The Vincent Lecavalier Trade

For almost as long as he has worn the number 4 for Tampa Bay, trade rumors have surrounded Lecavalier in the off-season and around the trade deadlines. Even with a new 11 year contract, including a no-trade clause, yet just weeks ago any hockey broadcast was saying that surely Lecavalier was on his way to old coach Torts house in NY. Most Lightning fans by now just cast aside these rumors, knowing that Vinny will be in Tampa for his playing time and is likely to be with the organization throughout it's existence, which is looking shaky. I am sure Vinny will not leave Tampa because of the work he does with All Children's Hospital. He donates massive amounts of money and time through his Vincent Lecavalier Foundation and The Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at the new All Children's Hospital which he donated $3 Million on his own. The simple fact is that Vinny is invested in the greater Tampa Bay area too much to leave. He has spent too much money in the Tampa market to be traded away to another team where he would have to restart any effort, and still have to either donate or discontinue everything he does here.

Anaheim 2, Tampa Bay 1 By: Scott Puffer

The Anaheim Ducks skated into the St. Pete Times Forum Friday night looking to snap a two game losing streak where they had lost three out of their last four road games. The lightning on the other hand were trying to extend their season best streak of three games winning four of their last five games.

Tampa Bay struck first when Martin St. Louis scored his (15) goal of the season which gave center Steven Stamkos his (26)assist at the 9:47 mark of the first period. Tampa Bay would take that 1-0 lead into the locker room for the first intermission.

The Ducks would answer the lightning's goal at the 6:36 mark of the second period with a power play goal(ppg) from James Wisniewski. The goal was Wisniewski's (3)goal of the season and his(2)ppg, with assists going to Ryan Getzalf(37) and Ryan Whitney for his(20) assist of season.

The two teams would take this 1-1 tie through the end of regulation and a scoreless overtime period. On to the shoot-out ,which went as follows:

Shootout Summary:

Shootout GOAL scored by Steven Stamkos on Jonas Hiller (Backhand 7 ft)
Shootout attempt by Corey Perry SAVED by Antero Niittymaki (Wristshot 17 ft)
Shootout attempt by Jeff Halpern SAVED by Jonas Hiller (Wristshot 12 ft)
Shootout GOAL scored by Ryan Getzlaf on Antero Niittymaki (Wristshot 8 ft)
Shootout attempt by Brandon Bochenski SAVED by Jonas Hiller (Wristshot 11 ft)
Shootout GOAL scored by James Wisniewski on Antero Niittymaki (Wristshot 21 ft)

Lightning goalie Antero Niittymaki stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced,but in the end it was the Anaheim Ducks escaping with the 2-1 victory!