Michael Stuart: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Scoring Slump Busted, but at What Cost?

Stamkos hurt? SHOCKING! That never happens.

Love Foote being tough, but he didn’t even play in the third period, <8 minutes total is disheartening.

I think Ben Thomas has more of Cooper's trust then Cal Foote and its only been a few games. Foote's foot speed is a major issue. Thomas can skate and I felt he played a very good game, was responsible, played to his strengths and I felt it looked like he belonged.

On Stamkos, my biased Boston Bruin die hard friend claims the Lightning are going to put him on IR with a return date of 6 weeks so that it frees up room to make trades then both he and Kucherov return for the playoffs with the new trade deadline additions. I don't think that is possible due to being so far into LTIR but I laughed that its already in his head.

The team is still playing sloppy, they should have closed that game out in the third and instead they gave Columbus way too many Grade A chances against Vasy and he couldn't stop them all.

I think Ben Thomas has more of Cooper's trust then Cal Foote and its only been a few games. Foote's foot speed is a major issue. Thomas can skate and I felt he played a very good game, was responsible, played to his strengths and I felt it looked like he belonged.

On Stamkos, my biased Boston Bruin die hard friend claims the Lightning are going to put him on IR with a return date of 6 weeks so that it frees up room to make trades then both he and Kucherov return for the playoffs with the new trade deadline additions. I don't think that is possible due to being so far into LTIR but I laughed that its already in his head.

The team is still playing sloppy, they should have closed that game out in the third and instead they gave Columbus way too many Grade A chances against Vasy and he couldn't stop them all.
- stammerman

Teams with owners with cash are willing to spend Leafs 🤬just picked up Nash who is on LTIR until playoffs. Opens up $$$ for them. Gonna be fun until 04/12 @ 3.

Teams with owners with cash are willing to spend Leafs 🤬just picked up Nash who is on LTIR until playoffs. Opens up $$$ for them. Gonna be fun until 04/12 @ 3.

- Justbecause

Yup, unless the player never comes back (i.e. Ohlund), LTIR games only buy you time. The rent comes due before the next season starts and the same old problem arises - Tampa has no leverage to dump salary without paying top dollar to do it.

I think Ben Thomas has more of Cooper's trust then Cal Foote and its only been a few games. Foote's foot speed is a major issue. Thomas can skate and I felt he played a very good game, was responsible, played to his strengths and I felt it looked like he belonged.

On Stamkos, my biased Boston Bruin die hard friend claims the Lightning are going to put him on IR with a return date of 6 weeks so that it frees up room to make trades then both he and Kucherov return for the playoffs with the new trade deadline additions. I don't think that is possible due to being so far into LTIR but I laughed that its already in his head.

The team is still playing sloppy, they should have closed that game out in the third and instead they gave Columbus way too many Grade A chances against Vasy and he couldn't stop them all.
- stammerman

See JustBecause's post and my reply. That's funny about your Bahston friend. It's theoretically possible to ship Stamkos off to Robidas Island to buy more temporary cap space, but it would be the worst asset management ever to take your two best players and sit them to buy some rentals.

Yeah, Bolts need to tighten up. Losing one (or both) of McD and Cernak showed just how shallow our defense is behind Hedman/McD/Serg. Time to get back on track and pray nobody else gets injured.

Yup, unless the player never comes back (i.e. Ohlund), LTIR games only buy you time. The rent comes due before the next season starts and the same old problem arises - Tampa has no leverage to dump salary without paying top dollar to do it.
- GalacticStone

McDonagh will borrow Hossa's jock strap next season.

Yup, unless the player never comes back (i.e. Ohlund), LTIR games only buy you time. The rent comes due before the next season starts and the same old problem arises - Tampa has no leverage to dump salary without paying top dollar to do it.
- GalacticStone

Yes, we all understand the concept. Was just an FYI really.

McDonagh will borrow Hossa's jock strap next season.
- gergeswillems

It wasn’t the rash it was the methotrexate that he was on. Long term it’s deadly.