Articles Archives
Tampa Bay Lightning Archives
06-14-2008 - Lightning 2008 draft preview
The Lightning hold the first overall selection, and it is no secret who they covet.
06-12-2008 - Lightning 2003 draft evaluation
Eighty-five percent of games played from this draft class came from Tampa Bay's final selection of the weekend.
05-07-2008 - Lightning 2007-08 rookie review
Four Lightning rookies saw action in 2007-08, including their top prospect.
04-09-2008 - Lightning Top 20 prospects, Spring 2008
The Lightning won the Draft Lottery and will pick first overall in June. Until then, goaltending remains the organization's primary strength among prospects.
03-02-2008 - Mihalik nearly ready
Defenseman Vladimir Mihalik could be ready for his NHL debut soon.
01-12-2008 - Munce back on a high
Ryan Munce has had an excellent year so far, playing in both the AHL and ECHL.
01-09-2008 - Lightning midseason CHL/USHL prospects update
The Lightning currently have eight prospects playing junior hockey in North America.
01-02-2008 - Lightning AHL prospects update
The new affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lighting kicked off its season with less than a bang, and ended 2007 with a whimper.
12-13-2007 - Blair Jones baptized under fire
The 21-year-old was pushed into the spotlight this season as a rookie.
10-09-2007 - Lightning strikes twice in Kelowna
When Torrie Jung of the Kelowna Rockets and Riku Helenius of the visiting Seattle Thunderbirds started in goal for their respective clubs, the Tampa Bay Lightning prospects knew full well the nature of their competition is likely to change in the coming years.
10-05-2007 - Norfolk Admirals 2007-08 season preview
With a change of locale, a star goaltender, a veteran defensive unit, a developing offensive group, and something to prove, this year’s Norfolk Admirals should challenge for a playoff spot.
09-23-2007 - Lightning Top 20 Prospects, Fall 2007
Once again, the Lightning prospect corps is headlined by goaltenders.
07-10-2007 - Lightning 2007 draft review
Tampa picked up three extra picks from the Ottawa Senators late in the draft, to make a total of nine picks.
06-19-2007 - Lightning 2007 draft preview
The Tampa Bay Lightning enter the 2007 NHL Entry Draft with several holes to fill, and without a first round pick.
06-11-2007 - Lightning 2002 draft evaluation
Of Tampa Bay's 13 selections, three have established themselves as NHL regulars. None of these players were selected in the first five rounds of the draft.
05-28-2007 - Lightning 2006-07 rookie review
Five rookies saw action for Tampa Bay this past season.
03-20-2007 - Lightning Top 20 prospects
Once again, the strength of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization lies in their defensive zone, with two goaltenders topping the Top 20 prospects list.
02-01-2007 - Lightning NCAA prospects update
Of the five Tampa Bay Lightning prospects currently playing in the NCAA, four are seniors.
01-23-2007 - Lightning ECHL prospects update
At roughly the midway point of the ECHL regular season, the Johnstown Chiefs, the AA minor league affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning, currently sit last in the North Division with a record of 15-18-2-2.
12-14-2006 - Lightning AHL prospects update
Springfield, with a young team, stumbled out of the blocks, but is now doing better.
11-29-2006 - Lightning junior prospects update
ive Lightning prospects currently play in the CHL, with three playing in the Ontario league, while two are playing in the Western league.
10-23-2006 - Mihalik impresses Bolts brass
Vladimir Mihalik is back in the WHL after a good rookie tournament and training camp with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
09-25-2006 - Springfield Falcons season preview
Wholesale changes were made within the Falcons and Lightning organizations in the hopes of halting the ever-growing losing stigma that has haunted the Falcons organization since 1999, the team’s last .500 season.
09-12-2006 - Lightning training camp preview
The veteran approach of the Tampa Bay Lightning leaves little room for prospects, at least initially, to start the season.
08-24-2006 - Q&A with Justin Keller
Keller led the WHL with 51 goals last season, and is headed to pro hockey in 2006-07.
08-20-2006 - Lightning top 20 prospects
Things are looking up in Tampa Bay’s future, but having only four picks in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft slowed the restocking effort compared to other teams.
07-08-2006 - Lightning 2006 draft review
The Tampa Bay Lightning chose goaltender Riku Helenius at the No. 15 slot in the 2006 draft.
06-18-2006 - Lightning 2006 draft preview
The Tampa Bay Lightning hold the No. 15 pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
06-10-2006 - Lightning 2001 draft evaluation
Though Tampa Bay had 14 draft picks in 2001, only one played last season in the NHL.
05-30-2006 - Lightning AHL prospects season review
While there was some improvement for Springfield in total points (8), and goals scored (59), the Falcons still missed the playoffs by a wide margin.
05-10-2006 - Lightning 2005-06 rookie review
Ten rookies suited up for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2005-06.
04-06-2006 - Frozen Four: Q&A with Matt Smaby
The rugged defenseman serves as North Dakota’s team captain and has been a stabilizing presence on the Fighting Sioux’s predominantly young defensive corps.
03-29-2006 - Lightning CHL prospects season review
Ten Lightning prospects competed in the CHL in the 2005-06 season.
03-19-2006 - Lightning Russian prospects update
Update on five Russian prospects property of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
03-13-2006 - O’Brien a bright spot in Springfield
Defenseman Doug O’Brien is the top defenseman on the Springfield Falcons.
02-13-2006 - Lightning NCAA prospects update
The Tampa Bay Lightning have not had a great deal of success with prospects drafted out of or bound for the collegiate ranks, but three physical defensemen and one of Hockey East’s top two-way defensemen are on the way toward changing that.
01-15-2006 - Lightning AHL prospects update
Springfield has not performed well this season, but some of the Tampa prospects are having decent individual seasons.
12-28-2005 - 2006 WJC: Q&A with Stanislav Lascek
Stanislav Lascek is one of 11 CHL players selected by head coach Sajban Branislav for the Slovakian team at the 2006 World Junior Championships.
12-22-2005 - Lightning's focus on systems for affiliates paying off
Securing their own affiliates and emphasizing the same systems throughout has led to easy transitions for rookies for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
11-22-2005 - Healthy Rogers is a Canadian WJC hopeful
The Tampa Bay Lightning's AndyRogers, who skated in the 2006 Canadian Junior Summer Camp, is healthy this year and able to compete for a spot.
11-07-2005 - Lightning Top 20 prospects
Mike Egener maintains the top spot on the Tampa Bay Lightning Top 20 despite early-season struggles.
11-04-2005 - Lightning CHL prospects update
The Tampa Bay Lightning have 10 prospects competing in the CHL in 2005-06.
08-28-2005 - Lightning 2005 draft review
The Tampa Bay Lightning leaned heavily on Slovak and Czech selections in the 2005 Entry Draft.
07-28-2005 - Lightning 2005 draft preview
The Tampa Bay Lightning will select 30th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
06-08-2005 - Lightning AHL prospects season review
The Springfield Falcons were the youngest team in the AHL this season with a roster that included a league-high 12 AHL rookies and eight players age 21 or younger.
05-28-2005 - Q&A with Mark Tobin
Tampa Bay prospect Mark Tobin is a crash and bang winger who brings a physical element to the second line of the Rimouski Oceanic.
05-26-2005 - Q&A with Justin Keller
Tampa Bay prospect Justin Keller is part of the Kelowna Rockets, representing the WHL at the 2005 Memorial Cup.
05-11-2005 - Lightning 2000 draft evaluation
The Tampa Bay Lightning used the first of 10 picks in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft on Nikita Alexeev.
05-06-2005 - Lightning NCAA prospects season review
Eight Tampa Bay Lightning prospects competed in the NCAA this year.
04-12-2005 - Q&A with Matt Smaby
Towering defenseman and Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Matt Smaby enjoyed the ride to the championship game with the University of North Dakota.
04-07-2005 - Lightning Top 20 prospects
Twenty-year-old defenseman Mike Egener seizes the top spot as the top prospect in the Tampa Bay Lightning organization.
01-04-2005 - Lightning CHL prospects update
Andy Rogers, the 30th overall choice in the 2004 draft, is one of seven Tampa Bay Lightning prospects currently playing in the CHL.
10-25-2004 - A confident Andy Rogers back in Calgary
After a whirlwind six months of being drafted, and attending national team camp and Tampa rookie camp, defenseman Andy Rogers is back home with the Calgary Hitmen.
10-15-2004 - Springfield Falcons season preview
The Springfield Falcons will present a new roster and coaching staff thanks to a new sole affiliation with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
09-28-2004 - Lightning 2004 Traverse City review with GM Jay Feaster
Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Jay Feaster sat down with Hockey's Future throughout the Traverse City tournament to discuss the weekend and the competing Tampa prospects.
09-07-2004 - Lightning 2004 Traverse City tournament preview
A look at the roster that Tampa Bay is taking to the annual Traverse City Prospects Tournament.
08-24-2004 - Lightning Top 20 prospects
Russian winger Alexander Polushin again tops the Lightning prospect rankings.
07-02-2004 - Lightning 2004 draft review
Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning drafted in the 30th slot and took a group of character players in the 2004 draft.
06-19-2004 - Lightning 2004 draft preview
Stanley Cup winner Tampa Bay Lightning holds the No. 30 overall pick in the 2004 Entry Draft.
04-23-2004 - Lightning European report
Status report on all of the Tampa Bay Lightning's European prospects.
04-13-2004 - Hershey Bears season review
A look at how the top prospects performed for the AHL Hershey Bears, who split an affiliation between the Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning this season.
03-16-2004 - Q&A with Mike Egener
Defenseman Mike Egener was a 2003 draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He's currently with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL.
03-13-2004 - Q&A with Andreas Holmqvist
Interview with Swedish rookie Andreas Holmqvist, currently playing with the ECHL Pensacola Ice Pilots.
02-06-2004 - Lightning form sole AHL affiliation with Springfield
After eight years of split affiliation and instability, the Tampa Bay Lightning have signed a deal with the AHL Springfield Falcons for sole affiliation starting in 2004-05.
01-30-2004 - Lightning AHL and ECHL prospect report
Update on all Tampa Bay Lightning prospects playing in the minor leagues in North America.
01-13-2004 - Lightning Top 20 prospects
Right wing Alexander Polushin of Russia tops the mid-season Lightning top 20.
01-06-2004 - Lightning: European Report
A check up on an uneventful period for the Lightning's European prospects in the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Russia, and Sweden.
12-09-2003 - Evegyni Artukhin adjusts to the AHL
A look at Tampa Bay prospect Evegyni Artukhin and his game at the AHL level.
11-17-2003 - Lightning North American Pro Report
A look at Tampa Bay's prospects playing with professional contracts in the North American minors.
11-11-2003 - AHL: Hershey Bears update
Update from the lockerroom of the AHL Hershey Bears on happenings with Colorado and Tampa prospects.
11-06-2003 - Lightning: N.A. Junior Report
A look at Tampa Bay Lightning junior prospects in action on North American ice. The stock of several Bolt youngsters is on the rise, including the four that will participate in the RE/Max Canada/Russia Challenge this month.
10-30-2003 - Lightning: European Report
Another in a series of reports on Lightning prospects in the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Russia, and Sweden. Plus, some bad news about top Lightning prospect Alex Polushin’s health.
10-17-2003 - Lightning: Minor league preview, Part II
Part II of the Lightning minor league preview examines the five players the Lightning has assigned to its affiliate in the East Coast Hockey League, as well as one unsigned prospect playing in the Central Hockey League.
10-15-2003 - Lightning: Minor league preview, Part I
A preview of Tampa Bay's make-shift minor league system and the players that have been assigned to it. This two-part series takes an in-depth look at the 16 players still in the Lightning system, placing particular emphasis on what each player needs to do in order to advance to the next level.
10-09-2003 - Lightning: N.A. Junior Report
The first look at the Lightning's prospects playing on North American ice in 2003-04. Highlighting the early season are prospects Darren Reid, Gerald Coleman, Doug O'Brien, and Adam Henrich.
10-01-2003 - Lightning: European Report
The young season's first look at Lightning prospects playing across the ocean. The report includes stats, updates, and analysis of all European prospects.
08-14-2003 - Lightning Traverse City Roster
Hockey’s Future-Lightning has obtained the official Lightning roster for the Traverse City, Michigan Prospects Tournament. This is the first year the Lightning has participated in the tourney.
08-05-2003 - Lightning: Top 20 prospects
With the graduation of Alex Svitov, there's a new no. 1 prospect in Lightningland. Also included are news of a second AHL affiliation and the future of goaltender Evgeny Konstantinov.
07-11-2003 - Lightning Signs Trio of Prospects
The organizational overhaul of the Lightning’s blueline has continued in the last two weeks with the signing of a pair of the team’s best defensive prospects. Gerard Dicaire and Andreas Holmqvist ink entry-level deals plus the Lightning sign WHL standout Ryan Craig.
07-01-2003 - The Bolt Report: Before and After the 2003 draft
A "before and after" look at the Lightning's 2003 draft, as well as news nuggets on the Vermont Brothers, a WHL First Team All-Star signed, and a former first rounder sent packing.
06-25-2003 - Lightning Draft Review 2003
In a quiet weekend marked by the trade of their first round selection, the Tampa Bay Lightning welcomed eleven new Lightning prospects.
06-05-2003 - Lightning Sign Finnish Star Somervuori
In an unexpected turn of events, the Tampa Bay Lightning has signed 1997 7th round pick Eero Somervuori. Find out more about Somervuori and where he might fit into the Lightning's plans next season inside.
05-31-2003 - Tampa Bay Lightning Signing Day
The Tampa Bay Lightning made only one signing before the June 1st deadline, inking 2001 8th round draft choice Jean-Francois Soucy to a three year entry level contract. This and more Lightning prospect signing news.
05-13-2003 - No Minor Problem: The Lightning's Quest To Find a Full AHL Affiliate
With the end of the Lightning's first push into the playoffs in over a half-decade, attention now turns to next season, and the Lightning's seemingly ever-dysfunctional minor league system.
03-21-2003 - Lightning N.A. Junior Report
A pre-playoffs look at Lightning prospects playing non-professionally in North America. Highlighting the group is Brandon Co-MVP Ryan Craig, playoff-bound Medicine Hat's Darren Reid, Harvard's Dennis Packard, and Sioux City's Arthur Femenella.
03-11-2003 - Lightning European Report
Report on the Lightning's prospects in the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Russia, and Sweden.
02-26-2003 - Lightning N.A. Junior Report
Update of all non-professional Lightning prospects playing in North America. Highlighting this week's report is the rising status of prospects Evgeni Artukhin, Aaron Lobb, Ryan Craig, and Adam Henrich.
01-31-2003 - Lightning European Report
Report on the Lightning's prospects in the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Russia, and Sweden.
01-20-2003 - Lightning Top 20
With the passing of the season's mid-way point comes the new Top 20 rankings for all eligible Lightning prospects. The Top 20 welcomes J.F. Soucy, Ryan Craig, and Jeremy Van Hoof, while it says goodbye to Karri Akkanen, P.J. Atherton, and Paul Lynch.
01-01-2003 - Lightning N.A. Junior Report
Updates on all Lightning prospects playing in North America, including the QMJHL, OHL, WHL, USHL, EJHL and NCAA.
12-26-2002 - Holiday Bolts n' Pieces
Answers to reader questions and midterm recommendations for the career track of Lightning prospects playing in Europe.
11-26-2002 - Lightning European Report
Report on the Lightning's prospects in the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Russia, and Sweden.
11-14-2002 - Lightning Minor Pro Report
Lightning prospect reports, covering prospects playing in North American professional leagues.
10-22-2002 - Lightning N.A. Junior Report
The Lightning-HF staff continues their weekly series covering Lightning prospects around the globe. This week: Lightning junior prospects in North America.
10-19-2002 - Lightning European Report
Report on the Lightning's prospects in the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Russia, and Sweden, with Sascha Goc, Anton But, Johan Hagglund, and Andreas Holmqvist's stock on the rise.
10-17-2002 - Lightning Minor Pro Report
The Lightning-HF staff gives a statistical and analytical update of Lightning prospects currently playing in the North American minor leagues.
10-13-2002 - Springfield Falcons Season Preview
After two utterly forgettable seasons, Falcon faithful hope that new head coach Marty McSorley can turn around the sinking ship in Springfield. McSorley brings a wealth of playing experience with him, but has no coaching experience on his resume. However, that didn't stop the Phoenix Coyotes from hiring him to coach their top minor-league prospects.
10-03-2002 - Lightning N.A. Junior Report
Lightning junior prospects in action on North American ice.
09-27-2002 - Lightning European Report
Lightning prospects around the globe.
09-27-2002 - Prospects Impress at Lightning Camp
The Tampa Bay Lightning recently sent 12 of their minor leaguers and prospects to their respective CHL and AHL clubs.
09-06-2002 - Lightning Roundtable
Players discussed: Mathieu Biron, Kristian Kudroc, Sheldon Keefe, Nikita Alexeev and Alex Svitov.
09-05-2002 - Off-season Bolts and Pieces
A summary of Lightning off-season movement and notes. From the CHL to Russia, Pete Choquette presents the summer's team transfers with other notes for the Tampa organization.
08-15-2002 - Artukhin a Wildcat
Lightning 2001 third round draft choice Evgeni Artukhin will be making the trek from Russia to the Canadian maritimes as he has come to an agreement with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL.
08-09-2002 - Lightning Prospect Workouts: Day Five
The Lightning close the week with a 30 minute two-on-two mini game. Who scored and who got checked into next week? Find out in this report from the final day of workouts in Brandon.
08-08-2002 - Lightning Prospect Workouts: Day Four
A face from the past, Rudy Poeschek, drops in for the morning practice as the week in Brandon continues. Highlights and lowlights again from the fourth day of practice.
08-07-2002 - Lightning Prospect Workouts: Day Three
Kevin Hodson gives a little lesson in conditioning to the Lightning's young prospect netminders as the week of workouts hits hump day. All this and more as Pete Choquette reports from the third day of workouts in Brandon.
08-06-2002 - Lightning Prospect Workouts: Day Two
Lightning prospects elevate their game while the Lightning brass casts a watchful eye in their direction. Pete Choquette recaps the highlights and lowlights from Day Two in Brandon.
08-05-2002 - Lightning Prospect Workouts: Day One
Pete Choquette gives his view on the first day of Lightning prospect workouts. Highlights and lowlights from the first day at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon, Florida.
07-31-2002 - Lightning Prospect Workouts '02
Pete Choquette offers a preview of next week's Lightning workout camp featuring the team's CHL prospects plus more.
07-29-2002 - Lightning Prospect Stats -- Part 2
A look at the final regular season and playoff stats for all Lightning skaters playing in North America. 2002 draftees included. (Stats for goalies and Europeans in Part - 1.)
07-26-2002 - Lightning Prospect Stats -- Part 1
A look at the final regular season and playoff stats for all Lightning goaltending prospects, as well as skaters playing overseas. 2002 draftees included.
07-16-2002 - Lightning Roundtable
The Lightning Roundtable is back. Topic: Jay Feaster's recent decision to exclude prospects from training camp. Lightning-HF staff members Chad Schnarr, Pete Choquette and guest contributer Joe Lastra bring their opinions to the table.
07-11-2002 - The Bolt Report
Did Vincent Lecavalier have the steak or the lobster? How is Andreas Holmqvist's wrist doing? Will Kevin Hodson have any competition to be Nikolai Khabibulin’s back-up next year? Where in the world is Alex Svitov? Check out the latest news on what’s going on in Lightning-land.
07-02-2002 - Lightning Top-20
After one of the most talked about drafts in the brief history of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Bolt's prospects, new and old, are evaluated and ranked by HF's Lightning staff in a new Top-20.
06-26-2002 - Lightning Draft 2002: Day Two, Goertzen's Dirty Dozen
Pete Choquette offers his thoughts on the twelve selections made by the Tampa Bay Lightning during Day Two of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
06-26-2002 - Lightning Draft 2002: Philosophy
After the trades were done, and the media firestorm had died down, the Lightning got down to business in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Lightning writer Pete Choquette offers his thoughts on the Lightning’s new draft philosophy in the first draft of the Jay Feaster era.
06-25-2002 - Lightning Draft 2002: Day One, Feaster Makes a Splash
Lightning Editor Chad Schnarr takes a long look at Jay Feaster’s first day as GM at an NHL Entry Draft. Boy, did he make a splash.
06-18-2002 - Saving Private Svitov
Pete Choquette returns to opine on several matters, including an impassioned plea to Lightning fans and management not to rush Alexander Svitov.
06-18-2002 - Springfield Report and Draft Preview
Pete Choquette gives the latest happenings on the Tampa Bay farm, as well as a preview of what fans can expect from the Lightning at this weekend's NHL Entry Draft.
06-17-2002 - Svitov Coming to America
Like a bad movie with a confusing plot and an ending that couldn’t come too soon, "The Alexander Svitov Story" seems to have finally ended.
06-07-2002 - Interview with Sheldon Keefe
Interview with Tampa Bay Lightning tough guy Sheldon Keefe
05-15-2002 - Empty Net... Goalies Wanted
With the end of the Lightning season, its time to take a critical look at the prospects in the organization from the goal. Pete Choquette returns to take a look at the Lightning's situation between the pipes, and the end of the Dieter Kochan experiment.
05-13-2002 - Lightning 2002 Draft Survival Guide
Pete Choquette returns to offer up a preliminary guide to the 2002 Draft for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Who could the Lightning pick with the #4 overall selection? And what will the team be looking for with their later round picks?
04-15-2002 - Interview with Arthur Femenella
Tampa Bay Lightning prospect and Sioux City (USHL) Musketeer, Arthur Femenella took a break from the playoffs to answer a few questions.
03-19-2002 - Tampa Bay Lightning Prospect Stats
Regular Season statistics for Tampa Bay Lightning Prospects playing in Russia, Sweden, Finland & Czech Republic.
03-03-2002 - Bolt Bits
Tampa Bay Lightning Prospects News & Notes...
02-25-2002 - Bolt Banter: Alexeev
The Roundtable Returns! This time the Tampa Bay Lightning staff take on the subject of 2000 draft pick Nikita Alexeev.
02-13-2002 - Tampa Bay Roundtable
Chad Schnarr, Pete Choquette & Megan Sexton all sit down to take a look at the departure of General Manager Rick Dudley and the future of his successor, Jay Feaster.
02-12-2002 - Cibak gets a look-see, Dudley resigns
Tampa Bay Lightning News & Notes...
01-27-2002 - Follow the Bouncing Biron...
Trade-Recall-Demote-Repeat...The past few seasons have been anything but consistant for the Tampa Bay Lightning's Mathieu Biron, but the young defenseman manages to make the best of it, and it is showing...
01-23-2002 - Higher Education
Tampa Bay Lightning Prospect Dennis Packard is gaining more than just on-ice experience during his college tenure...
01-12-2002 - Who Is Eero Somervuori?
New TBL Writer Peter Choquette takes a look at the career and future of Eero Somervuori, one of the most unknown and underappreciated prospects in the Tampa Bay Lightning system. Plus, Updated European Prospects Statistics.
01-11-2002 - Kuparinen Returns to Finland
Tampa Bay Lightning Prospect, Mikko Kuparinen has decided to return to his home country of Finland.
01-10-2002 - Tampa Bay Prospect Ratings Updated
The Tampa Bay Lightning staff teamed up to update the player ratings and Top 20 list. Check it out!
12-09-2001 - Keefe's Return Finally Arrives
It has been nine long months since Sheldon Keefe was able to don a Lightning jersey and call himself part of the team. Now, it appears he has finally redeemed himself enough in the eyes of Tampa Bay management to get a second chance with the team.
12-04-2001 - Lecavalier on his way out?
For many Lightning fans, the unthinkable is becoming expected. The future “Michael Jordan of Hockey,” and Lightning franchise player could be dealt within the coming days or weeks.
11-26-2001 - Too Deep on D?
Depth has always been a problem for the young Tampa Bay Lightning Now, the organization finds itself with too many defensive prospects and a potential traffic jam in the system...
11-21-2001 - Top 5 prospects Mid-Term Report Card
A look at the top 5 prospects and their progress so far this season.
11-15-2001 - The Svitov Saga
Whose life story is better than a soap opera? Alexander Svitov of course. Read on to find a timeline, detailing the events in the ongoing dilemma plaguing the young star and the defenseless Tampa Bay Lightning.
11-14-2001 - Tampa Bay Prospects Stats Part I
Tampa Bay's HF Editor Megan Sexton checks in with her first part of the Prospect Statistical Update. Read on to see how your favorite prospect is playing......
11-14-2001 - Tampa Bay Prospect Stats Part II
Tampa Bay's HF Editor Megan Sexton checks in with her second part of the Prospect Statistical Update. This edition covers the Europeans & Goaltending Prospects
11-12-2001 - Bolts Bits
Tampa Bay Lightning Prospect Update Lobb out for season Eklund earns honors and more....
10-25-2001 - Bolt Bits
Tampa Bay Lightning Prospect Update
10-25-2001 - AHL Report: SpringField Falcons Weekly Recap
AHL Report's Editor Doug Manners checks in with his latest Springfield Falcons Report. Read on for more and make sure to visit the AHL Report every day!
10-18-2001 - Tampa Bay Lightning Prospect Tracker
Read on for a run-down of the 2001-02 Stats for Tampa Bay Lightning Prospects....
10-05-2001 - Bolt Blueliners
It was thought last season after Grant Ledyard was signed, Adrian Aucoin was acquired from Vancouver, and Paul Mara was dealt to Phoenix, Tampa GM Rick Dudley would let the defense rest. Not so.
09-27-2001 - Centers of Attention
Last year at this time, center was a big question mark for the Tampa Bay Lightning. How things have changed! Read Chad Schnarr's organizational breakdown of the position....
09-20-2001 - Heading home…but not empty handed
The Tampa Bay Lightning released all but three of their B Camp attendees. While the prospects may not have landed a roster spot, they all have something to take home with them.
09-18-2001 - Keefe Making the Most of Camp
A roller coaster season, devastating suspension and gossip filled off-season aren’t enough to detour Sheldon Keefe, who showed up to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Training Camp, determined to make the most of the opportunity at hand.
09-17-2001 - Aaron Lobb…. A Big Hit At Camp
Highly criticized for his lack of physical play at draft time, Aaron Lobb is dispelling his critics and making a name for himself in Tampa Bay, while participating in the Lightning's B-Camp.
09-13-2001 - Training Camp Review
The Tampa Bay Lightning hit the ice finally on the third day of Training Camp, but the wait was well worth it.
09-09-2001 - Tampa Bay Lightning Training Camp Preview
The old and the new converge in Brandon Florida for the 2001-02 Tampa Bay Lightning Training Camp...one noticeably absent face is that of Captain Vincent Lecavalier.
09-05-2001 - Prospect Feature: Paul Lynch
As Lynch heads to the University of Maine, he will be given the opportunity to explore all areas of his game, and set himself apart from the mass of defensive prospects in the Tampa Bay organization....
08-20-2001 - Size does matter for the Lightning
Rick Dudley and the Lightning have high hopes and great expectations for the broad amount of youth that will eventually shape the franchise for years to come.
08-18-2001 - Departure of Posmyk Sets Stage for Jones
With defensive prospect Marek Posmyk heading back to Europe, the door has opened for Mike Jones to prove his worth to the organization.
07-25-2001 - RJ Out, Ollie In?
When Lightning “designated hitter” Ryan Johnson was traded to the Florida Panthers last week, it opened a spot on the roster for a defensive forward. Take out your pencils and write in the name Jimmie Olvestad.
07-12-2001 - Tampa Bay Lightning sign Three Prospects
Goaltenders Michal Lanicek and Alexander Polukeyev, and Defenseman Marek Priechodsky all signed standard three-year rookie contracts today.
07-11-2001 - Tampa Bay Lightning Update
The Lightning have been hard at work making deals and signing free agents. Here is the latest on the moves, plus the 2001-02 schedule and prospect updates.
06-25-2001 - Tampa Bay Day Two Draft Review
In a day full of dealing and drafting, Rick Dudley kept busy, pulling of 5 different trades and selecting 10 players, 7 in the last three rounds.
06-24-2001 - Tampa Bay Day 1 Draft Review
Rick Dudley surprised Lightning fans today, not by selecting Alexander Svitov 3rd overall....but by not trading the Lightning's pick for the first time in three years.
06-18-2001 - Trader Rick
The past two drafts have seen Tampa Bay ship off it's first round pick in exchange for immediate help. Will history repeat itself yet again? Hockey Scout Ron Hoover takes a look at Rick Dudley's options in this weekends draft.
06-18-2001 - Lightning 2001 draft preview
in-depth Tampa Bay Lightning Draft Preview.
06-12-2001 - Another Affiliate for Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Lightning has entered into a one-year affiliation agreement with the Pensacola Ice Pilots of the East Coast Hockey League...
05-29-2001 - Lightning to share affiliate with Phoenix
After two seasons with the International Hockey League’s Detroit Vipers, the Tampa Bay Lightning has entered into an affiliation with the Springfield Falcon’s of the American Hockey League.
04-28-2001 - Bolts Bits - Tampa Bay Update
Nikita Alexeev Signs - Bolts at WC - Sheldon Keefe done in Tampa - Detroit Vipers Folding
04-02-2001 - Forward Statistics - Part 2
Current regular season and playoff statistics for North American and European forwards.
04-01-2001 - Forward Statistics - Part 1
Current regular season and playoff statistics for North American and European forwards
03-31-2001 - Defense Statistics
Current regular season and playoff statistics for North American and European defensemen.
03-30-2001 - Goaltending Statistics
Current regular season and playoff statistics for North American and European goaltenders.
03-27-2001 - Bolts Bits - Tampa Bay Prospect Update
Alexeev & Olvestad Hot in Playoffs! Interview with Kyle Freadrich.
02-27-2001 - Bolts Bits - Tampa Bay Prospect Update
Ekman fairing well in Tampa Bay. Vipers break 14 game losing streak. Mara making the most of his demotion. Team Updates & More...
02-13-2001 - Bolt Bits - Tampa Bay Lightning Prospect Update
Statistical Update on all Prospects, New Profiles added for Cory Sarich & Martin Cibak
02-09-2001 - Bolts Bits - Tampa Bay Prospect Update
Dieter Kochan to backup Kevin Weekes - Nikita Alexeev nears milestone - Team & Prospect updates...
01-20-2001 - Bolts Bits - Tampa Bay Prospect Update
It's been a while, but the Tampa Bay Lighting Prospect Lists and Profiles have finally been updated. Also, a look at the top prospect's recent success and team updates.
01-18-2001 - Posmyk gets his chance
After spending over half of the season in Detroit, Marek Posmyk will finally get a chance to showcase his skills for Head Coach John Tortorella and Lightning management.
12-05-2000 - Bolt Prospects Earn Honors
Two Detroit Vipers earn IHL weekly honors after leading the team to a 3-0 record.
09-15-2000 - Bolts Send players to the Motor City as Vipers Prepare
Come start of the 2000-01 season the Vipers don't know who will be in the lineup, but do know who will be a training camp.
09-07-2000 - Panthers Prospects Win 4-2 In Shortened Game vs. Tampa Bay
The Florida Panthers concluded the round-robin portion of thefour-team 2000 NHL prospects tournament today, with a 4-2 victory in abizarre game against the rookie squad from Tampa Bay...
09-05-2000 - Montreal Canadiens Prospects Tournament Game 1
The first game of the Prospect Tournament took place in Hull, Quebec last night. Once again the Montreal Canadiens’ finest and brightest future stars were assembled to take on a talent stacked Tampa Bay Lightning prospect roster...
08-02-2000 - Lightning sign St. Louis
The Lightning have signed free agent forward Martin St. Louis, but have focused on keeping their own.....
07-06-2000 - Lightning 2000 Draft
From the outside looking in, it appears the Tampa Bay Lightning made some significant strides toward rebuilding their team. I feel, however, that if you examine the deals and selections, you will see that as far as the Lightning is concerned the week
06-29-2000 - Lightning add five new faces to Tampa Bay Russian community
If the 2000 NHL Entry Draft did anything, for the Lightning, it added depth to a young talented pool of prospects. The Bolts went in with three goals: add a goaltender that will contribute immediately, add some goaltending depth, and add a group of t
06-24-2000 - Lighting lose Bierk, sign Konstantinov
Just hours after the Lightning lost goalie of the future Zac Bierk, the Bolts have reportedly replaced him and added a defenseman in the process.
06-22-2000 - Lightning 2000 Draft Preview
The 2000 NHL Entry Draft holds several options for the up start Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning hold 15 picks in this years draft, including two picks in the top ten.
04-12-2000 - From the UHL to the NHL: Goalie gets a chance to show his stuff
His name is virtually unknown but his play is turning heads. Dieter Kochan, 25, has bounced between 8 different hockey leagues including the International Federation of Roller Skating (FIRS) an inline league...
04-06-2000 - Mike Jones Signs with NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning
The North American Hockey League has announced that former NAHL defenseman Mike Jones has signed a free-agent contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League. Terms of the contract were not disclosed...
03-28-2000 - Lightning getting defensive for 2000-01 season
Have you read this before: "The Lightning are putting together an impressive collection of talent that will get them out of the NHL basement." Well unfortunately those statements have gone without results from the players themsel
09-25-1999 - Tampa Bay Training Camp Report
After all the personnel changes by the Lightning organization, I assumed the first couple of days of camp would be taken up with introductions. Between trades, signings, invitations, and every other conceivable means of acquiring players, the Tampa
09-19-1999 - Sheldon Keefe Interview
I authored an earlier article dealing with the Tampa Bay Lightning's drafting of Sheldon Keefe in this summers draft. In that article I mentioned that there were a few rumors swirling around Sheldon that had affected his draft position...
09-13-1999 - Interview with Vincent Lecavalier
Ok, so he played regularly in the NHL last season and is in no way a prospect, but he is only a little over one year removed from being the number one overall draft pick. Although he didn't put up big numbers, mostly because he was handled very care
08-19-1999 - A look at Sheldon Keefe
After making the trades on draft day, The Lightning's first pick in the draft was in the second round, the 47th overall pick. With that pick they selected Sheldon Keefe, RW from the Barrie Colts. Although he came with tremendous statistical numbers,
08-12-1999 - Lightning Make More Moves
The Tampa Bay Lightning, and even myself personally, are still taking some criticism from people over the trades made on draft day. I am still of the opinion that this criticism is way off the mark. With the dust still settling from the moves made i
06-30-1999 - Lightning 99 Draft Review
Since the draft on Saturday, I have seen and heard reactions from various people, their comments covering the entire spectrum. Some have said that the Lightning had the worst draft of all the teams and others have said that they had one of the best.
06-18-1999 - 1999 Tampa Bay Lightning Draft Preview
Brendl, Stefan, and Sedin's Oh My!!!!!!! The Lightning are in their regular position of selecting number one overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. However this year the Bolts seem to have more options than usual. Because of the lack of a true can
04-13-1999 - Xavier Delisle profile and the IHL Notebook
Xavier Delisle profile and the IHL Notebook
04-06-1999 - Gabbing Hockey
Can Lightning Strike Twice? It has not been a banner season for the Tampa Bay Lightning. For the second consecutive year, the Lightning will finish with the NHL’s worst record. They also are the league’s worst defensive team. They are now going
03-30-1999 - Mario Larocque profile and the IHL Notebook
Mario Larocque profile and the IHL Notebook
03-27-1999 - Christian Bronsard profile and the IHL Notebook
Christian Bronsard profile and the IHL Notebook
02-11-1999 - The Lightning's Future: Not so bad after all
Although things look pretty bad at the moment for the Tampa Bay Lightning, the future holds some real promise with their stable of young players. Led by last years overall number one pick, Vincent LeCavalier, the Bolts have a core of solid and talen
02-02-1999 - Lightning Strikes Again
Why would any team trade their best player for Alexandre Daigle? Jacques Demers sure answered that question when he said he was capable of being the first-line winger in his first game. He has the potential to be a highly touted superstar in this le
10-26-1998 - Tampa Bay Update from Cleveland
The Tampa Bay Lighting have been going through some major changes very early in the season, most notably the firing of general manager Phil Esposito and director of scouting and player development Tony Esposito. The Espositos are known to be friends
01-12-1998 - Still Number One?
Vincent Lecavalier, is he will he still be number one? After a dissapointing performance in this year's World Junior Chamipionships, in which his team finished 8th, one has to ask, is he worthy of the number on spot in this June's draft...
01-02-1998 - Steve Kelly
When the Tampa Bay Lightning traded away defense head-case Roman Hamrlik they acquired center prospect Steve Kelly from the Edmonton Oilers...
10-08-1997 - Tracking a Future NHL Superstar: Vincent Lecavalier
Hockey 2000 has decided to keep a track on the current #1 prospect of the 1998 entry draft, Vincent Lecavalier. He is still young, but looks to be a dominant force in the future. This section , will be continously updated by senior writer Nicole Weiss, and will keep you up to date on all of Lecavaliers doings...
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