Comments on: Tampa Bay Lightning: The Quest for the #1 Pick

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:06:33 +0000

You’re right Dickie-

Washington and Carolina will be the class of the league. It appears both teams will have balanced line-ups and a solid presence in net (look out for Michael Leighton, Cam Ward’s backup).

Tampa will struggle much in the same way Florida has struggled the past few seasons.

By: Dickie Dunn

Dickie Dunn — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:28:45 +0000

Whoever they have in net had better be ready. Without team defense, they’ll find themselves behind early and often..which will lead to odd man chances, lazy penalties, and a ton of quality scoring chances.

It takes time to gain total team commitment to a system. With so many new faces entering into brand new regime (with thick, lustrous hair), it could be a painful first few months for fans of Hockey Bay USA. What’s up with that name by the way? I guess they’ll start throwing sting rays on the ice next.

To quote Herb Brooks, they don’t have enough talent to win on talent alone. I wonder what Darren Puppa is up to these days anyway…

By: Barry Hillep

Barry Hillep — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:17:18 +0000

It will be interesting to see what happens in net. Kolzig feels he is a #1. Look what happened in DC when he rode the bench….he cleaned out his locker and bailed. I doubt he will be happy getting 10-15 starts this season.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:03:45 +0000

I don’t think offense will be an issue with this team, especially with Tocchet working with the special teams. He got a lot out of raw talent in Phoenix, now what can he do with the guys that transforming the way they play like Vinny.

Their success lies with Mike Smith. With a young but skilled core of defensemen in front of him, he can’t afford to have any off nights. And Kolzig is not an insurance policy.