Hockey News article on Lightning

[PEIBolt]

John Grigg takes a look at optimism surrounding 2010-11 Lightning:

http://www.thehockeynews.com/article...-optimism.html

[PEIBolt]

Wonder if all this optimism is translating into ticket sales?

[ThorBolt]

I can't speak for the Lighthning however. For the first time in a number of years I have bought season tickets and I know of s few people at work who have bought season tickets for the first time.

[SmittyFan1]

Originally Posted by ThorBolt

I can't speak for the Lighthning however. For the first time in a number of years I have bought season tickets and I know of s few people at work who have bought season tickets for the first time.

It is good to hear because I had to give up mine due to relocation issues. I sure would like to be there but at least I have a great paying job up here, for there is no work in the sunshine state, for me.

[pete]

Wonder if all this optimism is translating into ticket sales?

I think most folks will wait until the "W's" start rolling in.

Honestly, though, Stamkos alone is worth the price of admission. This team has so much going for it. All it really needs is a goaltender.

[pete]

Question for PEI:

If Dallas pulls into February and they're once again mired in last place in the Pacific Division, will the Lightning apply some of their $10M in cap space to reacquire Brad Richards, and will they then apply some of the cap space they have with all of the contracts that are expiring next summer to re-sign Brad?

I'm imagining a scenario where the Lightning are rolling into the playoffs with lines that look like:

Downie/Stamkos/St. Louis
Gagne/Richards/Lecavalier

And it is good.

[ChaseSpace]

If Dallas is in the gutter, it is known Richards will not sign an extension, and Richards is willing to waive his NTC then the Bolts might be able to aquire him without having to give up much in return. I'm thinking possibly a mid-level prospect/bottom-6 player and a pick or 2.

[the_narrow_way]

It would be nice to see him back, in all of his monotone glory.

[PEIBolt]

Originally Posted by pete

Question for PEI:

If Dallas pulls into February and they're once again mired in last place in the Pacific Division, will the Lightning apply some of their $10M in cap space to reacquire Brad Richards, and will they then apply some of the cap space they have with all of the contracts that are expiring next summer to re-sign Brad?

I'm imagining a scenario where the Lightning are rolling into the playoffs with lines that look like:

Downie/Stamkos/St. Louis
Gagne/Richards/Lecavalier

And it is good.

You have no idea how much I would love to see Brad back in Tampa, absolutely no idea. I can't speak for every single family member but I'd put money on most feel the same way.
This is just my opinion but Brad isn't nearly as happy in Dallas as he was in Tampa but anyone could guess that.
And, yes, there is talk about what the next year brings. There has been very little talk of signing an extension but there has been talk of Brad wanting to move back to the Eastern Conference.
He now lives in Tampa year-round after selling his house here on P.E.I. He also trains there in the off-season, something he also used to do up here.
And, Lecavalier told me himself (last summer) on the golf course that he and Brad will play together again.
So, make of all that what you will but nothing would make us happier than to see Brad wearing the Bolt again.

[CTLightning26]

Originally Posted by pete

Question for PEI:

If Dallas pulls into February and they're once again mired in last place in the Pacific Division, will the Lightning apply some of their $10M in cap space to reacquire Brad Richards, and will they then apply some of the cap space they have with all of the contracts that are expiring next summer to re-sign Brad?

I'm imagining a scenario where the Lightning are rolling into the playoffs with lines that look like:

Downie/Stamkos/St. Louis
Gagne/Richards/Lecavalier

And it is good.

I was thinking the same thing while on the treadmill the other day...LOL

I could see Gagne gone, Malone urged to waive his no-trade and sent to a place he'd like and Richy coming home to play left wing and set up Vinny and others..

Downie-Stamkos-MSL
Richards-Vinny4-Ashton/Connolly
Harju/Purcell-Moore-Tyrell/Connolly/Ashton

I like..

But Richy would have to come back for a hometown discount...