Safe is Life: A Tampa Bay Lightning Season Review
When it comes to sitting down and saying something of real substance about the Tampa Bay Lighting’s new season, I can’t help but be at a loss for words. For those of you who know me, that is something that does not happen very often. What is to say that hasn’t been said before about the team? The Lightning has been up for speculation since the day Oren and Len came onto the scene saying “Hey, we’ll buy you!” Heck, the speculation has been going on for longer than that with our roller coaster seasons and poor ranks. The roller coaster came to a screeching halt when we came in 30th last season. But let’s forget that ever happened for the sake of our hearts. After that, we had more speculation with Dan Boyle’s un-sportsman like trade, and the end of the reign of Jay Feaster and John Tortorella. For a while, the hits just kept on coming to any fan. The shot heard around hockey bay has kept ringing for quite some time. Now it’s October and the storm has ended and it’s finally time to put the finishing touches on a team that has been rebuilt from practically scratch.
We’ve got new owners, new coaches, and new team. At the last pre-season game I went to, the only familiar face I saw was the one of the man who runs the merchandise table on the plaza level. This upcoming season is eerie but exhilarating all at the same time. As a fan, I don’t know what to expect of October 4th’s game. But, I can tell you that the team that we’ve seen this pre-season has been strong and vivacious. Much to my chagrin, I have to give credit where credit is due. It seems as though Melrose has breathed new life into a team that was hanging on by a thread.
No longer is the team motto of “Safe is death”, originated by John Tortorella and Craig Ramsey, ringing through the walls of the locker room. A new motto has been brought to the forefront, and that is “Safe is life”. With that being said, you can’t help but look at the lines they’ve been putting to ice during the exhibition games. Now with Lecavalier back in his skates from his off-season surgery to the shoulder, the MVP line is obvious choice for the first line. Marty, Vinny and Prospal have amazing chemistry and it’s a no brainer to put them together. Before Prospal got traded to the Flyers last season, he and Vinny were on fire. Although Lecavalier is a little shaky on the ice as of now, I can’t imagine him not making a full recovery. He might just get the puck into the goal a little slower. But as of now, it seems as though he just needs to skate more with the team and get his confidence back. It must be hard when everyone has been playing during games, and he’s been on the sidelines. Berlin showed that he was one step behind in rhythm. I’m sure we can expect a lot from the MVP line, it just might take a few games for them to get it together. Side note: Matt Cooke was fined 2,500 dollars by the NHL for the hit that dislocated Vinny’s shoulder. Malone, Stamkos and Artyukhin are paired together, which I think is perfect. Stamkos is fresh meat, and I have a feeling other teams are going to attack him more than the average player, just because of all of the hype that was surrounding his draft. Malone isn’t going to stand for that, as we saw in Berlin during the third period. In a matter of weeks, Ryan Malone is quickly going to become a favorite in Tampa Bay. Hate to say it, but he might even fill my Andre Roy void. I always root for the player who’s ready to throw a punch. Recchi, Jokinen, and Vrbara consist of line three, while Roberts, Gratton, and Hall are the fourth liners. Truthfully, I feel as though Gratton has overstayed his welcome in Tampa. He most certainly doesn’t produce like he used to, and I think his spot could be taken by someone younger and faster. But that could be said about Roberts too. Although he is on the older side, I think with his aggression and ability to help the puck along, he’ll add a lot to the team.
Extra forwards consist of Ward, Koci, Craig, and Ouellet. In regards to defense, Mihalik is paired with Meszaros, Niskala is with Carle, and O’Brien is being paired with Lundin. Ranger is still not 100% with his injury, so he’s marked as extra if need be. Why do all of my favorite players always end up being injured? This happened to me last season when Ryan Craig was out!
Now let’s talk goaltenders. Smith, Ramo, Kolzig, Smith, Ramo, Kolzig. Prospal said it best in the Tampa Tribune on September 29th; “Our goalies keep playing well.” He might not be a man of many words, but what he says is truth! When it comes to Mike Smith, it seems as though the franchise is convinced that he’ll become the best goalie in the NHL, which is why he’s got a 4.4 million dollar contract. But that always seemed a little too much for a goaltender who had never been a regular starter until the Lightning acquired him from Dallas. Barry Melrose says you have to believe in him, but as a fan – we were also told to believe in Marc Denis and look how that turned out. You can’t blame a fan for being a little hesitant to put all of my eggs in Smith’s basket. Last season, he played 13 sloppy games. He had a 3-10 record, a shutout and 2.79 goals-against average. Not exactly the figures you want from your starting goal tender. But we have to now take into consideration that Smith is now playing with a completely different team. He could end up being the best goaltender in the league just as long as the rest of the team keeps the shots from going to the goal. I think we’ve learned from last season that you can’t just relay on the goaltender, you need a good defense as well. Thankfully we have been seeing that his preseason. Maybe just maybe, Smith will be able to develop into the goaltender that will make us a contender to the cup. If not, we’ve always got Kolzig and Ramo waiting in the wings. Personally, I feel they should start Kolzig more often just because he’s got more experience, but I suppose you can’t build a goaltender if you don’t let him play.
Lightning hockey is back, and it’s going to be with a vengeance this season. I don’t think the cowboys running the team will let them fall. (Notice my use of the term “cowboy”. That’s for you, Torts!) Either way – sit back on the couch, grab yourself a cold beer or your drink of choice, and enjoy the games because I have a feeling it’s going to be like nothing you’ve come to see before.
Author Bio
The name is Jessica and I'm a complete Tampa Bay Lightning fanatic. I tried to seek help for my addiction, but I created a blog instead.
» View all articles filled by missconduct.
» Subscribe to missconduct's RSS feed here.
» Visit missconduct's website at: http://www.femmesandfisticuffs.com
More Articles by missconduct
Sign in to comment
Not a member of RumorMeThis? Register here.