Archive for February, 2010

After beating the Islanders last night at the St Pete Times Forum, the Lighting are 5-1-1 since their demolishing defeat at the hands of the New York Rangers. The Bolts crushed the Isle last night 5-2 in a game that was better played than the score might appear.  Antero Niitymaki continued his string of dominance, leading the Lightning to a W. In the first period, Steven Stamkos started the scoring with a shot that is no becoming his patented goal, the PPG from the crease to the right of the opposing netminder.  If he gets a pass that isn’t bouncing [...]

Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment LLC, a group owned by Jeff Vinik, has purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning, the lease to the St Pete Times Forum and over 5 acres surrounding the Forum subject to approval from the leagues other owners. “Buying the Lightning and joining the Tampa Bay community is a dream come true,” Vinik said.  “I’ve been an avid hockey fan my whole life and I pledge to our fans that I will work my hardest to build the Lightning into a world class organization both on and off the ice.  I hope to bring a high level [...]

With a 2-1 last night against the Atlanta Thrashers, the Lightning moved back into the 8th playoff spot with 57 points, tied with both the Rangers and Panthers in points, but holding the tie breaker for 8th place. It was, get this, Antero Niitymaki’s 16th victory against the Thrashers.   16 victories are great, but how about coupling that with 0 losses.  16 and freaking 0!!! I love that stat. Stephane Veilleux, who has been a healthy scratch a few times lately and Martin St Louis scored for the Lightning in the first period, and allowed Niity to take over [...]

THN.com is reporting that the negotiations between the Lightning and Jeffrey Vinik have hit a snag.  The snag is that Vinik realized that trading Vincent Lecavalier would result in a severe backlash in the community.  His agenda then switched from getting Vinny to agree to waive his no movement clause, to purchasing the Lightning at a discounted price. That reported discounted price is 140 million, from 170 million.  Vinny will have about 77 million left on his contract after next season, so the reduction in purchase price will help him cover about half of Vinny’s contract. Commisioner Gary “Douchebag”  Bettman [...]

In an important game (still not must win time yet), the Bolts failed to beat the Washington Capitals on Sunday, losing a tough game 3-2. ”Every team wants to come in a make a statement and say ‘We’re the team that knocked these guys off,”’ Brooks Laich said, ”so we’re getting teams’ best efforts every single night. We’re in special territory right now, and a chance to make history in our next game, so we’ve got to be prepared.” The Caps took a 2-0 lead in the 2nd period off of goals by Nicklas Backstrom and Brooks Laich.  The Lightning [...]