Top of South East Division

St-Pete's  Gazette

With all the changes and trades GM St-Pierre made during the summer, when taking over the Tampa Bay Lightning for his first Sim League, some teams were questionning when suddenly the Bolts trades draft picks for Steven Stamkos, and the next week trading him back for Marleau and Pavelski.  Even trading Zdeno Chara in a mega deal for Myers and Nabokov.  Team thought he was crazy when he traded Myers and Glencross along the way.

After all the changes, Tampa Bay Lightning found there way to finish 1st in the South East Division, 2nd in their Conference, and 3rd overall in the league in the pre-season. 

" I told everybody at the beginning, that if you work hard, you get rewarded.  I want warriors on the ice, and if I don't see it each and every games, some players will have a one way ticket, either in the minor, or out the door" GM St-PIerre told TSN tonight.

Tampa Bay, over the last seasons, didn't do so well, and, as per the GM and staff, they are aiming for at least the 7th-8th spot in the East.

" We will be the Team everybody will cheer for, or the Team other teams will hate to play again during the season." coach Capuano told the St-Pete's gazette.

After a lot of efforts from his youngsters, even the veteran was chipping in.  Setoguchi was the top point getter, but for all who followed the Bolts....WHAT ABOUT CHRIS NEIL!!!!!  Suprising 3 goals in pre-season, surpasing the Superstar Scott Gomez!!!!

We asked the fans what they were thinking of their team in the pre-season.

"It's only the pre season, and not the Stanley Cup, but for Chris Neil and Joe Thornton....It's Party Time!!!!!"

" Stamkos 4 goals, Datsyuk 3 goals, Tavares 3 goals....and Chris Neil 3 Goals....AMAZING!!!!!"

" Joe Thornton thinks he won the Stanley Cup....and can't still butter his Toasts"

From TSN point of view, as Bob McKenzie mentionned after the pre-seasons games, Tampa Bay could be the Team to watch this year.  Having two scoring trio, one defence trio, one youngster line and two experienced goalies...is could be the combination of a playoff team.

Stay tunes, cause the Cheerleaders are on the way for the first home game!!!!!!  OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

GO! BOLTS GO!