Wow. Sorry, I know we journalists are supposed to be unbiased, but that was an impressive display of work by Mr. Richards tonight. Could you tell the guy was just ready to play and be done with all the drama of the past week or so? Although it's going to be hard for him to top that from here on out.
Anyway, some other tidbits:
Niklas Hagman looked great. He said he just had his stick on the ice and didn't do much for those, but it was his hard driving to the net that ultimately made those goals. Great stuff. And now he's just one goal away from being among the team's leading scorers. Don't see any reason why, with 14 games remaining, he doesn't get at least 30 now.
Mike Modano still scores some of the prettiest goals I've ever seen.
Loui Eriksson gets his sixth goal in his last four games. The committee is alive and well.
OK, folks, I'm about to call it a night. Have a good one.
Good hard game as a team. Lots of energy. Exciting. Everyone appeared to be in the game mentally.
Posted by: dwain | February 29, 2008 at 07:49 AM
I am from Tampa and have been involved with the Lightning in several different manners, as a fan, and as someone who used to skate with them when I was a teenager in their skate and shoot summers.
Ever since Richards was a rookie, I have been a huge fan of his style and often played with a similar style when my own teams needed me to play as such.
Richards is a class act, intense, and one of the best ambassadors of hockey that Tampa has had. He will be sorely missed.
Dallas should count themselves fortunete to have such a great player, and a great person in Dallas.
Dallas has gained a Tampa fan with Richie in Dallas.
Best wishes to Brad and best of luck to Dallas in the playoffs. With Tampa missing the playoffs this year, you have given me a reason to watch hockey in the postseason.
Posted by: Jake | February 29, 2008 at 03:26 PM