Posted by  Bolt Fan, S. Pasadena, FL on 01/08  at  09:56 PM

I am a big Vinny fan, but if he’s going to get the most money, the most publicity and the most honors, he should get the most points and be the leader that he is being paid to do.

Accept the fact that he hasn’t earned it and Marty has.  That being said, I will still wear his sweater to the games.  I’m not anti-Vinny, but am honest about what he’s doing this year.

Posted by  Leanmean43, Tampa, FL on 01/08  at  06:53 PM

Give Vinny a break, his shoulder is obviously not 100% whether he will admit it or not.  Also mentally it probably takes a while to play without the fear of getting hurt again.  I think Marty definitely deserved to go this year, he’s leading the team in scoring.  Maybe one of the reserves will get hurt and open up a spot for Marty.

Posted by  Bolt Fan, S. Pasadena, FL on 01/08  at  06:26 PM

Right on Teresa.  There’s probably no more negotiations after this one.  It seems to show that getting a lot of money and being set for life takes some of the starch out of the player. 

I also agree that the only player that has earned an All-Star berth is Smith.

Posted by  Teresa P., Tampa on 01/08  at  05:54 PM

“So he will use this on his next contract negotiations.”

You do realize that’s not until 2020, right?

Posted by  Jay, Tampa on 01/08  at  04:22 PM

The reality is evert team needs to be represented the sad part is Smith should be the Bolts’ representative.  The ugly part is #4 is going when he does not deserve it.  So he will use this on his next contract negotiations.  Hope he does not believe that his play and leasdership,  is worthy of an All Star berth…far from.

Posted by  Bolt Fan, S. Pasadena, FL on 01/08  at  01:48 PM

I still wear Vinny’s rookie jersey to the games; but, I agree that this is not deserved this year.  He’s a great talent, but not playing to his capabilities this year when the team needs it badly.

Posted by  Tony, Bradenton on 01/08  at  01:07 PM

I am a huge Vinny fan but I have to agree with Katya.  However you know its an added draw for Vinny every time he plays in the Bell Center so I am sure they had an impact.  The NHL would not be smart business wise if they did not consider this.

MSL prehaps for his hard work and heart.

Smith deserves it for his play on the ice however it is buried behind so so numbers because of the team in front of him.  But he has been the best player on the ice night in and night out, no question.

Posted by  Katya, Tampa, FL on 01/08  at  12:27 PM

He did not deserve it this year, even as a reserve.