Let's Go Lightning

Game 4 TODAY, Lets get started!!! :yo: :banana:

LETS GO LIGHT-NING!!!!!

Game 4 TODAY, Lets get started!!! :yo: :banana:

LETS GO LIGHT-NING!!!!!

I know this has nothing to do with game 4 but, does anyone else find that dancing banana disturbing?

Yes. I think it's the buggy eyes, but you must admit it imparts a sense of joy like no other smilie! ;)

Couldn't agree with ya more about that dancin banana. With regards to Game 4 Mr. Sotnos, me gets the feeling that Montreal wins tonight by a 4-2 score or something of that ilk, but that your Bolts win Game 5 at home to move on to the Conference finals where they will play...........the Flyers in what should be an excellent series that should and likely will go the full 7 games.

Question for you Sotnos and any of you other Bolts heads and I know I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here but lets say the scenerio I have painted does come to fruition and the Lighning make it to the Conference finals but lose in 7 games, would you still consider this season an unmitigating success or would you be extremely dissapointed that the Bolts came so far but didn't make it to the Cup finals considering how tough it is to get to that point and who knows if they'd get that far again despite the very nice talent base y'all have in Tampa Bay....eh?.....Just curious.

I know for me, if I were a Bolts fan, this season has been wildly successful but I would be a bit pi$$ed that now that we've gotten this far, we might as well win the Cup....I dunno.....just curious as to what Bolts fans are thinking at this point

-Maxie

BTW: Just need to say this: Brad Richards is withought a doubt THE most underrated superstar in the NHL and its not even close as no one, other than Bolts fans of course or true hockey afficianados know about how good he is. No question St.Louis is fantastic but IMO, how Richards goes, is invariably how the Lightning go......just thought I'd mention that.



I know this has nothing to do with game 4 but, does anyone else find that dancing bannana disturbing?

I would be disappointed. Not in the spoiled sense. I wouldn't be mad at the team for not making it, but I'm emotionally invested in this team going all the way at this point. The bar was raised to the very top for me back in February. The team's got to take advantage of this perfect opportunity. When you've got a team this good, you have to start expecting the very best, much like everyone was expecting the Bucs to win the Super Bowl before they finally did it. The Bolts can do it, and I believe they will. :)

Speaking for myself...being a Bolts fan has led me to years of low expectations, and this "success" stuff is still a little hard to comprehend. It's great, but somewhat difficult, to go from just being happy that the team played hard to having some sense of expectation.

These past two years, I've thought about what would make the season feel like a success. I ask myself this towards the end of the regular season so I don't feel totally crushed by whatever happens in the playoffs. (I asked my fellow posters on another board also). Last year, I was happy that they had won the Division, since it wasn't an easy thing to do and was pretty touch-and-go towards the end. This year, I want them in the EC Finals, anything less would REALLY tick me off.

However, I'm beginning to think about what Sydor reportedly told the team a few weeks ago (paraphrased): "Don't get complacent, don't think 'It's OK we only came this far, there's always next year and we'll do better'. There isn't always next year, don't think you'll make the playoffs every year. You might never get here with this quality of team again."

Then there are the immortal words of St. Louis: "Why not us? Why not now?"

I'm starting to think and hope that they can get further, but anything outside of a total meltdown really wouldn't disappoint me at this point. I just hope things go well and they do their best so we don't have any "what ifs" hanging over us. :D

(sorry, long answer to a relatively short question)

I told myself before the season started that I'd be happy as long as the Bolts went further than they did last season. They've already done that, winning 3 games in the second round (as opposed to 1 game last year). If they make it to the EC Finals, that'll be even better. (I told myself near the end of the regular season that I'd be happy with nothing less than a conference finals appearance.)

And I still feel that way, for the most part. But I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't be a little disappointed without at least making a Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Not extremely disappointed, not to the point where it would linger into next season, but there would definitely be a little bit of a letdown.

On the other hand, if they made it to the Cup Finals and lost, I think I'd be heartbroken.

So, I guess what I'm saying is ... who knows? Get back to me in a few weeks.

HELL YEAH

LETS GO LIGHTNING!!!!!

lets sweeeeep them :bow:

:banana:

I will be pleased with a better end of the season than last year, as long as the Bolts show improvement I am happy. Personally, i do not want to jinx the team or upset the applecart. Ask me also at the end of the season, but as of now i am very proud of this team.

We're all proud aap, as we should be! These guys have (for the most part) improved so much in the past year it's amazing. They look like they have "learned how to win" for lack of a better way to put it. I don't want to jinx them either, but we have every reason to be proud of these guys, and seeing how some of the "kids" that we first saw as awkward looking 18 and 19 year olds are stepping up and getting the job done is very fun and gratifying.

Go Bolts!!!

and...wow, Tampa has fans in Austria, that's very cool! :handclap:

BTW: Just need to say this: Brad Richards is withought a doubt THE most underrated superstar in the NHL and its not even close as no one, other than Bolts fans of course or true hockey afficianados know about how good he is. No question St.Louis is fantastic but IMO, how Richards goes, is invariably how the Lightning go......just thought I'd mention that.


Really nice of you not only to notice, but also acknowledge it. I agree that he is probably the most underrated superstar in the league, and Feaster took some smack from other GMs (namely Muckler) in the off season regarding Richards' new contract.

But Feaster understands not only the importance that Richards brings to the team, but the consistency as well. Him centering one scoring line, and Lecavalier the other really gives the Bolts a powerful (and underrated) offensive tandem. These two lines really make it difficult for teams to compete with the Lightning 5 on 5. Brad is not without blemish, and many of us wished he was a bit more physical and stronger, but at the end of the day, you really can't complain.

Another underrated acquisition (nationally, that is) was the draft-day trade of a low 2nd rounder (which became Shawn Belle) for Cory Stillman. Stillman has messed so perfectly with Richards and Modin, and allowed Tortorella to move St. Louis to Lecavalier's line in late December (I believe).

And while we are on the underrated topic, this season's play of Brad Lukowich and Ruslan Fedotenko is making Feaster's trade of the 1st rounder (which became Joni Pitkanen) a bit more palatable. The Bolts IMO certainly wouldn't be where they are this season had that trade never occured. Both Fedotenko and Lukowich have made huge strides since that trade in their respective play. I would still like a little more consistency from Fedotenko in the finishing department. He still blows about as many chances as he complete, and with Lecavalier and St. Louis as linemates, you are going to have alot of good chances. But all-in-all, I'm really pleased with the team.

Thanks for noticing Brad.

in austria all I get is Detroit vs XX or Toronto vs XX

I'm curious how an Austrian ended up a Tampa Bay fan? Seems most Europeans go for teams like Toronto, Montreal, Detroit etc...

Nice thread about Richards here (http://www.hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=74377).

Sure... I'll keep up the thread...

LET'S GO LIGHTNING!!!!
:handclap: .... :handclap: .... :handclap: :handclap: :handclap:
LET'S GO LIGHTNING!!!!

-----
GO BOLTS!!
Bulin Wall


P.S.: This is an AWESOME article written by Martin Fennelly in today's Tribune... brought a wee (pun intended) tear to my eye....

Best Times Of Their Lives Have Been Spent Together (http://bolts.tbo.com/lightning/MGAORUB9MTD.html)

Is it any wonder why this team's chemistry is so incredible???

Hey, no problemo Exterminator...I just call them like I see them. One would have to be totally clueless to not see how terrific an all-around player Richards has become(even defensivly, he's made alot of forward strides) and how important he is to your hockey club.

My point really was simply to state that when folks who are casual hockey fans, say in St.Louis or in Colorodo or in LA talk about your Bolts, invariably the names Khabibulin,Vinny and St.Louis come up first...WAY WAY before a BRichards is mentioned. Sure some folks know who he is and maybe have seen him and appreciate his play, but for the most part, when people outside of Tampa talk about the Bolts, BRichards name isn't the first one that comes up that's for sure.

And that to me is a sign of a guy who flies way under the radar screens of many hockey fans except of course hockey nuts like you and I and other hockey buffs who frequent these boards. Richards is truly the epitome of an underrated star player and I guess that isn't such a bad thing, its just an observation that I've made over the years watching the Bolts emerge....that's all.

-Max



Really nice of you not only to notice, but also acknowledge it. I agree that he is probably the most underrated superstar in the league, and Feaster took some smack from other GMs (namely Muckler) in the off season regarding Richards' new contract.

But Feaster understands not only the importance that Richards brings to the team, but the consistency as well. Him centering one scoring line, and Lecavalier the other really gives the Bolts a powerful (and underrated) offensive tandem. These two lines really make it difficult for teams to compete with the Lightning 5 on 5. Brad is not without blemish, and many of us wished he was a bit more physical and stronger, but at the end of the day, you really can't complain.

Another underrated acquisition (nationally, that is) was the draft-day trade of a low 2nd rounder (which became Shawn Belle) for Cory Stillman. Stillman has messed so perfectly with Richards and Modin, and allowed Tortorella to move St. Louis to Lecavalier's line in late December (I believe).

And while we are on the underrated topic, this season's play of Brad Lukowich and Ruslan Fedotenko is making Feaster's trade of the 1st rounder (which became Joni Pitkanen) a bit more palatable. The Bolts IMO certainly wouldn't be where they are this season had that trade never occured. Both Fedotenko and Lukowich have made huge strides since that trade in their respective play. I would still like a little more consistency from Fedotenko in the finishing department. He still blows about as many chances as he complete, and with Lecavalier and St. Louis as linemates, you are going to have alot of good chances. But all-in-all, I'm really pleased with the team.

Thanks for noticing Brad.

One more thing and an excellent point Exterminator about the Bolts bringing in Stillman. He has not only made that trade with St.Louis an utter steal for Tampa, it also allowed the Bolts to not cave in to any crazy Vinny Prospal salary demands that likely would have occurred had Feaster not acquired Stillman and he has replaced Prospals production very very nicely and than some.

Ya know, now that I think about it, that deal a few years ago when the Bolts got Boyle from the Panthers was pretty dang sweet as well as he has emerged as an upper tier dman the past few years.

Bottom line: This is no accident what is going on with your Bolts. Solid drafting,solid FA pickups and some furtuitious trades can do that. Also helps to have the hockey gods on your side as well as I do recall reading the Bolts have had the least amount of manpower games missed the past two seasons which certainly helps a ton and probably having as good a team chemistry as I can ever recall in a long long time.

I can only hope my beloved and frustrating Rangers can follow the Lightning blueprint for success cause as the past 7 playoff less years can attest for New York, the value of team chemistry can never be underestimated.

Anyways, good luck to your club Sotnos,Exterminator et al. IMO, it would be great for the sport if the Bolts made it to the Cup finals and played.....oh say a Detroit Red Wing club who though still having its hands full with Calgary, I do believe will emerge out west. We'll be seeing soon enough

-Maxie


Another underrated acquisition (nationally, that is) was the draft-day trade of a low 2nd rounder (which became Shawn Belle) for Cory Stillman. Stillman has messed so perfectly with Richards and Modin, and allowed Tortorella to move St. Louis to Lecavalier's line in late December (I believe).

And while we are on the underrated topic, this season's play of Brad Lukowich and Ruslan Fedotenko is making Feaster's trade of the 1st rounder (which became Joni Pitkanen) a bit more palatable. The Bolts IMO certainly wouldn't be where they are this season had that trade never occured. Both Fedotenko and Lukowich have made huge strides since that trade in their respective play. I would still like a little more consistency from Fedotenko in the finishing department. He still blows about as many chances as he complete, and with Lecavalier and St. Louis as linemates, you are going to have alot of good chances. But all-in-all, I'm really pleased with the team.

Thanks for noticing Brad.[/QUOTE]

Let's go Bolts, get the brooms out for a SWEEP!

correct, and that is what pisses me off..almost everyone here is paying attention in the success-teams
I decided to stick with a not-that-successful-team and since I have been to florida in 1997 (11 years old) I chose tampa bay
:dunno: thats it

GO BOLTS

Did you happen to catch them when they played some preseason games in Austria against Buffalo?

they didnt...

otherwise :banghead: :banghead: :cry:

Yeah, it was back around '98 or so.

What feels good about being a Tampa fan is that the furture belongs to us, now we have to make to the play-off for four or five years in a row and we will have a chance to win the cup each time we do that, hopefully we can keep the team we have to today and this year might already be ours :handclap:

I told myself before the season started that I'd be happy as long as the Bolts went further than they did last season. They've already done that, winning 3 games in the second round (as opposed to 1 game last year). If they make it to the EC Finals, that'll be even better. (I told myself near the end of the regular season that I'd be happy with nothing less than a conference finals appearance.)

And I still feel that way, for the most part. But I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't be a little disappointed without at least making a Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Not extremely disappointed, not to the point where it would linger into next season, but there would definitely be a little bit of a letdown.

On the other hand, if they made it to the Cup Finals and lost, I think I'd be heartbroken.

So, I guess what I'm saying is ... who knows? Get back to me in a few weeks.

My sentiments exactly.

Let's hope it will be a good game tonight! (666th post thank you!)

you are so right Sotnos, our kids are growing up and Jay, bless his little cheeto encrusted thumb has done a masterful job of building up this franchise. Congrats to Torts, who i wondered about from time to time, you have become a very good coach. Way to GO BOLTS!!!