Under Review - Depth of Bolts Makes Squad Most Intriguing In NHL

By Allan Brown

If you're a Tampa Bay Lightning fan, Christmas has come early this year. 

With the best record to date in the National Hockey League, the Lightning have looked as good as any NHL club has since the 1976-77 Montreal Canadians.

Of course, for Bolts fans December 25th might as well be the Fourth of July, as the only Christmas gift they want won't get unwrapped until mid-June.

And that's only if the Lightning turn another regular-season success into a Stanley Cup championship.

Having made appearances in three out of the last four Eastern Conference Final rounds, the club has yet to turn regular season success into a second Lord Stanley Cup win in their 26-year history.

This year's franchise seems different from the past ones, though.

With extreme depth on paper and a league-leading offense on ice, no lead by an opposing team is safe.

The 2018 incarnation is that deep and that resilient.

And that makes choosing my Top Five Most Intriguing Bolts of the year more difficult this year than in any of the past three times I've written such a column . 

I'm up for the challenge, though, as I zero in on my original criteria for such a column which is to annually pick the five Lightning team members who I'd most like to invite to Christmas dinner.

In the past, Steven Stamkos, Head Coach Jon Cooper and former netminder Ben Bishop have topped my list.

Both Stammer and Coop were seriously considered for top five honors this time around.

To date, Stamkos looks to have regained that spark that has in the past propelled the team to playoff dominance and won him two Maurice Rocket Richard trophies for most goals scored by an NHL player in a single season. 

As for Cooper, he has lead the team to a playoff berth in all but one of his five full seasons as Bolts head coach.

So both are worthy of inclusion on my list this season 

As is defending Norris Trophy winner, Victor Hedman, who continues to dominate the squad's already deep and improving defense.

His D-man counterpart, Ryan McDonagh, came thisclose to making the top five on the list. He currently leads the team in plus/minus at 19, good for sixth place in the NHL.

McDonagh has been invaluable to the squad's defense, especially in the absence of injured teammate, Anton Stralman. 

The genius of  former general manager Steve Yzerman's hockey brilliance once again is evident in having traded for him and winger J.T. Miller with the Rangers late last season.

Tyler Johnson, who is looking to, perhaps, have his best season ever as a Bolt, was also worthy of inclusion on my top five list. In fact, to date, Johnny's 13 goals this season are only eight shy of his production for the entire 2017-18 season  Also considered for the list was promising center Anthony Cirelli, who in his first full season in a Bolts blue sweater already has scored nine goals and has 13 points for the good guys.

However, ultimately I went in a different direction this year and my top five are all new to my list and, some even
relatively new to the team.

And that I have listed so many who could have been top five on my list - and left off many others who I could make a strong argument for inclusion on it - is a testament to just how strong this squad - actually is.

As is customary for me, I publish an annual list of who I consider to be the Most Intriguing Sports Figures of the year and in a previous column, I selected Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield for that honor.

However, any of the five I'm about to list in this column could easily be on my overall sports list, too.

Coming in at number five is 

Nikita Kucherov.

Formerly included on my list two years ago as part of the 'Triplets' trio with Johnson and Ondrej Palat, Kuch makes it all on his own this year.

Kucherov can score goals, but his value this season has been in getting assists. Fourth in the League in that statistic, with 34, his 47 points put him in that same spot in that stat, too.

Whatever line Cooper puts him on suddenly produces and that is a sign of a true MVP.

Having recorded a first and only hat trick on a 3-on-3 in last year's NHL All-Star game, Kucherov is well on his way to making another appearance in the league's annual classic.

4. Mathieu Joseph, The rookie winger took a while to score, but once he did, it is as if the floodgates suddenly opened. Already at nine goals and 13 points for the season, he is a serious Calder Trophy candidate.

What makes Joseph even more special is that he also does all the little things that boost a team to victory exceptionally well for someone his age and is a born leader, which is evident from his pressers or post game clips.

Having met Joseph when he was a member of the Bolts AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, I can say, firsthand, that he is also humble. That quiet humbleness, mixed with confidence he displays both on the ice indicate a promising career in Tampa Bay and the NHL.

Joseph is certainly high on my list of Bolts to interview in 2019.

3. Louis Domingue - A veteran goaltender in his own right, Domingue has come of age this season as backup to Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Traded to the Lightning from the Arizona Coyotes last season, he has proven his worth this year in relief of Vasilevskiy, who broke his foot last month and was sidelined until Thursday night's win versus Toronto.

The trade came last season following Domingue's disastrous stint in relief of Coyotes' netminder, Antti Raanta, in which he went 0-7.

Domingue has more than proven that slump was a mere fluke by posting 14 wins this season, good for a third-place tie in the league, and going 10-2 in Vasy's absence.

In fact, just last week, he was named the NHL's Second Star of the Week.

What's particularly impressive with the Quebec native's play this season is he has gotten progressively better and more confident between the pipes.

If Vasilevskiy should go down again, the Bolts should stand in good stead with Domingue.


2. Brayden Point - In his third season with the Lightning, the center has improved nicely each year.

And in this 2018-19 season, he is soaring.

Point leads the team in goals with 21, good for fourth place in the League, and is a legitimate Rocket Richard contender. His 41 points tie him for 11th in the NHL and put him behind only Kucherov for that team statistic.

With a killer instinct to improve that he has shown since he started playing for the Bolts, he may, in actuality, be the squad's biggest asset come playoff time.


While having one goaltender in my top five, is good, naming two to it is exceptional.

My number one selection as Most Intriguing (and Valuable) Lightning Player of 2018 is also a netminder
and is testament to just how strong the Bolts are in goal - and in virtually every other aspect of the game - this season.

And, ultimately, that could be the difference between the Bolts settling for also-ran status again this season or actually finally hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup next June.

If you're a Lightning fan, I'm sure you've guessed by now who my ultimate choice is.

Coming in at number one this year for My Most Intriguing (not to mention most Valuable) Bolt is the team's aforementioned number one guy between the pipes, Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Vasy, a finalist last season for the Vezina Trophy, awarded annually to the goaltender deemed best in net, has only gotten better with another year of NHL experience under his belt.

His .933 save percentage leads the league and he ranks third among netminders in goals against average at 2.20.

And upon returning from his four-week recovery, he didn't miss a beat. In fact, his cat-like reflexes in net looked even more refined and, if possible, he looked even better in goal than before his injury.

Not even having hit his prime as a goaltender, at 24, Vasilevskiy can only get better, which for Bolts' fans should ensure the team's dominance in goal for many seasons to come.

Whether these honored
Bolts - and of course the entire Lightning Hockey Club - can ultimately succeed where their past teams could not has yet to be determined.

One thing is for certain, though.

If they do, it will be better than any gift any Lightning fan finds under their Christmas tree next week.

Under Review: Why Good Morning Football Has Changed How NFL Fans Wake Up In The A.M.

By Allan Brown

Good Morning Football is the best three hours of television on television.

Period.

End of Story.

Ok, it's not actually the end of this story. However, as a young journalism student at The University of Toledo many moons ago, I was always told not to bury the lead.

Therefore, I'm letting you know upfront what the crux of this column is about.

And, in the rest of this piece, I'm going to let you know why the NFL Network's current foray into early morning television (seen weekdays at 7 a.m. EST with a repeat broadcast starting at 10 a.m. EST) is succeeding and its predecessors did not.

It's not just the previous incarnations of this programming idea were based out of Los Angeles, where it was 4 a.m. when the anchors were live. You see, the Network's perception was that the shows lacked the energy - and the anchors certainly even lacked the sleep - required to do a live broadcast at that ungodly hour.

Although being based live out of New York City certainly helps bring a different energy to GMFB, the real key to its success is actually much more simple than that.

In one word, the show succeeds because of chemistry.

The four regulars have chemistry in excess.

Actually, there's enough chemistry between Kay Adams, Kyle Brandt, Nate Burleson and Peter Schrager for the show to probably go six hours a day during football season.

The quartet is that good, that knowledgeable and that passionate about the NFL to sustain a show of such magnitude.

Although with three nights of primetime NFL games, they may actually lack just as much sleep as any of their predecessors, it never shows on screen.

From the Lead Block, where the group discusses the top stories or games at the start of each hour, until the concluding segment just a few minutes before 10 a.m., the show is entertaining, informative and extremely watchable.

That's because the team not only knows football, they love the sport.

And their love of football is contagious.

Already a huge NFL fan, if anything, my love for the game has actually increased tenfold from watching how this quartet loves the sport.

As for the team, each brings their own unique perspective to the breakfast table.

Starting with Kay Adams, who guides the trio of men at the table with discussion and insight, she clearly has the chutzpah to carefully balance the stories with the often-zany - though always highly entertaining - antics the men present her with.

Having vast experience in fantasy football programming (among other shows, she previously hosted the highly entertaining Fantasy Football Live on NBCSN before this latest gig, which premiered in August 2016) she rarely steers you wrong in balancing your own squads. Her knowledge is unparalleled.

Every panel discussion show needs that one person to guide and navigate and Adams does that and then some.

As for Brandt, his seven years as executive producer of the Jim Rome radio show serves him well in his breakdown of games and analysis of all stories pertinent to the NFL.

And the energy he possesses at such an early hour is definitely contagious. You might not even need your cup of Joe in the morning as he is that good, that animated.

Brandt is good, though I have to confess even his abundant energy at that hour is not quite enough to keep me from having my cup - or sometimes multiple cups - of Java each day.

Slightly off topic, but certainly of note, Brandt also has a Friday evening show on the Network, The Kyle Brandt Football Experience, which is 'Must See TV' in its own right.

Part up-to-the-minute predictions and discussion and part a trip down memory lane, as Brandt also soundly utilizes the NFL Films vaults that are housed in the Network's possession.

Before the show debuted, it was said the show was partly inspired by the old George Michael Sports Machine. And it does not disappoint, as it might be the best and most unique show since the former last dominated the weekend airwaves two decades ago.

Back to GMFB, clearly, the four feed off of one another.

Nate Burleson, a former third round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings and who also played in Seattle and Detroit in his 11 seasons in the League, gives the crew a unique perspective that only a former player can provide.

Active on social media and co-host of CBS' NFL Today, Burleson is the perfect person to give a player's view to the table.

And, as an aside, Burleson is also perfect for this gig, as he genuinely cares about lifting this sport and its players up. Whereas, many current and former athletes aren't necessarily the best role models for our youth, he definitely is one.

Finally, Peter Schrager rounds out the quartet.

A veteran sports analyst, best-selling author and contributor to both Fox Sports.Com and a sideline NFL reporter for Fox Sports his journalistic expertise and integrity is second to none in the industry. He can often be the voice of reason when discussing a particularly controversial topic.


And none of the four back away or shy away from giving their candid opinions on not only the games, but the breaking news - including negative stories - that affect the game, too.

All have their favorite players and teams and openly discuss that, though not in a biased way that turns a viewer off.

Also a part of the team - albeit stationed in Los Angeles - is sports anchor Will Selva, who brings us updates throughout the three hours and clicks with the other four even if it is only on a split screen.

The only thing that a viewer might wish is that Selva actually was in New York with the others, as he is as clearly a part of the GMFB family as the other four teammates.

Perhaps that last paragraph best sums up why GMFB succeeds - the team actually is like a family to both the viewers and each other.

Sure, they sometimes disagree on a topic, though that just makes for better TV. Even in their differences of opinion, viewers can see they have each others backs.

And that's definitely a key to the show's ever growing popularity.


Back in the late 90s, TV Guide used to honor a series with an award called the Best Show You're Not Watching.

While I'm certainly not saying this is the case with GMFB (in fact viewership has increased by double-digit percentages both in total viewers and in the key 18-54 demo since last year) all I'm noting is that not everyone has or can subscribe to the NFL Network and, perhaps, some who do, have never watched the program.

Shame on you.


There is absolutely no morning show out there that possesses the same energy and enthusiasm.

So if you don't have the NFL Network or have not ever watched GMFB, I highly suggest you subscribe to it, as you really don't know what you're missing.

My lead really says it all.

GMFB is the best morning show in a crowded field of sports - and even news - shows competing for your attention in the early morning

Trust me, once you join the team at their breakfast table, you will partake of the show each weekday.

Under Review - The Most Intriguing Sports Figures of 2018 Run The Gamut

By Allan Brown

As the year comes to a close, 2018 will be remembered in the sports world as one of extremes.

From the euphoric joy of a Philadelphia Eagles fan base that finally saw their beloved football team hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy, to a Red Sox Nation that saw its squad win its fourth World Series Championship of this century, the year had its highs and lows.

For every feel good story (like the Washington Capitols winning their first Stanley Cup) there was a negative story looming right around the corner. (Think the Kareem Hunt or Urban Meyer scandals.)

For this column, however, I choose to focus on the positive the year brought in the wonderful world of sports.

So without further ado, here is my annual list of the Most Intriguing People in Sports.

This year with a twist.

Instead of ranking them 1-10, this year, I'm Only giving one #1, one gold star. The rest of the list won't be in any particular order.

So grab a cup of egg nog and enjoy.

First up, sports journalists are - for good or for bad - as much in the sports pages as the actual athletes they cover.

With that in mind, I'm first giving out an honor for someone who reports, analyzes and comments on the games.

Someone who is intriguing to me and, as is my customary criteria for my annual list, a person I would most like to interview.

And in the case of Laura Rutledge, I have already had the privilege of writing about.

As host of SEC Nation, Laura has parlayed that success into a semi-regular gig on ESPN's suddenly resurging Get Up show.

It can't be a coincidence that the show's numbers have spiked considerably since she has begun appearing on it.

To be honest and in full disclosure, I have known Laura for many years as she was our Miss Florida 2012, though I can honestly say I'm unbiased in my opinion of her - one that so many in the industry obviously share.

She moved from the ranks of reporter for the Tampa Bay Rays to covering the San Diego Padres - with a few other stops in between - before becoming a household name at the SEC Network.

What's particularly remarkable about Laura is her ability to cover ANYTHING. From college football to the NFL, from MLB to the College World Series, Rutledge is a virtual encyclopedia of sports knowledge that is unparalleled on the network. And in a sea of Greenys, Stephen As and Hannah Storms, she might just be ESPN's greatest asset.

She is relatable and down to earth. With Laura, what you see is what you get, especially when talking to her in person.

Her star is burning brightly

And is still on the rise.

Count on it.

Now on to the NHL.

And my choice of Alex Ovechkin as most intriguing in his sport is a no-brainer.

From the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Award, given to the goal leader to the Hart Memorial - or MVP Trophy, Ovi has won virtually every award his sport has to offer.

Except one.

The Stanley Cup.

So when Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals team finally we're able to house that Cup this spring, it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for the Russian-born winger.

And he made the most of it.

Ovi was seen taking the Cup all around the District of Columbia and his native Russia.

And a growing fan base who rooted for him along the way delighted in Ovechkin's well-earned trek, even if it meant some of his teammates got less time with Lord Stanley's Cup.


Always a great player, Ovechkin learned to be a great leader on and off the ice. While he might not be as great as Wayne Gretzky, like Gretzky, Ovi has endured the sport to a new generation.

As for others who intrigued us - or at least me- this past year, the list is many.

However, before unveiling my number one choice, I've narrowed it to several others who deserve mebtion.

University of Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa may have been runner-up for the Heisman Trophy this year, but no doubt his time will come.

His numbers this season, including passing for 3,353 yards and 37 touchdowns and leading the Crimson Tide to a perfect regular-season record, have excited college football fans and, no doubt, have made NFL scouts take notice, too.

For Alex Cora, he was denied the American League Manager of the Year honor, though he has a World Series Championship in his first season as skipper of the Boston Red Sox to keep him comfort.

In leading the Red Sox to a franchise-best- ever 108 regular season wins, maybe Manager of the Year voters thought he made it look too easy or that he already had the tools in place to succeed to begin with, Cora, however, still did something his predecessor couldn't.

Like Jon Gruden in the NFL when he led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Lombardi Trophy with talent mentored by Tony Dungy, Cora was snubbed for year-ending honors. I'm pretty sure, though, he's content with the hardware he helped his Red Sox win.

Chicago Bears fans haven't had much of anything - or anyone - to cheer for since the Monsters of the Midway dominated the game in the mid-1980s.

Enter Matt Nagy, who in his first year as coach of the formerly down and out Bears has led his team to defensive dominance and a first-place record in the NFL's North Division.

The addition of defensive juggernaut, Kahlil Mack hasn't hurt, either.

Both are intriguing and promise to make gridiron action in the Windy City interesting and exciting for years to come.

For LeBron James, he really doesn't need any more accolades to prove his worth.

However, that hasn't stopped him from continuing to rewrite the NBA record books or to move around the League in quest of another World Championship.

His second departure from Cleveland was without the drama and negative reaction from Cavs fans that his first exit caused back in 2010.

Since then, he helped Cleveland win a World Championship and had endured himself to his hometown community via the opening of a school for at-risk children in Northeast Ohio.

He is intriguing for not only his spectacular play on the court, but for the man he has become off it.

In a world filled with sports idols who have fallen from grace or fallen short of being a positive role model for our youth, The King has proven that there are still some exemplary athletes who can overachieve both on and off the athletic stage.

As for who Cleveland sports fans have to idolize in James' absence, the answer to that question is an easy one.

Just as easy as who my choice for Most Intriguing Sports Figure of 2018 should be.

That top honor goes to rookie Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Many - including this writer - questioned the Browns' choice of Mayfield as their number one draft pick this spring.

Boy, were we wrong.

Mayfield has not only looked sharp and promising since he took over the reins at QB from Tyrod Taylor in a spectacular game-winning series in Week Three of the NFL season, he has only gotten better and more confident in his leadership role as the season has progressed.

He clearly enjoys being in Cleveland, enjoys interacting with the fans and enjoys playing his heart out each week in a season where the Browns are still in the playoff hunt as the waning weeks of the NFL season play out.

When's the last time Browns fans could say that?

Putting past personal transgressions aside, Mayfield has shown that unlike another former Browns' draft pick, Johnny Manziel, he has learned from his mistakes and his football talent wasn't just limited to the collegiate field, where he was last year's winner of the Heisman Trophy.

Mayfield is just a little dangerous both on the field and in his post-game pressers and that's good.

Dangerous can be exciting and sometimes even good.

In Mayfield's case, good enough to be named the Most Intriguing Sports Figure of 2018.

And that choice may be a little dangerous on my part, as he still has much to prove in his future with the Browns.

Mayfield, however, is worth the risk.