And by the way, Vinny Lecavalier reminded me that last year we started the season 3-0 and look where that got us. So I am going to go out on a limb a little bit and say that our 0-2 start will be good for us. With five days off now until our next game (Saturday’s home opener against Carolina), we can get a little rest, focus on the things we need to improve upon and start off our home season on a high note.

In writing this last “chapter” of the diary, I’d really like to thank everyone for reading each day, supporting the Lightning and sharing my trip back to my homeland for our games against the Rangers. I really wish we could have managed a win over New York, but I will remember the trip for so much more than the games.

As I mentioned previously, wearing the Lightning jersey while hearing the national anthem of the Czech Republic will always be a career highlight for me as will the dinner we had as a team with Prime Minister Topolanek. Being able to represent the Lightning and speak at a state dinner like that is something I will never forget. Lastly, being able to share the greatness of Prague with my teammates was special to me as well.

It was great though to touch down in Tampa Monday morning after the long flight, knowing I was going to be able to see my wife and kids again. For me, that might be the hardest part of my job, getting separated from my family so much for our road trips. I enjoy the little things that most parents do, like dropping the kids at school and talking at the end of the day to see how things went and then putting them to bed.