Post by boltsgm on Feb 24, 2007 18:02:24 GMT -5
The lightning deal Marc-Andre Bergeron. In return, they snatch Brian Mcgratten and Bryan Allen.
Alex McNeil:" I have to admit, I have been a brutal GM for the Tampa Bay organization. The problem is, I have dug my team into a hole so deep that nobody even wanted to touch it. I have tried to rectify the problem and have failed.
Look for my team to be changed. I apologize to the Tampa fans for having to endure the incredibly bad times. I would also like to say that I am going to acquire great talent in the free agency and I guarantee playoff contention for next season."
Were these the right words to win over fans? We asked various fans and the feedback was positive. The guarantee means failure will see the General Manager resign.
Random Fan:" I like his character, unfortunately the only character that counts in hockey is that of the players on the ice. This team is just not performing to the expectations. In a place like Florida it's hard enough to promote hockey."
We interupt this story to bring you to a live interview with recently acquired Brian McGratten who has just gotten word of the transaction...
Reporter: First of all, what is your reaction?
McGratten: What can I say, I listened to him talk about his promises for next season, obviously Ottawa didn't have me in their future, and Tampa did.
Reporter:What do you suspect your role will be as a member of the Lightning?
McGratten: I want to say whatever they want me to be. Unfortunately, I am limited to what my skills can be. I'm not a scorer, passer or defensive player. I am simply an enforcer. When you see a guy like Allen, Lilja, myself, Orr and Perrott on the same team, they obviously have a plan for enforcement. If you have this many enforcers on the same team, you have plans to protect some pretty hefty stars. I know that they have a good first line, but I think much like any body else you can expect some stars to come in during the off-season.
Reporter: What will you miss most about the Ottawa franchise?
McGratten: The crowds, unless we can attract enormous amounts of fans in Tampa the sens will have the fans over the lightning. The sens are competing for the cup, lightning are competing for nothing. Unfortunately when fans know your not going anywhere, they decide that they have no reason to come out and watch.
Reporter: What deal are you trying to ink?
McGratten: I'm gonna stay around a fair margin, but I am looking for a long term deal. Players like myself have had success on teams that move into their prime. I actually had time to look into some of the youth coming up from the Lightning, I am impressed, it's too early to tell, but when a team rebuilds they can start a dynasty even if it takes a couple seasons.
--Ends --
In 32 total VHL games McGratten has 1 assist for 1 point. A + 5 , 32 PIM and 18 hits.
Look for the Lightning to have an exciting Deadline Day.
McNeil:" We plan on getting some rebuilding this season, but with teams close to the cap and free agency around the corner, we look to take on some bigger names and to build with some stars. Look for some deals with Buffalo"
Done now.
Alex McNeil:" I have to admit, I have been a brutal GM for the Tampa Bay organization. The problem is, I have dug my team into a hole so deep that nobody even wanted to touch it. I have tried to rectify the problem and have failed.
Look for my team to be changed. I apologize to the Tampa fans for having to endure the incredibly bad times. I would also like to say that I am going to acquire great talent in the free agency and I guarantee playoff contention for next season."
Were these the right words to win over fans? We asked various fans and the feedback was positive. The guarantee means failure will see the General Manager resign.
Random Fan:" I like his character, unfortunately the only character that counts in hockey is that of the players on the ice. This team is just not performing to the expectations. In a place like Florida it's hard enough to promote hockey."
We interupt this story to bring you to a live interview with recently acquired Brian McGratten who has just gotten word of the transaction...
Reporter: First of all, what is your reaction?
McGratten: What can I say, I listened to him talk about his promises for next season, obviously Ottawa didn't have me in their future, and Tampa did.
Reporter:What do you suspect your role will be as a member of the Lightning?
McGratten: I want to say whatever they want me to be. Unfortunately, I am limited to what my skills can be. I'm not a scorer, passer or defensive player. I am simply an enforcer. When you see a guy like Allen, Lilja, myself, Orr and Perrott on the same team, they obviously have a plan for enforcement. If you have this many enforcers on the same team, you have plans to protect some pretty hefty stars. I know that they have a good first line, but I think much like any body else you can expect some stars to come in during the off-season.
Reporter: What will you miss most about the Ottawa franchise?
McGratten: The crowds, unless we can attract enormous amounts of fans in Tampa the sens will have the fans over the lightning. The sens are competing for the cup, lightning are competing for nothing. Unfortunately when fans know your not going anywhere, they decide that they have no reason to come out and watch.
Reporter: What deal are you trying to ink?
McGratten: I'm gonna stay around a fair margin, but I am looking for a long term deal. Players like myself have had success on teams that move into their prime. I actually had time to look into some of the youth coming up from the Lightning, I am impressed, it's too early to tell, but when a team rebuilds they can start a dynasty even if it takes a couple seasons.
--Ends --
In 32 total VHL games McGratten has 1 assist for 1 point. A + 5 , 32 PIM and 18 hits.
Look for the Lightning to have an exciting Deadline Day.
McNeil:" We plan on getting some rebuilding this season, but with teams close to the cap and free agency around the corner, we look to take on some bigger names and to build with some stars. Look for some deals with Buffalo"
Done now.
