Last night as I layed in my bed, trying to sleep, I began thinking about our team's struggles. I thought about various things...such as, Lecavalier's mind boggling low icetime the other night vs. San Jose. The lack of scoring in our lineup. Our defense that is allowing way too many shots per game. Wondering if people might be proven right that Barry Melrose was a horrible choice for a coach. The incredible play of Mike Smith and how that trade with Dallas is starting to look like quite a steal f...

Just watching OTR on TSN. The panel was discussing Barry Melrose and his criticisms of Tampa's star players over their opening two games. (Link to this clip and here is a link to TSNs article, which gives some of his specific comments) They thought he criticized the players too soon within the media and thought that his comments could lead in the same direction of last season, where it was alleged the players tuned out Tortorella's constant criticisms, and were wanting a new approach. In this ve...

yahoosports.com By Ross McKeon, Yahoo! Sports Buzz Up PrintMore From Ross McKeonSt. Louis has reason to be blue Sep 26, 2008 Sharks still looking to become winners Sep 25, 2008 The theory that the salary-cap system offers teams an opportunity to turn their fortunes around in only one season will be put to the test by the Tampa Bay Lightning this year. One quick glance at the roster, especially at the group of forwards assembled, and maybe the idea of going from worst in the league to at least pl...

What Beltway incompetence? With Commander-in-Chief Alex Ovechkin in charge, the Capitals are ready to put the hockey world on notice: the puck drops here. Standing at the podium, he smiles while waving at the masses gathered on the century-old steps beneath him. "Thank you," he yells to the mob. "Thank you for your support." He looks across Pennsylvania Avenue to those chanting his name and notices that passengers on a sightseeing bus are craning for a glimpse. He's surrounded by Washington dign...

What happens when NHL assistant coaches undermine the head coach? The coach gets fired 16 games into the season. This afternoon Lightning GM Brian Lawton called Barry Melrose into his office where the two engaged in a very, very, short meeting. It didn’t take long for Melrose to get up and walk out. Can somebody please tell me what is going on in Tampa Bay? Seriously! Is this the model the NHL is looking for with their individual franchises? I certainly doubt it. Look I’m not going to sit here a...

(IMG:http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AyoueJbRwtY/SMXQ1m-dfKI/ BOk/jhpwmVQnit4/s320/lightning.jpg) 1 - Why is this team worth watching? Apparently this Steve Stamkos kid has a guaranteed roster spot and he has some sw t moves. Then there are mighty midget Marty St. Louis and Vinny04, who have been reunited with Vinny Prospal to make one of the best lines in the league. Oh yeah, and they added former Crosby errand boy Ryan Malone, aging pitbull Gary Roberts and the classy Olaf Kolzig, who I still can't...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/preview2008/...&id=3618441 We're back with Western Conference picks By John Buccigross ESPN.com (Archive) Updated: September 30, 2008, 9:04 PM ET 15. Los Angeles Kings Can we climb this mountain? I don't know Higher now than ever before I know we can make it if we take it slow Let's take it easy Easy now, watch it go -- "When You Were Young" by The Killers The vibe: Hope. I know it sounds strange, but I like the Kings' position. They have very good young players who...