Stuck w/the "winter of 2008" the current goalie we have

[Jester47]

I’m interested in your guys opinion about Holmqvist, other than “he sucks”.

While I haven’t been able to watch too many, really only a hand full, of Swedish Elite League game is the level of talent really that huge???? Don’t get me wrong, I know the NHL is shoulders above the rest but for player who was ‘ported to be an Elite goalie in the SEL (which I don’t really see the stats on NHL.com to back that up) he seems to have a lot of technique issues. Is it maybe more the style of play over here? Maybe he doesn’t trust his D and tries to over compensate or our shooters just that much better???

What do you guys think????

[pete]

Here's the thing: Johan was near the top of the Elitserien in many statistical categories when he came over here, but he did so in a season where he SPLIT starts. He was a tandem starter in Sweden, not the clear cut #1 workhorse.

[Jester47]

Which may go along way to explaining things: Like why he looked so good coming in after Ramo played all those games in a row and then his play declined over time. Maybe they should play him every third game, that way Ramo gets the bulk of the work and Homer get a chance to shine. Now if there was just time to do that so it could have an impact before the trade deadline.

[RSchmitz]

I am not totally opposed with Holmqvist as a backup. However, Feaster has already announced that he is on his way out, and that would mean Ramo-Holmqvist; nothing changed.

[CupChamps2004]

I am not totally opposed with Holmqvist as a backup. However, Feaster has already announced that he is on his way out,

That I haven't seen. Link?

[RSchmitz]

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/01/31/Lightning/Lightning_wants_new_N.shtml

[CupChamps2004]

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/01/31/Lightning/Lightning_wants_new_N.shtml

OK, I had seen that article. It says what happens w/Holmqvist has yet to be worked out, which to me is different from "Feaster has announced he's on his way out." I thought you'd heard a formal announcement that he was not being re-signed or was being traded.

[RSchmitz]

By trade or free agency, Feaster seeks a "bridge" to Karri Ramo

I don't know any other way to take it, you can only carry two goalies; so naturally I am assuming by that quote that one is Ramo and the other has yet to be acquired. If your asking if I have seen any direct announcements, I have not; but those almost never happen unless there are drastic behind the scenes incidents(trade demands). Like last season, Feaster is stupid for even saying this much; it effectively decreases Holmqvists market value.


the general manager said he will look this summer for a No. 1 either through trade or free agency.

"Oh, yes," he said. "We have to build a bridge from where we are right now to when Karri is ready to legitimately carry the ball. There is no question about that."

The only thing left to be decided is whether Holmqvist goes to the minors, released, traded, et cetera after this season.

[CTLightning26]

Well, Holmer is a UFA after the season regardless

[CupChamps2004]

By trade or free agency, Feaster seeks a "bridge" to Karri Ramo

I don't know any other way to take it, you can only carry two goalies; so naturally I am assuming by that quote that one is Ramo

Article says it hasn't been decided if Ramo will mature in the NHL or the minors so not sure that assumption is safe.

The only thing left to be decided is whether Holmqvist goes to the minors, released, traded, et cetera after this season.

Or that he could be the backup here if Ramo is in the minors.

[chad]

It can pretty much be assumed that Ramo will stay in the NHL.

Even as late as last season they said Ramo was ready to be in the NHL (AHL coaches, Feaster).

Ramo will be in Tampa next year.

[CupChamps2004]

It can pretty much be assumed that Ramo will stay in the NHL.

Even as late as last season they said Ramo was ready to be in the NHL (AHL coaches, Feaster).

Ramo will be in Tampa next year.

That's your assumption - I don't assume ANYTHING when it comes to this team, it's too full of nut cases from ownership down.

[PEIBolt]

Speaking of goalies, this from Spector's mailbag:

"Frank" sends in the following on Marc Denis:
"Today (Wednesday) on CKRS radio (Chicoutimi,QC) goaltender Marc Denis former Chicoutimi Sagueneens (LHJMQ) saided that He have a agrement with Jay Fester to be put on re-entry waivers before the trade dead line. Denis said that is just a matter of time and good timing.This move maybe help some teams to take a chance with im. If he is not clamed he don't know if he will finish the season at Tampa Bay."

[Jester47]

I think that’s only to be expected, the chance, no matter how slim that another team would take a chance on Denis and take on ½ of his salary is a shot you just have to take….

[CTLightning26]

I kinda think that's a pipe dream, but... I think that would be better financially for us if someone took him, but worse on the cap for next year, right?

[Sotnos]

I kinda think that's a pipe dream, but... I think that would be better financially for us if someone took him, but worse on the cap for next year, right?
Yes...sorta. ;) We'd get half the cap hit, whereas now we have none since he's in the minors. Still, instead of having to pay his whole salary, we'd only be responsible for half.

I said "sorta" because it doesn't really matter where we stand cap-wise unless they're planning on pushing the max next year, and that ain't gonna happen IMO.

Link for some CBA explanations (http://www.nhlscap.com/cap_faq.htm)

I was reading somewhere yesterday that the cap is expected to go up by about $3 mil next season.

[CTLightning26]

I've been hearing $53 mil for the cap.

[RSchmitz]

Only way it matters is if OK buys the team and decides to spend the max.

[CTLightning26]

I would assume OK wouldn't spend to the cap and probably shouldn't, but if they went to 48-49 instead of 45 it would be a great plus.

:whoo: