Look, there is one thing that is absolutely clear, this team is going no where if things do not change quickly.  The only way to do that is to make some wholesale changes:

1. Fire Feaster and Torts.  Let Sullivan finish the year out as head coach and get a new GM.

2. Cut Denis and eat his contract.  Bring in an older vetran like Belfour and either cut Holmqvist and bring up Ramo or make Holmqvist the back up.

3. See if either Richards or St. Louis will waive their no trade clause and move one of them.

4.  If neither of them will waive their no trade clause then as much as it pains me to say this, trade Vinny.  He has no no trade clause and will fetch the most in return.

5.  Trade Boyle when healthy and get some defensive help.

I know I will get slammed for even suggesting to tade Vinny, but remember, Gretzky got traded.

No way trade Vinny.

I believe Richards would jump at the chance to get out from Vinny’s shadow. They have been playing together since junior hockey, and Vinny was always in the spotlight. Richards might not get as much as Vinny in return, but he could still get the Bolts a couple of young D or young wingers. This year could be a wash so I say if you get some great prospect for Richards pull the trigger. The only thing that scares me if they trade anyone is that Feaster is the one manning th phone lines. He hasn’t made one good trade since he’s been here. And a possible replacement for either Torts or Feaster could already be on the payroll. Billy Barber. He’s been around the NHL as a player, coach and working in the front office his whole life. His days of being around the Flyers franchise could be a way to approach turning this garbage around. For the long haul, not just this season.

A problem with trading Richards is his contract. Teh good side is the Bolts could free up a lot salary, but what would they get back if the other team has toeat the contract? 

With the team still up for sale, nothing is going tohappen and the season is already lost!l

OK Torts and Fester are not the problem. Niether is the goaltending. The problem is we have no 3rd or 4th line and the blueline just sucks. Hlavac, MacDonald and Ouellet are a bust. I would put Ward, Tarnasky and/or Gratton on the block to get a vetern blueliner.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the grit of Tarnasky and Gratton, but other than the first line(the two vinny’s and Marty) Richards is the only other forward produceing. You get rid of him and it would get worse.
I wonder what Foote, Souray or even bringing back Clymer would do to soildify the blueline.  Foote is on the block and I’m sure the Oilers would like some forward help. Either way we need vereran help.

abrand - 30 December 2007 08:20 AM

OK Torts and Fester are not the problem. Niether is the goaltending. The problem is we have no 3rd or 4th line and the blueline just sucks. Hlavac, MacDonald and Ouellet are a bust. I would put Ward, Tarnasky and/or Gratton on the block to get a vetern blueliner.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the grit of Tarnasky and Gratton, but other than the first line(the two vinny’s and Marty) Richards is the only other forward produceing. You get rid of him and it would get worse.
I wonder what Foote, Souray or even bringing back Clymer would do to soildify the blueline.  Foote is on the block and I’m sure the Oilers would like some forward help. Either way we need vereran help.

Dude get a clue… Let’s see, the players on the 3rd and 4th line and the current goalies were brought in by who? Thats right Jay Feaster. And the guy who is supposed to be the one coaching the players Feaster brings in is who? Thats right once again, Torts. So for you to say its not either one’s fault is just stupid. Get a clue then come back and write something with substance. And as far as Richards producing, you may want to see who has the worst +- rating, and Richards name will be right there.  And if you were to get rid of Richards you would more than likely get something back in return, maybe a goalie, or a great young prospect and a draft pick. Whatever the case I think Richards production and enormous contract could be better used on another team.

Sigh.

It’s tough being a Lightning fan sometimes.

“[Feaster] hasn’t made one good trade since he’s been here.”
I didn’t realize bringing Sydor in to win the Cup was not a good trade.

“The problem is we have no 3rd or 4th line...”
I would change this statement to “The problem is we never play the 3rd or 4th line...”. You have to be on the ice to score goals, not on the bench.

It’s a tough year, but I don’t want to see any management changes. I understand we will see some roster changes, we do every year. The problem this year has been hustle and heart. I believe this is a result of too many minutes going to the first and second lines. I understand we have the best chance to score when Vinny and St. Louis are on the ice, but we have a very good chance of losing when their legs stop moving from underneath them when they tire out in the 3rd.

Yes, that’s up to the coach..but that type of change doesn’t require a new coach, just the coach that we have to come around…

P.S. And yes a roster change should involve bringing in a goalie.

Yep Sydor was a great move that helped bring the cup to Tampa. Sorry for the mentlly challenged people like yourself, I figured 1 trade hat benifited the team out of all the moves he’s made would have more than proved my point. And playing the 3 and 4 th lines, they suck. Ans no I wouldnt change that statement, All of the players on those two lines would be in the minors or out of hockey if they didnt play for Feaster.  Get a clue like the last guy. Watch other hockey besides the Bolts and you will see what “REAL” hockey is. Not this pansy ass, never go for the body, try tp poke the puck away bs brand of hockey we Bolts fans have to endure