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SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

Zenon Konopka vs. Luke Gazdic 2 minutes, 32 seconds into the game

Zenon Konopka and Dallas' Luke Gazdic fought 2:32 into Wednesday's game, not a big deal in and of itself, but pertinent given the previous blog entry.

It was a fairly even go as both got in a couple of shots. If it matters who ends up on top, Konopka earned the fall when Gazdic took a big swing and missed and Konopka used Gazdic's momentum to get him to the ice. Gazdic is no pushover, either. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder had 127 penalty minutes last season in 63 games with OHLErie. He had 14 penalty minutes in two games with ECHL Idaho. ... Read more

OCTOBER 15, 2009

Zenon Konopka, whom the Tampa Bay Lightning has given a chance to play, proving doubters wrong

One of the more interesting things about the last chat I had online were several questions asking what the heck Tampa Bay Lightning coach Rick Tocchet sees in Zenon Konopka. Well, now we know.

As the anchor of the Lightning's very capable fourth line, which Tocchet said has drawn two or three penalties a game, and as someone who entering Thursday's game with the Senators had won 66.7 percent of his faceoffs, Konopka, who for the first time had an NHL job coming out of camp, is proving a valuable asset to the team. ... Read more

OCTOBER 24, 2009

How about some good news concerning Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier?

Okay, I'll admit this isn't the most glamorous stat I've ever thrown out there, but given I wrote about how bad Tampa Bay Lightning center Vinny Lecavalier was on faceoffs after two games, to be fair, we should point out how good he has been in the past six. And it will be nice to write about something besides the fact that he hasn't scored in 15 games. Darn it, there it is again.

Anyway, Lecavalier was 9-for-29 on faceoffs in those first two games for 31 percent. Since then, he has won 58 of 94 faceoffs for a rate of 61.7 percent. For the season, he has won 54.5 percent. ... Read more

OCTOBER 30, 2009

Give Tampa Bay Lightning's Zenon Konopka credit for fighting Chris Neil, but it didn't need to happen

Let's start with this, I have no problem with fighting in hockey. But sometimes there are circumstances when  it just doesn't need to happen.

Take Thursday night's game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Senators. Ottawa's Chris Neil, who loves to stir it up, came out from behind his own net with Tampa Bay's Steve Downie, who obviously had annoyed Neil while battling for the puck (and who also probably remembers Downie's bad hit on Dean McAmmond in 2007). Anyway, Neil gives Downie an elbow across the back of the head. ... Read more

NOVEMBER 09, 2009

Marty St. Louis, Antero Niittymaki and Zenon Konopka wil make appearances Tuesday

From the team:

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Lightning have the east and the west covered with Zenon Konopka appearing at the McDonald’s on 3480 East Lake Road in Palm Harbor. Konopka will be interviewed by Dave Mishkin for the “Ice Hot” radio show, to be aired on 620-AM from 7-8 p.m. and he will sign autographs for fans afterwards. ... Read more

NOVEMBER 24, 2009

If nothing else, the Tampa Bay Lightning is loose; remember Wednesday's game is at 7

First, a reminder. Wednesday's game with the Maple Leafs at the St. Pete Times Forum is at 7 p.m. to accommodate Canadian TV.

So, this is what we saw today after the Tampa Bay Lightning's practice: ... Read more

JANUARY 31, 2010

Tocchet: Tampa Bay Lightning needs "passion" in today's game with the Capitals

So, what do you say we talk about some hockey today? As you probably noticed, my days since last week have been filled with the story about potential new owner Jeff Vinik and his efforts to buy the team with the help of the NHL. His efforts apparently are ongoing and the league hopes to make an announcement soon.

But on to other things: ... Read more

MARCH 09, 2010

Injuries all of a sudden an issue for the Tampa Bay Lightning, though St. Louis will play

The Tampa Bay Lightning's injury report grew substantially before Tuesday's game with the Canadiens as center Zenon Konopka was listed out for at least a week with back spasms that have bothered him off and on, and left wing Ryan Malone is questionable with an upper-body injury that coach Rick Tocchet said has been a lingering thing. As for Marty St. Louis, the left wing is expected to play, or at least evaluate how he feels during warmups and in his first shifts. ... Read more

MARCH 30, 2010

Tampa Bay Lightning's Zenon Konopka looks for "rugged" game against former team

For the first time since he has been with the Tampa Bay Lightning, feisty center Zenon Konopka will play against his former team, the Blue Jackets, and in their arena to boot. Konopka, who said he still has lots of friends on the Jackets, said he will play a "rugged, risky, physical game." ... Read more

APRIL 07, 2010

Some stuff for Tampa Bay Lightning fans

Here are a couple of events with announcements from the team: ... Read more

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