The Tampa Bay Lightning continue to be one of the busiest
teams in the league in recent days.
After focusing on signing forwards the Bolts turned their
attention to the goaltending depth by signing former Washington Capitals
netminder Olaf Kolzig to an affordable one-year, $1.5 million contract.
The former Vezina winner will share the goaltending duties
with Mike Smith, whom the Lightning acquired from the Dallas Stars at the trade
deadline in the Brad Richards deal, providing veteran leadership and experience
as well as tutoring Smith, whom management still sees as their starter goalie
of the future.
Kolzig struggled at times last season with the Capitals but
with less of a load on his shoulders this season could find a lighter workload
more beneficial to his game.
**UPDATE** The rumor is circulating in the media that the Lightning are shopping Smith (!).Looks like the Lightning's wild ride under their new ownership is far from over.
Alright, at this point I've got to say Tampa looks like a Southeast Division contender and potential #3 seed in the playoffs. Gotta consider them playoff material for 08-09
Perfect fit for the greatest German hockey player in history! I anticipate a symbiotic relationship between Olaf and TB.
And, speaking of TB, what a job they've done in the past few days. Extremely impressive. They will challenge Washington for the Southeast Division title.
TB has gone from bottom-feeders to playoff material in a short amount of time. This is a good sign for TB fans. This was a perfect move for TB. Mike Smith should certainly benefit from this signing in the long run.
Spector Is it me or is Oren Koules along with Barry Melrose trying to turn the Lightning into the Red Wings of the Southeastern Conference ?
Oren Koules and Len Barry .....Lightning owners
I for one hope for their sake that the strategy that they have doesn't backfire and explode in their face. All the money in the world being spent means nothing in the end if they aren't able to play as a team !
justan' aka tophatal ............
Last edited by justanotherfan on July 1st at 2:34 PM.
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
