Author Archive for WB Philp
WB Philp is a published hockey writer who has a built in disdain for Barry Melrose. He covered the Detroit sports teams for many years until he came to his senses and moved to the Sunshine State. He is a true puckhead on a mission from God (Gordie Howe) to make hockey relevant in the south. He lives in Hockey Bay USA and covers the Lightning full time. Did I mention he hates Barry Melrose?
Bolts Add A Hockey Lifer To The Staff
Lightning GM Steve Yzerman recruited a twenty year NHL veteran and former teammate to mentor his young prospects. Former forward Steve Thomas hired in as a player development consultant for the Bolts. He will work primarily with the Lightning junior and college players. Thomas played in 1,235 NHL games over his two decade career.
“His long [...]
Latest Lightning Lowdown
While I was off looking for Jamaican hockey players and ice rinks in the Cayman Islands, the Tampa Bay Lightning continued their quest to build a world class organization. In case you missed it…here is the latest Lightning goings on!
Lightning Hire COO
The Bolts named former Orlando Magic vice president Steve Griggs chief operating officer. [...]
Yzerman Does It Again: Gagne Is A Bolt
Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman continued his quest for a world class organization today. Stevie Y went out and got proven scorer and leader, Simon Gagne from the Philadelphia Flyers. Gagne brings his goal scoring talents to Hockey Bay USA while the Flyers get defenseman Matt Walker and a fourth round pick in return.
The [...]
“Methodical” Building Of Bolts Continues
New Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman continues to remake the Lightning roster. After re-signing Marty St. Louis and signing goalie Dan Ellis and defenseman Pavel Kubina last week, Stevie Y stayed busy this week.
Bolts re-sign defenseman Mike Lundin and forward Teddy Purcell
The Lightning re-signed both defenseman Mike Lundin and right wing Teddy Purcell to [...]
Bolts Bring Back Kubina
The Lightning have signed former Bolt defenseman Pavel Kubina to a two year contract worth $7.7 million. Kubina started his NHL career with the Lightning, patrolling the Bolts blue line for eight years from 1997-2006. The 6′4″, 250 lbs. defenseman was a large contributor to the Lightning’s 2003-04 Stanley Cup winning team. After the following [...]
Bolts Day 1 Free Agent Frenzy: Yzerman Performs Magic
The hockey Gods are shining down on Hockey Bay lately and that trend continued today as the NHL’s “Free Agent Frenzy” began. The chosen Lightning apostle, Steve Yzerman, blessed the Lightning faithful by making the team better while remaining fiscally responsible.
Tampa Bay fans were overjoyed to hear that diminutive forward Martin St. Louis will [...]
Attention NHL Shoppers: Lightning Free Agent Frenzy Is Here!
Now that the draft is over, Bolthead Nation can focus on the “Free Agent Frenzy” that begins on Thursday, July 1.
The Tampa Bay Lightning probably won’t get involved in signing an upper echelon free agent player. The free agent pool is shallow as compared to other years and new GM Steve Yzerman simply cannot afford [...]
Stevie Y Makes His Mark: Drafts Connolly With Sixth Pick
The Tampa Bay Lightning went against convention and drafted forward Brett Connolly with the sixth pick of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. GM Steve Yzerman chose the talented scorer despite highly rated defensemen Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley still being available. Many of the “experts” assumed the Bolts would pick a defenseman if one of [...]
Lightning Go Shopping NHL Style
The 2010 NHL Entry Draft will be held tonight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The new regime in Hockey Bay USA prepares to roll the NHL dice for the first time. Tampa Bay has eight picks in the entry draft: The number six pick in the first round, the number 63 (From [...]
Hockey Hall of Fame: The Case For Andreychuk
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s only Stanley Cup captain, Dave Andreychuk will find out today if he is a Hall of Famer. Others considered top candidates for induction: Joe Nieuwendyk, Doug Gilmour, Adam Oates, Eric Lindros, Alexander Mogilny, Dino Ciccarelli, Pierre Turgeon and Pavel Bure. After missing out in his first year of eligibility last year [...]
Catching Up With The Lightning
Here is your latest Lightning news:
Bolts sign defenseman Barberio
The Bolts have signed defenseman Mark Barberio to a standard three-year entry level contract.
He was drafted in the sixth round, 152nd overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
“W e always like adding good character people and quality players to the organization,” Head Amateur Scout Darryl Plandowski said. [...]
Not Just Another Guy: Boucher Takes The Helm
Today, the Tampa Bay Lightning officially named Bill Nye, “The Science Guy” their new head coach. Startled? Don’t be. Remember, this is the organization that plucked an arrogant hockey commentator from the non-hockey network to lead them. In this case, though, it is former Hamilton Bulldogs coach and hockey scientist, Guy Boucher that was announced [...]
Report: Yzerman Gets His Man. Guy Boucher Will Be Behind The Lightning Bench
A Quebec media source, Rue Frontenac, is reporting that Guy Boucher will be named the Lightnings new coach on Wednesday. TSN’s Bob McKenzie is confirming this on his Twitter page. Earlier today Boucher was offered the Columbus Blue Jackets job but turned it down. Speculation that Yzerman already had him ran rampant. The report calls [...]
Note To Stevie: Trade Marty
Yes, this is my obligatory, “What should Stevie do first” post.
Few would argue that bringing Steve Yzerman in as the Lightning’s GM was a huge coup for new owner Jeffrey Vinik. The praise and goodwill are surrounding the Tampa Bay Lightning like the sunshine itself. While I like Stevie and have a personal history with [...]
Breaking: Steve Yzerman To Be Introduced As The New Lightning GM
The Tampa Bay Lightning will unveil their new General Manager today at a 3:00 PM press conference. Who is it? It is Hall of Fame player Steve Yzerman. He will become the leagues highest paid GM.
I believe that potential Blue Jackets coach and Yzerman’s close friend Kevin Dineen may now be in line for the [...]
Yzerman Still The Front Runner For Bolts GM Job
According to Chris Botta of FanHouse: “Steve Yzerman has not removed his name from consideration for the open general manager post with the Tampa Bay Lightning, FanHouse learned Wednesday, contradicting earlier reports.
Yzerman, the architect of gold medal-winning Team Canada and currently an executive with the Detroit Red Wings, has engaged in numerous conversations about [...]
Lightning CEO And GM Search Nearing An End?
According to TSN’s Darren Dreger: Dave Nonis, Steve Yzerman and Doug Risebrough are on Lightning owner Jeffrey Vinik’s short list of General Manager candidates. It is known that the Red Wings have granted the Lightning permission to speak with Yzerman.
Sources also say Vinik’s CEO search has been narrowed to Seattle Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke.
St. Louis Is A Lady Byng Nominee Again
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Martin St. Louis is a finalist for the NHL’s Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the player who best combines productivity with sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.
Former Lightning star Brad Richards and Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk are the other finalists.
Marty was the runner-up the past three seasons to Datsyuk, who has won [...]
Report: Lightning Seek And Get Permission To Talk To Risebrough About GM Job
According to Sportsnet.ca the Lightning have been granted permission by the New York Rangers to speak with Doug Risebrough about the General Manager opening.
The former Wild executive was quoted as saying, “I am very interested” in the position.
Tampa Bay’s St. Louis Requesting A Trade?
According to Damian Cristodero of tampabay.com, the heart and soul of the Tampa Bay Lightning is considering requesting a trade to a winner. Superstar winger Martin St. Louis was quoted as saying, “”I want to be on a winning team. It’s three years of this and (we’re going) back to square one, so I want [...]
Your 2010 NHL Draft Day Primer: Taylor Or Tyler?
Last night the Edmonton Oilers won the NHL Draft Lottery and will have the first pick in the June, NHL Entry Draft. Who will they pick?
The draft order looks like this: 1. Edmonton Oilers 2. Boston Bruins (via Toronto) 3. Florida Panthers 4. Columbus Blue Jackets 5. New York Islanders 6. Tampa Bay Lightning 7. [...]
Vinik Flexes Muscle: Fires GM Lawton And Coach Tocchet
The Tampa Bay Lightning have fired GM Brian Lawton and Coach Rick Tocchet. In a letter posted on TampaBayLightning.com, owner Jeffrey Vinik stated the the Lightning needs a “fresh start” and that the CEO, GM and Coach hirings will be completed prior to the June NHL draft.
If I had to speculate on it, I would [...]
Lightning Playing Out The String…Again
The Lightning has plummeted from 6th to 14th place in the 15 team Eastern Conference in just two months. They are now eight points behind the eighth place Boston Bruins. With eleven games remaining, Boston needs to go 5-5-1 to force the Bolts to win every one of their ten remaining games. That accompanied with [...]
Veteran Center Jeff Halpern Traded To The Kings
Although there was much talk about the Tampa Bay Lightning being buyers during this years trading period, the deadline came and went with just one deal being done.
Veteran Lightning forward Jeff Halpern was traded to the LA Kings for 24 year old, right winger Teddy Purcell and a third round pick. In 55 games this [...]
The IOC’s Shattered Glass House
The press release read, “The International Olympic Committee will investigate the behavior of the Canadian women’s hockey players who celebrated their gold medal at the Vancouver Games by drinking alcohol on the ice.”
The IOC director, Gilbert Felli stated, “”I don’t think it’s a good promotion of sport values. If they celebrate in the changing room, [...]
Ladies And Gentleman, Children Of All Ages, Welcome To The Lightning Circus!
The Tampa Bay Lightning circus has not left town yet. Strange doings are taking place under the St. Pete Times Forum Big Top.
Today started off with rumors swirling that head coach Rick Tocchet was going to be replaced. As the day went on, we learned that this wasn’t the case…for now.
The Lightning announced that Norfolk [...]
Tocchet To Be Replaced?
According to Lyle Richardson of Spector’s Hockey: “A reliable source claims the Tampa Bay Lightning could announce Jim Johnson replacing Rick Tocchet as head coach, possibly in next 48 hours.” Nothing has been heard from the Tampa media. This would be a very strange move at this time. Stay tuned!
Lightning Players Making An Impact At Olympic Games
The Tampa Bay Lightning has been well represented at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Here’s what the Tampa Bay contingent has done so far, through the early preliminary rounds
Goaltender Antero Niittymaki has sat on the bench and watched team Finland go undefeated in two games.
Bolt’s defenseman Andrej Meszaros has not gotten on the scoreboard [...]
Lightning Looking To Move Andrej Meszaros?
Tampa Bay Lightning GM Brian Lawton said that the team could be in buying mode before the March 3rd trade deadline should they stay in playoff contention. In today’s St. Pete Times Lawton said, “We’re looking to be aggressive. That’s the way we’ve been preparing for the last month and a half as we see [...]
The Fabulous Finn On Fire!
Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Antero Niittymaki made 39 saves on Tuesday against the Vancouver Canucks to lead the Lightning to a 3-1 win. The Turku, Finland native stopped all but one of Vancouver’s shots. The lone goal scored by Vancouver came in the second period by Ryan Kesler. The Lightning defense again provided little support [...]
Team Press Release Confirms Lightning Ownership Change / Vinik’s First Interview (Video)
Today, the Lightning issued the following press release confirming hedge fund owner Jeffrey Vinik as the new Lightning owner. It looks as if previous owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie will not have any part in the new management team. GM Brian Lawton is expected to remain on board in the same capacity.
TAMPA BAY – [...]
Vinik Tenatively Agrees To Purchase Lightning
According to Tampa Bay.com: “A tentative agreement apparently has been reached in the proposed sale of the Lightning to Boston hedge fund manager Jeff Vinik. A bit more work has to be done and final signatures still are needed, but the process occurring at the NHL offices in New York clearly is in its [...]
The Most Trusted Source In The Mainstream Sports Media: Murray The Deep Fried Pickle Man
While I normally don’t rant publicly, I think it’s time to lighten my load.
Please THN (The Hockey News) just STOP! STOP!!
IN MY OPINION, Vincent Lecavalier is not going to be traded anytime soon and not anytime…period.
First, he holds all the cards. He and only he can make the decision to move. He earned his no [...]
Lightning Sale Nearly Complete
It looks as if Boston hedge fund manager, Jeffrey Vinik will be the next owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and it will happen quickly. Vinik is working hand in hand with the NHL to make the deal happen and this will work wonders to push him quickly through the approval process. Another appealing point [...]
Lightning Being Sold To Red Sox Minority Owner?
According to TSN the NHL is currently brokering the sale of the Tampa Bay Lightning as well as the land around the St. Pete Times Forum from OK Hockey to Boston hedge fund manager Jeffrey Vinik for $170 million.
Vinik is 50 years old and is a partner in the Boston Red Sox ownership group. His [...]
Another NHL Black Eye In Tampa
So there’s another NHL team filling the pages of the business journals and not the sports sections. Yes Lightning faithful, it is your team. When Karen Davidson, widow of Lightning owner Bill Davidson announced that she was selling the Pistons and Palace Sports and Entertainment, the Lightning financial situation was put front and center. The [...]
Hockey Bay Happenings
The Lightning is 19-20-10 with 48 points. They are 4th in the Southeast Division with 127 goals scored and 154 goals against.
The Bolts’ power play percentage is 18.91, while the league average is 18.61. Their penalty kill percentage is 79.40, while the league average is 81.34.
Tampa Bay is four points out of the last playoff [...]
Rumor: Vinny To Reunite With Torts In A New York Minute
The Ottawa Sun reported Sunday, of course citing an unnamed league source, that the New York Rangers GM Glen Sather spoke with Tampa Bay GM Brian Lawton about a trade involving Vincent Lecavalier.
Lawton said the story is, “completely false.”
Remember fans…the Ottawa Sun is code for the National Hockey Enquirer.
It would be difficult and nearly impossible [...]
Tick-Tocc…Is The Clock Running Out On The Bolts’ Coach?
Tampa Bay Lightning fans and bloggers alike are a fickle lot. After the circus antics of the new Hollywood cowboy ownership group and the Barry Melrose fiasco, many were screaming for “stability!” The Lightning decided to pass the coaching mantel to Rick Tocchet and they came out of the gate this season inspiring hope with [...]
Vinny Steals The Dough
Hey Lightning fans! Let’s play a rousing game of “Who am I?”
I have scored just six goals in my last 34 games.
I am on pace to score only 16 goals this season, despite leading my team in shots on goal.
I have almost as many penalty minutes as points this season.
I was demoted to left wing [...]
New Kids In The Hall
Hey puckheads! I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Hockey Hall of Fame Induction weekend. This was a special occasion for me because of the Red Wing flavor of the proceedings. Although I am firmly entrenched in tropical Tampa Bay, I am a native Detroiter and a lifelong Wings fan. So after a [...]
He’s Back…Vinny Leads The Way
Okay. I’m back and so are the amazing vanishing Lightning stars. Coach Rick Tocchet had to go all the way to the Arizona desert to find his three lost souls.
Last night versus the Coyotes, captain Vincent Lecavalier escaped from the NHL witness protection program and scored twice and added an assist. Alex Tanguay netted a [...]
Despite National Perception, Tocchet Is Safe
In a thought provoking post, Kevin Schultz of FANHOUSE has singled out Tampa Bay Lightning coach Rick Tocchet as his number one coach to be pink-slipped this season.
“The lame thing about NHL coaches this season is that there’s no one you can point at and yell ‘DEAD MAN WALKING!’ A lot of thought-to-be-crappy teams are [...]
People Don’t Buy From Clowns
Miami real estate mogul Jeff Greene will not pursue buying the Tampa Bay Lightning. Greene, who was looking to partner with Lightning owner Oren Koules said, “After careful due diligence and a thorough analysis of the terms and economics of the deal, we have determined that this investment does not meet our criteria. At Florida [...]
NHL Missing Player Report Filed
Endangered Missing Player Report
If you believe you have any information regarding this case that will be helpful in this investigation please contact: Hockey Independent: Lightning Blogger WB Philp
Vincent Lecavalier
Classification:
Endangered Missing NHL Player
Alias / Nickname:
Vinny, V4
Date of Birth:
April 21, 1980
Date Missing:
2009-10 NHL Season
From City/State:
L’lle Bizard, Quebec, Canada
Missing From (Country):
USA and Canada
Age at Time of Disappearance:
29
Gender:
Male
Position:
Center
Height:
76 inches
Weight:
219 [...]
