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- Lecavalier hits the ice - literally - back in Tampa
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I didn’t get much of a response from you guys in my first go-round with this request, so I’m going to give the topic it’s own thread and let your voice be heard on what you want to read here as we drudge our way through the dog days of August.
Maybe this got lost in the recap I gave everybody on how I spent my summer vacation as the question was posed at the bottom of the thread. But I’m looking to do some sort of a countdown to help fill the days in the coming couple of weeks as we all start to get geared up for the start of training camp, and I want to voice of the voter, so to speak, to offer their input.
The only response I received on the other topic was counting down the top 10 free agent/trade acquisitions Tampa Bay made over the first week or so of free agency. Normally, that wouldn’t even be an option, but there were so many new players added, there probably is enough for a top 15 or 20, and I’m only exaggerating a smidgen.
Other options include counting down the top free agent acquisitions from around the league, maybe this could be a Top 15. Maybe the top 10 all-time Lightning acquisitions - not drafted players - who came to the organization via trade or free agency. Perhaps, as Bolts Prospects did last summer, the top 10 worst players in franchise history. How about setting up the top 10 teams heading into the start of the season, maybe splitting it up by conference.
The bottom line here is I want to hear about what you want to read. I’m happy to offer my limited services to whatever the voices - no, not the ones in my head - speak. In many ways this is your spot to come for news and opinions and I’ll serve up plenty of opinions. Right now, I’ll opine on what you want, but you have to let me know. Speak loudly enough and I’ll start something on Monday, if not, you might make me angry . . . and you won’t like me very much when I’m angry.
On a personal note, and waaaaaay off topic, we had a milestone moment here in the Erlendsson household on Sunday. As many of you may know - and if you don’t you need to be more of a loyal reader 
- we have four boys running around the house. And for nearly the past 12 years we have had a crib in the house. I’ve set it up a total of three times - the first time my parents bought it for us in 1996, when we temporarily moved into my uncle’s house after we sold our first house and again when we moved into our current house in 2000. On Monday, I broke it down for the final time under our ownership. It has served us well and survived four kids, including two who liked to climb into and one who liked to climb out of it. Our youngest graduated to a real bed on Sunday night and I’m happy to report that for both nights, he slept well and didn’t try to climb out at bed time (which is normally pretty late during the summer months). The first morning he even cried out for somebody to get him out of bed in the morning. Of course, that only last one time as he was pretty much out on his own Tuesday morning.
With school starting on the 18th, it’s time to start getting them into school night bed-time routines, but that can wait for next week. And this year, the morning hours will actually be quiet (relatively speaking) as we will have all four kids into a school this year. The oldest starts middle school, the two middle ones are still in elementary school while the three-year old will begin three-days-a-week in preschool at the same preschool all three other boys have attended. So if you try to call me after 9:30 a.m. during school days and I don’t answer the phone, I’m probably just basking in the sweet sound of silence!!!
ADD-ON
I meant to throw this quick hitter out there about the next round of Lighting Hockey Night, since, you know, they are gracious enough to have me on the show from time-to-time, although this week is not one of them:
Lightning Hockey Night, the Tampa Bay Lightning weekly radio show, will be on the air Wednesday night on AM 620 WDAE from 7-8 p.m. The show will feature hosts Rick Peckham, the Lightning’s television play-by-play announcer, and former Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk. Dave captained the Lightning to their first Stanley Cup victory in 2003-04.
Joining the program at 7:15 p.m. will be Lightning No. 1 draft pick Steven Stamkos. Steven recently signed a three-year contract with Tampa Bay and will talk with Rick and Dave about how it feels to have his first NHL contract. He will also talk about the Lightning prospect camp he attended last week in Victoria, British Columbia, as well as how he’s gearing up for the main Lightning training camp in September.
Also calling in to the program will be ESPN.com writer Scott Burnside at 7:30 p.m. Scott writes about all things NHL for ESPN.com and will be on the show to discuss the league’s active summer happenings, with trades, free agency and front office personnel changes. Be sure to tune in, because Scott also has a surprise for Lightning fans. (I think this might have something to do with a trip that Scott might be taking this fall, but I’m not sure)
Posted by John Chandler, St. Petersburg, FL on 08/09 at 05:29 PM
I’d definitely like to see a rundown of the Top 10 enforcers/fighters in Lightning history. With Sandy McCarthy, Rudy Poeschek, and Enrico Ciccone all donning the white, black, and blue at some point, it’ll be an interesting and fun read. Do it Erik!
Posted by Neil, Tampa on 08/08 at 05:12 PM
It’d be awesome to see a top 10 Lightning fighters article. The Bolts have had some very good an entertaining tough guys through the years!
Posted by Andrew Bussard, Tampa on 08/08 at 04:42 PM
A top 10 enforcer list would be great.
Posted by Randall Buschmann, Panama City Beach, Florida on 08/07 at 03:09 PM
Top 10 Best enforcers in Lightning history and why
Top 10 “Key” players for the Lightning to make the playoffs this season and why
Posted by Patrick, St. Pete on 08/07 at 01:53 PM
Top 10 fighters would be awesome.
Posted by Martin Soldi, Buenos Aires, Argentina on 08/07 at 09:28 AM
Hi EE! How are you man? I enjoy reading the news everytime and when you update the blog.
I also agree with Nancy, I would like to read what do you think and I would like to know the list of your 10 best fighters in our history.
Well man, hope you are fine and talk face to face again in the future.
Take care and good luck!
Posted by Bolts Rule !!, tampa on 08/06 at 10:20 PM
maybe keep us up to date on what things going on the league might effect lightning. like how Nashville just lost another forward to the european leagues (jan Hlavac) They are really talking to tampa now, and the rumor that McCabe may be moving to tampa, (though his salary is high, maybe if we give them a forward and KUBA, they will take it and then we can afford his contract. Who knows we are still all agreeing that we need another blue liner. I for one hope someone in the 3 mil range, and trade jokinen and ward, i happen to like oullet, I think he will fit in better with the lines we have so far.
maybe keep us up with the gossip so we dont have to keep searching the buzz for what our bolts may be up to.
Posted by Joe, Winter Springs, FL on 08/06 at 09:07 PM
Eric, the big relief is when they can drive themselves to things. Was great when my kids could take themselves to soccer practices!
How about Bolts Alumni in the area, and what they are doing.
Who of the list of players they have will be in Prague on opening night.
Posted by shale, tampa on 08/06 at 04:40 PM
EE, since the Lightning have been the talk of the NHL since the beginning of the Free Agency period, I think we know pretty much about all the new faces that are going to be on the roster at this time. With the minor leaguers or lack there of, its kinda hard to say anything about any prospects cuz we got alot of them over the past couple months.
So, with that being said, how about a reminiscence of EE top 10 games remember or maybe even better 10 places to go for a road trip since the schedule is going to be more condusive of playing more different teams on the road.
Just my thoughts.
Posted by shale, tampa on 08/06 at 04:36 PM
EE, since the Lightning have been the talk of the NHL since the beginning of the Free Agency period, I think we know pretty much about all the new faces that are going to be on the roster at this time. With the minor leaguers or lack there of, its kinda hard to say anything about any prospects cuz we got alot of them over the past couple months.
So, with that being said, how about a reminiscence of EE top 10 games remember or maybe even better 10 places to go for a road trip since the schedule is going to be more condusive of playing more different teams on the road.
Just my thoughts.
Posted by Tank, Orlando on 08/06 at 01:56 PM
Great job as always Erik. My suggestions would be the following:
10 most important Lightning games this year
10 most anticipated Lightning games this year
10 most important issues that need to be addressed
I also would like a in depth look at the last couple of guys that are trying to make the team or are in between Tampa & Norfolk. I dont know much about Chris Lawrence, Ty Wishart, etc. I would like to know more about these guys and maybe give some of us fans a little more insight into what is anticipated in Norfolk for the guys who dont make it with the big team.
Posted by Bill King, Sarasota on 08/06 at 01:41 PM
EE, I agree with Nancy from Brandon. I’m interested in knowing the impact that we can expect from those “new” members of the team. You are doing a great job here EE, Keep it up.
Posted by Nancy Pacini, Brandon on 08/06 at 10:41 AM
Hey Erik, it’s funny how quick they grow up, isn’t it? Your next big milestone will happen when they are all able to bathe themselves. Trust me, you (or Mrs. E) will very much enjoy that hour of freedom in the evening! 
Here’s my suggestion for a list, which I cut from the other entry -
As far as a list, I’d like to see your ranking of the Lightning’s free-agent signings, noting the type of impact each new guy can be expected to have on the team.
Let’s add to that -
10 most important games in Lightning history
Your 10 favorite (or least favorite) arenas/cities to visit
10 funniest guys in the organization, players, coaches, trainers, etc.
I got a million ideas!
Posted by Anthony A., Tampa, FL on 08/06 at 09:43 AM
How about a countdown of the top10 most memorable moments in Lightning history? You could have an article in the paper for 10 days straight dounting them down one by one.
Posted by victoria, tampa on 08/06 at 09:21 AM
Hey Debbie, I second that request. That’s what I want to know. Training Camp info like when they report, if theer are scrimmages, etc.
And Ruthe, I second that as well.
Erik dearie,did you notice all the talk about Smith and no talk about Ramo. That is just sad/ That boy played his heart out and is only being considered for Norfolk.
Posted by berlin, sarasota on 08/06 at 09:07 AM
Defense sucked last year and looks like defense will suck again this year.Those who think our defense is solid obviously didn’t see all 82 games last year.Stop kidding yourself this D is in trouble.What anyone sees in S.O’brian I’ll never know.No defender has made me more nervous with the puck in our own end then Shane.
Posted by Debbie, Clearwater on 08/06 at 08:00 AM
Erik you do a great job, just keeping us informed of all the Lightning news, I would like some training camp info.. when, where, open to the public, possible extra invitees, etc
Posted by sharon sellers, Valrico on 08/06 at 02:23 AM
Enjoy the blog and comments. Just keep us informed of all things Lightning and hockey in general. Is it October yet? As a Season Ticket holder, I am having a difficult time feeling connected to the team since they made all of the changes, particularly the choice of Melrose as coach. I love my Bolts but I need a serious dose of the real thing to get me jumpstarted again. Thank goodness we have Vinny locked up for life and my favorite, Marty St. Louis. I was a big fan of the Fab Four but feel like I’ll really need my program this coming season. I have some serious reservations about our defence but hope that the new coach will have some answers on that front. GO BOLTS!
Posted by Mark Baryol, Reno on 08/05 at 11:54 PM
How about an analysis of the team by projected line. It’s pretty clear what the top forward lines are likely to be and even the 3rd and 4th line aren’t hard to imagine.
Don’t just stop there! I have my own feelings on the lack of veteran leadership on defense, but the players there are pretty good. It’d be interesting to see how the lines on offense and defense matchup with the rest of the division’s lines.
Mark
Posted by Ruthe Robertson, St Petersburg on 08/05 at 11:50 PM
I would like to see updates/interviews with the goalies. How does Ramo feel if he is sent to Norfolk? Does he feel he can beat out Smith in training camp for the number one position? What role does Kolzig play and does he feel he can be number one. Where does Helenius see himself playing this year, does he feel he has earned a spot at Norfolk? Will he be at training camp? How do they feel about the acquistions made, our defense, etc.
P.S. Where is Marty St. Louis, haven’t seen any comment from him all season. This just isn’t Vinny’s team, it’s Marty’s also.
Posted by Geografer, Spokane, WA on 08/05 at 11:00 PM
I for one think all the new people is already old. Is there anyone out there that can’t name all the new signings that actually have a chance of making the team? Every signing was analyzed endlessly by us and the reports for multiple publications both local and national/international (if Canada can really be considered international anymore).
I wouldn’t mind seeing breakdowns of the other teams in the division and conference. Who are truly the hardest teams we will face this season? Although the idea of the top 10 teams is intriguing as well.
Posted by Graham Hockeyfan, St. Augustine on 08/05 at 11:00 PM
Between now and the beginning of camp I would love to see a breakdown of what you think the team will look like on opening night: Do you see Ramo being in the building; Will anyone from Norfolk last year start with the big team; Where does Ranger rank in the new D lineup; What will the two powerplay units look like; etc.
This, of course, in addition to what you suggested, the deals at the draft and the flurry at the end of june and the first half of July. What’s the total balance sheet? What did the Bolts give up and what did they gain?
I would also like to hear your analysis of whether the strength added this season compromises future developments.
And, by the way, you do a good job!
Graham
Posted by Don in St. Pete, on 08/05 at 10:32 PM
EE, I’m game. I like the idea of ticking off the new faces for this year but maybe it could be expanded into what they’re expected to bring to the club and what fans might reasonably expect from them performance wise.
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Posted by Patrick, St. Pete on 08/09 at 05:37 PM
The Bolts have had a lot of fighters over the span of their history. Not just the recent tough guys, such as Roy and Dingman.
Players such as:
Louie DeBrusk
Kyle Freadrich
Mick Vukota
Mike Hartman
Andrei Nazarov
Gordie Dwyer
Chris LiPuma
Brantt Myhres
Jim Cummins
Jason Wiemer