Michael Stuart: Opening Night Game Preview: Lightning vs. Capitals

line combos for the preview blogs would be great

line combos for the preview blogs would be great
- Oilers rock 99

Alright I'll try to get those in from now on. Thanks!

I'll be interested to see how the D starts out this season, with Carle Hedman Salo better able calm the back end and start the breakout rather than the way they looked lost running around and panicked last season when pressure was applied I think this will be the key. Less time in the D zone and less leaving the goalie hung out to dry then they should improve immensely.

I'll be interested to see how the D starts out this season, with Carle Hedman Salo better able calm the back end and start the breakout rather than the way they looked lost running around and panicked last season when pressure was applied I think this will be the key. Less time in the D zone and less leaving the goalie hung out to dry then they should improve immensely.
- tpd11

Exactly. This new defense looks much better able to move the puck out of the zone quickly and effectively. Calm is the key word that you use, I think. Salo is the epitome of calmness and that should rub off on Hedman.

Exactly. This new defense looks much better able to move the puck out of the zone quickly and effectively. Calm is the key word that you use, I think. Salo is the epitome of calmness and that should rub off on Hedman.
- Michael_Stuart

One problem will be who is the main shot blocker back there. Brett Clark was the leader in that department

One problem will be who is the main shot blocker back there. Brett Clark was the leader in that department
- tpd11

Eric Brewer was 11th in the league so I don't know that it's that much of an issue. Clark may have been 2nd but his defensive gaffes cost the Lightning more than his blocking help, IMO. Carle was 15th in the league too so I don't think it's that much of an issue.

Time to play some hockey!!!!!!!

Let's go lightning, kick ice boys!!!!!

Can't wait. Was at fan fest and going tonight. It will all come down to the D and goaltending. Hopefully Carle can be the puck moving D we have been missing since Boyle was uh dumped...for Matt Carle.

I've no predictions...with the short season who know what the hell is going to happen!

Can't wait to head over for the game tonight, haven't been this excited about the team in a while!

Hopefully the new Conacher jersey I got yesterday won't let me down

Can't wait to head over for the game tonight, haven't been this excited about the team in a while!

Hopefully the new Conacher jersey I got yesterday won't let me down
- norbs

I have noticed that the scalper ticket prices are up for tonight's game. Everyone is optimistic this year!

I may miss our first game.

I may miss our first game.
- Artyukhin76