Tampa plays Sabres in Pre Season opener

The defending champions will open the preseason with a game in Buffalo against the Sabres. Tampa Bay is looking for another cup run and with all the pieces basically back, should provide another exciting season for the fans in Tampa. The Sabre fans will be disappointed as every good player that can be off the team will not play in Buffalo tonight and the Tampa farm team will play. Gm Sprackman has stated he wanted to get a look at some younger players and give the vets a few days off from competition. Gm Sprackman said that some of the vets would see some ice time in later games but he didnt want to risk any injuries to players he knows will be starting this season. It should be an interesting game and lets see if the farm can handle the Sabre team.

Gm Sprackman has stated that a couple of players are on the trade block but no team was interested in them. Daze and Svehla has drawn little interest and will play this season with the Lightning unless a deal can be worked out. Tampa would like to get both to a team that really needs them instead of the little ice time they will see this season.

The junior team is ready to go and should be an average team that may make the playoffs. Gm Sprackman has made it clear that winning the jr title isnt a priority and winning the cup is 100 times better. He hasnt put as much work into the jr's and from this point of view I dont think he will change his attitude on the younger players.

Johnny Humpalot
Tampa Free Press