Bolts Buzz: Game #17 vs. Carolina Hurricanes

The main aspect of yesterday’s game was the outstanding play of goaltender Mike Smith. It has been said numerous times already, but I truly believe the experience of backing up netminder Marty Turco in Dallas was key in the development of Smith. He is an excellent puck handler with great poise in the crease. When Smith originally arrived from Dallas at last year’s trade deadline, he did let in some shaky goals, although he didn’t have any support to show for.

In the first period, Radim Vrbata zoomed down the ice and flipped the puck to Martin St. Louis for his fourth goal of the season. Vrbata was signed to a 3-year deal in the offseason, but has not lived up to the hype. Do you fans think he was a one-hit wonder with the Coyotes last season? Can he repeat? I think he’ll begin to get back on track and can be counted on for 30-40 points this season.

In the second, Vinny Lecavalier potted one in front of new Head Coach Rick Tocchet for his seventh. Shortly after Canes’ Wade Brookbank brought the game within one, assisted by Brandon Sutter and Joni Pitkanen. About a minute later, the turning point occurred when Rod Brind’Amour tied the game at two’s, with Scott Walker and Niclas Wallin each grabbing helpers. On a couple of occasions Jussi Jokinen came very close to taking the lead for the Bolts, although both attempts were stopped.

No goals were scored in the third, forcing the game into extra minutes. Overtime solved nothing, so it was off to a shootout. Tuomo Ruutu shot the puck under Mike Smith’s arm to secure a win for Carolina. The shootout wizard Jokinen was stopped by Cam Ward to seal the deal. Kudos to Cam Ward for making some key saves in the third period and in OT. He is considered an underdog, although Ward is making a case to participate on Canada’s 2010 Olympic Hockey Team being held in Vancouver, BC.

By the Numbers:

-Lightning outshot 30-28

-Bolts only went 1 for 6 with the extra man

-Bolts are now 1 and 1 in shootouts this season

-Bolts killed off every penalty kill

Goal Scorers:

St. Louis (Vrbata) – First Period

Lecavalier (Recchi, Eminger) – Second Period

Brookbank (Sutter, Pitkanen) – Second Period

Brind’Amour (Walker, Wallin) – Second Period

Ruutu (unassisted) – Shootout

Game Notes:

After Head Coach Barry Melrose was relieved of his duties on Friday, assistant coach Rick Tocchet has filled in on an interim basis. His team was unable to get him his first victory, but they managed to grab a point from the shootout. I think he has a lot of potential to work with on this team, but some players will need to step up. I think he’ll be a better option than Melrose for a team that’s in search of an identity.

Season Record:

17 gp (5-7-5) – 15 points

Next Game:

Tuesday, November 18 versus Florida Panthers

Greg – gregsmith@sportstalkbuzz.com

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