Lightning Strikes?

Question

Teal Town.......Just what I was thinking. They are in need of some d-men now. Maybe a goaltender and voila! Tampa has got themself a team.

Answer 1

"Offence wins you games, Defense wins you championships."

Tampa needs better D , anyways.

Answer 2

Hi

If i got you right they will be good offensively, but will be a sieve in their own end.  Sounds familiar to me, might ask Ottawa how that worked out for them.

Thank You

Answer 3

They're going to make the playoffs because they play in the Southeastern division.  Roberts is washed up, and you shouldn't be excited to get his cheap ***.  Picking up Ryan Malone will help you though, and obviously Steve Stamkos is going to be really good.  Still, they're not as loaded as Pittsburgh thought they were this past season, and you saw what the Wings did to them even after they picked up Marian Hossa.  Still, bright things in Tampa's future.

Answer 4

Uh, they haven't signed either of them yet.  They just got the right to negotiate with them.  None of that really matters and it could end up being a waste of a pick.

Answer 5

Tampa looks good. Now if they can hold their end of the bargin and play hard-hitting hockey that Melrose loves. He's a great coach and Stamkos should benefit greatly from his leadership. They'll make the playoffs if the top line stays healthy.

Answer 6

Tampa Bay is going to have a strong team next season without  a doubt, im jealous.

What happens if Malone doesn't sign with Tampa?

Answer 7

All thanks to Koules! I love him already...lol. Hopefully our goalie will be good this year. He didn't get enough chance due to the trade.

Answer 8

Just because TB has exclusive negotiating rights doesn't mean that signing even ONE of those players(Roberts and Malone) is an absolute lock- yet.

Nor do I think that even if they did sign both, that would somehow make them "loaded".  They are still the 3rd best team in their division even with the additions IMO. The worst division in hockey, btw.

***-No depth on the blue line, no real experience in net, and lets not forget nobody won less games in the entire league last year.  But hey, the Flyers were the NHL's doormat the year before and turned it around this past season, so never say never I guess.  They could surprise.

Answer 9

I'll reiterate Zam's comment. We got the rights, but that doesn't guarantee a spot on the team right away.

I just hope to GOD we don't overpay Malone. I've heard he's wanted at least 5 mil- Vinny Prospal doesn't even make that much.

These owners, though. WOW. They are certainly showing they want this team to turn around NOW.

Answer 10

Yes they COULD be loaded offensively, but they need to be good on defense. They could use a decent goaltender. They should look at Conklin.

Answer 11

Gaaaaaaaaaaah. RYAN MALOOOONEE.

& thepensblog is debating whether or not to make more "WWGRD" bracelets. lol cause they don't think people will buy them anymore.

Answer 12

I like the Lightning and what they are doing. Great to have some of the Pens over there now also. The Lightning are one of my favorite teams and they will be great this year. I would like to see what is going to happen to the southeast division this year with the Lightning, Caps, and Carolina. I'm rooting for my teams in this order : Pens,Caps,Montreal,Lightning,Sharks!!!

Answer 13

I know you said you knew this means they won't sign necessarily... but I just hope your additional info there wasn't an accidental jinx! I'd rather them sign with the Lightning than somewhere else, so that Pittsburgh gets a 3rd-rounder instead of a 4th-rounder.

Oh, and Orpik turned down another offer (or was it actually the first official offer?) from the Pens Friday, yesterday. In what world does Brooks Orpik deserve more than 3 million? Sure, he could probably get more somewhere else. Good luck winning a Cup somewhere else. I'm not saying the Pens are a sure bet, but they don't look bad.

Malone, Roberts, Orpik... were on the lower half of my ideal Pens priority list... Malkin & Fleury are the ones I really hope negotiations with go well. Malkin's all-but signed though (just have to wait until July 1st before he can legally sign the line!) and I'm PRAYING a deal is worked out with Fleury BEFORE an arbitration hearing. Those things can be brutal for both the organization and the player. Guys in the past have cried. Loool.

Answer 14

WOW!!! They are going to be a Killer team this season! Can't wait to see them play!!!!

Answer 15

wow. good for them. glad to see them not just fade away into obscurity. melrose will have a nice roster to work with

Answer 16

do not forget MR. Mullet Barry Melrose

Answer 17

Well, hopefully they do better this season.