Tampa Bay Lightning: Morning Bolts News Updates
As Tampa Bay Lightning fans prepare to start their day, take a moment to sit back and see what’s going on in and around the Bolts Nation.
The Tampa Bay Lightning may have exited the postseason a little earlier than the team or their fans would have liked, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of things going on in and around the Bolts Nation. In the near future, we’re staring down the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and the looming Free Agency Period.
Needless to say, there is about to be a lot of chaos here in the Bolts Nation. There are contracts to sign and new talent to recruit. While this may be one of the most stressful time of the year for the Tampa Bay Lightning, it’s also the most exciting.
As we prepare to start a new and exciting day here in sunny Tampa, Florida, let’s take a look at what is going on not just at 401 Channelside Drive, but around the rest of the National Hockey League as well.
During the playoffs, Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman flew under the radar when he made a few roster moves including signing forwards Tanner Richard, Joel Vermin, Anthony Cirelli, and defenseman Matthew Spencer. Here’s how these players could make an impact on the Bolts. (Tampa Bay Lightning)
As many here in the Bolts Nation are well aware, Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and his wife Penny have vowed to give back to the Tampa Bay community through what has been named the Lightning Community Heroes Program. In the four seasons the program has been in place, the program has donated $11.1 million to local charities. Nominations are now open for the 2016-17 season. (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Anyone who had an opportunity to watch one of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s playoff games this season was treated to an incredible display on the ice before the game. While this may look like something simple for media gurus to throw together, it’s actually a lot more work than people think. Here’s a look at one of the people who make things happen and why the 2015-16 season will remain in our thoughts forever. (Tampa Bay Times)
In July of 2015, the Tampa Bay Lightning were forced to end their relationship with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, giving their full sponsorship to the Carolina Hurricanes. This left the Tampa Bay Lightning with no foothold in the league. Now, the Tampa Bay Lightning have made their way back into the ECHL as the organization has come to terms with the Kalamazoo Wings. (Syracuse Crunch)
Unless you have been living under a rock for the bulk of the season, there is no doubt you’re well aware of the looming contract dispute between the Tampa Bay Lightning and their captain Steven Stamkos. As the Free Agency Period lurks off in the distance, the Lightning are going to be left with some tough choices to make, and as SI’s Allan Muir puts it, the Lightning find themselves at a crossroads. (SI.com)
News Around the National Hockey League
While the Tampa Bay Lightning may have exited the postseason at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins, there is still plenty of heated rivalry going on in the NHL. It seems as if someone has finally decided to speak their mind on Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. San Jose Sharks center Logan Couture has made no bones about calling Crosby a cheater and goes on to describe how he masterfully avoids getting called for it. (NHL.com)
Unfortunately, when it comes time for the biggest and most important series of the year, the Stanley Cup Final, there are thousands of fans who are clamoring to get their hands on tickets to one of the big games. The bad news is, there are people who are looking to take advantage of those hard-working people by selling bogus tickets. Thankfully, two of those such people are now off the streets. (ESPN)
It seems some teams in the NHL are already getting down to business and preparing for the upcoming 2016-17 season. One of those teams is the New York Islanders. The Isles announced on Thursday afternoon the organization has come to terms with forward Casey Cizikas on a 5-year contract extension that will keep him in play until the 2020-21 season. (New York Islanders)
As most of you know by now, there has been plenty of talk of another expansion in the National Hockey League. There are plenty of cities who are looking to get in league with the greatest sport around. The question is, which cities will actually have their dreams come true? Here is a look at the five most ideal places for the NHL to expand to. (FanSided)
As we mentioned earlier, the newest controversy in the NHL is the comments from San Jose Sharks forward Logan Couture’s allegations that Sidney Crosby is a “cheater.” Well, it seems as if there is at least one person who has Crosby’s back. Said person would be Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Mike Sullivan. Sullivan’s comments are interesting, to say the least, and may just prove Couture’s point. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Next: Tampa Bay Lightning: A Season In Review
The off-season is definitely going to be an interesting time for the Tampa Bay Lightning. There are plenty of contracts that still need signing and plenty of young talent to scout in order to build the Lightning team of the future. The one thing we know for sure is we don’t want to get off this crazy rollercoaster ride anytime soon.