When the Lightning Come to Town

With SOG at 35 - 24 in favor of the Isles, they still can't find a way to win. There is 9:18 left of the third, and I'm going to pack it in. Mabyethat will cause them to tie it up.

Nope. Not a chance. Actually with Moulson parked in front of the net again he can't get it passed Smith no matter how hard he tries. And Sutton takes a penalty, so that should be enough to make this a 4 - 2 showing in a matter of seconds.

I'm done here. I so could have used this time wisely.... instead... I am here watching Ryan Malone get his second goal of the night to make it... YEP... 4 - 2.

17:23: A freakin' penalty on Jack Hillen send the Bolts back on the PP play and within seconds to their 3 - 2 lead. I don't even know who scored that one. I don't even give a crap. All the things I left at home that need to be done for Christmas just flashed before my eyes and I just got queasy. Son of a bitch.

17:44 of the third: And Matt Moulson once again has a PRIME opportunity in front of Smith's net and can't get the shot off in time. He's tackled down to the ice and there is no penalty call whatsoever.

Well, that was a waste. At 3:14, the Isles get a Power play and JT takes a tripping penalty behind the net to put him in the box and they skated 4 on 4. Roloson left some frightening rebounds in front. But even with the penalty expired, and only 18.6 seconds left, Vinny Lecavalier evens up the score at 2 and we start the 3rd all even at square one. Twenty minutes can make all the difference in the world.


3:28 And what about that? When it looked like Kyle Okposo was finally going to get a goal, it didn't seem to work no matter where he shot from, until all of a sudden the blast came from ... NATE THOMPSON. Yep the guy that so many complained about was the one who put the Isles up 2 - 1. Thanks Nate.


7:46: TV Time out. Seriously, the best part of the press box is the cinnanuts and the flavored potato chips. And every time I pick up my camera, the rush starts the other way. I should just shut it down I guess.


13:40, Amazing rush to the net by Stamkos makes it a 1 - 1 game as he just pushed the puck behind Roloson when he wasn't looking. I knew it wouldn't last long now didn't I?

14:29 of the Second and another great chance for Matt Moulson off a nice feed from Blake Comeau that is gobbled up by Smith. Let one in damn you!



End of First and the Baby Crawl takes the ice. Okay, how cute is that!!

36.5 seconds left. Delay of Game, MacDonald. I really freakin' hate that rule. Seriously!!



Okay then, with 4:23 left Downie (who I thought wasn't playing takes a penalty and the Isles go back on the PP. Again, the top line doesn't do anything and Stamkos has a breakaway towards Rolie. But then, thankfully Bailey, from behind the net, gets the puck to Hunter who gets it over Smith. Yeah... Isles 1 - 0 for now.

There's 1:16 left. Can they keep it that way or go to the locker room tied?


With 6:40 left of the first, Matt Moulson gets a shot on goal from close range. Too close to go in. Back towards Roloson goes the puck.

Well, there is one good thing... Dina looks adorable in her Mrs. Claus suit.

7:27 pm: Nielsen draws a penlalty on Hale and the Ilses are on a PP. Let's see what they can do with it. Um.

Moulson is standing at the blue line, waiting. I don't understand and then doest make contact with the puck. Okposo to Shcremp behind the net, Matt back in front of the crease, it hits him, but is deflected behind him. Okposo gets a shot blocked by 32 Smaby and then a giveaway by Hunter to 11. Puck goes back by Rolsoson. Yep, 15 seconds left to the PP, and a give away to Stamkos. And we're done here.


7:30 PM: Roloson is the luckiest man alive right now as TWO chances didnt' manage to get inside the net. THey're reviewing them now but I'm thinking the puck didn't go ALL The way over the line. Let's see what they say.



Okay you guys! I white knuckled it all the way here and it took me over an hour to make a 15 minute drive. I am dressed like Nanook of the North and I broke down and paid the $10 for the press meal. YOU BETTER FREAKIN' WIN!!!

Dwayne Roloson in net against Tampa's #41, MIke Smith. Hedman will be in their starting line-up, so that will be our first glimpse of him here. Freddy Meyer is the healthy scratch for the evening.

So, I'll just say this... Matt -- I'm in the building. How about #16 please? Throw #17 in there for good measure too please. Thanks.

Okay, rumor has it that the Bolts don't do well on the PK. Do they know the Isles don't do well on the Power Play. But let's hope Jon Sim can piss someone off enough for them to take a penalty.

So far we've had some chances around the net that Smith has stolen.
Breakaway for Stamkos and a huge save for Rolie