As we welcome a new day here in the Bolts Nation, let’s take a closer look at some of the top Tampa Bay Lightning headlines making the round as well as new from around the NHL.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to another beautiful day here in Hockey Paradise. The sun is shining and it looks like it’s going to be another wonderful day. Well…at least until the thunderstorms kick into gear a little later tonight.
Speaking of thunder, as we mark yet another day off the calendar, we are that much closer to the first official puck drop of the 2016-17 season. If you are anything like us and have been counting the days until the new Tampa Bay Lightning hockey season starts, we are now just 55 days away from the start of the new season.
In even better news, we are also that much closer to what some would consider “bonus hockey” this season. As most of you know by now, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey is expected to kick off on September 17th at the Air Canada Centre, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Tampa Bay Lightning
As usual, there is still some pending business here in the Bolts Nation that needs to be handled. The Tampa Bay Lightning still have not come to terms with the Lightning lead point scorer in the 2015-16 season, Nikita Kucherov. We understand these things take time (just look at the Steven Stamkos situation,) but at this point, fans are getting a little anxious about the status of the Russian sniper.
While it is becoming increasingly difficult to remain positive, we still assert our faith in the abilities of Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman. If there is a deal to be made, he will be the man who will get it done.
As we wait to see how the impending deal plays out, let’s take a closer look at some of the top Tampa Bay Lightning headlines making their way around the Bolts Nation and a quick peek at some of the other happenings around the National Hockey League.
Some of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s top stars will be headed to Toronto in mid-September to take part in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. While all the action is taking place in the great, white, north, some of the Lightning’s rookies will be competing in a tournament with two of the top teams in the league, the Washington Capitals and the Nashville Predators.
This time, the annual tournament will be hosted by the Tampa Bay Lightning’s in-state rivals, the Florida Panthers and will be played out at the Ice Den in Coral Springs. Here’s a closer look at the action, which prospects we could expect to see, and a brief schedule of events. (Bolts By The Bay)
As most of you are aware of by now, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been holding a competition they call The Best of the Bolts. Every couple of days, Lightning fans are presented with some of the best moments from the season and they are given the opportunity to cast their vote on which one they believe should move on to the next round.
Today at noon is the final day to vote on the final bracket of this round. In the final bracket of what the Lightning refer to as the Sweet 16, we take a look at four more highlight reel moments from the 2015-16 season. One of our favorite moments of the season is included in this round of voting.
Dating all the way back to October 23, 2015, the Tampa Bay Lightning were taking on the Winnipeg Jets at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg. The winner could not be decided in regulation and the game was sent to overtime. Just 36 seconds into the action, Ondrej Palat puts the puck in the back of the net with a beautiful tic-tac-goal.
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Was this one of your favorite moments of the season? If so, get on over to the Lightning’s website and cast your vote. You’d better hurry, though. You only have until Friday to have your voice heard on this particular round of the competition. (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Not too long ago, we mentioned an interesting event that Tampa Bay Lightning Owner Jeff Vinik and his wife Penny were bringing to the Bolts Nation. An experience known as “The Beach Tampa” has made its way to the Amalie Arena. The experience, which is essentially a 15,000 square foot ball pit for adults and children alike to participate in a unique experience.
The event kicked off on August 5th and is free to the public. Don’t worry if you weren’t one of the first people in line to take part in this immersive experience. The Beach Tampa will be featured at the Amalie Arena until Wednesday, August 25th, so there is still plenty of time to get in one the action. Want to take part in the event? Here’s all the information you’ll need. (Tampa Bay Lightning)
If you have ever been to a Tampa Bay Lightning Home Game, there is no doubt you have heard of a program known as the Lightning Community Heroes. At each Lightning Home Game, Jeff Vinik, the owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and his wife Penny have collaborated with the Lightning Foundation in order to present a deserving member of the community with a $50,000 donation to the Bay Area non-profit of their choice.
This season, the Lightning Community Heroes Program will be entering its sixth season. Before Tampa Bay Lightning fans turn their heads to the 2016-17 season in a few more weeks, the Lightning take a closer look at the Lightning Community Heroes Class of 2015-16. (Tampa Bay Lightning)
News From Around the National Hockey League
An essential thing to any team in a professional sports league is leadership. Without a player to lead the way and keep the team on a winning path, chaos ensues and the chemistry that once led a great team to victory starts to dissipate before their eyes.
There are more than a few teams heading into the 2016-17 season without a captain to lead the way. One of those aforementioned teams is the Toronto Maple Leafs. As the Leafs prepare to enter their centennial season, they have a pretty important decision to make.
Lauren Kelly, a Staff Writer over at our friends Editor In Leaf, takes a closer look at the issue facing the team and breaks down some of the players who she believes would be excellent candidates for the position. (Editor in Leaf)
As the National Hockey League heads into the 2016-17 season, a whole new landscape appears before them. With 82 games sprawled out in front of them, there are endless opportunities for teams and players alike to reach all new milestones.
Colin Likas, one of the Editors over at Blackhawk Up, have taken a closer look at the Chicago Blackhawks and broken down some of the important milestones their fans could expect in the upcoming season. If you’re a Hawks fan, or simply someone scouting the Tampa Bay Lightning’s competition, this is definitely a good read. (Blackhawk Up)
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As we mentioned before, one of the most important aspects of a team is their leadership. When it comes to finding a person to fill the space behind the bench, there is no one better than someone who knows the game intimately. In other words, there is no better person to lead a team than someone who has spent much of their career on the ice.
Much like the Tampa Bay Lightning did a few years ago, teams like the Boston Bruins are starting to shift their teams into the “youth movement.” This means finding someone behind the bench that knows how to relate to that kind of player and can do the best for the team.
Andrew Thompson, one of the Editors over at Causeway Crowd, believe former Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton would be the perfect person to fill one of the many spots behind the bench and work in a hands-on role with the players. Could this potential situation become a reality in the future? (Causeway Crowd)
One of the biggest storylines making their way around the Bolts Nation right now is the impending contract situation of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov. With just 55 days left until the official start of the 2016-17 season, Kucherov’ contract status remains in a state of flux.
It seems as if the Tampa Bay Lightning aren’t the only team in a holding pattern with one of their biggest stars. The Ottawa Senators are patiently awaiting a new contract for Senators defenseman Cody Ceci. Ian Smith, Editor over at SenShot, takes a closer look at the dire situation and why Ceci is an instrumental piece of the Senators’ lineup. (SenShot)
Next: Andrei Vasilevskiy Should Have An Increased Role
The 2016-17 season is approaching quickly. As the days continue to tick off the calendar, Tampa Bay Lightning fans can expect to see some of the final moves of the off-season come into fruition. Hopefully, one of those aforementioned moves will be the contract signing of Nikita Kucherov.