.... Maybe yours is on an alternate channel Top Self? They do that up here when a Magic game is on Sun at the same time....

I can't wait!!! My glass is half full right now and I hope they fill it up this season...:D

[Avery86]

I can't wait!!! My glass is half full right now and I hope they fill it up this season...:D

And if they don't, you could always fill it up with beer twice over.

[the_narrow_way]

Speaking of new DVR, as I was trying to set it last night to record, my TiVo guide showed MLB baseball for tonight at 7pm on Sun, on both their HD and SD channels.
Sometimes 'refreshing' your program information will pick up and correct issues like this. Resetting your set-top box is one way of doing this. Most if not all systems have a way to do it without resetting the box though.

[Avery86]

Krajicek, Smaby and Hale the healthy scratches, and Mike Smith is getting the start, per the Lightning Twitter.

[astro]

Krajicek, Smaby and Hale the healthy scratches, and Mike Smith is getting the start, per the Lightning Twitter.

no surprise on the healthy scratches nor who is starting tonight.

did they announce the lines yet?

[timothy]

Tocchet on record as saying he prefers to run a steady Top 6 instead of playing the matchup game.

Someone's going to have to get hurt or falter in order Smaby, Hale, or Krajicek to get into the game.

[timothy]

I know its just one game out of 82 -- but -- the Lightning NEED to make a statement tonight about their 2009-10 season. And, fair or not, my expectations for the season are going to be a bit groundhoggish tonight.

They should handily win tonight. If they come out flat, struggle and lose this game, then I'll be of the opinion that there will be 3 more months of winter.

This team and organization has a LOT to prove. It starts tonight.

[pete]

Don't read too much, Tim, because it's Atlanta's home opener, so they're going to come out and play hard. I don't expect to roll them 5-1 again. 4-2 would be nice :)

Someone's going to have to get hurt or falter in order Smaby, Hale, or Krajicek to get into the game.

Smaby's better than Walker. Seriously, Walker may be my new bitch for this season, especially if he's keeping a better player out of the lineup.

[timothy]

Don't read too much, Tim, because it's Atlanta's home opener, so they're going to come out and play hard. I don't expect to roll them 5-1 again. 4-2 would be nice :)

I'd be happy with a 4-2 win. I'm not asking them to put up a snowman. But I'll be rolling my eyes if they come out flat and lose 3-1 on an empty netter.

[pete]

It's definitely a winnable game. The key when you play the Thrashers is always to stay out of the box, and this year, we need to get them in the box so The Kurtis Foster Experience can play.

[timothy]

The Kurtis Foster Experience

Gold. :thrasher:

[Avery86]

The Kurtis Foster Experience

I see that being a new message board posting title ..

[Top Shelf]

Thanks TNW, though I have no FiOS STB. Tivo takes the place of it, with a CableCARD inside for $3.99/mo from Verizon. AND even though the program guide persists in stating Marlins baseball, it is in fact the Lightning live show even on the HD Sun channel. Bizarre yes but I'll take it!

Hard to believe, after yet another interminably long summer beginning essentially in February, hockey season finally begins TONIGHT! :happydance:

[pete]

Chat is a go.

[LilJimmyNorton]

Not exactly the result I ws looking for in the first period. Good chances but gotta finish. Not Mez's best period.

[aapbolt]

I saw some good things in the 1st, lots of shots on goal and some solid play except for 2 times...errgh. They have speed but need to use it and Downie looks better than i thought so far.

[Top Shelf]

Halfway through, 4-0......suddenly not so glad the TV worked

[RSchmitz]

Hope you all didn't stop watching yet :happydance:

[LilJimmyNorton]

Credit to the boys for coming back but just too many flukey goals by the Trash tonite. :doh:

Trash goaltending was far superior as well.

[timothy]

I know its just one game out of 82 -- but -- the Lightning NEED to make a statement tonight about their 2009-10 season. And, fair or not, my expectations for the season are going to be a bit groundhoggish tonight.

They should handily win tonight. If they come out flat, struggle and lose this game, then I'll be of the opinion that there will be 3 more months of winter.

This team and organization has a LOT to prove. It starts tonight.

Now you folks know what I meant when I posted this earlier today. This.

[Hoek]

The statement they made today:

Needs work.

[chad]

Wrong Net Paulie.

[pete]

It's 1 of 82. I think the thing that annoys me is that they didn't play Tocchet's style, particularly from the d corps. I thought they were soft as butter, which Atlanta's skill players love.

Meszaros, in particular, is a #3-#4 type d-man if he plays as soft as he did tonight. But if he takes the body like he was doing before the shoulder injury last year, he's a #1A type guy. He needs to step it up. The whole corps had as many hits (5) as Ryan Malone alone did. That's not acceptable.

Thought the third line was pretty useless. Guys like Szczechura and Jones and the like need to take heed. There may be jobs yet to be won in Tampa Bay. Other than Konopka and Fedoruk, before he got his head caved in, I thought the bottom six forwards did squat as a group.

Smitty's mechanics and movement broke down after the third Thrashers goal. He looked awful. Where's the mental toughness? Come on now.

[CTLightning26]

I'm certainly not happy with the level of play the Lightning exhibitied tonight both physically and mentally, but I have a few gripes..Well, one big one.
I counted 7 penalties that they COULD HAVE called against the Thrash the first 30 minutes. They called NONE. or as old Bruins color guy Derek Sanderson used to say "chose not to." call any.
The Thrash got some great bounces..
--
That being said.
They need to get more from the third line. IMO, Miller had an avg game, Halpy and Wright had poor games.
Maybe I shouldn't be so blunt with this, but I like James Wright. I laud him for a great camp, opening eyes. But he is 19 and he SHOULD NOT be here. He battles, but he is not strong enough, not good enough to be here for REGULAR SEASON play...He needs to get stronger and older and maybe he can make the team next year. He should be proud of how he played so great in camp.....Veilleux should be on that line and Hall or someone else should be on the fourth....I don;t think it is the reason they lost this game tonight at all, I just think this team doesn;t need another young guy in that role... Halpy needs another good linemate to energize him.
I thought Mez was ok tonight. I thought Ranger was shakey. That was an awful decision he made on the first deflection goal, not a bad break.

[the_narrow_way]

I hate to start so early, but damn, the refs suck. It was not the reason why TB lost, but, yuck. Another season of these shit referees?

[pete]

Meszaros has to be better than OK. He needs to be a top pair guy here.

[Avery86]

I severely doubt that Wright sticks beyond 9 games. I'd look for Hall or Craig to be recalled after that point, or both depending on the Krajicek situation.

[timothy]

I'm so thoroughly disgusted with tonight's performance that if I started talking about it, I'll vomit.

[chad]

Wright was actually better than I thought he'd be. He threw some hits, banged in the crease a little, and made a nice play with poise in his own zone to create some time to clear the puck.

But yeah, that line was rather blah.

Ideally, I'd rather see Downie on that line with Miller and Halpern to give it some energy. Or the version of Veilleux that wanted to go Konopka on anyone close to him late in the game. There just aren't many options for Vinny's line - but Downie was fairly good there for the most part. He has to be a little selfish on that line, though. Take a shot if you have it, don't worry about making sure the veterans are happy.


10 of 82 will give us a good look at what TB has this year... and after one, though premature, there are signs of having offensive success - they were able to create a lot of scoring chances and the PP moved the puck well. Defensively, as was said in the BP write-up on the front page, they were just very loose. Part of that could be the newbies and not knowing where to go, but you have to be working as a 5-man unit and without delay.

Carolina got whupped tonight. Tuesday should be interesting.

The Devils for your home opener is a cruel joke. Look kids, quicksand.

[pete]

I'm not panicked. A lot of it is correctable. The big thing for me is getting back the physical game Tocchet started getting them to buy into. They got all this improved speed and skill and they want to play a finesse style. They can't do that though. Teams like Atlanta, that stink, have speed and skill too. You have to have a team concept defensively and physically to set yourself apart. You need beauty and you need the beast too. Not much beastly about how they played tonight. Want to see more beast from Lecavalier, Meszaros, and Ranger, in particular. I hate to keep picking on him, but Jesus, did Meszaros remember NOTHING from last season? He was awesome when he was taking the body. He was worth the price of admission himself. The way he was playing around December was incredible. Nothing. Went right back to playing Ottawa Senators hockey tonight. I've seen the glory with mine own eyes. He's capable of being a 1B d-man in this league, and we need that. Just because Hedman and Ohlund are here doesn't mean you're absolved from being a leader back there, Andrej.

And that's why I kept saying Smaby, Smaby, Smaby in the chat room. He sets a tone when he buries guys trying to cross his blueline. If Foster's out for Tuesday, I hope Smaby is in for that reason. Even if Foster is back, I might think about benching Meszaros or Ranger just to send a message. I'm that serious about this. The d-corps and third line CANNOT play that soft if this team is going to regain respectability this season.

[Bolthed]

The Lightning continue to be a team that lacks a strong identity.

Overdosing on Centre Ice today, I saw plenty of decided underdog teams win simply by outworking their opponents from start to finish. The Bolts? They're not that kind of team. I also saw plenty of teams that were the favorites because they are simply more talented. They're fast, they pass well, they shoot hard and fast and accurately. In short, they've got all kinds of crafty ways to score. The Bolts? They're not playing like that kind of team either.

So what the hell are we? Are we a dazzling offensive team that may be severely lacking in some key areas (like a RW for Lecavalier or any semblance of offensive talent on the lower lines)? Or are we a team that makes opponents fight for every inch of ice?

I'm afraid that we have been constructed to be neither, and like last season's start, all of us fans may have to eventually alter our hopes and expectations for this season.

I don't mean to sound pessimistic after the first of 82 games, but take a long look at our roster. There's little scoring on the lower lines. The top line might have a protracted search for its RW with possibly no answers on the current roster. The defense is said to be improved but so far it's an 18-year-old who represents the best chance for improvement.

I'm sure things will start looking up soon. I'm sure we'll be more competitive than the last two years because of our special teams and the simple fact that we can't be much worse.

But right now I see some flaws that have me thinking twice about my hopes for this season.

[The Great Zo]

Was that Krajicek out there in Ohlund's jersey? Whoever was wearing #5 disgusted me thoroughly.

On the plus side, this team could be even more explosive offensively than we've seen in years.

[LilJimmyNorton]

I hate to start so early, but damn, the refs suck. It was not the reason why TB lost, but, yuck. Another season of these shit referees?

Yep. Nothing new there.

[Top Shelf]

Except for the 5 mins. or whatever where they showed up as if to play the opening game of their season and scored 3 straight, the Lightning stank up that ice so bad I didn't even notice the referees. Starting off with Ranger stuffing the puck in his own net totally unnecessarily (why not just golf it away into the far corner) as an eerie foreshadowing...continuing on to the above-noted soft approach of the rest of the D, esp. Ohlund with the Chris Angel act, vanishing before our astonished eyes while walking on water >:^p)...constant odd-man rushes against...and a goalie who apparently was seeing plenty of little black things, just not the half-dozen that got by him. [Was anyone else wondering how many Tocc was determined to let him give up before relieving him--was he going to double digits or what?] This is not to lay the defeat at de feet of Smith, either--this was truly a team approach to putridity, Marty St. Louis excluded as usual. Looked like an exhibition game between the Stanley Cup Champions and the AHL All-Stars. Maybe. Maybe ECHL.

Would you believe UHL.

Oh well, as Chief likes to say, "Lotta hockey left."

[Sotnos]

I counted 7 penalties that they COULD HAVE called against the Thrash the first 30 minutes.I think they forgot what tripping is and I hope they look it up before the next game. Not an excuse, just a fact, but can you really expect otherwise during the other team's home opener? Probably not. I'm hoping we'll get the same favorable treatment but not holding my breath.

As for some of the other complaints here...I suggest some of you stay away from high bridges & sharp objects. :drama:

The worst part is, now we have to wait until Thursday to see if they manage to correct themselves. Having no tv broadcast this early in the season is VERY irritating.

[WaiverWire]

I am willing to give them 5-10 games to see how they settle in with each other. After all, we had a large training camp roster and they did have to share a lot of game time with players we knew were not going to make the team or were on the bubble.

But then they had to do that because of the schedule that was agreed to by management in order to pay for the camp.

[aapbolt]

some observations: Walker and foster were not as advertised, neither played very well, and I doubt we need foster on the PP...to paraphrase Pete...Bring back Smaby and sit either of them down or both and bring back Lashoff. So maybe my chant will be Smaby Lashoff...etc. Halpern and Wright looked good, Miller belongs on the fourth line and get rid of ZK and Fedoruk...wow he got owned. Oh and send Kraj and Hale to NF. the top two lines looked good and Downie was not that bad, but he needs to shoot the puck from time to time and position himself in front of the net. Please boys go to the front of the net the rebounds were there and that is where you beat this goalie. Hedman looked amazing for a rookie his shot that Marty deflected was a thing of beauty...wow. Ohlund looked a bit out of place and Mez...psychotic...good mez/bad mez...but maybe it is trying to make sure his shoulder is ok. Ranger looked like he needed a couple of more preseason games to get into shape. Personally I agree with Bolthed about the RW situation with VL, he needs a bonifide top 6 guy and Downie should be on the third line...until he shows he can handle the responsibility. Shoot maybe Downie has the jitters about working with two all-stars...I don't know but you can only give a guy so many chances. Yes it is only one game and most of this stuff can be corrected but if not...popcorn can be served by...put in the names here. Smaby hits people coming over the middle and that middle needs to be clogged up and giving up 6 goals...actually 5 not counting Ranger's muff, is unacceptable. Oh well I will listen to the game on tuesday and hold my"breath" and stay away from sharp objects.

[Sotnos]

some observations: Walker and foster were not as advertised, neither played very well, and I doubt we need foster on the PP
You may joke about my comment, but this is the kind of knee-jerk stuff that astounds me. You determined in his 2:55 of even strength IT (which is all he got) that Foster is a bust and not needed on the PP?! Really?

[Avery86]

Even if Foster hadn't been hurt, I wouldn't mind switching him out for Smaby for the next game. Not because I think he's a waste, but just to get a big physical presence in there and perhaps jump start everyone else.

So what was everyone's prediction on how long it would take before some people considered Hedman a bust? Did you guess one game? Because you're right! And he also earned a dishonorable mention on Puck Daddy for a -2 rating. Disregard the near 27 minutes TOI, assist, and playing on the top power play unit, Wysh.

[Sotnos]

So what was everyone's prediction on how long it would take before some people considered Hedman a bust? Did you guess one game? Because you're right! And he also earned a dishonorable mention on Puck Daddy for a -2 rating. Disregard the near 27 minutes TOI, assist, and playing on the top power play unit, Wysh.
Granted, he probably didn't watch the game at all, but like you say there are obvious positives in the stat sheet anyway. That assessment is just dumb, unless you unrealistically expect him to have Lidstrom stats immediately.

I see nothing not to like in Hedman, he's more poised than I thought he'd be plus he's young, he's learning, and he made more smart plays than dumb ones. How much more can you ask for in his first game?

[Avery86]

And at least one of those two minuses came as a result of Ohlund. I don't see how that's Hedman's fault.

[bolts37205]

if there is anyone who wants Ranger, they can have him. I had bad Kubina flashbacks. I know Kubina had good and bad nights and was overall a positive but my focal point for displeasure was Ranger. Smitty flopped really well and may have taken a few hits to the head with no obvious concussion flashbacks related. I am still hopeful based on last night, but simultaneously disgusted because that was Atlanta last night. Losing to the Trashbirds always makes for a bad next day. Oates and the PP parts should be something to reckon with as the season progresses.

[Sotnos]

Wow, the Bolts lay an egg, fans express their displeasure and Sotnos scolds us. This IS last year.
:tape:
I state my opinion, like everyone else, and you jump on me. Typical

[aapbolt]

Sorry Sotnos, but I did not mean to offend you. I felt that Walker and Foster did not do their jobs, nor did Walker clear out the front of the net as he did in Chicago. The PP was/is fine...Oates has done a great job, but I do not think that Foster is the main reason for the success of the PP. I am not trying to throw them to the wolves but their play was not what I expected. The middle was open all night for the trash to skate through and that is a real problem. Not once did I say anything bad about Hedman...the kid looks great and is going to be our 1A for a long time. I realize that Foster took a huge hit and did not play very much after that, which is probably why his IT was reduced, but before that he did not impress me. It is simply my assessment of 1 game. Yes I understand it is one game and their are always problems in the first game of the season and maybe my hopes were too high, but honestly did anyone expect a 6-3 loss?

[Sotnos]

Sorry Sotnos, but I did not mean to offend you.I'm not offended, just think it's kinda silly to say we don't need someone on the PP when we didn't even see him perform in this game on said PP.

[Flycoon]

I'm proud that I walked away without going "Jimmy Johnson" last night. Took all of my willpower to turn of the computer.

[timothy]

I still want to vomit today. I'm still thoroughly disgusted.

However, I'm not calling for any lineup changes AT ALL, because I believe they are much better than they played. Just thoroughly disappointed they came out as flat as they did.

I'm up for giving them 8-12 games before making roster changes.

[WaiverWire]

I state my opinion, like everyone else, and you jump on me. Typical

Hmmmmm, my mind appears to be in the gutter today :D

[CTLightning26]

I think they forgot what tripping is and I hope they look it up before the next game.

and interference.

[CTLightning26]

Wow, the Bolts lay an egg, fans express their displeasure and Sotnos scolds us. This IS last year.
:tape:

some of us just don't like the ridiculous over-stated comments so fast. Christ.
I wasn;t happy with the game, but I can't pick and chose who were the worst...
To be honest, I didn't think Walker and Ohlund were that bad...It was just TEAM failures that led to too many clear chances. There's no doubt all of them have to pick up their games...IMO, Vinny's line wasn't very good most of the night not because of Downie, but because of Vinny's stupid little mid-ice passes.
They played very well and dominated for more than half the game IMO. The problem is, they are still giving up way too many prime chances when they letdown for stretches.
They have to settle down at times

[Jester47]

Speaking of DVRs... just switched from my TIVO HDDVR back to BH's and the damn thing froze/locked up on some fracking commercial before the game even started; so I got 3 hours of a frozen screen to look at. I love you BH!!!

Also why I can't comment on the game...

Can't believe that next game isn't even on CI... what is that?!?!?!

[astro]

Can't believe that next game isn't even on CI... what is that?!?!?!

what do you mean it's not on CI? who is showing it?

[Sotnos]

what do you mean it's not on CI? who is showing it?
Radio only, not sure why. I doubt it's a Vs blackout since there are other US-US matches on CI, I guess it's just two teams that don't broadcast every game picking the same one to not broadcast. Really sucks, whatever the reason.

[missK]

The Tues game is not listed on the "on demand" schedule. Maybe Carolina's not telecasting either. Just seems stupid so early in the schedule.

[the_narrow_way]

Who would want to watch a game with two SE Division teams? :rolleyes:

[Hoek]

Yeah! Make it EIGHT! :p

[Wrong Net Paulie]

Hmmmmm, my mind appears to be in the gutter today :D

Giggity. :D

Frustrating game to watch. Deep down, part of me thinks "eh, this was flukey" as I really don't think this team is that bad, not to discredit Atlanta. I agree on Smaby, though. That, and I hear LK2 is in the lineup for Foster, instead of Smaby.

Really? LK2? Seriously? I hope to **** its to showcase and trade him, and soon, because hes terrible.

[Sotnos]

not to discredit Atlanta.This isn't HF, you can feel free to discredit Atlanta :D

[jaydeedub]

EE's reporting that you all shouldn't be too worried because of that vomit inducing loss of a game to the Trash... (http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/oct/05/050600/sp-dont-read-too-much-into-first-contest/sports-lightning/#)

The final result from Saturday sent shockwaves through the optimism gained from a strong training camp and preseason. And after two years of being on the wrong side of too many 6-3 results, it's understandable.

But from what I witnessed on the ice opening night, if the Lightning play that way consistently this season, they will be on the other side of those results more often than not.

[missK]

Smaby article today in the Times:

"It's tough," Smaby said. "I'm a really competitive guy. I want to be in there as much, or more, than anybody else. At the same time, I want to be a really good team guy while I'm here. I realize it's more than just about me. As long as I'm a part of the team, I'm going to do everything I can to make it better." That includes practicing hard, making mental notes in the press box during games. And if not watching the game — Smaby said he generally watches two periods — working out, instead.

"That's why we signed Matt Smaby," Tocchet said. "Those are the intangibles he brings. He's a great team guy, not a high-maintenance guy, and wants to continually work on his game." "I'm just waiting for my shot," Smaby said. "I'm going to take the opportunity when it comes. You've got to earn some respect. That's what I'm trying to do."


Article (http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/tampa-bay-lightning-defenseman-matt-smaby-keeps-his-team-first-fire-as/1041817)

[CTLightning26]

The Tues game is not listed on the "on demand" schedule. Maybe Carolina's not telecasting either. Just seems stupid so early in the schedule.

think its probably the versus exclusive thing

[the_narrow_way]

Yeah, Tue night games are often blacked-out it seems.

[chad]

Are you freaking kidding me?

So every Tuesday we either watch VS or whatever Canadian game is on?

[Avery86]

think its probably the versus exclusive thing

Except that there are other US-US games that night.

Ducks-Wild : televised
Stars - Oilers : televised (and not just by a Canadian channel)
Sharks - Kings : televised

Sounds like both the Canes and Bolts didn't feel like getting up for this one. I wouldn't blame VS here.

[Donnie D]

Except that there are other US-US games that night.

Ducks-Wild : televised
Stars - Oilers : televised (and not just by a Canadian channel)
Sharks - Kings : televised

Sounds like both the Canes and Bolts didn't feel like getting up for this one. I wouldn't blame VS here.

The Versus exclusive rights only applies to the early games. So west coast games can still be televised tonight.

[Avery86]

The Versus exclusive rights only applies to the early games. So west coast games can still be televised tonight.

Oh. Dang. I forgot about that. Good point, Donnie.

My next point: Blame VS.

Jesus man, not even a full week into the season and VS is already exercising their exclusive rights? **** that.

[Sotnos]

Oh. Dang. I forgot about that. Good point, Donnie.

My next point: Blame VS.

Jesus man, not even a full week into the season and VS is already exercising their exclusive rights? **** that.
That's right, I forgot it's only the early games.

I guess they all want us to watch Ovy. :rolleyes: Fine and dandy in like, December, but to do this to 'Canes/Bolts fans for the 2nd fricken game of the season is ridiculous.

[dannybolt]

Fine and dandy in like, December, but to do this to 'Canes/Bolts fans for the 2nd fricken game of the season is ridiculous.
I don't understand why you would want to skip televising any away games. I could understand the Lightning not televising a couple of more home games in order to get the away games all covered.

Disappointing. If I recall, there were a handful of away games at the beginning of last season that weren't televised either.

[Donnie D]

Don't blame the Lightning or Sun. Blame the folks in the league office who gave an exclusive right for a set number or Tuesday night games to Versus.