He doesn't have to be. Hedman can carry anyone. Garrison is an upgrade on Salo.
- Michael_Stuart

If Hedman can carry Salo, the Garrison will be a breeze. The only person Hedman can't carry is.... You guessed it, Matt Carle!

Great blog Mike.

I completely agree. With the upgraded defense, Bish shouldn't have to be as continually brilliant so even a dip in his sp% shouldn't really hamper the Bolts.

Good balance up front along with 91.

This is shaping up to be a great year!

I'm thinking you're right though I get a sneaking suspicion this won't be the case at years end. Carle and Stralman represent a pretty undersized pairing in this day and age. I wouldn't be surprised to see Carle down on the 3rd pairing with Brewer by season's end, and Gudas up with Hedman.

So can Matt Carle be considered a bust for Tampa do far?

I didn't realize you guys signed Stralman. I don't like Garrison. Overated.

i actually wouldnt really mind resigning salo. actually just talked to him the other day. such a nice guy. id take him over brewer. but i still like the swedes together...

hedman stralman
garrison carle
salo gudas
brewer

then u can send barberio back down cuz he doesnt get enough time up here.

i actually wouldnt really mind resigning salo. actually just talked to him the other day. such a nice guy. id take him over brewer. but i still like the swedes together...

hedman stralman
garrison carle
salo gudas
brewer

then u can send barberio back down cuz he doesnt get enough time up here.
- boltsfan48

Those are some mighty fine drugs you're on, care to share?

I'm thinking you're right though I get a sneaking suspicion this won't be the case at years end. Carle and Stralman represent a pretty undersized pairing in this day and age. I wouldn't be surprised to see Carle down on the 3rd pairing with Brewer by season's end, and Gudas up with Hedman.
- Don in St. Pete

I can't see why we'd pick gudas as a top 4 over carle , carle had a bad year but gudas was clearly over his head . I guess either way you do it there's a chance it's going to fail

I can't see why we'd pick gudas as a top 4 over carle , carle had a bad year but gudas was clearly over his head . I guess either way you do it there's a chance it's going to fail
- RileyB77

Carle hit is ceiling and it ain't high, but Gudas is a rookie and will still improve.

Carle hit is ceiling and it ain't high, but Gudas is a rookie and will still improve.
- Artyukhin76

What about Sustr? That guy is a monster.

What about Sustr? That guy is a monster.
- rangerdanger94

He still needs some seasoning but he'll be up soon. I expect him to be a very solid 4-6 defensman in the next year or 2...

If Hedman can carry Salo, the Garrison will be a breeze. The only person Hedman can't carry is.... You guessed it, Matt Carle!
- Artyukhin76

I wonder how much Carle and Hedman played together last season? If anyone has those stats I would definitely be interested.

My guess is very little unless injuries forced us within a game situation. Why do I guess this? Well b/c last season that would have left our 2nd pair as Gudas and Salo. Yeah, that's not even a 3rd pairing much less a 2nd.

I wonder how much Carle and Hedman played together last season? If anyone has those stats I would definitely be interested.

My guess is very little unless injuries forced us within a game situation. Why do I guess this? Well b/c last season that would have left our 2nd pair as Gudas and Salo. Yeah, that's not even a 3rd pairing much less a 2nd.
- uf1910

48 minutes at 5v5.

You guys will like Garrison, awesome guy with a big shot!

Rawcharge has some pretty interesting line ups

So can Matt Carle be considered a bust for Tampa do far?

I didn't realize you guys signed Stralman. I don't like Garrison. Overated.
- Barnaby36

I don't think Matt carle is a bust we over paid him for sure but pretty much any nhl team he is a top 4 defenseman. Care is not a one or two but is a fine 3 or 4 guy.

i actually wouldnt really mind resigning salo. actually just talked to him the other day. such a nice guy. id take him over brewer. but i still like the swedes together...

hedman stralman
garrison carle
salo gudas
brewer

then u can send barberio back down cuz he doesnt get enough time up here.
- boltsfan48

The salo era with the lightning is over now maybe he fits with the panthers

I don't think Matt carle is a bust we over paid him for sure but pretty much any nhl team he is a top 4 defenseman. Care is not a one or two but is a fine 3 or 4 guy.
- todd1a

Barely a four guy and only with the right partner .

You guys will like Garrison, awesome guy with a big shot!
- VanHockeyGuy

I hope we get an awesome guy for our blue line

Barely a four guy and only with the right partner .
- Artyukhin76

I actually think Carle will have a bounceback yr

I actually think Carle will have a bounceback yr
- Cloud

Bet your firstborn child on that?

Bet your firstborn child on that?
- Artyukhin76

well dont have one yet so id take that bet. if i loose i just make some random chick pregnant and say "sorry bae, this fetus belongs to arty"

well dont have one yet so id take that bet. if i loose i just make some random chick pregnant and say "sorry bae, this fetus belongs to arty"
- Cloud

I actually think Carle will have a bounceback yr
- Cloud

Eh, I doubt it.

Carle has always been a flash-in-the-pan, in my eyes. Had some good years in San Jose with a beastly team, has a cup of coffee in Tampa then becomes Pronger's D-partner for a while.

Hell, I'd have great stats playing with Pronger and I routinely trip over my own feet doing backwards crossovers. Seriously, Gudas, bro...me too.

Eh, I doubt it.

Carle has always been a flash-in-the-pan, in my eyes. Had some good years in San Jose with a beastly team, has a cup of coffee in Tampa then becomes Pronger's D-partner for a while.

Hell, I'd have great stats playing with Pronger and I routinely trip over my own feet doing backwards crossovers. Seriously, Gudas, bro...me too.
- OzBolts

His season Will be based on whoever he's paired with. And in my book that's not a good thing!

well dont have one yet so id take that bet. if i loose i just make some random chick pregnant and say "sorry bae, this fetus belongs to arty"
- Cloud

With a name like "Cloud", I thought you were a chick!