It's the final countdown.

For anyone who thought that Christmas was the most wonderful time of the year, you were clearly mistaken. The most wonderful time of the year is the beginning of hockey season. Between the team changes in line up, and the anticipation of the first game - I can barely contain myself! More so, I can barely keep up with all of the things that are happening as of late. With Vinny being named captain and two wins this pre-season, things are looking up for the Lightning who had the sword of Damocles hanging over them for a while.

Let's start off with last night's game. Somehow I was lucky enough to sit 8 rows from the glass and now my life will never be the same. Actually, now I've just been spoiled and can't imagine sitting any further back. The sound the boards make when Arty slams up against them is pretty freaking amazing. Enough about my seats though, let's discuss Steve Stamkos. High five to him for scoring his first goal wearing the Tampa Bay Lightning sweater, which came to him in a power play during the second period. The other goals came from Marty (yay!) and Ryan Craig (double yay!). Have I conveyed how happy I am that Ryan Craig is back from being injured, signed with a nice contract, and playing again? So happy that I took about 40 pictures of him while at Icefest, because I'm clearly creepy. Don't worry, I'll be posting the good ones later! I hate to admit it, but Smith was on his game last night. Truthfully, I felt the Ranger's outplayed the Lightning but Smith really stuck with the net and totalled 38 saves. A win is a win though, and it felt good. Especailly since I really hate the Rangers. I shouldn't since I'm from New York, but I just can't help it.

Now with three games done, the Lightning camp roster has been reduced by six. Peace out to Ty Wishart, Paul Szczechura, Riku Helenius and Radek Smolenak who were assigned to training camp with Norfolk and Dana Tyrell was assigned to Prince George of the WHL. I'll miss Smolenak the most because he had a really good face. I know this from having my face to the glass on Sunday watching them practice. Remember earlier how I said I'm creepy? Yeah, that still stands.

I have about 37 other things I desperately want to blog about, but unfortunately - it's that time of the morning where I need to actually get ready for work. Don't worry kiddies, I'll be back with more!