12/17 Bolts (11-13-9) at Wings (17-11-5)

[Jester47]

Game Time: 7:30 pm
TV Local: Sun HD

NHL Game Preview (http://lightning.nhl.com/club/preview.htm?id=2009020507)

[jason_haas]

I'll be there! Hopefully I'll get some nice pics and have some insight for everyone.

[kid A]

I'll be there! Hopefully I'll get some nice pics and have some insight for everyone.

cool! But, Tim's buddy set the bar, I'm afraid. You'll need a good shot of a Lecavalier goal in progress to measure up. :D :D :D

Enjoy, hope it's a good game (finger's crossed).

[jason_haas]

cool! But, Tim's buddy set the bar, I'm afraid. You'll need a good shot of a Lecavalier goal in progress to measure up. :D :D :D

Enjoy, hope it's a good game (finger's crossed).

Haha well our seats are 8th row lower, so I can't quite get the angle he had :)

[Sotnos]

Stuff from DC:

-- Tocchet said it is likely Mike Smith will start in net Thursday against the Red Wings. ...
-- Right wing Steve Downie , who hit his forehead on the ice Tuesday when he slipped and fell while throwing a punch during a fight with Nashville's Shea Weber, sat out Wednesday's practice. ...
-- C Zenon Konopka has multiple hurts (mouth stitches, a stiff neck and a sore left wrist), said he is not 100 percent sure he will play Thursday against the Red Wings. ...
-- Alex Tanguay and Jeff Halpern practiced a day after being benched for the game with Nashville. The wings were on a line centered by Vinny Lecavalier.

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/lightning/content/tampa-bay-lightning-defenseman-victor-hedman-leaves-practice-sore-footankle

[jason_haas]

EE says Hedman is a game time decision with a bruised foot

[jason_haas]

Also, this has been in the photo thread, but I'll throw it in here to show my support. Headed out soon, so c'mon fellas, have a good game tonight :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/jhaas/DSC04524-1.jpg

[Avery86]

Don't the Bolts only have one win in the Joe all time?

I'll settle for watching a replay tomorrow.

[Donnie D]

Don't the Bolts only have one win in the Joe all time?

I'll settle for watching a replay tomorrow.

I have an alternative if things go bad - My high school's basketball game is being broadcast on ESPN tonight.

[Netminder]

Who is in goal for Wing's ? Hope it is not Osgood, He has beat the Bolts ,like they are a rented mule :doh:


17 - 0 vs Bolts damn it man

[Jester47]

Who is in goal for Wing's ? Hope it is not Osgood, He has beat the Bolts ,like they are a rented mule :doh:


17 - 0 vs Bolts damn it man

Nope, Osgood wil be on the bench (per Twitter).

[Sotnos]

Tanguay whining about his benching (http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/article1059449.ece)

I'm not impressed.

[Hoek]

The only thing he's sort of right about is he shouldn't be the only one getting scratched/benched.

Shut up and prove Tocc wrong now.

[Netminder]

Tanguay whining about his benching (http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/article1059449.ece)

I'm not impressed.

Sounds a little Whinny, He was not the only one, Shut your Yap.Prove it,then talk the talk.:rolleyes:

[Sotnos]

EE's twitter: Hedman out with a lower body (bruised foot) and Downie out with an upper body (bruised left orbital bone), both are day-to-day

It was mentioned somewhere today that Hedman took a Foster shot off his foot, but they thought he's play. :(

[aapbolt]

ugh iller with the first goal of the game. what is this crud...do crap for us then play well for the wings. up your nose with a rubber hose miller. great hit by Ohlund on Zetterberg...come on guys hit some people and just shoot the puck.

[dmitry]

another goose egg

:sulk:

[Hoek]

Time is running out for action..

[Sotnos]

What I don't get is it took what 2+ months to be shut out, now they've been shutout 3 times in the past few games. I don't see how they can stand pat with this going on, they're pissing away another season right now.

Didn't see the whole game, but I thought they'd have a chance til they allowed 2 (awful) goals in the late stages. If only they could score on the PP.

[CTLightning26]

Didn't see the whole game, but I thought they'd have a chance til they allowed 2 (awful) goals in the late stages. If only they could score on the PP.

The first was a turnover by - yours and my favorite d man - then Foster left his feet for no fricken reason and Bertuzzi beat Jones to the net

The second was a bad change on a 4 on 4...How the heck could that happen?

Just awful goals

No one really played well. Stammer had a shot off the post off a nice pass from Vinny...Malone and Vinny were ok, chewy was probably the hardest working player on the ice..Ohlund had a good game.
Tanguay was predictably quiet
Marty was quiet again...He might be playing injured...He's just not himself...

[Sean]

This season is already over as far as I'm concerned. They are in a nasty, nasty downward spiral right now and it doesn't show any signs of stopping. When they can actually score goals, their defense and/or goaltenders let them down. When the defense and/or goaltenders show up and put in a strong effort, they couldn't find the back of an empty net.

This team is in a bad bad way right now and I honestly feel like this team is getting closer and closer to being blown up in a big way.

[aapbolt]

this team needs a heart transplant right away and maybe a soul also. they are just not playing well and do not look like they care a whole bunch. someone needs to start leading before they blow the season away and the trades start and ownership decides to go young and go from there. maybe a coaching change is the way to go...i am just not sure but these guys are not playing for themselves or Tocc.

[Bolthed]

Sure, they can keep looking at the coaches but eventually this franchise has to make some hard decisions about it's so-called "core" players. Nothing is working right now and the lack of heart and leadership on the ice is crystal clear.

I know many of you don't want to hear this, but it's really hard to imagine that managment won't eventually turn their ire towards the guy making the most money in the entire NHL. It's like that lifeboat raft scenario in which someone looks at the guy next to him and sees a delicious roasted chicken. In this case, the Bolts could trade Vinny for salary cap relief, prospects, draft picks and maybe a useful player or two.

Don't think a no-movement clause is inpenetrable. Vinny might want to go at this point, too.

[Netminder]

Sure, they can keep looking at the coaches but eventually this franchise has to make some hard decisions about it's so-called "core" players. Nothing is working right now and the lack of heart and leadership on the ice is crystal clear.

I know many of you don't want to hear this, but it's really hard to imagine that managment won't eventually turn their ire towards the guy making the most money in the entire NHL. It's like that lifeboat raft scenario in which someone looks at the guy next to him and sees a delicious roasted chicken. In this case, the Bolts could trade Vinny for salary cap relief, prospects, draft picks and maybe a useful player or two.

Don't think a no-movement clause is inpenetrable. Vinny might want to go at this point, too.

What team is going to give up good players and pick up that contract ?

That contract is bigger hurdle than the NMC that and his lack of production.
He is really "Untouchable"

[jason_haas]

The Bolts actually played a decent game tonight. They were buzzing around, but Howard was stellar, and the Wings capitalized on their opportunities whereas we didn't.

Ryan Malone looks like Matthew McConaughey a lot hahaha

Zetterberg got annihilated right in my corner. At the point of impact, he definitely had his head down, or at least was not aware it was coming. Really is too bad, but it was clean, and lesson learned.

First goal, tough luck. Smitty just missed, Miller puts it in. Great goal. Second goal, AWESOME JOB KRAJ. But also, c'mon Blair. Don't let the guy beat you to the puck, at least try to lift the stick...

Third goal looked like Smitty being lazy, but he may have been stretched all the way, I couldn't see completely. Either way, no defensive coverage in front. They definitely quit playing after the third goal as well.

Overall thoughts, big boo to no Hedman or Smaby, my two favorite d-men...was especially hoping to see Smaby as he took the pre-game skate. Decent effort for 45 minutes out of 60. I see Tanguay whined about his benching, and he didn't do a thing tonight. Shut the hell up and play bud.

Some pics, not all...don't ask why some have a yellow tint and some are normal, I have no idea lol:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/jhaas/DSC04827.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/jhaas/DSC04843.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/jhaas/DSC04852.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/jhaas/DSC04858.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/jhaas/DSC04859.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/jhaas/DSC04861.jpg

[dmitry]

Lightning worst in league 2.38 goals per game

[The Great Zo]

Zetterberg was on the ice on his hands and knees before being helped off.

“That was unfortunate,” Ohlund said. “I’m not trying to hurt anybody. I like to play hard.”

Detroit coach Mike Babcock, who didn’t know the extent of the injury or how long Zetterberg would be out, said the team’s top point producer drove himself to the hospital to get an MRI after the game.

From the AP writeup.

[TexasBolt]

I'm holding bench seats for next Saturday (it was easier and much cheaper than you might think - you should try it sometime). At this rate I'm going to be more interested in the group dynamic of the team than I am actually watching the game. Seems like there is no connection at all between coaches and players, and maybe not even between players and players. No place to hide, guys, I'll be three feet away and paying attention to all of it.

P.S. Jason, I think your pictures are all different colors because the auto settings on your camera make weird adjustments for the light. Especially if you just snap off the picture and don't press the shutter down halfway to kind of compose the shot.

[jason_haas]

I'm holding bench seats for next Saturday (it was easier and much cheaper than you might think - you should try it sometime). At this rate I'm going to be more interested in the group dynamic of the team than I am actually watching the game. Seems like there is no connection at all between coaches and players, and maybe not even between players and players. No place to hide, guys, I'll be three feet away and paying attention to all of it.

P.S. Jason, I think your pictures are all different colors because the auto settings on your camera make weird adjustments for the light. Especially if you just snap off the picture and don't press the shutter down halfway to kind of compose the shot.

I do press the shutter down halfway, if I don't, it will be blurry more often than not.

[Evan]

I don't understand why toccet wants to play krajicek over smaby.. Seriously he has no poise withe the puck under pressure.

[Sotnos]

The Bolts actually played a decent game tonight. They were buzzing around, but Howard was stellar, and the Wings capitalized on their opportunities whereas we didn't.That's more of what it looked like to me than "blow em up, this team has no heart" etc.

Thanks for the pics, you had some nice seats! :)

When they can actually score goals, their defense and/or goaltenders let them down. When the defense and/or goaltenders show up and put in a strong effort, they couldn't find the back of an empty net.This. I swear we've seen this since the lockout.

[Sotnos]

Looking at EE's twitter from last night...Halpern got a puck in the mouth? Was this really early? Doesn't sound like he played after that.

[The Great Zo]

I remember that -- lots of blood everywhere. I wondered if perhaps he lost a tooth.

[Bolthed]

What team is going to give up good players and pick up that contract ?

That contract is bigger hurdle than the NMC that and his lack of production.
He is really "Untouchable"

Yet another dismissive Lightning fan ... sigh. You really don't understand what it's like in Montreal, do you? Money - check. Players, prospects and picks to trade - check. Unbelievable pressure to win with Francophones - CHECK! Desire by Vinny to get out of Tampa and play in his original hometown - probably will only increase as things go sour here.

I'll give it a rest for awhile, let y'all go back to sleep. But don't you worry, I will keep my eyes on those tea leaves! :coolwink:

[Netminder]

I understand NO team is going to pay 10Mill a season for next 6 seasons.

Not for what vinny is putting up for stats.

Have you ever heard Vinny say he wants to go to Hab's to play?

Vinny's skills may be down,but he is smart enough to know how Quick Montreal fans are to turn on players that don't meet expectations.

85 Mill. damn near makes Vinny Lightning for Life.

[Top Shelf]

I saw a fairly evenly played game until the final stanza at least. After the 2nd period we were ahead in shots, scoring chances, hits, face-offs and tied at zero PPG. The stats painted a picture of a team totally IN a 1-0 game--after an absolutely sensational, highlight-of-the-year goal in the 9th minute by Miller featuring everything from stabbing a 20-yard pass out of midair on the backhand, to a swan-dive shot that managed somehow to beat a perfectly timed poke check by Smith....if they have to do THAT to score, we're in good shape, by no means getting blown out. Then we give up a couple in the 3rd, and now we're 1-12-1 in DET. With the goalie holding down the fort admirably, you might think they could score at least ONE PPG in six chances...and you'd think wrong.

I don't know if I've ever seen a team so stacked with top-tier talent be this inept at putting pucks in. It's really amazing...just by CHANCE some of these pucks should be finding their way across the line. Yet here we sit, tied for 2nd-last place in the entire league once again in points. I know it's December so they are contractually obligated to bite the big one, but come on already. This month--and the year--can't end soon enough :rolleyes:

[jason_haas]

Looking at EE's twitter from last night...Halpern got a puck in the mouth? Was this really early? Doesn't sound like he played after that.

Yeah, it was near the benches. Both teams were looking to change and a
Wing player just turned and tried to flip it cross ice - but it went right into Halpern's mush.

[the_narrow_way]

Sure, they can keep looking at the coaches but eventually this franchise has to make some hard decisions about it's so-called "core" players. Nothing is working right now and the lack of heart and leadership on the ice is crystal clear.
This. I'm not saying any of the coaches are faultless, but damn, is ownership really going to jettison Tocchet now too? That would be the 3rd coach since the Cup, including the Cup coach. My opinion is 90% of the problems right now are on the players.

The Bolts actually played a decent game tonight. They were buzzing around, but Howard was stellar, and the Wings capitalized on their opportunities whereas we didn't.
I thought they played well in the first and most of the second. There were two that should have gone in before the first period was over.

Second goal, AWESOME JOB KRAJ.
Yeah. Just waive his ass and let Smaby play.

From the AP writeup.
The Ohlund v. Zetterburg hit was clean. Z put his head down, and O layed him out with his shoulder.

Looking at EE's twitter from last night...Halpern got a puck in the mouth? Was this really early? Doesn't sound like he played after that.
Yeah, took it directly to the side of the face/mouth on a clearing attempt.

[gphockey]

I have been a Vinny 4 fan since he arrived here. One of my big concerns of late is his consistancy. I am not sure if he is being asked to change to a more defensive role or is just plain snakebit.

It is obvious his lack of scoring is a major reason the Lightning are not legitamate playoff contenders. Wonder if Toc has come to that conclusion yet.

Of course, it good to get some 3rd and 4th line guys to chip in some big goals once in a while. That said, your big guns DO have to be the go to guys and they are not getting it done.

Very aggravating situation right now.
Its like we are tweeners.
Not quite good enough goaltending to win 1-0
Not quite good enough defense to win 2-1.
Not quite good enough scoring to win 5-4.
Not quite good enough shootout ability to garner that extra point.

[Avery86]

Yeah. Just waive his ass and let Smaby play.

Well, they've already done that. I guess they needed more proof that he's a liability.

[astro]

Zetterberg (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=302806) out at least two weeks with a slight shoulder separation.

[Dman21]

Zetterberg (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=302806) out at least two weeks with a slight shoulder separation.

I didn't know the hit was that hard. I am in no way happy he got hurt but, that was a great hit by Ohlund.