Lightning Impressions 2011
Posted 11:22 AM ET | Comments 2
Here are my thoughts (I'll try to give the good and the bad) on the experience this year, based on seeing last night's game against Pittsburgh (Nov 17). Topics include: The renos/organ, atmosphere/fan knowledge, ticket sales, logo/jersey, Hedman/Brewer, Goaltending, Goaltending interference/Stamkos, Connolly, the future.
-We arrived later than I'd like, getting stuck on the 275. Ended up hurrying in the new entrance way, and still made it for the U.S. National anthem. I'm glad we did because this is one obvious change from last year. Ray and the organ sure add to the game experience. I liked the idea of getting the crowd to sing part of the anthem. It seems like they are trying to create their own identity in Tampa and start traditions. I love it. The organ is far better than crazy-loud techno music you often hear in St. Pete Times Forum. The music seemed to be an improvement over the last few years, but could be a little less blaring, and better arena music could be used.
-I noticed Dave Andreychuk (captain when the Lightning wont the cup) in the stands during the 1st intermission. Good to see someone like that is still around.
- The fans seemed to be very enthusiastic this year, and the overall atmosphere has improved. I'm not sure they are the most knowledgeable fans out there, but they do seem interested, and I'm sure the overall hockey knowledge is improving in Tampa. Good to see.
- Speaking of fans, we had to deal with a couple annoyances. One fan during the second period, standing at the top of the corner by us in the new area that allows fans to do this, was yelling at Marc-Andre Fleury the whole period. Chanting "Fleur-yyyy" over and over. If it caught on, that would be one thing, but it didn't and it was just annoying. I'm sure he bothered a lot of people, but Fleury wasn't one of them. In fact, at least a couple of people tried to get him to stop but he knew better. I'm wondering if we only heard from him in the second because he followed the Tampa attack from end to end. He wasn’t there in the 3rd.
We also dealt with a fan that stood up for every play, and was over dramatic about everything. Good to see the passion, but some things he was freaking out about were nothing, and it gets a little annoying when he shoots up in front of you and makes you miss all the action yourself. If there is a break away, or maybe a fight, fine. We moved for the 3rd and it was great.
- We noticed the people working at the Forum were friendly and engaging. One usher seemed like she knew everyone and after one goal pounded fists with us. This is good to see and adds to the atmosphere. I think someone came to talk to the people next to us in the 3rd, possibly interested in getting them to buy more tickets. They obviously need to do all they can to grow the fanbase. It seems to have improved already, but there is a long way to go before they sell out every game like they do in other cities, and at higher prices (which will mean a better product on the ice, spending to the cap, etc). I saw discounts on tickets on the day of the game, which is not a good sign when you are playing the Pittsburgh Penguins. For the season opener in Edmonton against the Penguins, tickets were sold out and being scalped for $400+ each in the lower bowl.
- I know a lot has been said about the new logo/jerseys. I'm getting used to the new logo although I wasn't a big fan at first. I love the jersey, but would have preferred no black in the numbers (I know I seem to be alone on that), and the victory stripes are obviously missing. Considering they want their own traditions, I don’t know why they would drop a good one that is unique to Tampa. I was considering buying a new jersey, but I want to wait and see if they come out with a version with the victory stripes next year. By the way, I love that they are giving season ticket holders a jersey, and the chip inside is a neat idea.
- Did anyone notice that when Tampa received a second penalty and would be on the short end of a 5-on-3, Boucher put Brewer and Hedman on the ice and they stayed out there THE ENTIRE TIME? Unreal. They should have received a standing ovation for their work killing it off. Good for them. I was thoroughly impressed. Hedman is sure developing into the player they thought he could be when he was drafted 2nd overall.
- Vinny’s goal was great after stealing the puck from Staal, and we had a great view of Connolly’s goal. It is good to see him doing so well lately, and even without star linemates like he usually has (Boucher had St. Louis, Stamkos, and Lecavelier together).
- Roloson was great, and he was helped by a whopping 25 blocked shots. Now THAT is sacrifice by the Lightning. I enjoyed the Roli chants, and noticed some liberties taken by the Penguins on him. Stamkos obviously got sick of it and ended up getting tossed from the game for fighting back on behalf of his goalie. I wish someone else had done it, but good for Stammer.
I hear Tampa could be making a call up from the Admirals. Likely Tyrell, while Ashton and Conacher stay down in the AHL and continue to dominate. This team sure has a bright future if they can bring that game to the NHL (along with Vladislav Namestnikov). I wouldn’t mind seeing Ashton get a shot for a game or two, but I can also understand that they would like him to keep developing in his rookie season as a pro.
I'll be attending the game on Saturday vs the Devils as well
Go Bolts!
-We arrived later than I'd like, getting stuck on the 275. Ended up hurrying in the new entrance way, and still made it for the U.S. National anthem. I'm glad we did because this is one obvious change from last year. Ray and the organ sure add to the game experience. I liked the idea of getting the crowd to sing part of the anthem. It seems like they are trying to create their own identity in Tampa and start traditions. I love it. The organ is far better than crazy-loud techno music you often hear in St. Pete Times Forum. The music seemed to be an improvement over the last few years, but could be a little less blaring, and better arena music could be used.
-I noticed Dave Andreychuk (captain when the Lightning wont the cup) in the stands during the 1st intermission. Good to see someone like that is still around.
- The fans seemed to be very enthusiastic this year, and the overall atmosphere has improved. I'm not sure they are the most knowledgeable fans out there, but they do seem interested, and I'm sure the overall hockey knowledge is improving in Tampa. Good to see.
- Speaking of fans, we had to deal with a couple annoyances. One fan during the second period, standing at the top of the corner by us in the new area that allows fans to do this, was yelling at Marc-Andre Fleury the whole period. Chanting "Fleur-yyyy" over and over. If it caught on, that would be one thing, but it didn't and it was just annoying. I'm sure he bothered a lot of people, but Fleury wasn't one of them. In fact, at least a couple of people tried to get him to stop but he knew better. I'm wondering if we only heard from him in the second because he followed the Tampa attack from end to end. He wasn’t there in the 3rd.
We also dealt with a fan that stood up for every play, and was over dramatic about everything. Good to see the passion, but some things he was freaking out about were nothing, and it gets a little annoying when he shoots up in front of you and makes you miss all the action yourself. If there is a break away, or maybe a fight, fine. We moved for the 3rd and it was great.
- We noticed the people working at the Forum were friendly and engaging. One usher seemed like she knew everyone and after one goal pounded fists with us. This is good to see and adds to the atmosphere. I think someone came to talk to the people next to us in the 3rd, possibly interested in getting them to buy more tickets. They obviously need to do all they can to grow the fanbase. It seems to have improved already, but there is a long way to go before they sell out every game like they do in other cities, and at higher prices (which will mean a better product on the ice, spending to the cap, etc). I saw discounts on tickets on the day of the game, which is not a good sign when you are playing the Pittsburgh Penguins. For the season opener in Edmonton against the Penguins, tickets were sold out and being scalped for $400+ each in the lower bowl.
- I know a lot has been said about the new logo/jerseys. I'm getting used to the new logo although I wasn't a big fan at first. I love the jersey, but would have preferred no black in the numbers (I know I seem to be alone on that), and the victory stripes are obviously missing. Considering they want their own traditions, I don’t know why they would drop a good one that is unique to Tampa. I was considering buying a new jersey, but I want to wait and see if they come out with a version with the victory stripes next year. By the way, I love that they are giving season ticket holders a jersey, and the chip inside is a neat idea.
- Did anyone notice that when Tampa received a second penalty and would be on the short end of a 5-on-3, Boucher put Brewer and Hedman on the ice and they stayed out there THE ENTIRE TIME? Unreal. They should have received a standing ovation for their work killing it off. Good for them. I was thoroughly impressed. Hedman is sure developing into the player they thought he could be when he was drafted 2nd overall.
- Vinny’s goal was great after stealing the puck from Staal, and we had a great view of Connolly’s goal. It is good to see him doing so well lately, and even without star linemates like he usually has (Boucher had St. Louis, Stamkos, and Lecavelier together).
- Roloson was great, and he was helped by a whopping 25 blocked shots. Now THAT is sacrifice by the Lightning. I enjoyed the Roli chants, and noticed some liberties taken by the Penguins on him. Stamkos obviously got sick of it and ended up getting tossed from the game for fighting back on behalf of his goalie. I wish someone else had done it, but good for Stammer.
I hear Tampa could be making a call up from the Admirals. Likely Tyrell, while Ashton and Conacher stay down in the AHL and continue to dominate. This team sure has a bright future if they can bring that game to the NHL (along with Vladislav Namestnikov). I wouldn’t mind seeing Ashton get a shot for a game or two, but I can also understand that they would like him to keep developing in his rookie season as a pro.
I'll be attending the game on Saturday vs the Devils as well
Go Bolts!
I was at the Chicago game and it is awesome, such an improvement.
Glad you liked it Arty!