All Entries Tagged With: "Brian Lawton"
Blueline Special
Blues defenseman Erik Johnson has been at the center of the Blues’ youth movement. Drafted 1st overall in the 2006 NHL Draft, Johnson represented the start of the new revitalization plan put in place by Owner Dave Checketts and President of Hockey Operations John Davidson.
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 [...]
The quest for NHL head coaches about to begin for four teams
TAMPA BAY Now that the Tampa Bay Lightning have hired their new GM in Steve Yzerman earlier this week, they are ready to start their quest in order to find their new head coach for the upcoming season. Yzerman is in no hurry to name his new head coach as he first wants to talk [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Hockey Bay USA Season Preview And Prediction
2008-09 Recap: Dismal The Lightning finished 2008-09 last in the Southeast Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference with a poor 24-40-18 record and 66 points. They had four players that netted 20 or more goals and six players in total that had double-digit goals. Martin St. Louis (30 goals. 50 assists and 80 points) [...]
Forget Regina
This one was a “stinker.” The Lightning traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan and played an emotionless game in front of 7,000 fans at the Brandt Centre. The Ottawa Senators beat the Bolts 3-1, out shooting them 29-12. Carter Ashton played well and scored the only Lightning goal five minutes into the second period off of a [...]
Lightning Summer Of Discontent Is Thankfully Over
To be very clear, I am not a fan of Tampa Bay Lightning owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie. They have done some outright stupid things that have set the franchise back for years. They are embroiled in a business tug of war that will end with one of them face down in the mud, [...]