Comments for A Look at the Lightning at http://hockey.dobbersports.com , comment 1 to 11 out of 11 comments http://hockey.dobbersports.com Mon, 20 May 2013 15:52:29 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/darryl-dobbs/2865-a-look-at-the-lightning#comment-6447 No doubt Mike Lundin will be back, as will Steve Downie and I imagine Teddy Purcell as well if for no other reason than he still could be an asset given the right situation. He played well in his brief stint there last season. Nobody has said anything about where Paul Ranger went last season, why he didn't play, and I have concerns about that whole situation. If he came back it would instantly upgrade the D, be like a free agent signing. I agree that next year Vinny will return to form or pretty darn close to it, I imagine Vinny will concentrate more on a two way game as he steps into a 1A/1B center role w/ Stamkos down the middle who will be told to score on every shift... ;) It is a great time to be a Lightning fan again, I hope they don't make me regret saying that. - Randall Mon, 14 Jun 2010 06:50:39 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/darryl-dobbs/2865-a-look-at-the-lightning#comment-6431 I can't wait to see Mike Smith next season, to see if he's put his injuries behind him because it's my opinion that he was rushed in and paid the price for it. They should have let him rest until much later, let him get up to gear, and put him back in mid-late december. That would have given them a month before the olympics to determine if he's still needing some adjustments and if he's healthy. They'd have a little while to do whatever was necessary until play resumed again, and then he'd be up to full speed. So I'm thinking Smith will return to form next year. I'm of the opinion that he overachieved slightly his last successful stint with the Bolts, but he shouldn't be far off. He's got great focus and mental fortitude, and it was clear he was lacking focus up until around the end of the season where he was visibly better. I think with a healthy Smith, Lecavalier, some decent FA pickups/trades, and a well run camp, they could potentially contend for a playoff spot. - Lockedge Sun, 13 Jun 2010 14:13:22 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/darryl-dobbs/2865-a-look-at-the-lightning#comment-6429 You're not going to get a 6th overall pick for Kaberle even if he signs an extension with Tampa as part of the deal. Let alone add in Ashton or Purcell. As a Leafs fan I wish we could but in reality I know a top 10 pick is not going to happen for just Kaberle. - Chad Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:50:42 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/darryl-dobbs/2865-a-look-at-the-lightning#comment-6428 A thought. with Malone and Downie as there muscle i would try to keep Purcell seeing as he is more of a Natural goal scorer, let him play 1st and 2nd line until they figure out who he has better chemistry with and Trade: Carter Ashton & there 1st in this draft for Kaberle. Ashtons got that Generic size and game Burke likes, sound's like a done deal to me! - Chris Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:23:21 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/darryl-dobbs/2865-a-look-at-the-lightning#comment-6427 Going after Turco could be good if he'll come with a decent price tag. He and Smith have a history together in Dallas, maybe Stevie can get a healthy competition going between them and revive there games? - Chris Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:03:20 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/darryl-dobbs/2865-a-look-at-the-lightning#comment-6426 Do you see Mr.Y going after Kaberle? He's a Premier D-Man that would kick that PP up a few notches and he's also signed to a nice Contract. Maybe something like Purcell and a 1st? There's also the Kovalchuk Option. I think he would be a nice addition to Lecalviers line, but would Stevie be willing to be tied down for 10yrs having the most expensive line in the NHL ???? I would do the Kaberle Move personally. - Chris Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:57:41 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/darryl-dobbs/2865-a-look-at-the-lightning#comment-6425 I think the key with TB will be consistent goaltending. They have a solid defense on paper, and lots of interesting pieces up front. - angus Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:27:37 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/darryl-dobbs/2865-a-look-at-the-lightning#comment-6424 How about Kurtis Foster? Chances are he won't be re-signed at this point, but his absence does leave a bit of a hole in the TB lineup, especially on the PP. He had a career year and possesses a scary-hard slap shot and pretty decent offensive instincts. And when needed, he was played as a forward, too. Pretty versatile and useful guy to have, and TB will have to look at either re-signing him soon or finding another PP QB to replace him. I think this is something you should consider adding to the article ;) I do like the shape that TB is in though. I actually predicted a playoff spot for them last season and they almost made it before collapsing towards the end. If Lecavalier can restore his past glory and net 90+ points again, and they get some decent goaltending from Mike Smith and whoever else they sign, this team will be in the playoffs next spring. - Cancukk Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:04:06 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/darryl-dobbs/2865-a-look-at-the-lightning#comment-6423 Yzerman has his hands full for sure- some bloated contracts (Lecavalier,Ohlund,Meszaros) and not much in the system unless Carter Ashton is ready (at 19yrs old)or one of their goalies is ready, but I cant see them going with a rookie as a backup when Smith has been so lacklustre- his GAA has regressed each of the last 2 seasons and he has yet to win more than 15 games in a season. For a player in his prime years- thats not a good sign,he maybe an adequate backup- but IMO thats about it. - Larry Sun, 13 Jun 2010 09:27:46 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/darryl-dobbs/2865-a-look-at-the-lightning#comment-6422 Point taken, article adjusted accordingly ;) - Dobber Sun, 13 Jun 2010 09:27:39 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/darryl-dobbs/2865-a-look-at-the-lightning#comment-6420 Solid piece, Dobber. Only point of contention for me - Mike Lundin will definitely be re-signed. He was probably Tampa's best defenseman for the final 30 games of the season. - angus Sun, 13 Jun 2010 08:34:44 +0100