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Forum: Talk Lightning
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Seems only fitting that the weather here in Atlanta has been crummy. It’s basically been raining since we got here on Friday afternoon and it has been gray and overcast the entire time. But I guess a matchup between the No. 30 team and the No. 28 team in the league even brings out the best in Mother Nature. Of course, they clouds might actually be a bit too light in color to be following around the Lightning - the hovering clouds for them have been black all season!!!!!!
It was a bit of an upbeat atmosphere inside the locker room this morning, music was playing and when I walked into the dressing room, the lights were dimmed down while The Doors “Riders in the Storm’’ was calling out over the music system. And in a bit of a practical joke, Shane O’Brien’s locker stall had a large Budweiser neon sign sitting in it. And with the lights turned down, it really stood out. I asked O’Brien after he came in where his souvenir was and he gave a good laugh. He was also joking with the trainers to get his gear ready to go to Norfolk!!!! (At least, I think they were joking . . . they were all laughing when he said it)
With Vinny Lecavalier out, Karl Stewart gets back into the lineup for the last game. It’s going to be kind of funny to look in the Lightning medial guide in about five years from now to look at the lineup for the last game of the season. It’s something that is listed for each year, and when we get to the end of the 2013 season, it will be worth looking at to see who was actually in the lineup.
Line combos this morning were:
Jason Ward-Jeff Halpern-Marty St. Louis
Mathieu Darche-Jussi Jokinen-Michel Ouellet
Junior Lessard-Craig MacDonald-Nick Tarnasky
Doug Janik-Andreas Karlsson-Karl Stewart
Speaking of Lecavalier, the team is expected to put out a press release shortly (it’s almost 1 p.m. now) in regards to his shoulder injury. The news, folks, is not going to be good. I just get the feeling that it’s a major deal, will require extensive surgery and rehab. No insight yet on a time table, but the issue of training camp next season might just come into play. I’ll pass along the news when I get it, but hold your breath (but not for too long, I don’t want to be responsible for anybody’s face turning blue due to lack of oxygen. And no, the Media General legal staff did not look over my shoulder to make sure I wrote a legal disclaimer as to disavow myself of any possible litigation 
Here is the update from the team as Vinny will need 12-15 weeks to recover, but he should be ready for training camp (cross your fingers): Vinny to undergo surgery
PREGAME
Well, Tampa Bay got no help from the Kings (or Ducks depending on your perspective) this afternoon as Teemu Selanne broke a 3-3 tie in the third period with his second goal of the game to give Anaheim a 4-3 victory. So that means there is actually some drama in this game tonight. Win or lose in overtime and Tampa Bay will hold down the No. 29 spot in the league standings. If they drop this game in regulation, then the Lightning finish in the cellar and get the best shot at landing the No. 1 overall pick when the NHL holds the draft lottery on Monday night.
What do you want Tampa Bay to do, win and end the season on a high note? Or will no tears be shed if they lose the game outright and hold down the 30th spot?
Posted by Mike Joyce, Bangkok, Thailand on 04/06 at 08:13 AM
Erik,
Thanks for the commentary and blog all season. Best wishes for Vinny in his recovery. I had seen him flexing his wrist at one of the games, but didn’t realize how badly off the wrist had been till I found out that he was scheduled to have it operated on Monday (before the shoulder).
There are some positives to think about for next year, and putting Boyle with Picard (who can play defense) is a big step. Putting Smaybe on instead of O’Brien is another to add to the physicality.
I will enjoy your comments over the hiatus, from Bangkok.
Posted by Natalie, Orlando on 04/06 at 07:15 AM
Hey Scott....I am planning on going to Prague. Hope to see some of you there.
Posted by Andrei, Apollo Beach on 04/06 at 06:14 AM
Rather fitting closure that sans Halpern, Jokinen, Smith, and Picard most of this roster quit on this season the last trip in February to Atlanta.
I blame the mullets.
Posted by Kane Miller, New Smyrna Beach, FL, USA on 04/05 at 11:41 PM
Erik, thanks for your insight all season.
Best wishes to Vinny, Gratts, and anyone else who is recovering. And Andre Roy, may you be on the ice again soon; if not with Tampa, then with another NHL team. You are one of the most popular players on the squad, and your absence in games was felt in many ways. We missed you.
I doubt Torts or Feaster will be there, but I really just hope we’ll get an owner who gives a ***t about hockey. I’ll always be a fan regardless of won-loss record, and it’s fun to attend the games no matter what; but the second half of this season has been heartbreaking to watch - how did we go from contenders to last place in 3 seasons?
Best wishes for next season! See you at training camp!
Posted by Scott, Tampa on 04/05 at 09:53 PM
Hey, so who on the board is planning a trip to Prague in the fall?
Posted by Scott, Tampa on 04/05 at 09:51 PM
Erik:
Thanks for all the updates all year. Your work is really appreciated. Sure would have liked to see a win to end the season, but I think I’m happier we escaped unscathed in game 82!
Hockey gods, please smile on us Monday, heaven knows, Tampa Bay needs something to smile about after this difficult season.
Get well quick, V4. We know you are a Champion and will be ready for next year.
Posted by Billy Charlesbois, Moose Jaw, Sakatchewan on 04/05 at 09:46 PM
Erik - thank you for your expert coverage during this miserable season. Good Luck, V4...I wish you nothing but the best. Goodbye Tortorella, I wish you nothing but the worst.
Posted by Natalie, Orlando on 04/05 at 08:51 PM
Well said Steve. Wishing all the best to Vinny for a speedy recovery and looking forward to seeing the team in Prague.
Posted by Steve B Henderson, Hamilton Ontario on 04/05 at 08:32 PM
Well the season is over. Even as a staunch Bolt fan, this was the first time i cheered a goal against. Good luck to Torts and Feaster...I say bring them back next year with a short leash. Lets hope for some luck with the ping pong balls on Monday night. Thanks E. E. for great insight during the year. Look forward to reading next year. Everyone..have a great summer and cross your fingers for Vinny.
Posted by Chris C, Lakeland on 04/05 at 03:18 PM
UGH..thank god its over tonite..maybe the hockey gods will smile on Tampa monday night for the lottery
Posted by Scott, Tampa on 04/05 at 12:51 PM
Surgery and 12-15 week recovery. Release just posted to Lightning web site.
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Posted by Roy Hagen, Lititz, Pa on 04/06 at 09:23 AM
Didn’t Matt Cooke and Vinny have a fight early in the season? Retribution?