Lightning

Gimme five, on ice

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© St. Petersburg Times
published April 24, 2003

TALK OF THE TOWN

Five topics suitable for inane debate on talk radio:

EAST IS LEAST: So you think the Lightning has overreached its grasp? Can't imagine how a team with 36 victories and 93 points can go any further? Then pay attention. Three times in the past five years, a team has reached the Eastern Conference final with similar or weaker numbers. (Buffalo in 1998 and 1999 and Carolina in 2002.)

MONEY TALKS: Consultants hired by the Lightning have determined additional playoff games in front of sellout crowds will lead to bankruptcy. One CPA, who has seen the books, says a trip to the Stanley Cup final could mean "tens of thousands of additional paying customers leading to certain economic devastation." Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer, however, said the team's manipulation of numbers to win tax concessions is despicable. Glazer said he would be outraged if he actually paid any taxes himself.

THE BRODEUR FILE: Not to be an alarmist, but this Martin Brodeur guy apparently is pretty good. He has been the team MVP for seven straight seasons. He has the lowest goals-against average (2.19) in modern history. And he's the only goaltender to ever post four 40-victory seasons. I'm beginning to think the Lightning might not sweep, after all.

HEY, IT WORKED LAST TIME: Lightning coaches are taking no chances. Should they get off to a poor start, they're prepared to have Andre Roy flogged between the second and third periods in Game 2.

OF TORTS AND MANDATES: It was true during the regular season and was merely reinforced during the conference quarterfinals: John Tortorella is the NHL's coach of the year. The team accomplished more than anyone expected in the regular season and overcame a severe case of nerves in the postseason.

A LIST OF FIVE

Five indications the Lightning has grown:

5. No longer uses ouchless stitches.

4. Now calling the ref Mr. $*#%@.

3. Dave Andreychuk is down to two bedtime stories.

2. Zamboni races on off days only.

1. Martin St. Louis tall enough for every ride.

FIVE SPRINGSTEEN SONG TITLES

(In honor of the Garden State's hero.)

5. HUNGRY HEART: Andreychuk has reached the playoffs 17 times, appeared in 134 postseason games, made it to the conference championship three times and is still waiting for his first Stanley Cup final.

4. THE LINE: Vinny Lecavalier, St. Louis and Vinny Prospal combined for 11 goals in six playoff games. They probably won't stay together next season, so enjoy them while you can.

3. MY BEAUTIFUL REWARD: Nikolai Khabibulin gets a $1-million bonus every season the Lightning reaches the playoffs. Turns out, it was a bargain. His performance in Game 6 ensured gate receipts for two more home games.

2. HUMAN TOUCH: Pavel Kubina said the way to slow Jaromir Jagr was to hit him. Kubina did. And Jagr was not a factor in four straight games.

1. POINT BLANK: Brad Richards could use such an opportunity. He has failed to score on his past 35 shots going back to March 29.

FIVE THINGS THAT MUST GO RIGHT

5. A HAPPY HABBY: When he was needed most, Khabibulin came through against Washington. The Lightning, however, will be in trouble if it must wait that long again. Khabibulin, who has had periods of self-doubt, has to be on his game from the very start of this series. Especially opposite Brodeur.

4. THE RIGHT RATIO: Tampa Bay was, far and away, the best in the league when it came to the differential between drawing and surrendering power plays. Then in the first two games against Washington, the Lightning forever seemed to be on the short end of the stick. This is what Tortorella means when he talks about discipline.

3. SECOND HELPINGS: The Lightning's second line was overlooked against Washington because of the success of the Lecavalier-Prospal-St. Louis line. And maybe that was a good thing. The second line failed to produce an even-strength goal in the final four games of the series. Maybe Richards had a streak of bad luck, but it must end.

2. PICK YOUR SHOTS: As good as Brodeur is, he is not the only reason the Devils tied for the NHL lead in fewest goals allowed. New Jersey gave up 23.6 shots per game, the lowest in the league. Scoring chances are rare, so the Lightning must take advantage when it can.

1. PATIENCE, MY DEAR: Tampa Bay fell behind early in three of four games against New Jersey this season. The Lightning came from behind to force overtime in two of those games. The players know it can be done, so they mustn't get frustrated.

FINAL FIVE WORDS

Raises are on Mr. Davidson.