(seriously though, do you?)

BBTB: I know in football, players will pay others who have the number that they want, what’s going to happen with you and Mike Lundin?

DE: If Mike wants to change his number I would take the 39, but otherwise I see as he got to it first and I will just choose a new number. I was thinking of either going back to 30 which I have worn since growing up or I would change to 33 a new number to symbolize a fresh start.

BBTB: Smitty always has cool mask designs; any ideas for your first as a Bolt?

DE: I have already begun creating a couple of designs for this season. I work with Dave Gunnersson (Daveart.com) from Sweden and we always look forward to creating amazing and original designs. I usually send Dave a concept and he takes it to the next level!

BBTB: I know you said that you and Montreal were too far apart on numbers for your contract, did any other teams make offers other than the Bolts?

DE: I had a handful of options when free agency began, but Tampa seemed like the best fit overall for my career and for my family. Tampa seems to have all the pieces in place to make a for a great future.

BBTB: Do you think your friendship with Mike Smith will make the competition for starting keeps easier or tougher?

DE: Mike and I have done this before and we always remained close. I have found that our competition has brought the best out of each other and that is good news for our team-to have two goalies playing at their highest level possible.

BBTB: I think that if I saw Chris Neil in real life, I would have a hard time containing my distaste for him. Are you excited about potentially watching Smitty punch Chris Neil in the face again this year?

DE: Smitty is more than capable of handling himself and if it takes place I will definitely have his back.

BBTB: Is there anyone you’ve played against who annoys you to no end?

DE: Not really, overall I just get a little annoyed by the rats in the league that stir the pot and then won’t drop their gloves.

BBTB: Did the fact that Steve Yzerman is one of the most respected players of all time have an impact on your signing in Tampa?

DE: Absolutely. I started following the Tampa organization during their ownership change. And when Mr. Vinnik hired Steve Yzerman I knew that this was a team that was going to make a change in the right direction. Steve has the respect of being a hall of fame level player and with his experiences in The Olympics he has taken that understanding of the game and applied it to management. We saw his results with Team Canada and that is the hope for Tampa.

BBTB: I have a buddy who plays in the MLB. He is consistent in his lack of confidence facing one particular player. Are there any players who instill a level of fear in goaltenders throughout the league?

DE: I think any player that imposes a challenge to you as a goaltender, it is your responsibility to learn their tendencies and reverse the threat. You always need to stay ahead of the curve and get an edge or you will lose ground quickly.

BBTB: Have you had a chance to assess the Lightning roster? If so, do you feel that we have a chance to compete for a top 4 spot in the East in 2010-2011?

DE: The roster will change a number of times throughout the summer. But, I see all the right players in the right places. We have a great d-core and our top 5 forwards can contend with anyone in the league. I don’t know many of the players beyond our top 5, but I am sure they will great too. I can definitely see our team back in the top 4 in the East and I think that is the expectation of the entire group.

BBTB: Why aren’t more hockey players on Twitter?

DE: Some guys are a little more private in their day to day life and others just don’t know or like Twitter. But, I am sure we can convert a few more soon.

BBTB: Now that you’re a Bolt, you have to stop liking the Red Sox. Has this happened yet!!!?

DE: Well our owner in a minority owner of the Sox so to keep him happy I won’t make a full conversion, but I will follow the Rays much more and cheer for them just the same. As long as the Yankees do not win, I will be happy!

Our thanks to Dan for being so cool and doing this interview. You should follow him on twitter @dellis39

You can also follow us on twitter to. @ImtheStaggers and @TheTampaTrio

Now on to an WE knew it note, Steven “40 and beyond” Stamkos score his 39th and 40th goals of the season last night. On his first it was the patented Stammer Power play goal from the left circle over the right shoulder of the goalie. Coaches should make goalies watch some tape on that move or something. If he is on the ice, he is going to shoot that shot. Beware! His second goal was a thing of beauty that I was laughing at before he even scored. Stammers beats Shubert into the zone and then has his way with Hedberg.

Other notes:

1. Watch those highlights, nice goals from Vinny, Marty, and SCZCZCCZZHERUra who was in for Zenon who was scratched on the night.

2. Don’t mess with our team. After Downie smashed someone in front of the net and Marty was blindsided, all hell broke loose. Stammers was the first in there to get some action, followed by Matty Walker, and Downie who went absolutely psychotic and tried to fight everyone, including the Refs.

3. Antero Niittymaki is now 17-0-0 all time against the Thrashers

4. We might have 2 legit scoring lines now

5. Barry Melrose can go kick rocks. Cut your damn hair.