Timing, of course, is everything. But could the much anticipated, high-profile rollout of the largely overhauled Tampa Bay Lightning have gone worse? Worst to cursed?
Of the four teams that began the season in Europe, the Lightning, which lost twice to the New York Rangers in the Czech Republic, is the only one that came back winless and pointless. The offense was a no-show.
Presumably the team did do some bonding, but even that was overshadowed by reports from Canadian media — vigorously denied by the Bolts — that Lightning co-owner (and former NHL player) Len Barrie was in the Tampa Bay locker room in Prague diagramming plays. Even if not true, it’s the sort of distraction no team trying to find its identity with new ownership, coaches and key personnel can afford. Plus, to a lot of people, it seemed like the sort of thing – however unfair – that Barrie just might do.
Upon returning to Tampa, the Lightning haven’t played appreciably better. Including, most ignobly, the effort-challenged loss to San Jose – Dan Boyle’s new team. And that chorus of boos at game’s end had nothing to do with Halloween.
In addition, the Lightning didn’t sell out the home opener and attendance – officially — is off about 3,000 a game.
Moreover, the Bolts, who always battle football for media priority at this time of the year, dropped further under that radar by virtue of the Tampa Bay Rays’ amazing run to the World Series.