John Gove: First Quarter Review

John Gove: First Quarter Review
- John Gove

First quarter report card:
Tampa is a solid 'C' through the first quarter of the season.









C you in the finals that is!

Nothing to really complain about other then the usage of that Giraffe Sustr. Don't understand the ice time he gets.

I really think they need to find Johnson a constant RW to play on his wing. I also think the will need to move on from him at the end of the season before his NTC kicks in, I like Johnny but we can fill his role now with a younger player... it blew my mind that Cooper called him and Killorn good utility players.

Only other complaint would be that if they get down a goal or two they start to press and give up a lot of odd man rushes the other way, thankfully Vasy is back there to stop his fair share. They need to keep their structure, its good enough to catch up without pressing.

But overall its great to be Lightning fan right now...

Nothing to really complain about other then the usage of that Giraffe Sustr. Don't understand the ice time he gets.

I really think they need to find Johnson a constant RW to play on his wing. I also think the will need to move on from him at the end of the season before his NTC kicks in, I like Johnny but we can fill his role now with a younger player... it blew my mind that Cooper called him and Killorn good utility players.

Only other complaint would be that if they get down a goal or two they start to press and give up a lot of odd man rushes the other way, thankfully Vasy is back there to stop his fair share. They need to keep their structure, its good enough to catch up without pressing.

But overall its great to be Lightning fan right now...
- stammerman

we've already replaced him with a younger player. :p
his time is up. i gave him the benefit of the doubt to start this season, but were 1/4 done and he is not great.

the thing is, who replaces our 3C within the organization? SYR doesn't have anyone ready, unless its an overage prospect who they really need right now for the younger ones still finding their way

we've already replaced him with a younger player. :p
his time is up. i gave him the benefit of the doubt to start this season, but were 1/4 done and he is not great.

the thing is, who replaces our 3C within the organization? SYR doesn't have anyone ready, unless its an overage prospect who they really need right now for the younger ones still finding their way
- RileyB77

Easy, replace him on the third line with Dumont or when you trade Johnson you get a 3rd line center, who is much cheaper, in return as part of the deal. When Paquette is healthy he is 4th line C.

Easy, replace him on the third line with Dumont or when you trade Johnson you get a 3rd line center, who is much cheaper, in return as part of the deal. When Paquette is healthy he is 4th line C.
- Kucherovski

dumont is not an upgrade

we've already replaced him with a younger player. :p
his time is up. i gave him the benefit of the doubt to start this season, but were 1/4 done and he is not great.

the thing is, who replaces our 3C within the organization? SYR doesn't have anyone ready, unless its an overage prospect who they really need right now for the younger ones still finding their way
- RileyB77

Johnson if traded would be going to a team who would play him as their 1 or 2C due to his past numbers. I would think Yzerman could get an NHL ready 3C plus prospects and or picks for him and also save around 3M against the CAP.

dumont is not an upgrade
- RileyB77

Howden looks to be ready, or at least close to it. Cirelli can play C to, Stephens is a good C. One of them should be ready if a trade happends after the postseason (before the NTC kicks in).

But still, I hate the talk about trading a newly long termed signed player. Dont think it will happen.

dumont is not an upgrade
- RileyB77

Doesn't have to be an upgrade, a replacement doesn't mean upgrade. Dumont could play 3rd line center, maybe a little less talented but could fill in for a lot cheaper.

Dumont is gone off waivers anyways. I really don't think Johnson has played bad this season he just hasn't had anybody to play with consistently. Killorn is a complimentary player and the other side has been a revolving door. If there was a RW there that could finish I believe that line could contribute a lot. Boy it sure would be nice to have JAM plugged in there.

That being said, come the off season, I wouldn't have a problem trading TJ if the deal is right. We may very well need that cap space spent elswhere.