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R.E Burthe (Tampa, Florida) – “At last ... ” Well, it took nearly half the season, but the Tampa Bay Lightning are finally finding some chemistry and, more importantly, some consistancy after a major offseason overhaul. Seemingly the final piece of the puzzle came out of a salary motivated deal sending starting goalie Jocelyn Thibault out of town for unproven, cheaper Robert Esche and a pair of pint-sized prospects. Esche has rejuvenated the Bolts as well as his season since lacing them up in Tampa. His 3-0-1 record, along with 1.46 GAA and .945 save percentage since coming over are eye-popping numbers to say the least. Jani Hurme has also seemed to respond to the change in the netminding philosophy, picking up a win (3-1) in his lone start since the swap. Another turning point in the year was when the Bolts sent one of their top scoring forwards, sniper Martin Saint Louis, out of town getting grittier and tougher in acquiring Breden Morrow. Since the deal, Morrow's contributions have been limited but Brad Isbister who drew into the top six up front has more than picked up the slack for the departed Saint Louis. The undisputed MVP thus far in Tampa has been diminunative Russian speedster Sergei Samsonov. Over the course of the season, many GMs around the league have made inquiries as to Sammy's availability, but Bolts GM Lawrence Bailey has stuck to his guns, saying Samsonov is a key building block in the future of the franchise. Samsonov has responded to his GM's confidence by putting up over point-per-game numbers so far (35-13+23=36) and giving Bailey the ability to shop one of his other offensive LWs (either Luc Robitaille or Kip Miller). There have been some disappointments this season however, players who just haven't fit in for one reason or another. One such player was Jocelyn Thibault who is now between the pipes in Vancouver. Along with Thibault, Bryan Berard has not been able to find his niche and, despite his formidable skill set, hasn't been scoring the way the Bolts hoped he would. Another unresolved issue in the Tampa front office is the logjam on left wing. Both Luc Robitaille and Kip Miller are being shopped as both have top six skill sets but with Samsonov cemented on the top line and Morrow holding down the third line spot, there isn't enough room. Miller doesn't have as high ratings as Lucky Luc, yet his salary is more desirable. Robitaille on the other hand has been have a great year and is in the final year of a $6 million deal. One will likely be gone in the coming weeks, however only time will tell which one. All in all, the Bolts management are heartened by the team's improved play of late and are still hoping a playoff berth may be in the cards. Only time will tell. |
Bolts finally finding consistency