Michael Stuart: Lightning Defeat Hurricanes with a Solid Performance

Mentioned how Aulie had a really good opening game, well this was another one right here. It's funny how the guy can't play as well in the AHL, but seems to play well in the NHL, both here and with the Leafs. I guess some people just flourish playing at a quicker pace, hopefully he can keep it up.

Also, I think buying a Conacher jersey before the season really is paying off

Mentioned how Aulie had a really good opening game, well this was another one right here. It's funny how the guy can't play as well in the AHL, but seems to play well in the NHL, both here and with the Leafs. I guess some people just flourish playing at a quicker pace, hopefully he can keep it up.

Also, I think buying a Conacher jersey before the season really is paying off
- norbs

Aulie did have a really sound game; the goal just added more to it! Did you get the Conacher jersey with 36 or 89? I know someone who got 36 before he switched.

Conacher seems to be a revelation. Interesting considering his success in the AHL that he's sneaking under everyone's radar but if it wasn't for Tarasenko you'd have to think Conacher would be at the top of the very early Calder running.

Conacher seems to be a revelation. Interesting considering his success in the AHL that he's sneaking under everyone's radar but if it wasn't for Tarasenko you'd have to think Conacher would be at the top of the very early Calder running.
- AlexF

Certainly. Tarasenko has been so good that it would be foolish to put anyone in the same conversation as him. That being said - I took a pretty good beating for suggesting that Conacher was the real deal and that he had a shot at the Calder. I guess the proof is in the pudding; I'm not nuts.

Certainly. Tarasenko has been so good that it would be foolish to put anyone in the same conversation as him. That being said - I took a pretty good beating for suggesting that Conacher was the real deal and that he had a shot at the Calder. I guess the proof is in the pudding; I'm not nuts.
- Michael_Stuart

No you obviously knew your stuff, but you'd always be seen as a homer. Comes with the trade I guess.

I've only seen highlights but is Vinny getting back into form (ie better than the last 2 seasons)? If so, then with Purcell that can be a nice line going. Better than any semblance of a 2nd line we've got in VAN at the moment!

No you obviously knew your stuff, but you'd always be seen as a homer. Comes with the trade I guess.

I've only seen highlights but is Vinny getting back into form (ie better than the last 2 seasons)? If so, then with Purcell that can be a nice line going. Better than any semblance of a 2nd line we've got in VAN at the moment!
- AlexF

Four points in three games from Vinny and he's looked very good. Leading by example with smart plays. He's using his size, getting into the corners and being effective. You're right that he looks better than he has in a long time. Love it.

Hahah Kesler will come back soon. Kassian...now there's a guy I would love in Tampa! You've got a real player there.

Four points in three games from Vinny and he's looked very good. Leading by example with smart plays. He's using his size, getting into the corners and being effective. You're right that he looks better than he has in a long time. Love it.

Hahah Kesler will come back soon. Kassian...now there's a guy I would love in Tampa! You've got a real player there.
- Michael_Stuart

Kassian's a work in progress but the potential is there. It's always a treat to have young guys be immediate impacts (Conacher). That said, maybe Kassian will breakout this year.

Does Conacher get any PP time?

Kassian's a work in progress but the potential is there. It's always a treat to have young guys be immediate impacts (Conacher). That said, maybe Kassian will breakout this year.

Does Conacher get any PP time?
- AlexF

A little bit on the second unit.

Watched a bit of the game today, Conacher looks really solid and Salo looks like his usual self as well.

Watched a bit of the game today, Conacher looks really solid and Salo looks like his usual self as well.
- Nucker101

Rick and 'the Chief' spoke about him on the broadcast and were lauding his defensive play as being so good and underrated. I love that he's getting the credit down here that he got in Vancouver; he's a difference maker.

I only got to see the 3rd, is it me or do the Canes look off or was it our D that was smothering them? Garon looked great from what i saw and no signs of groin problems with some of those saves. Great bounce back win!! It's going to be a doozy against the Sens on Friday

Good first, good third, but our second was horrible. Much better overall, however the shot totals are cause for concern. Garon played a good game, but he's still a career back-up. Some more tweaking will help, but. Move in the right direct was made last night.

Much better effort, good road win. One thing they need to start doing is challenge the forwards more they seem to be backing off and letting the D and goalie work harder, too many shots. If they tighten up this area they will take alot of pressure off the back end.

Aulie did have a really sound game; the goal just added more to it! Did you get the Conacher jersey with 36 or 89? I know someone who got 36 before he switched.
- Michael_Stuart

I figured the 36 wouldn't stick so I waited till last friday before opening night to get it. I remember reading on twitter that he was going to change it so I just got it last friday with the 89.

Either way, It's a pretty nice jersey to have hanging in my dorm room

Mentioned how Aulie had a really good opening game, well this was another one right here. It's funny how the guy can't play as well in the AHL, but seems to play well in the NHL, both here and with the Leafs. I guess some people just flourish playing at a quicker pace, hopefully he can keep it up.

Also, I think buying a Conacher jersey before the season really is paying off
- norbs

I have always liked how Aulie plays. As a snowbird from Toronto, I was disappointed when he was traded but happy he landed in Tampa. I thought he was a hidden gem in the Calgary trade.

Very impressed with Conacher and his play. Interesting number of grade A rookies in the league this season.

Great start to the season and with except for the Islander second period, the Lightning look like they beat most teams. Nice improvement from last season!

A very nice divisional road win. Aulie so far has been a beast when he is on the ice. Boucher always preaches about being "first on the puck", well Conacher must be his protege b/c it really seems that the puck finds his stick. Pouliot has also been solid and I haven't noticed the lazy tag that he arrived with...maybe the change in scenery has helped him. On the downside, our PK isn't clogging the shooting lanes and is spending too much time chasing the puck (leading to chances and goals against) and the PP needs to utilize Salo's blast from the point better as right now their spacing seems to be off, although with the short camp the special teams being behind is not all that surprising.

Friday can't come soon enough...Go Bolts!!!

Good first, good third, but our second was horrible. Much better overall, however the shot totals are cause for concern. Garon played a good game, but he's still a career back-up. Some more tweaking will help, but. Move in the right direct was made last night.
- Artyukhin76

If our back-up can come in and play like that, we're in good shape.