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NHL countdown: No. 25 Tampa Bay Lightning
By Luke DeCock
September 6, 2009
A year ago, the Lightning were spewing enough hot air to melt the ice at the St. Pete Times Forum. With new owners in movie producer Oren Koules and ex-NHL player Len Barrie, a new coach in ESPN analyst Barry Melrose and money flowing like cheap beer, the season opened to tremendous expectations and fanfare.
The good times lasted about a week. Melrose was fired in November, after only 16 games. Koules and Barrie got into a dispute over control of the team that required the intervention of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. And the big moves flopped as the team improved by just one spot: from last in the NHL to 29th.
This summer, general manager Brian Lawton—Bettman's choice as the man who would make all hockey decisions for the franchise—is singing a different tune. Instead of predictions of glory, he's predicting tough times ahead. Instead of instant success, he's seeking to build a foundation for the future.
His only big talk is about how much work is left to do.
"I think we've got a long ways to go before we can talk about anything like that," Lawton said. "I heard all the mumbo-jumbo last year. We were 30th two years ago and 29th last year. Our goal internally is to try to get ourselves in position to play meaningful games in March and April next spring."
If the Lightning can find stability, there is talent on the roster around which to build. And there's hope some distractions will fade away.
Melrose's much-ballyhooed arrival and departure are in the rear-view mirror, with Rick Tocchet entrenched as coach.
Vincent Lecavalier's no-trade clause kicked in this summer, which should remove the trade talk distraction.
And while goalie Mike Smith missed the final three months with post-concussion syndrome, Lawton insists he will be ready this fall. But just in case, the Lightning signed Antero Niittymaki as a free-agent backup.
So the constants remain constant in Tampa Bay: Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis up front and the yet-unproven Smith in the net. The biggest changes are on defense, where the Lightning made a splash at the draft and in the first hour of free agency, and at center, where they signed the skilled Alex Tanguay.
First, they drafted big Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman, who has drawn comparisons to Chris Pronger and Nicklas Lidstrom. At 6-6 and 220 pounds, he has the size to play right away.
Then to mentor Hedman, the Lightning signed free-agent defenseman Mattias Ohlund away from the Canucks. Ohlund, who is smooth and polished, gives the Lightning a veteran presence on a defensive corps that was overmatched last season.
Throw in free-agent acquisition Matt Walker, who adds toughness, and the Lightning have turned over half of their blue line. The other half will draw upon returning players Andrej Meszaros and Paul Ranger, both of whom were injured for most of last season.
With Kurtis Foster, another new arrival, trying to come back from a broken leg and youngsters such as Matt Smaby and Matt Lashoff fighting for the other spot, the Lightning think they have made big changes to the weakest link in the lineup.
"We were not pleased with our defensive corps last year," Lawton said. "It was very weak. Our No. 1 priority was to get an anchor-type player. That's where Ohlund fit in. Our second priority was to add grit and toughness back there. That's where Walker fit in."
Up front, the only change is Tanguay—and it could be a big one. Lecavalier struggled last season and team officials hope Tanguay can provide the playmaking spark he needs.
If he does, Lecavalier and St. Louis will remain one of the most dangerous one-two punches in the game.
Last year's No. 1 overall pick, Steven Stamkos, improved his game in the second half and turned it on down the stretch. Winger Ryan Malone is an experienced veteran, so the Lightning have five skilled forwards to work with.
Steve Downie, who at this point in his career is better known for his antics than his hockey, also has a chance to play a bigger role.
But the real key to success might be Smith, who at age 27 still has not reached his prime. If his concussion problems are in the past, this could be the year he emerges as one of the top goalies in the game.
Quick facts
2008-09 record: 24-40-18, 66 points
Last playoff: 2007 (lost in conference quarterfinal)
Offseason moves
Additions
Todd Fedoruk, LW (trade, Coyotes); Kurtis Foster, D (Wild); David Hale, D (trade, Coyotes); Drew Miller, F (trade, Ducks); Antero Niittymaki, G (Flyers); Mattias Ohlund, D (Canucks); Alex Tanguay, C (Canadiens); Stephane Veilleux, LW (Wild); Matt Walker, D (Blackhawks).
Subtractions
Evgeny Artyukhin, F (trade, Ducks); David Koci, F (Avalanche); Vaclav Prospal, LW/C (released); Cory Murphy, D (Devils); Richard Petiot, D (Blackhawks); Brandon Segal, RW (Kings); Radim Vrbata, RW (trade, Coyotes); Jason Ward, F
(Flyers); Noah Welch, D (Thrashers).
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Sabres, NHL locals work and play
By John Vogl
September 6, 2009
The fun is easy to spot. It's when Tim Connolly tries a between-the-legs pass to Thomas Vanek in traffic, a move a coach would instantly denounce.
It's when Jason Pominville raises his arms in mock triumph and taunts the losing team, a comeback victory so unimportant it will be forgotten seconds later.
The work is just as plain to see.
It's when Patrick Kaleta is doubled over from doing end-to-end sprints to conclude the shinny.
It's when Ryan Miller skates off the ice and responds to "how ya doin'?" with an eye roll and an answer of "wonderful," which is dripping with as much sarcasm as he is with sweat.
So when NHL players get together for a 90-minute skate in the week before training camp, what is it: fun or work?
"A little bit of both," Vanek said last week outside the Amherst Pepsi Center. "Right now it's still fun. It's not too serious, no coaches out there, but at the same time we still try to get some work done and get in shape."
Numerous Buffalo Sabres and their Western New York brethren have been skating together. It's a chance to catch up on friendships while conditioning their bodies for the start of hockey season.
The group one day last week included Sabres regulars such as Craig Rivet, Clarke MacArthur, Daniel Paille, Chris Butler and Patrick Lalime, along with Vanek, Connolly, Pominville and Miller.
Skating next to them were prospects Nathan Gerbe, Tim Kennedy and Mike Weber. Area residents Patrick Kane, Michael Peca, Martin Biron and Andrew Peters were also on the ice, getting ready for their teams or staying in shape while waiting for a club to call.
"I think it's more fun than work," said Biron, the former Sabres goaltender who was soon to depart for New York Islanders camp. "Guys are coming back into town, guys that I played with or against, guys that I've gotten to know over the last many years, so it's fun. It's just great to see all these guys back and get to talk to them for a little bit."
The pre-training camp workouts take part in any town where players congregate. The Buffalo outings are orchestrated by Jay McKee, the former Sabres defenseman and area resident who plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He books the ice time and e-mails his friends and former teammates, an e-mail Biron gets a kick out of seeing.
"It's so funny because of guys that are still on that e-mail," Biron said. "[Rob Ray] is still on that e-mail list, and I don't think Rayzor has put skates on for years."
Now that McKee has joined the Penguins, the job of controlling the ice time falls to Peters, who like Peca is a former Sabres forward searching for a job. Teams searching for players will not be receiving a tape of the scrimmage.
While a handful of folks got to see some of the world's elite talent, it was hardly eye-opening hockey. Offsides calls were ignored. Passes found the boards instead of sticks. Shots rang off the glass instead of the twine.
"It's such bad hockey," said Rivet, the Sabres' captain. "At this time of the year you want to kind of get a little closer to game situations and get things started. Guys are starting to get antsy now. You can see. It's good."
The game may not have been the best, but it's clear to see why the players are professionals. They don't need a coach to tell them they should do intense skating drills. They don't need anyone yelling at them to put in an extra lap.
They just do it. They know when the 2009-10 season opens with training camp this week — rookies report Tuesday and the veterans Saturday — they had better be in shape. It's these fun/work sessions that get them ready.
"I'm anxious to start," Vanek said. "Any time you come back, you just want to get going instead of waiting around and doing these skates. I'm looking forward to it."
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NHL eyes $195M relocation fee for Coyotes: report
Canwest News Service
September 6, 2009
Jim Balsille’s pocket book could take a much bigger hit than he anticipated should he win his fight to purchase and relocate the Phoenix Coyotes to southern Ontario.
According to the Toronto Star, the National Hockey League, which continues to oppose the Canadian billionaire’s purchase of the franchise, filed documents in an U.S. Bankruptcy Court claiming it’s entitled to as much as $195 million US for any transfer of the franchise.
In a study filed last week by Balsillie’s PSE Sports and Entertainment group, American economist Dr. Andrew Zimbalist felt a reasonable price tag for a transfer fee would be between $11.2 million and $12.9 million. The NHL countered with two appraisals of their own, one from Sports Value Consulting valued at $195 million, and another from Barrett Sports Group, which felt $101 million would be warranted.
“The methodology used by PSE’s expert, Dr. Andrew Zimbalist, in calculating a relocation fee range of $11.2 million to $12.9 million does not pass muster,” the NHL claims in its court documents, adding “the notion that a team in Hamilton would be worth only $11.2 million to $12.9 million more than a team in Phoenix is patently absurd.”
Currently, the court is reviewing three bids one from PSE, another from Ice Edge Holdings, and a late one from the NHL itself. PSE’s $212.5-million bid is contingent on moving the franchise to Hamilton. Ice Edge Holdings, which claims it could offer up as much as $150 million, is planning on keeping the team in Glendale, Ariz., but wants to hold five “home” games in Saskatoon. The NHL has offered $140 million and wants to sell the franchise outside of bankruptcy.
Last Wednesday, Judge Redfield T. Baum was expected to determine whether Balsillie, the co-chief executive officer of BlackBerry maker Research in Motion, would be allowed to take part in an Sept. 10 auction for the Coyotes. The NHL has deemed Balsillie unfit to be an owner, and the NHL board of governors voted 26-0 in favour of rejecting Balsillie in July.
Baum, however, reserved judgment on the issue and planned on using the holiday weekend to sort through court documents.
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Canes aim to build on surprising run
By Ross McKeon
September 6, 2009
This whole Carolina Hurricanes story has an odd feel to it. On the surface, here’s a team that, much like Anaheim in the West, found a way after treading water for most of the regular season to go a lot farther than most would expect.
The Hurricanes won two seven-game playoff series before bowing out to the eventual champion Pittsburgh Penguins – and the prevailing wisdom is that Carolina will just pick up right where it left off.
The Hurricanes certainly didn’t lose any big pieces (Patrick Eaves and Frantisek Kaberle depart), but they added four veterans who all come from winners: Andrew Alberts (Philadelphia), Tom Kostopoulos (Montreal), Stephane Yelle and Aaron Ward (both Boston). So there is basis for the assumption that Carolina can jump into the East elite.
But the Hurricanes play in an interesting division. Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Washington and Carolina all have recently taken a turn at the top. It’s been a long time since Florida has been part of the mix, but even the Panthers have shown signs of life lately. Everyone seems to break out for one season and then drift back to the pack. That’s changed a little bit as Alexander Ovechkin has established himself as a force and his Capitals have won consecutive division titles. The Caps figure to be a power again this season.
The ‘Canes head into training camp confident that they can rule the division again and go from there. The main reason? Paul Maurice rejoined the team for a second stint as head coach, chosen to replace the fired Peter Laviolette in early December.
Carolina took off under Maurice by going 33-19-5, highlighted by a stretch of 13 wins in 16 games late and securing a playoff spot that would turn into a long run.
The prevailing thought: Just imagine what Maurice can do with a complete season, a more experienced roster and several new pieces to support the talent that’s already assembled. The ‘Canes better like what they have because there’s not a lot of wiggle room under the salary cap. But it is a veteran team (average player age: 30) with a fairly proven track record.
Last season: 45-30-7 (97 points), second place in the Southeast Division, sixth in the Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes returned to the playoffs for the first time since winning the 2006 Stanley Cup and for the second time in six seasons. Carolina shocked New Jersey in the opening round, turning a one-goal deficit into a shocking series victory by scoring twice in the final 1:20 of regulation on the road.
The ‘Canes proved their survival was no fluke as they next rose up against the East’s top-seeded Boston Bruins. After letting a 3-1 lead slip away, they scored in overtime of Game 7 on the road to advance once more in surprising fashion. Carolina’s luck ran out in the conference finals, where – after losing Game 1 by a 3-2 margin – the Hurricanes fell by three, four and three goals in the remaining games of a one-sided sweep by eventual Cup champ Pittsburgh.
Imports: C Stephane Yelle (Boston), D Andrew Alberts (Philadelphia), RW Tom Kostopoulos (Montreal), D Aaron Ward (Boston), RW Steven Goertzen(notes) (Phoenix).
Exports: RW Patrick Eaves (Detroit), D Frantisek Kaberle (buyout).
Re-signings: C Tuomo Ruutu(notes), RW Chad LaRose(notes), RW Erik Cole(notes), LW Jussi Jokinen.
Salary cap: The Hurricanes are riding pretty close to the ceiling, having approximately $55 million committed. That leaves only about $2.1 million in reserve.
Three keys: Eric Staal(notes) will turn 25 before the end of the season’s first month – and he’s had five full years in the league already, appearing in 409 out of a possible 410 games (all 82 in each of the past four years). With all due respect to goalie Cam Ward, Staal is the face of the franchise, having grabbed that moniker from Rob Brind’Amour, the classy veteran who has done it all for Carolina. Staal’s 40 goals led the Hurricanes, but his 75 points were actually two short of the team lead (ageless Ray Whitney recorded 77). Staal, who averaged a hearty 23 minutes of ice time per game last season, has to remain the team’s leader on and off the ice. Secondly, the ‘Canes have an underrated blue line, but all the pieces have fit together well in the past. There’s not a lot of change back there, but there is more competition with the emergence of young players and the acquisition of Aaron Ward and Alberts. Tim Gleason doesn’t get a lot of fanfare for being a solid shutdown defender, but the U.S. Olympic brass took notice and invited him to partake in the orientation camp. Joe Corvo has room to display his offensive skills, and his booming shots are key in the power play. Anton Babchuk, Niclas Wallin, Joni Pitkanen and Aaron Ward round out what should be a strong and balanced unit. The way the Hurricanes depend on Ward, there was more than minor interest taken when his back flared up at the recent Canadian orientation camp. Ward had back problems in the playoff-ending sweep against Pittsburgh, so there’s legitimate reason for concern. Ward appeared in 68 games during the regular season and all 18 playoff contests. His numbers were strong during the season – 2.44 goals-against average and .916 save percentage – considering the team’s early struggles and a midseason coaching change. Those numbers slipped a bit in the postseason (to 2.81 and .903).
On the hot seat: As funny as it sounds, there is pressure on Maurice to not disappoint. There are heightened expectations for this team, which had surprising success after he came aboard. Maurice is an excellent coach who deserved a far better fate in Toronto. Just the same, if the ship doesn’t sail, the fingers could point right back at him.
Poised to blossom: Zach Boychuk is a scoring left wing who turns 20 four days into the regular season. He saw two games of action last year after completing a stellar junior campaign with Lethbridge, where he scored 110 goals over four seasons. At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, the Calgary native is quick and skilled. He could be the heir apparent to Whitney.
Time has passed: Brind’Amour has had a great 19-year career, starting in St. Louis, moving to Philadelphia and settling in Carolina. He was one of the first players to really embrace physical conditioning in terms of being a fanatic. He isn’t as productive as in his prime, but Brind’Amour is 39 now. Still one of the best (if not the best) faceoff men in the league, his minutes have slipped to less than 19 per game after leading the league almost annually among forwards. Brind’Amour has, however, been a great mentor for the younger vets on the team, especially Staal.
Prediction: Team balance, which is a strength here, will be key again. Outside of Staal and maybe Ward, the Hurricanes don’t have a lot of stars in the locker room. GM Jim Rutherford is shrewd and can make a quick fix if necessary. We see Carolina taking advantage of the weaker teams in the division and returning to the playoffs, but falling short of a final-four finish.
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