Dec 23 2011; Denver, CO, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Guy Boucher (center) talks to his team as assistant coach Dan Lacroix (left) assistant coach Martin Raymond (right) listen during the first period of the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

With a new (head) coach,” Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman said of Jon Cooper, “we’re trying to find the right fit as far as skills and experience.” ~ via Damien Cristodero at the Tampa Bay Times

Dan Lacroix joined the Lightning in the summer of 2010, along with former Lightning Head Coach Guy Boucher. Lacroix was responsible for the defense and the penalty kill.

The Lightning have left the door open for Lacroix to remain with the organization in some other capacity; however, at the same time, he is free to explore other coaching opportunities.

At the present time, there have been no final decisions made regarding the status of Assistant Steve Thomas or Goaltending Coach Frantz Jean. Both Thomas and Jean have contracts that are due to expire at the end of June.

Currently, Yzerman has said that it is his intention to bring back Goaltending Coach Frantz Jean.

Lacroix’s replacement will weigh heavily on how the design of the new coaching staff will play out.

There are a lot of rumors floating around the internet as to who Dan Lacroix’s replacement will be. Only time will tell which one of those rumors will turn out to be fact. One thing is for sure. With Jon Cooper being a “rookie” coach in the NHL, you can count on Yzerman looking for an Assistant Coach with a wealth of experience in the NHL.

We’re contemplating a lot of things,” Yzerman said, “and what is the best fit.” ~ via Damien Cristodero at the Tampa Bay Times

It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out of the course of the off season. So many things hang in the balance, all hinging off of one single decision. If the new Assistant Coach has a wealth of experience in the game, then the team may elect to stay with a two assistant format; however, in the same respect, if the new Assistant has significantly less experience, we may see the team expand to a three assistant format.

With only a little over 3 months left until training camps should start, one can only assume that we will start to see these changes play out rather soon.

Who do you think would be a viable decision to step into Lacroix’s position? Do you think the other coaches will remain intact, or will they be free to explore other opportunities as well? Should the other coaches remain intact? So many questions need answers. Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think those answers should be.

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Mar 23, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning centre Tyler Johnson (63) controls the puck in the first period against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Their opponents, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, moved on to the next round just last night after defeating the Number One seed Providence Bruins in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals 5-0.

Being the higher seed in the series, the Crunch will get home ice advantage in this series. The first puck of the Eastern Conference Finals will drop on Saturday, May 25^th at 7:00 p.m. EST at the War Memorial Arena in Syracuse.

Below is the complete schedule for the Eastern Conference Finals between the Number Three seed Syracuse Crunch and the Number Five seed Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. All times are Eastern Standard Time.

Game 1 – Saturday, May 25^th – Penguins at Crunch            7:00 p.m.

Game 2 – Sunday, May 26^th – Penguins at Crunch              7:00 p.m.

Game 3 – Wednesday, May 29^th – Crunch at Penguins       7:05 p.m.

Game 4 – Friday, May 31^st – Crunch at Penguins                 7:05 p.m.

* Game 5 – Saturday, June 1^st – Penguins at Crunch           7:00 p.m.

* Game 6 – Monday, June 3^rd – Crunch at Penguins             7:05 p.m.

* Game 7 – Wednesday, June 5^th – Penguins at Crunch       7:00 p.m.

* Denotes if necessary

We here at Bolts By The Bay wish our Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch the best of luck in the Calder Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals.

Do you think the Crunch will be moving on to the Calder Cup Finals, or do you think the Penguins are going to put a skidding halt to the Crunch’s hot streak? How many games do you think this series is going to go? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Be sure to stay up-to-date with all the latest Lightning news and updates with Bolts By the Bay. LIKE us on Facebook at Bolts By The Bay, and you can follow us on Twitter at @BoltsByTheBay