Tampa Bay Lightning's goalie draft history

Source: Tampa Bay Times by Times Staff

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, May 19, 2012

Nothing gained

The Lightning has drafted 20 goalies in its history. Here is the list, overall draft position and year, and games played for Tampa Bay:

Player drafted year games played

Derek Wilkinson 145 1992 22

Tyler Moss 29 1993 0

Zac Bierk 212 1995 26

Evgeny Konstantinov 67 1999 2

Michal Lanicek 148 1999 0

Brian Eklund 226 2000 1

Alexander Polukeyev 233 2000 0

Joseph Pearce 135 2002 0

Fredrik Norrena 213 2002 0

Vasily Koshechkin 233 2002 0

Jonathan Boutin 96 2003 0

Gerald Coleman 224 2003 2

Karri Ramo 191 2004 48

Kevin Beech 165 2005 0

Riku Helenius 15 2006 1

Torrie Jung 183 2007 0

Dustin Tokarski 122 2008 5

Michael Zador 148 2009 0

Jaroslav Janus 162 2009 0

Adam Wilcox 178 2011 0

Norfolk Admirals AHL ECF Game 2 Open thread

Source: Raw Charge by CAustin

It's time for Game 2. On Thursday, the Admirals played a very good game and got the reward for it, a 6-1 win over the St. John's IceCaps. Yes, it was a beat down, but the best part of it was that the team looked like the team that put up 28 wins in a row to end the regular season. Thirteen of the 18 skaters registered a point in that game. They never let up, even at 5-0. Still, one game is a fluke. Four is a series, and if the Admirals want to take this round, they can't allow themselves to take their wins for granted.

Here's video courtesy of

Lack of goalie development one of Tampa Bay Lightning's big franchise failures

Source: Tampa Bay Times by Times Staff

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, May 19, 2012

The Lightning's preliminary pursuit of Finnish goaltender Riku Helenius is one of the more fascinating developments of the offseason.

Not because Helenius is the immediate answer to the team's problems in net — as assistant general manager Julien BriseBois said, Helenius is considered a "prospect" — but because it shines a light on one of the Lightning's greatest franchise failures:

It never has developed a goalie — not even a consistently reliable backup.

Of the 20 goalies Tampa Bay has drafted, Karri Ramo, the 191st pick of 2004, has been the most successful, playing 48 Lightning games from 2006-09 before being traded to the Canadiens.

Even Helenius, drafted 15th overall in 2006, had to go to Europe for his star to rise.

That sorry record, particularly in drafting, has consequences.

Consider 18 goalies have played for the Lightning since Nikolai ...

Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos says sore shoulder feels good after month of rest

Source: Tampa Bay Times by Times Staff

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, May 19, 2012

Steven Stamkos said he missed playing for Canada at the world championship that wraps up today in Helsinki, Finland, but does not regret the decision to rest and rehabilitate his aching left shoulder.

"It feels good," the Lightning center said of the irritated bursa sack with which he played the last month of the season.

"It was just nice to get that month of rest and relax and make sure it was healthy so it didn't hinder me when it came to training."

Stamkos, 22, who this season became the 20th NHL player to score 60 goals, was in Tampa on Saturday to receive the Award of Excellence from the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tamp Bay, given to "outstanding role models who give of their time to charitable causes."

He said he expects to this week begin his ...

Off Topic: Vinik favored bidder for Channelside Bay Plaza

Source: Raw Charge by John Fontana

As a follow-up to our story from a few weeks ago regarding Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik's interest in the Channelside Bay Plaza retail complex next to the Tampa Bay Times Forum, it would appear that Vinik has emerged as the top bidder for the property.

Actually, to use the words of the TBO.com article on the matter, Vinik has emerged as "the only qualified bidder".

The article accentuates the notion by providing a

So, about those goalies: Yzerman's tough decision

Source: Raw Charge by CAustin

I know we're all worried about the goaltending situation for the Lightning. Even the slightest of rumors get magnified out of proportion to their original form. And while Steve Yzerman has said he'll take his time and not make any moves until after the World Championships, which end Sunday, that doesn't mean he's not hard at work making decisions.

And those decisions are going to be very tough ones. Currently, the team has 3 goalies under contract for 2012-13: Mathieu Garon, Dustin Tokarski, and

Relax, It’s The Same Old John Tortorella

Source: Bolts by the Bay by Jim Courteau

Relax, It’s The Same Old John Tortorella - Bolts by the Bay - Bolts by the Bay - A Tampa Bay Lightning Blog

Best of the Web: Week of May 11-18

Source: NHL.com

We’ll recap this week starting with an incredible story from former Lightning forward Shawn Burr, who for years fought hard on the ice, but now is fighting even harder for his life. Burr is currently battling a specific type of cancer called ac...

6-1 Win Gives Norfolk Admirals 1-0 Series Lead

Source: NHL.com

In any playoff series, there’s a feeling-out process for a pair of opposing teams in a Game 1. If Thursday night’s Game 1 was any indication of how the Norfolk Admirals and St. John’s IceCaps match up, then Norfolk looks to be in very good shap...

Day 14 World Championships Round Up

Source: NHL.com

The Lightning players endured a rough day on Thursday at the 2012 IIHF World Championships. Team USA, Team Canada and Team Sweden each saw their tournament experience come to an end with losses in their respective quarterfinal matches, with eac...

The New Jersey Devils Tie Series 1-1

Source: Bolts by the Bay by Dolly Reynolds-Dolce

The New Jersey Devils Tie Series 1-1 - Bolts by the Bay - Bolts by the Bay - A Tampa Bay Lightning Blog

Helenius to come back from Europe?

Source: Bolts by the Bay by Joe Dolce

The Tampa Bay … [visit site to read more]

Helenius to come back from Europe? - Bolts by the Bay - Bolts by the Bay - A Tampa Bay Lightning Blog

Former Lightning pick lands USHL coaching job

Source: Tampa Bay Times by Times Staff

David Carle, who the Lightning selected with its final pick of the 2008 draft days after he was diagnosed with a deadly heart condition, has landed a job as an assistant with a USHL team.

Carle, who graduates from Denver University in June, has been hired as an assistant by the Green Bay Gamblers. He is the brother of former Lightning and current Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Matt Carle.

Read Damian Cristodero's 2009 profile of David Carle here.

Norfolk Admirals AHL ECF Game 1 open thread

Source: Raw Charge by CAustin

Tonight the Admirals take on the Winnipeg Jets' affiliate the St. John's IceCaps in Game 1 of the AHL Eastern Conference Final. Game starts at 7:15pm ET. Radio: 1021thegame.com Online video: AHL Live.

When we last saw our heroes, they had narrowly escaped the clutches of the

Admirals/IceCaps Gameday Notebook

Source: NHL.com

After nearly a week since their last game, the Norfolk Admirals resume their drive towards a Calder Cup by beginning their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals series against the Winnipeg Jets’ top affiliate, the St. John’s IceCaps, on Thursday...

Canada eliminated from medal contention in IIHF World Championships

Source: Raw Charge by CAustin

Canada eliminated from medal contention in IIHF World Championships

Canada lost to Slovakia this morning and will not be playing in the medal games. The Russian team squeaked out a win against Norway as well, meaning that Canada will finish 5th in the tournament. TeamUSA plays Finland beginning at 11:30am ET. If they win, they will go on to the Semifinals. (Winners in the semis play for the medals.)

Question of the week: What would you measure?

Source: Raw Charge by CAustin

New statistics are being developed all over the place these days. You've got Ms. Conduct's Relative Foxiness and Justin Bourne's Beerablility along side things like P+CORP [Points + Corsi Over Replacment Player] and goaltender +/-RL

NHL Fan Survey

Source: Raw Charge by John Fontana

NHL Fan Survey

Fan perceptions vary from market to market, and Geoff Detweiler from Broad Street Hockey / SB Nation Philly has put together a survey (very short) trying to gauge fan perceptions on league bias and discipline.

There's no timeline on when this survey must be completed by, and the results will be made available to the public at a later date.

L.A. Kings Take Game One Against The Phoenix Coyotes

Source: Bolts by the Bay by Dolly Reynolds-Dolce

L.A. Kings Take Game One Against The Phoenix Coyotes - Bolts by the Bay - Bolts by the Bay - A Tampa Bay Lightning Blog

Several hurdles to overcome before G Riku Helenius would return to the Tampa Bay Lightning

Source: Tampa Bay Times by Times Staff

Though the Tampa Bay Lightning has "tested the waters" to see if goaltender Riku Helenius wants to return to the Lightning, assistant general manager Julien BriseBois was clear Wednesday, Helenius is seen as "a prospect." In other words, he is not considered the immediate answer to the big club's goaltending search and would have to take a two-way contract if he wants to again play for the organization that made him the 15th overall pick of the 2006 draft.

Under the best of circumstances that would make Helenius, 24, difficult to sign as he has firmly established himself in Europe, where he could command more money and playing time. But there is another speed bump. Helenius has one year left on his contract with Jyp of the Finnish elite league, BriseBois wrote in a text message, and the NHL does not currently have a transfer agreement with the Finnish ...

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Is Philadelphia Flyers Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov Rooting for the Phoenix Coyotes?: Fan's Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Philadelphia Flyers acquired the rights to former Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov last June and then signed him to a long-term contract. With a performance that often appeared to be pressured during his first season in orange and black, he and his team are philosophically considering this a hockey year to build on.

Draft Analysis: The Year of the North American Defenseman

Source: NHL.com

Defensemen Scott Stevens of New Jersey and Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom were named Conn Smythe Trophy winners during the time the 2012 draft class was beginning to play hockey. Whether the two great players with different styles had any influenc...

Source: Bolts by the Bay by Dolly Reynolds-Dolce

- Bolts by the Bay - Bolts by the Bay - A Tampa Bay Lightning Blog

Admirals/IceCaps Series Preview

Source: NHL.com

The Lightning’s AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, eliminated the Connecticut Whale in the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs last weekend and begin their Eastern Conference Finals series on Thursday night against the Winnipeg Jets’ top aff...

Day 12 World Championships Round Up

Source: NHL.com

The Lightning players collectively enjoyed an all-around successful day at the World Championships on Tuesday, as each helped guide their teams to victory. Teddy Purcell assisted Team Canada in earning a 5-1 victory over Belarus, while Nate Tho...

How the Last 13 Stanley Cup Champions Didn't Repeat, Part 3: Fan's Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

In the past 13 years, all 13 Stanley Cup champions fell short of raising the Cup another consecutive time. The first part of this series looked at how the champions from 1999, 2000 and 2001 failed to repeat. Last week, part two studied how the 2002, 2003 and 2004 champions missed the chance to win again. This week, part three explains how the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 champions were undone the next year.

Lightning have knack for finding upside in undrafted players

Source: NHL.com

The Tampa Bay Lightning are seemingly becoming experts at proving that the NHL Draft is far from an exact science. How exactly? Consider that none of the team’s 14 first or second round picks from 1999-2007, with the exception of perhaps Dan...

In defense of shot-blocking: The price of winning takes courage, guts and sacrifice (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Shot-blocking isn't a plague on the game, and teams like the New York Rangers should be praised for doing whatever it takes in the name of Stanley Cup success.

Veikkaaja reports that at least Tampa Bay are interested in JYP G Riku Helenius. Wants 1-way deal....

Source: Raw Charge by John Fontana

Veikkaaja reports that at least Tampa Bay are interested in JYP G Riku Helenius. Wants 1-way deal. Also interest from at least 3 KHL teams

Matias Strozyk via Twitter. A one-way contract for Helenius seems like a bit much for a player who was deemed to have peaked in North American hockey back in 2009 (when he was allowed to leave for Europe mid-season).

At the same time, he's earned more than also-ran status. The KHL interest is evidence of that.

NHL Decides To Terminate Current CBA

Source: Bolts by the Bay by Jim Courteau

NHL Decides To Terminate Current CBA - Bolts by the Bay - Bolts by the Bay - A Tampa Bay Lightning Blog

Devils vow not to shoot pucks at Rangers’ faces, despite Marty Brodeur’s advice (UPDATE) (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

"The risk these players are willing to take game after game, shift after shift is worthy of adulation." — Larry Brooks, NY Post, May 7 "They're hot at blocking shots. We might be able to hurt a few guys [by] … Continue reading →

No. 2 Reason the Lightning are Primed for Success: Young Defensive Core

Source: NHL.com

It was apparent that when Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman acquired three defensemen prior to the NHL trade deadline in February, he was not only looking to add some size to the Bolts’ blue line, but some youth too. In adding B...

Quick strikes and links

Source: Raw Charge by Matt Amos

As the playoffs wane on, topical stories about the Lightning, well, wane off.

Sure, there's continued conjecture about who the Lightning will bring in in net, what they'll do with all those draft picks, and how on Earth they're going to unload Vincent Lecavalier's contract. But other than that, there's really nothing hockey-related going on with the team.

And sadly, that's the case for most teams this time of year. Pretty soon, all hockey fans will be deliberating about the draft, free agency, and whether or not "it's October yet."

But in the mean time,

Wednesday's with Matty? Not much happening in Lightning land

Source: Raw Charge by Matt Amos

As the playoffs wane on, topical stories about the Lightning, well, wane off.

Sure, there's continued conjecture about who the Lightning will bring in in net, what they'll do with all those draft picks, and how on Earth they're going to unload Vincent Lecavalier's contract. But other than that, there's really nothing hockey-related going on with the team.

And sadly, that's the case for most teams this time of year. Pretty soon, all hockey fans will be deliberating about the draft, free agency, and whether or not "it's October yet."

But in the mean time,

Devils vow not to shoot pucks at Rangers’ faces, despite Marty Brodeur’s advice (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

"The risk these players are willing to take game after game, shift after shift is worthy of adulation." — Larry Brooks, NY Post, May 7 "They're hot at blocking shots. We might be able to hurt a few guys [by] … Continue reading →

No. 3 Reason the Lightning are Primed for Success: Young Defensive Core

Source: NHL.com

It was apparent that when Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman acquired three defensemen prior to the NHL trade deadline in February, he was not only looking to add some size to the Bolts’ blue line, but some youth too. In adding B...

Day 8 World Championships Round Up

Source: NHL.com

The Lightning players collectively enjoyed an all-around successful day at the World Championships on Tuesday, as each helped guide their teams to victory. Teddy Purcell assisted Team Canada in earning a 5-1 victory over Belarus, while Nate Tho...

Kings of the road tie playoff record

Source: Tampa Bay Times by Times Staff

Times wires
Tuesday, May 15, 2012

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Jeff Carter scored three goals, Jonathan Quick stopped 24 shots and the Kings matched an NHL record Tuesday night with their seventh straight road playoff victory, beating the Coyotes 4-0 to take control of the Western Conference final.

Los Angeles dominated the opener and was even better in Game 2, withstanding Phoenix's initial push and string of penalties for a 2-0 series lead.

Dwight King scored his third goal in two games and Quick tied a team record with his third career playoff shutout to give the Kings a dominating lead heading into Thursday's Game 3 in Los Angeles.

The Kings have won nine straight road playoff games in two seasons, matching the NHL record set by the New York Islanders from 1982-83.

The Islanders won the Stanley Cup both of those years.

Quick matched Felix Potvin's team record ...

Lightning takes close look at Swiss forward Damien Brunner

Source: Tampa Bay Times by Times Staff

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Part of the Lightning's summer to-do list is to find a top-six forward. That is why general manager Steve Yzerman, at the world championship in Helsinki, Finland, is keeping a close eye on Swiss forward Damien Brunner.

"Highly skilled and fast," Yzerman wrote Tuesday night in a text message, adding Tampa Bay isn't the only team interested in the 5-foot-11, 187-pound right-handed shot.

Brunner, 26, has three goals, seven points and is plus-2 in seven games at the world championship. He had 24 goals, 60 points and was plus-17 in 45 games for Zug.

Tampa Bay’s Lightning Continue To Strike In IIHF World Championships

Source: Bolts by the Bay by Jim Courteau

Tampa Bay’s Lightning Continue To Strike In IIHF World Championships - Bolts by the Bay - Bolts by the Bay - A Tampa Bay Lightning Blog

Rangers seek real command at last

Source: Tampa Bay Times by Times Staff

Times wires
Tuesday, May 15, 2012

NEW YORK — For the third straight series, the Rangers are basking in the glow of a 1-0 lead earned in the confines of "The World's Most Famous Arena."

But the Eastern Conference's top seed has failed in its first two tries to double that edge at Madison Square Garden. Given a third shot tonight against New Jersey in Game 2 of the East final, New York is determined to make the most of home ice.

The Rangers held an optional practice Tuesday at their home rink, the site of Monday's 3-0 win in Game 1.

The teams slogged through two periods, and New York admittedly wasn't at its best coming off its second straight seven-game series. But the Rangers scored three times in the third and rode defense and the goaltending of Henrik Lundqvist.

"I don't know about escaped ...

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Yzerman says he, among others, interested in Swiss star Damien Brunner

Source: Tampa Bay Times by Times Staff

Part of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s summer to-do list is to find a top-six forward. That is why general manager Steve Yzerman, at the world championship in Helsinki, Finland, is keeping a close eye on Swiss forward Damien Brunner.

“Highly skilled and fast,” Yzerman wrote Tuesday night in a text message, adding Tampa Bay isn’t the only team interested in the 5-foot-11, 187-pound right-handed shot.

Brunner, 26, has three goals, seven points and is plus-2 in seven games at the world championship. He had 24 goals, 60 points and was plus-17 in 45 games for Zug.
 

Henrik Lunqvist Gets Shut Out In His First ECF Game

Source: Bolts by the Bay by Dolly Reynolds-Dolce

Henrik Lunqvist Gets Shut Out In His First ECF Game - Bolts by the Bay - Bolts by the Bay - A Tampa Bay Lightning Blog

Tampa Bay Lightning assistant Wayne Fleming still fighting cancer

Source: Tampa Bay Times by Times Staff

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 15, 2012

When Dan Lacroix and Marty Raymond recently visited Wayne Fleming, their ailing colleague, at his Calgary home, the three Lightning assistant coaches spent the day watching and talking hockey.

"Hockey is what gets his eyes open wide," Lacroix recalled this week. "He listened mostly but he was engaged. He talked to us and we laughed and we had a really good day with him. It was nice to see his spirit."

Even so, Fleming "is not seeing a lot of improvement right now" in his 13-month fight with brain cancer, Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said.

Said Lacroix: "My heart goes out to the guy."

It is clear Fleming, 61, who had brain surgery in April 2011, will not return to Tampa Bay. Even so, Yzerman said there is no plan to hire another full-time assistant, though he might hire ...

Blocking Shots: Hockey’s Latest Enemy Or Scapegoat?

Source: Bolts by the Bay by Jim Courteau

Blocking Shots: Hockey’s Latest Enemy Or Scapegoat? - Bolts by the Bay - Bolts by the Bay - A Tampa Bay Lightning Blog

Chili's Radio Show continues with stop in Sarasota on May 16

Source: NHL.com

Tampa Bay Lightning alumnus Brian Bradley will appear as the featured guest at the Chili’s Summer Tour live radio show on Wednesday, May 16 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The show is set to broadcast from the Chili’s located at 5851 Bee Ridge Rd. in Saraso...

The NHL's real problem are its defensemen

Source: Raw Charge by Cassie McClellan

[Warning: much of this post is sarcastic.]

Shot blocking is the new evil in the NHL. It's apparently preventing teams from scoring, and thus limiting the masses' entertainment value. I guess you've always got to have something to rail against, but this one seems more than a little silly.

Due to that, everything's gone back to the bad-old-days of clutching and grabbing - though, no one's really being clutched at or grabbed. Regardless, it's slowing down the game; it's making the game boring. Or, so they say.

Then there's the whole "defense is killing the game" thing again. Despite the old saying of "defense wins championships" - which we've all seen over and over again as being pretty much true. But, no,