You are not making the most of first impressions in hockey circles. Just saying.

I don’t know how far and wide this has carried since I saw it first mentioned in a St. Petersburg Tiems article last week, but Vincent Lecavalier wants to stay in Tampa. That isn’t news (though our friends in the province of Quebec would tell us otherwise)

What is news is Kent Hughes telling the world it’s not a short term deal. It’s a long one. To paraphrase: rest of his career.

And nwo Erik Erlendsson at the Tribune gets a money quote from Vincent:

Despite a pending change in ownership and a certain change in head coaches, Lecavalier said he intends to discuss signing a long-term deal that could keep him with Tampa Bay his entire career.

“I want to. I just think they want to wait to be officially in charge before we talk about it,” Lecavalier said Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to the new owners. They have a passion for the game. Oren Koules and Len Barrie have played the game. I’m encouraged about the new owners, and I’m excited about things.”

There’s no time line. There’s only the talk…

And right now I am still wondering what to make of the direction of the Lightning, as they transition to OK hockey from Palace Sports.

He’s gone. It can’t be so… But it is?

The last few months I have not been comfortable with the direction of the Lightning. Seeing Brad Richards go was painful - though I am told it was a done deal for a while. Now this.

John Tortorella may have lost the players at one point or another but I believed in his style and how he handled things. Though there was resentment and bitterness at times between the players adn their coach — he wasn’t paid to be Mr. Popular, he was paid to get results. And for a long time he was doign just that.

The rumors have Barry Melrose taking over here in Tampa… Which I took for a joke the first time the rumor surfaced months ago. I still find it a joke, and Oren Koules will not be investing wisely in his purchase if he has already settled on this choice.

As for John, I wish him only the best as he has brought only the best out of the players here in Tampa. His name being engraved on Lord Stanley’s Cup is proof of that. And I don’t think it will be the last time it occurs either.

That last poll? About the #1 draft pick? It’s irrelevant. Brant James article in the St. Petersburg Times this morning shows why. Steve Stamkos will indeed be the top pick for the Lightning.

Why so sure? Because when a sports franchise employs a Hollywood marketing blitz comparable to what has been used the last year for The Dark Knight (in theaters later this summer) hyping a prospect, you know they are big on them.

Seen Stamkos?

(hats off to the guys who thought up the flash mob viral marketing, if it was Koules people or an ad agency somewhere in the Bay area)

I gave no coverage to the Lightning winning the Draft Lottery… But I will ask you for your thoughts on what the Lightning should do with the pick.

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And While we’re at it — and local media lacks any coverage of this stuff — head on over to MyNHLDraft and view some fo the mock drafts and other draft and prospect information.

See a negative? Follow it with a positive… I can’t confirm this but Dan Boyle inked a six year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Forty Million Dollars over six years almost guarantees Brad Richards will be heading out of town tomorrow.

Which really upsets me.

Boltsmag is four years old at this point late int eh month of February and I’ve made no secret of the fact Brad is my favorite player. That being said, I also know he has grown unpopular with the Lightning regulars due to lower production numbers than Vinny and Marty. it doesn’t justify his cost. He has the potential to be a top line center and hasn’t gotten that opportunity due to Vincent being in the lineup… But taht contract of his will limit those who can show interest in him.

Vaclav “Vinny” Prospal’s second tenure in Tampa Bay is over. He has been dealt to the Flyers for Alexandre Picard. and a draft selection.

Prospal has paved hsi way out of town by performing well in a contract year as well as fueding with Lightning head coach John Tortorella. Of course, Jay Feaster lays a goose egg of sorts in this deal — more defense, Jay?

many fans are worryign this sis the begining of the end for the Lightning… Jay Feaster will not be a popular man in tampa tomorrow afternoon if the rumors remain consistent that Brad Richards will be leaving as well as Dan Boyle.

OK, so we’ve reached the midway point of the Lightning schedule. I’m not much of the one to go through players and hand out grades… But I don’t think the idea is bad either. That’s why, I’ll let you guys handle the ratings.

Below is a list of every player currently on the Lightning roster. In each poll (listed below a players name) you will have the chance to rate the player from 1 to 5. 1 will represent terrible while 5 represents superb…

Of course, comments are open for discussion about players, their performance so far this season… Torts, Feaster, Palace Sports, OK Hockey and Absolute Hockey… Everyone that’s been part of the “party” this season. So please, chat away.

(more…)

Got a busy day with various stuff on my palette… The news came out yesterday that Marc Denis went on waivers… He’s likely Norfolk bound…

All that being said, who decided to schedule this game versus the Flyers at one in the afternoon?!

Wasn’t aware of this but Jay Feaster is writing a series of articles blogging (at least they call it that) over at The Hockey News. He’s only had two articles blogs posted so far but it may be worth a look see for the Lightning fan out there.