Two weeks into the season and we still don't know what to make of the 2011-12 Tampa Bay Lightning. It seems that their new uniforms have needed some time to break in, like the Tesla coils at the St. Pete Times Forum as Blue Thunder hasn't been as effective as Black Rain was last season.
Still, its very early and there have been some signs of life.
This Week's Record: 1-1-1
Season Record: 2-3-2
Bolt of the Week: Marc-Andre Bergeron, Defenseman
Bergie has been on fire this week, scoring 2 goals and adding 4 assists for 6 points in 3 games. If Bergeron continues to produce on offense, it will be extremely difficult for head coach Guy Boucher to take him off the ice when Mattais Ohlund is ready to return.
Bolt that was a Dolt This Week: Dwayne Roloson, Goaltender
It was another horrid performance for the Lightning's top net minder as he surrendered 5 power play goals in the team's home opener and 7 goals overall. He is dead last in the league in goals surrendered with 17. While it's certainly not all his fault, the results are the results. If Mathieu Garon continues to play well, Roloson could find himself on the bench.
Game of the Week: Tampa Bay 4, NY Islanders 1
It wasn't a very difficult choice for GOW this week. The Lightning played perhaps their most complete game of the season with a dominating performance on Thursday night. Tampa Bay outshot the Isles 30-17, were perfect on the penalty kill (2-for-2), didn't take any dumb penalties and found offensive production from some of their stars.
Game We'd Like to Forget: Florida 7, Tampa Bay 4
In front of a packed house in the St. Pete Times forum, the Lightning delivered a clunker, falling to their hated rivals 7-4. Tampa Bay surrendered 5 power play goals and took 33 penalty minutes.
Who's Next:
Tampa Bay hosts Buffalo on Saturday before heading out for a quick two game trip to Buffalo and Nashville.