Analysis: Lightning sign Vrbata, but what about the defense?
Radim Vrbata had a career year for the Coyotes, notching 27 goals and 56 points in 76 games. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
Ken Campbell
2008-07-01 13:45:58
The new owners of the Tampa Bay Lightning are clearly onto something here. Oren Koules and Len Barrie are out to prove that it’s possible to win in the NHL with almost no defense and negligible goaltending.
Must have something to do with Barrie, who once scored 185 points in junior hockey, but didn’t even know his own goalie’s name.
How else do you explain the Lightning’s decision to give Radim Vrbata a roughly 140 percent raise with a three-year deal worth $9 million? Yes, that’s probably the going rate for a 27-goal scorer, but did the Lightning check that prior to this season, Vrbata had only once scored more than 15 at the NHL level?
And did they check to see whether or not he plays defense?
So let’s get this straight. The Lightning finished last overall this season, largely because they went most of the season with a defense corps and goaltending that would have had trouble competing at the AHL level.
Then they go out and address their needs by drafting Steven Stamkos first overall, trading for a soft-but-productive Vaclav Prospal and giving him a four-year deal, signing forwards Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts, chasing Brian Rolston, and now signing Vrbata for three years.
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All the while there are rumblings that, in order to meet their budget, they may have to trade Dan Boyle, one of the few defensemen they have who’s capable of playing at the NHL level.
Sure makes a guy wonder. Not to worry, however. Barry Melrose, who hasn’t coached an NHL game in almost 5,000 days and wasn’t a terribly strong technical coach in the first place, will whip this defense into shape.
Of course, what else were they to do when they missed out on getting Bryce Salvador? Clinging to the notion that you can never have too many fifth defensemen, the Devils managed to keep Salvador in the fold with a four-year deal worth $2.9 million per season.
It’s one of those deals that you look at and upon first blush, you say, “Whaaaaaa?!!!!”
Then you look at the deal a little more closely, contemplate what it all means and then you say, “Whaaaaaaa?!!!”
BayFan (Posted 2008-07-01 16:15:23)
These can't possibly be moves by Feaster...oh, is he still there? You have to wonder if the new owners even need a GM, as they seem to be handling this craziness themselves. The new additions, all overpaid, with extended terms have the mark of novice ownership written all over them.
Eric (Posted 2008-07-01 16:05:27)
Interesting contrast of opinions from THN to hockeybuzz.com. Eklund seems to think Tampa's new squad is the second coming, whereas THN feels quite differently. I tend to agree with THN. A crap defense doesn't get you into the playoffs. I should know, I'm a 'Canes fan :(
J.R. (Posted 2008-07-01 15:55:35)
What a surprise. Everyone and their brother ripping the Lightning and everything they've ever done. Do we need defensive help? Yes absolutely. The owner's themselves have said it. In 2004 everyone was saying 'sure Tampa made the playoffs by Khabibulin has never won a playoff series'. Four series and a Stanley Cup later... Alls I'm saying is let's wait and see. Are the Lightning going to win the Cup next year? No. Are they getting better? Heck yes. How about ease up off our backs a bit?
Greg (Posted 2008-07-01 15:53:31)
Tampa is becoming the Washington Redskins of the NHL. I love it. please keep neglecting your blueline and goaltending. Ovechkin is licking his chops. predict 8 games, Ov has 13 goals. thanks tampa.
Nick Weening (Posted 2008-07-01 15:41:24)
great article. had me laughing, and wondering also what the heck the lightning are doing. maybe their hoping to win every game 7-6. mike smiths going to get 35 wins but probably a 4.5 gaa. sure would be fun games to watch though.
bostongm (Posted 2008-07-01 15:33:04)
The Bolts will score 250 goals next season. they'll also let in over 300 goals.
Oscar Quintero (Posted 2008-07-01 15:27:46)
Where's GM Jay Feaster?
Seems like all of these moves have come from the owners :S
jono (Posted 2008-07-01 15:23:55)
"a defence that would have trouble competing at the ahl level" thats sooo true and funny man
AEV (Posted 2008-07-01 15:20:05)
I haven't much of the Tampa Bay team, but it doesn't sound like they're making the right moves. On the other hand, the Eastern Conference seems to be a bit more offense-minded than the Western Conference, so the moves makes sense in that the Lightning would try to build the best scoring machine they can. Will it be enough to get them into the playoffs? Even if it is, the other likely playoff teams should be able to bring even more firepower up front, not to mention more solid defense and goaltending.
john (Posted 2008-07-01 15:15:18)
Smith is going to fix a lot of Tampa's problems in the back end. yes, they need to get stronger defensively, but the situation is not as grim as everyone seems to think. This team is going to squeak into the playoffs, and be the most improved next season.
Isaac (Posted 2008-07-01 15:14:29)
While they aren't making good moves...I find Tampa Bay to be very entertaining and will be watching there games this year for the first time.
Ian Altenbaugh (Posted 2008-07-01 15:08:08)
That Bryce Salvador deal is absolutely crazy.
BayFan (Posted 2008-07-01 14:59:12)
Forgot to mention this...you've got to wonder what Gary Roberts must be thinking..."how did I get myself in this mess". Good luck.
Jon (Posted 2008-07-01 14:38:05)
Let's see here....St. Louis and Lecavalier (solid), Prospal (an up and down player who was just up, so this year he'll be down), Malone (who sucked off the power teet of Malkin), Vrbata (a kid with potential but only started to show it when given a lot of ice time in Phoenix, most likely a flash in the pan) and Stamkos (who knows what hes capable of). Sounds like their forwards are a bunch of B graders, with the exception of the big two. Add that to terrible defense, terrible goaltending and a coaching staff that some houseleague hockey teams could outcoach and you have a greatly overpaid 13th place team in the East. I dont know why anyone is getting excited for this team.
BayFan (Posted 2008-07-01 14:27:32)
In less than four days this new ownership group has found ways to sicken an already sick franchise. Let's get ready for some 8-6 LOSSES. Signing Vrbata to that deal reaks of ownership inexperience...and why Vrbata? Not a lot is making sense at Hockey Bay USA.
flotheaction (Posted 2008-07-01 14:13:03)
Smith better be the next Brodeur or esle tampa has go to act fast and get so re-inforcement on defence... can't argue with the way they're going offencively...
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