Michael Stuart: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Lightning Take Final Two Games vs. Carolina

Jeez, Gourde looking like Stamkos on that shot!

Jeez, Gourde looking like Stamkos on that shot!
- jvar17

I have always liked Gourde, underrated in my opinion and people complain about his contract. He had a bad go last year on the points in the regular season but since the bubble and being made the 3C he has been a huge reason for the teams success to win the cup and he is continuing his strong play into this season.

I hope Cernak is not out long term....

Calling all RD who are trade targets from the selling teams. Does anyone know how much cap space due to all the LTIR the Lightning have to even add a RD?

Lastly yesterday on the Athletic they posted an awards preview using advanced stats. Vasilevskiy by their advanced stats is the 3 most valuable player to his team behind McDavid and Pastranak.

As I have watched him play this year I think its evident that he is the best goal tender in the league and their is a gap to the next best goalie - its the consistency.

I see more and more coaches and players talk about how good he is and not being a huge advanced stats guys it actually seems like that community has also adjusted something to figure out he is that good.

Since January of last year his numbers are outstanding and he just turned 26.

Lastly yesterday on the Athletic they posted an awards preview using advanced stats. Vasilevskiy by their advanced stats is the 3 most valuable player to his team behind McDavid and Pastranak.

As I have watched him play this year I think its evident that he is the best goal tender in the league and their is a gap to the next best goalie - its the consistency.

I see more and more coaches and players talk about how good he is and not being a huge advanced stats guys it actually seems like that community has also adjusted something to figure out he is that good.

Since January of last year his numbers are outstanding and he just turned 26.
- stammerman

Vasy best goaltender by 40% on the next best guy. Hate me if u want, don’t care, but here in Tampa we don’t win last year without him. We win if he’s healthy again this season

I hope Cernak is not out long term....

Calling all RD who are trade targets from the selling teams. Does anyone know how much cap space due to all the LTIR the Lightning have to even add a RD?
- stammerman

None. Use LTIR like we did in Tampa leads to no cap space, 0$. Has to be $ for $.

Vasy best goaltender by 40% on the next best guy. Hate me if u want, don’t care, but here in Tampa we don’t win last year without him. We win if he’s healthy again this season
- Justbecause

No hate. It's true. Vasi is the team MVP, period.

Without Vasi, this team is a wildcard team at best, especially with Kucherov vacationing on Robidas Island.

Vasi > Hedman > Point > Kucherov > Stamkos > Everybody Else

None. Use LTIR like we did in Tampa leads to no cap space, 0$. Has to be $ for $.
- Justbecause

Lightning are cap-phucked. We won't be adding anybody without salary going the other way, dollar per dollar - as you said.

Nobody is going to help the Bolts. So, they are stuck with having Rutta, Schenn, and a rookie (Foote) behind Cernak on the right side. It's not an ideal world when Cernak is the your best righty (no offense to Cernak). This is when Shattenkirk's departure becomes more noticeable. Shatty fit in well on that right side.

However, Foote hasn't looked terrible. To me, it appears he is getting more comfortable out there with each game. We're gonna need him to step up on that right side.

I have always liked Gourde, underrated in my opinion and people complain about his contract. He had a bad go last year on the points in the regular season but since the bubble and being made the 3C he has been a huge reason for the teams success to win the cup and he is continuing his strong play into this season.
- stammerman

Gourde is one of those guys you want to root for. He gives off a bit of a Darcy Tucker vibe with his poop-talking and goofy grins. Every time he gets into a scrum or fight, and then comes away laughing, it reminds me of Tucker.

No hate. It's true. Vasi is the team MVP, period.

Without Vasi, this team is a wildcard team at best, especially with Kucherov vacationing on Robidas Island.

Vasi > Hedman > Point > Kucherov > Stamkos > Everybody Else
- GalacticStone

Rob ideas island is terminal. You can leave but you don’t come back. But I admire your hockey love

Rob ideas island is terminal. You can leave but you don’t come back. But I admire your hockey love
- Justbecause

True. LOL. We don't want Kucherov buying a waterfront home on Robidas Island and getting comfortable there. Hopefully he's just renting a short-term condo for a few months before riding back into Tampa on a big brown Russian bear just in time for the playoffs.