I like to think how the Lightning own the playoff attendance record… Now there is another record they can boast as opening night was the largest opening night crowd in NHL History….

Five key guys from last years championship team didn’t have a great day compared to their former teammates…

Nikolai Khabibulin, for example, was lit up in Chicago’s loss to Anaheim. Jassen Cullimore was on ic eduring that loss as well.

Cory Stillman didn’t even get to take part in the banner raising ceremony last night before also getting spanked by his former teammates…

André Roy’s didn’t even dress as his new team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, were dominated by the New Jersey Devils…

And Brad Lukowich? He was even in a high scoring affair last night between the Islanders and the Sabres. Brad’s team - the Isles - lost 6-4.

Just wanted to make a short note of how bad the production was at OLN last night with their first telecast of NHL action…

And I found out OLN has it’s own Message Board. Fan Reaction on there seems to be about the same as elsewhere.

In a story that I missed yesterday, Chuck LaMar was fired by the Devil Rays and Stuart Sternberg was immediately awarded the “Most-Overdue-Firing” award for doing so.

Sternberg announced his taking-control of the Devil Rays this afternoon at the Vinoy Resort Hotel in St. Petersburg… Stuart plans on free parking for all fans next season — unheard of in Pro Sports in this day and age — as well as major changes in hwo the Tampa Bay Baseball Franchise is part of the community. I say TBBF because there’s a chance the Rays will be re-branded entirely as has been hinted by the St. Petersburg Times.

Sternberg also said he reads local blogs and message boards…

If that be the case… Stuart? Listen, I know I blasted you and your intentions earlier in the season out of frustration with what was going on with the Rays… I know I made it look like you could be the villian instead of the hero. I only have one thing to ask of you: Prove me wrong, please. One press conference and I’m happily taken aback but it’s a long road to hoe before I’m finally convinced the franchise is safe… Not that I plan to continuing slinging bile, mind you. Good luck with the franchise face lift…