Something is Missing with the Bolts

By Mark Pukalo

Let’s be honest. Aren’t you a little worried about the Tampa Bay Lightning from what you have seen through the first month of the season?

The numbers don’t lie. The Lightning would be a .500 team without the three games against the New York Islanders – the first of which the former Fish Sticks looked about as interested in playing as going to the dentist. Don’t forget they were also rescued by a miraculous shot by captain Steven Stamkos in the final seconds of regulation in a win against Florida at home.

Perhaps our expectations are too high this early in the season, but there just seems to be something missing. Oh yes, there are excuses. The Bolts haven’t had Jonathan Drouin the last five games, heart and soul Ryan Callahan was not here for the first 10 and top-pair defenseman Anton Stralman has been battling injuries since the start of the season. There is enough talent in the lineup to play better though, and they are not – on a consistent basis.

There have been periods in which they have looked like the Lightning of the past few seasons. They were solid in the win at Ottawa and took control in the second and third periods against New Jersey at home. They scored seven goals at Toronto, thanks in part to Frederik Andersen, but got outplayed for more than half the game. Monday's victory against the Islanders was a good sign, but Andrei Vasilevskiy had to be too good again.

No doubt, even the best teams can’t play great every night. But there seems to be a stale nature to their play at times. They fall back into old habits – overpassing, no-look clears – more often. Perhaps, it is mental. With almost the same roster the last two-plus years, even in bad times they feel that it’s just going to happen for them. Because, it almost always seems to work out. The great thing about this team the previous two seasons is they have often responded to a bad stretch with a winning streak. Unfortunately, at some point, it may not happen.

It’s not time to panic. It’s just getting to a point where GM Steve Yzerman has to sit down with his staff and seriously evaluate his roster. Does it need a minor shake up to add a spark? Do they have to overpay slightly to go out and get a top-four defenseman, preferably on the right side?

Brayden Point becoming an true NHL player one year ahead of expected has given the Lightning the ability to move a forward for a defenseman. No one is going to want to deal for Valtteri Filppula, and I’m not sure he isn’t needed through this season after watching him raise his game a bit through the first 15 games. Yzerman must make a decision on Vladislav Namestnikov. Is he continuing to get better? Or is this what he is? Vladdy is a good hockey player and a smart young man. He has value. But he could be a nice trading chip as well.

Yzerman also must decide what he has on the back end. Victor Hedman is an elite defenseman and Stralman is a perfect complement. But when the forwards are not playing at their top level for the Lightning, their bottom four defensemen are exposed. Slater Koekkoek might be a top-four defenseman, but we’re not 100 percent sure are we? Jason Garrison and Braydon Coburn are solid veteran rearguards. Andrej Sustr even has his moments. But when your second “shutdown” pair is Garrison-Sustr, that just may not be good enough in the long run. That duo was spun in circles by the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.

The other concern is will we ever see the Tyler Johnson of two seasons ago again? The Bolts second-line center has had a few productive games, but has been a ghost in others. It may be time for coach Jon Cooper to just put the Triplets back together and let them go.

Top-four defensemen are not growing in the orange groves in Florida. They are hard to get -- because, the really good ones are either expensive to pay or to acquire. Two right-hand shooters might be available and they are both young – Dougie Hamilton of Calgary and Jacob Trouba of Winnipeg. Word is that Trouba was coveted by the Lightning on draft day and went just before they picked Koekkoek. St. Louis’ Kevin Shattenkirk could be a rental down the road. I have no doubt Yzerman has been on the phone working on improving his defense. At some point, he may have to trade some high picks and/or a prospect to get something done.

Something makes me believe Ben Bishop is here until the end of the season and will leave as a free agent. But there is always potential that the Dallas Stars will find a way to make it worthwhile that the Lightning deal the big goaltender to them.

Plenty can happen. There is time, but if the Lightning come home from this road trip at less than 3-1-1, Yzerman may have to do something. The Eastern Conference is too competitive. Perhaps the 2016-17 Bolts won’t be able to just turn it on when they need it.

2016-17 NHL Predictions -- An Impossible Task

By Mark Pukalo

Balance is word in the NHL.

With variables such as unsigned RFAs, injuries and salary cap concerns clouding the scene in October, it is almost impossible to be confident about picking the final order in each division.

Yes, it would be surprising if one way or another Tampa Bay, Washington, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Nashville and Dallas did not make the postseason. But figuring out who rises and falls behind them will depend on many factors.

The Lightning and perhaps Montreal, assuming Carey Price is there all season, look like the top two in the Atlantic. After that, any order wouldn’t be a shocker. It's all about Washington and Pittsburgh in the Metropolitan. Picking the order out of a hat would be just as good as deep analysis for the rest. The Central should be as close as last season and the California teams are not assured of being the top three in the Pacific.

So, of course, I’m going to take a stab at predicting the finish. Why not?

ATLANTIC

Tampa Bay – The Lightning are the most talented team in the division by quite a bit, especially with Nikita Kucherov signed. It’s Jonathan Drouin’s time to shine alongside Steven Stamkos.

Montreal – Price makes a big difference for team that is not really good defensively. The main concern is that those in the locker room that wanted P.K. Subban gone are going to have to sink or swim without him -- and may drown.

Ottawa – First-year coach Guy Boucher can get the best out of this group and there is a little cap space to work with. While others in the division are a little boring, the Senators may have the spark to make a leap.

Boston – Hate to put the Bears back in the playoffs, but think they may cycle toward the positive. Still need to add a defenseman though to help Tuukka Rask. Cam Fowler or Jacob Trouba?

--

Detroit – Still weak on defense and Petr Mrazek can’t save them every night. Have an abundance of forwards and shipping a few for Trouba or Fowler would make sense, perhaps moving the Wings to third.

Buffalo – The Sabres are on the rise, but still may be little shy of reaching the top four. They should build and prepare for their arrival as a playoff contender next season instead of putting bandaids on.

Florida – Two of their top six forwards – Jonathan Huberdeau and Nick Bjugstad -- are out injured and their top scorer is like 50 years old. Just have a feeling they take two steps back before moving forward again in 2017-18.

Toronto – The Leafs will be a fun team to watch with their talented youth and could stay in contention for a while. The bottom six in this division could go any way.

METROPOLITAN

Washington – The Caps might not be better than the Penguins overall, but would expect them to win the division again. Still not sure their defense is good enough to win a Cup.

Pittsburgh – GM Jim Rutherford won his second Cup last season with a little luck and some smart moves (Carl Hagelin, Trevor Daley, Justin Schultz, etc.). The same group tries to do it again, but there is a concern with Sidney Crosby’s concussion.

New York Rangers – Would like to push them down a bit, but the Blueshirts always seem to put together enough streaks to be in the top four. If King Henrik’s play slips, though, so will the Rangers.

Carolina – Must throw in one new team on the rise and the Canes are well coached, have an emerging young defense and some improving pieces up front. They have more cap space than any team in the league, too.

--

Philadelphia – Could see the Metro getting five teams in again this season with this improving team as part of the mix. Not totally convinced their defense and goaltending is ready for prime time, except for the Ghost.

Columbus – Picked them to win the division a year ago. Then they went 0-8-0. If the Jackets can ever stay healthy for a full season, John Tortorella could return them to the postseason.

New York Islanders – Andrew Ladd sort of replaces Kyle Okposo, but did Garth Snow go out and get John Tavares linemates? Nope. These guys always find ways to win games to stay around, but just think they may come up short this time.

New Jersey – The addition of Taylor Hall and a healthy Mike Cammalieri will help, but this team looks to be a year away from being a true contender. Cory Schneider may steal them plenty of wins though.

CENTRAL

Chicago – The Blackhawks probably aren’t as deep as the three teams below them on this list, but coaching and their stars will push them over the top.

Nashville – Pekka Rinne better be sharper than he was Saturday in Tampa, but the Predators have the roster to win the West. Get ready for that P.K. Subban country album.

Dallas – Injuries, especially with Tyler Seguin, are a concern. Still, the Stars may be a Ben Bishop away from being a series Cup contender.

St. Louis – It’s Jake Allen’s show now. Can he do it? The Blues learned how to win a little in the playoffs last time around. That could help.

--

Winnipeg – This team is coming, but they must make a good trade with Trouba. The defense is a little thin.

Minnesota – The Wild still needs to make that Jonas Brodin for a top-nine forward deal.

Colorado – A team in transition that is still lacking in its own end.

PACIFIC

San Jose – The last hurrah for Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton after coming up just short last season. The Sharks could use some cap space.

Anaheim – The Ducks are in a holding pattern with forward Rickard Rakell and defenseman Hampus Lindholm still unsigned. They must wait to make sure they have Lindholm before dealing Fowler for forward help. If everything works out, they could win West.

Edmonton – They are ready. No turning back now. Connor McDavid leads a talented forward corps and vastly under-rated Adam Larsson will help the defense.

Los Angeles – Have to think Drew Doughty and Jonathan Quick will find a way to get the Kings into the postseason, but it ain’t going to be easy.

---

Arizona – The Coyotes boast an exciting young roster that is still evolving. Dave Tippett must find a way to bring it together and his track record says he will. Watch out Kings.

Calgary – The Flames finally got a deal for Johnny Gaudreau done Monday and can move forward with a promising lineup. Goaltending is a concern.

Vancouver – Could be in the running for the first pick in the draft, which would probably be better than plugging holes to try and give the Sedins a chance to sneak into the playoffs one of their final two years.

East final – Tampa Bay over Pittsburgh

West final – Nashville over San Jose

Stanley Cup – Tampa Bay over Nashville

Lightning Capology and Vegas' First Team

By Mark Pukalo

It may be time for Tampa Bay Lightning fans to go back to school. The course they need to pass before enjoying the next few seasons of hockey is named “Capology.”

The NHL salary cap is far from simple math, unless of course you have a photographic memory of the CBA or it is part of your job description. Once you have a successful team, the game gets more difficult.

Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is approaching his final exam after acing the midterm. He must first try to fit a long-term contract for Nikita Kucherov into the current season’s cap and follow that up by putting the puzzle pieces together for a 2017-18 roster that works -- with new deals due for Jonathan Drouin, Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson and Slater Koekkoek.

Capfriendly.com projects the Lightning have a little more than $5.5 million left under the cap, but I believe that assumes they put 23 players on the opening night roster and counts Erik Condra over cheaper options. What Ryan Callahan going on long-term injury for about a month does for cap space and how much they need to be careful with as much as $3.5 million in performance bonuses due for Drouin, Koekkoek and Andrei Vasilevskiy are key questions. If Kucherov signs on Nov. 1, would that help get him $6-6.25 million easier? In addition, don’t forget they have $1.833 million of dead cap space due to the buyout of Matt Carle for the next four seasons.

If my calculations are correct – and I was once good at math in grade school – the Lightning would save $475,000 if they keep Luke Witkowski as a seventh defenseman and Gabriel Dumont or Joel Vermin/Cory Conacher as a 13^th forward while waiving Condra and Nikita Nesterov. The fear perhaps is that Nesterov could be scooped up by a defense-starved team (Colorado?) and you lose a little depth to save $150,000 in cap space. But the waiving of Dumont and Witkowski on Friday leaves Condra, Vermin, Brayden Point and Cory Conacher likely battling for three spots – assuming Callahan and Kucherov aren’t there. Sending Condra down saves $325,000 in cap room, but sitting Conacher or Vermin as the 13^th forward instead of them playing 20 minutes in Syracuse might not be prudent. Point probably stays until Kucherov returns. The opinion here is that Vermin might have earned his spot and deserves October to prove he can be valuable long term at the NHL level. We kind of know what Condra and Conacher are, and they will likely get their shots at some point.

Yzerman earned his A+ on the midterm with some important ground work for 2016-17 and beyond by signing Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman and Alex Killorn to cap-friendly deals this offseason. He, no doubt, had plenty of discussions about moving other players.

One way or the other, goalie Ben Bishop comes off the cap after the season. If reports are correct, Bishop almost became a Calgary Flame at the draft and Dallas has definitely had some interest. Don’t think a deal with the Stars is dead yet. They could get desperate. But at this point, there does not seem to be a landing point for the big goalie and it may be smart to just keep him for the season and try to win a cup with two No. 1s or perhaps trade him to a motivated team that loses their netminder to injury. The deal that would change everything is if they could jettison Valterri Filppula’s $5 million cap for the next two seasons. But there are two problems with that. The Fin has a full no-trade clause and, in addition, the only teams that might be interested in the solid No. 3 center would likely want to send similar money back.

No one knows what is going on with the negotiations, but you would think Kucherov is looking for somewhere in the $6.5-7 million range and the Lightning would like to keep him at around $6 mil. If Yzerman can engineer some cap space to push his offer up to about $6.25-$6.5 mil, maybe they can get something done.

Looking forward, if they cannot find a team to take Filppula, the Bolts may have a problem with the expansion draft. Teams will be able to protect seven forwards, three defensemen and a goalie or nine combined (including a netminder) if I have read the rules right. Those players with no-move clauses have to be protected – Filppula and Callahan – while the Bolts are likely to add Stamkos, Drouin, Killorn and Kucherov (assuming he’s here) to the list. So that leaves either Palat or Johnson as an odd-man out and likely headed to Las Vegas. With Point coming fast as a center, Vladislav Namestnikov capable, Cedric Paquette still around and first-round pick Brett Howden’s future bright – the Bolts are in a better place at center. You wonder if the Bolts could package Johnson with other pieces and grab another defenseman or a No. 1 pick. It could save space for now and the future. Tyler is a terrific player, but in my opinion Palat is much more valuable. I don’t agree with those who put Brian Boyle into the equation for creating space immediately. He is too important with his size, savvy and versatility.

I still think Yzerman has something up his sleeve. Whether it is as simple as Kucherov signing a two-year bridge deal that assures cap space this season, or a trade, there is still time. Regardless, the Lightning are in a good spot with their depth. That’s what good drafting does.

Vegas Baby

Many things can happen to rosters before the expansion draft arrives in June, but taking a look at what the new NHL franchise can put together for its first season on the ice is worth some study.

What the mindset will be is hard to know for sure but you would expect a mix of youth and veterans to keep the team competitive, while building, through the first few seasons. GM George McPhee will also most likely pick some players he can deal right away for younger pieces or draft picks.

Here’s an early guess at what the picks could be for Vegas:

Goalies -- Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh), Eddie Lack (Carolina), Louis Domingue (Arizona) and Philipp Grubauer (Washington). … Note: If they pick four Gs, you would expect one to get traded. Fleury over Detroit’s Jimmy Howard, probably because Detroit has more available forward talent. Carolina could protect Lack over Cam Ward if he has a better season, though.

Forwards – Jimmy Hayes (Boston), Michael Ferland (Calgary), Marcus Kruger (Chicago), Alexander Wennberg (Columbus), Benoit Pouliot (Edmonton), Jacob De La Rose (Montreal), Viktor Arvidsson (Nashville), Jacob Josefson (New Jersey), Josh Bailey (Islanders), Matt Puempel (Ottawa), Scott Laughton (Philadelphia), Riley Sheahan (Detroit), Vladisav Namestnikov (Tampa Bay), Emerson Etem (Vancouver), Connor Brown (Toronto), Alex Burmistrov (Winnipeg). … Note: You would think McPhee may take a stab at a high-priced veteran some team floats out there, but who that will be is hard to predict right now.

Defensemen – Simon Depres (Anaheim), Zach Bogosian (Buffalo), Nikita Zadorov (Colorado), Jamie Oleksiak (Dallas), Alex Petrovic (Florida), Matt Greene (Los Angeles), Jonas Brodin (Minnesota), Dylan McIlrath (Rangers), Mirco Mueller (San Jose), Joel Edmundson (St. Louis). … Note: McPhee could put together a pretty good group here and it doesn’t have to be with older guys. Minnesota will likely try to trade Brodin.

No Easy Answers for Yzerman

By Mark Pukalo

Throughout his tenure as GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning, things have always seemed to fall into place for Steve Yzerman.

His eye for talent and patience as a manager had plenty to do with that, along with a terrific hands-off owner in Jeffrey Vinik and some luck sprinkled in. Many Lightning fans have compared Yzerman to a Jedi Knight at times for signing cap-friendly contracts and coaxing teams to cough up more than they should in trades.

Few GMs can navigate their careers without big mistakes on player moves, but Yzerman hasn't made many. In fact, aside from minor things such as signing Erik Condra for three years or giving up Richard Panik for nothing, you can really only point to Matt Carle’s contract as a clear error in judgement -- and that may be more about the player. Many have argued Ryan Callahan’s deal was a mistake. But while the hard-working right wing has not put up the type of numbers that justify his salary, he provides so many intangibles that this team needs.

Yzerman is now faced with what will undoubtedly be his biggest challenge. He often gives the media little to work with, but told reporters after the season that his actions this summer would basically set the course of the team for years to come. That includes preparing for the expansion draft, likely set for next June. There are going to be changes. There has to be changes.

While he no doubt put several oars in the water and worked tirelessly to begin that process last weekend at the NHL Draft, nothing happened. It was the perfect time to get started because you can use draft picks as sweeteners in deals, but no one was biting.

Part of the problem is the uncertainty on what captain Steven Stamkos is going to do. There’s no doubt Stamkos wanted to look around to see what is out there. It’s a huge decision for his future, and it’s his right. Ultimately, it comes down to weighing more money against his desire to stay in Tampa Bay.

That decision may not come until a week or two after July 1 when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. If Stamkos goes, Yzerman has to find a way to replace him in some way and dump a little salary. If he stays, he needs to dump even more salary. You would think if Stamkos does not sign with the Bolts by Friday for eight years, he is going somewhere else for seven seasons.

The second holdup has been the market for goaltenders. Ben Bishop has one year left on his contract and will be looking for Tuukka Rask money (at least $7 million per), which would likely not work for the Lightning even if Stamkos leaves. Bishop has moved into the elite category of goalies in the NHL, but the prudent thing to do is to hand the reins over to capable Andrei Vasilevskiy and get something for Bishop – preferably from a Western Conference club. But Bishop has a no-move clause and reportedly asked for $49 million over seven years from Calgary after being allowed permission to negotiate. The Flames almost immediately traded for goalie Brian Elliott.

That leaves Yzerman in a tough spot. He can hold on to Bishop and just let him go as a UFA after next season. He can try to get Bishop to sign a “hometown discount” four-year extension for something like $26 million and move Vasilevskiy. Teams in the market for someone like Bishop are few. Honestly, there is no franchise in dire need of a netminder right now.

There are likely only two options left for Bishop – Dallas and St. Louis.

The Stars may need Bishop more, but the deal is way more complicated to make. Dallas would probably demand the Lightning take back Kari Lehtonen ($5.9 mil for two years) or Antti Niemi (two years at $4.5 mil per), which defeats the purpose of the deal unless you can ship one of them somewhere for a draft pick or prospects. The Bolts are not getting John Klingberg for Bishop – the pipe dream of some Lightning fans. No way, no how, are the Stars trading their top defenseman. The best they could hope for would be right-handed defense prospect Julius Honka. With Jamie Benn’s contract up in the summer of 2017 and Tyler Seguin in 2018, Dallas may not want to sign a $7 million goaltender either.

St. Louis has always seemed like the right place to deal Bishop and the Lightning scouted the Blues extensively last season. You could deal two players who are impending free agents after next season – Bishop for right-handed offensive defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk -- and sprinkle other assets around them to make it worthwhile for both. Bishop would be going home and, although Jake Allen has been good at times, the Blues could be able to get the Vezina finalist to lower his demands and settle there. Yzerman would then have to use his powers to try and get Shattenkirk on a reasonable deal going forward. If it doesn’t work, well, you lose him like you would have lost Bishop. The one problem is, Shattenkirk seems to be in such demand that the Blues are reportedly asking to be blown away in a trade.

Yzerman has to lower his demands to turn over the roster. He made 10 picks this season to restock the system and can do without a few selections next season if they need trade sweeteners. In some cases, he has to take 75 cents or less on the dollar for the greater good. For instance, he doesn’t have to get full value for Valtteri Filppula or Jason Garrison if a team is willing to take their contracts. The only type of deal that could be made is accepting a bad salary for one year (2.5-3.5 mil) for Carle, some retained cash and a second-round pick. Chris Higgins (2.5) in Vancouver was an example, but now he is being bought out. That’s what it will take -- or more -- but it might end up being better than buying the defenseman out.

While it would be nice to get Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov’s signatures on new long-term contracts this week, the two standouts are probably being advised to wait to see what happens with Stamkos. If he leaves, there is more of the pie left. Restricted free agent Alex Killorn is in the same situation.

Lightning fans must remember this: Whether Stamkos stays or goes, the most important cap season in 2017-18 – not 2016-17. That is when Hedman’s deal would start, when Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat need new deals, when Vasilevskiy, Slater Koekkoek and Jonathan Drouin have to be re-upped. It could also have $1.8 million in dead space if Carle is bought out – for that season and two more.

There will be some pain. It would hurt to see Stamkos and Bishop go. Perhaps Killorn or Johnson must be dealt at some point. Everyone has their favorites that they don’t want to see playing for other teams but, until the final product is put on the ice in October, you have to trust Yzerman due to his past performance.

If the GM puts all the pieces together in good order this time around, he is truly Luke Skywalker – and Darth Vader to the rest of the league.

Draft adds to Lightning’s depth up front

There is no way to grade the Lightning’s 2016 draft class this summer, although fans can get an early glimpse at Development Camp in Brandon starting Tuesday.

Just about everyone pointed at the center position and size up front as the top needs. The Bolts addressed both with their 10 picks – seven of them forwards. Brett Howden, a solid two-way center whose brother Quinton plays for the Florida Panthers, was the top choice at No. 27 but the big news came in the second round.

The Lightning dealt 2014 first-round pick Anthony DeAngelo for the 37^th selection and picked fellow defenseman Libor Hajek, a two-way blue liner with great potential. DeAngelo has outstanding offensive talent, but does not seem interested in getting better on the other side of the ice. He was minus-18 and a healthy scratch several times with Syracuse last season. Sometimes you take chances that a player with high potential like DeAngelo is going to mature quickly once he turns pro. But you have to recognize early that it isn’t happening, and well before his value goes down. You have to think that is what the Lightning was doing here, putting out a fire before it spreads. Hajek may just be a more productive player in the long term with his ability to play on both ends anyway.

The favorite pick here is forward Boris Katchouk from Sault Ste. Marie in the second round. He plays hard, physical, has some personality to his game and can produce offensively. Forward Ross Colton, who is heading to Vermont as a 20-year-old freshman, could also be a steal in the fourth round.

Time will tell.

Big Decisions for Lightning after Strong Run

By Mark Pukalo

No complaints.

That’s how Tampa Bay Lightning fans should feel today. The team battled through about every obstacle it could face and finished one win – possibly even a few breaks -- from a second straight trip to the Stanley Cup finals. You had to wonder what was happening at times during the regular season with this group, but when the biggest moments came the Bolts showed their heart and made it an entertaining playoff drama.

It wasn’t difficult to see it all coming apart in the second period Thursday night. The magic was fading, except for a bit of individual mastery from Jonathan Drouin. The Penguins were coming in waves and the Lightning struggled to exit their zone, continually sending the puck backward and fighting through long shifts. Whether it was fatigue or it was more about the forwards not helping out enough, a defensive corps that had been a little better than expected in the postseason finally succumbed in the final two games. With all the pressure Pittsburgh had, it’s a credit to the Lightning that they still had a chance until the final seconds. Andrei Vasilevskiy was outstanding.

Yes, the Penguins outshot the Lightning throughout the Eastern final. Overall, they played better. Regardless, the Bolts could have easily won the series in six games and the goal by Drouin that was taken off the board due to an offside call may have been the biggest moment of the near three-week war. The Penguins’ video coach deserves plenty of praise for urging the bench to challenge the play which was so close that if the officials ruled it was inconclusive, few would have argued.

Several players took turns making big plays through the 17-game postseason, but no one was better overall than Victor Hedman. How a local radio host could keep him out of his top three is beyond me. The big Swede was at his best against the Islanders and the first five games of the Eastern finals, but maybe the mental fatigue hit him in the final two contests. Hedman was actually pretty good in Game 7, but was asked to do way too much work in his own zone and it took something out of him.

Nikita Kucherov’s 11 goals probably make him No. 2, but he was a bit too quiet in the all-important Game 6 against Pittsburgh. Kucherov is a goal scorer and everyone would like to see him become a little more selfish. Third choice would likely be Drouin or Alex Killorn. Lightning fans will have to live with the occasional turnover from Drouin. He is a high-risk passer. He will slowly eliminate some of the more dangerous chances he takes as he continues to gain experience. Anybody that says he doesn’t care to play defense wasn’t watching in the playoffs. He’ll never win a Selke. But he worked at it.

Hopefully this postseason taught coach Jon Cooper, and perhaps even GM Steve Yzerman, that this team plays much better when it is aggressive. Look who won the Bolts’ division – the Florida Panthers, who threw three scoring lines out when they had a healthy roster available. Look who ended their season – the Penguins, who had three scoring lines and one gritty, smart fourth-line center.

Yzerman told reporters at his closing press conference Friday that the Lightning needs more scoring throughout the lineup. Will the coach get the message? Too many times in the regular season, Cooper leaned toward sending a pair of checking lines to the ice. They were reacting to the other team, rather than making their opponent react to them. That changed, for the most part, during the postseason with Drouin introduced to the mix. You wonder what would have happened if Steven Stamkos had not been gone and Drouin wasn’t quite as productive when he returned to Syracuse.

That leads us to one of the most important offseasons in Yzerman’s tenure. He gave the same group a second chance at a Cup this season and now changes need to be made. There will be some pain, but Yzerman can minimize that with some strong deals and a touch of luck.

The good thing for the Lightning GM is he has valuable players to deal while he sets the salary cap plan for the next five years. In my opinion, the most essential players to keep are Hedman, Kucherov, Drouin, Ondrej Palat, Killorn, Ryan Callahan, Brian Boyle and Anton Stralman – some because they are the best players and others because they are key components to a winning team. Many would argue with Callahan’s inclusion. He is surely not an untouchable if someone offers a great deal, but it would be foolish to overreact to one rough year offensively. Let’s be honest, he was used in a checking line role most of the season and did put up points when he played with Stamkos.

Yzerman’s job begins with decisions on captain Stamkos and the goaltending situation. In many ways, they are linked.

Ultimately, it will come down to what Stamkos wants for himself. The 26-year-old is not going to sign an eight-year, $68 million contract offer that reportedly has been laid on his table. The question is, if Yzerman pushes the total to 72, 74, maybe even 76 -- will it make a difference? If the NHLPA is urging Stamkos to take no less than $10 mil per and he is on board, I don’t see the Lightning doing it. Honestly, even 76 would be pushing it. Yzerman should put the $72 mil on his captain’s night stand and see what happens. If Stammer just wants to push it up to 9.1 or 9.2 per to make himself look better, fine.

Stamkos is not so essential that the Bolts need to open the vault. But I think at around $9-9.5 million he is worth building around, rather than trying to replace his 30-50 goals. Stamkos and Hedman as faces of the franchise for nearly the next decade would be comforting. They are both leaders with strong character. The Lightning, in my opinion, do not have a No. 1 center without Stamkos. They’d have a No. 2 and a pair of 3s -- at best.

Should Stamkos be in the fold and Hedman comes in at $8-8.5 million per after next year -- with Kucherov somewhere in the $6 million range -- the most logical way to save money would be to deal goalie Ben Bishop as early as this summer. It won’t merely take buying out Matt Carle or trading Valterri Filppula, although those options should be explored thoroughly in the next few months. It's not the 2016-17 cap number that is the problem. The ones in 2017-18 and beyond are. Yzerman has been creative in the past and it’s time for him to perform more magic.

It may seem strange to trade Bishop after what many think should be a Vezina campaign. Goaltenders are like pitchers, though. Only the very best can sustain the kind of quality he displayed last season over a long period and big long-term contracts for netminders are dangerous -- unless your name is Brodeur. Bishop has been hurt three straight postseasons as well. Matt Murray and Martin Jones, who would not be picked in the top 10 of the league, led teams to the finals this season. Most years, it’s the players in front of the net who get a team to the promise land. Will Vasilevskiy be great, one of the best in the league? No one knows. But who could tell you he isn’t any good after what you have witnessed from him before he turns 22?

There are other options if Filppula and Carle cannot be dealt. The big one I have mentioned before is trading Tyler Johnson. He will be due a big raise after next season if he puts up numbers more like his 2014-15 campaign a year from now and I believe others are more important to the team moving forward. Johnson is a talented player. It’s nothing against him. You just wonder if he will be able to sustain a strong level of production for a long period of time on a big contract. Palat and Killorn are more versatile, and likely cheaper. In addition, Johnson would be a valuable piece that could possibly bring in a top-3, right-handed defenseman that the Lightning so covet.

The other option if Stamkos is out the door is to try and extend Bishop at a reasonable rate (6.5?) and explore a big package in return for Vasilevskiy. You could maybe get a center with potential to be a No. 1 in the deal or at least a solid No. 2.

If the Lightning can keep the next contracts of Stamkos, Kucherov, Killorn, J.T. Brown and Vladislav Namestnikov under a total of around $22 mil, the latter plan could work better. But that will be difficult. It may also mean discarding Jason Garrison at some point, getting something for Cedric Paquette in a trade or starting the buyout process on Carle right now. Yzerman must be a true Jedi master in the next 50-60 days.

You could have a top nine that includes Palat, Stamkos, Drouin, Killorn, Namestnikov, Kucherov and Callahan along with a few trade acquisitions, Adam Erne or perhaps Filppula, with a Brown-Boyle-Tanner Richard fourth line.

Hedman, Stralman, Braydon Coburn, Garrison and the emerging Slater Koekkoek give you a solid five on defense, but one right-hand blue liner would make a huge difference. The Lightning could use Garrison and Andrej Sustr in trades as well if they are to bring in two D – one solid mobile righty and a lefty with size and potential on the younger side. Sustr shows flashes. He was better in 2015-16 than in 2014-15. He’s just so inconsistent. I just don’t see him as a long-term answer.

You can be sure Yzerman has a plan, and plenty of irons in the fire. He usually surprises us. That’s why, for some strange reason I think a Stamkos deal could still happen. If it does not, there is still plenty of work to be done and options to choose.

It will be a fun next few months.

The Lightning Finding Answers

By Mark Pukalo

Instead of fading without two of their best five players, the Tampa Bay Lightning used their dilemma to fuel them in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

No Steven Stamkos. No Anton Stralman. No surrender.

The one simple phrase you can use to describe the Lightning the last two seasons is, “they have learned how to win,” and most nights it doesn’t matter who is in the lineup. Whenever they’ve needed a big effort, a big goal, a strong goaltending performance, they have found a way to get it. The only time they came up short was in Games 5 and 6 against Chicago in the Stanley Cup finals last June and that could have gone either way.

There’s no doubt you start with Ben Bishop, Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov when picking heroes from the first two rounds, but as made-for-postseason forward Alex Killorn said -- it was going to have to be about a “collective effort” and it truly turned out that way.

Without Stralman, defensemen Braydon Coburn and Jason Garrison had to come up big and each had strong moments throughout the first 10 games. Andrej Sustr avoided critical mistakes for the most part and Matt Carle contributed on the back end as well, although he struggled in a few games. It took way too long, but Slater Koekkoek has finally moved ahead of Nikita Nesterov on the depth chart.

The Lightning was able to navigate an out of synch Detroit team and a plucky, but flawed, New York Islanders squad without Stralman. They desperately need the Swede in the third round against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who run out three scoring lines that have all produced. Hedman was able to limit Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk of the Red Wings and concentrate on Islanders captain John Tavares to keep him scoreless the final four games. Pick your poison with the Penguins. Play against Sidney Crosby’s line? Evgeni Malkin’s? The red-hot Phil Kessel-Nick Bonino-Carl Hagelin unit? Yes, Connecticut’s own Bonino.

Give Jon Cooper credit. He has pushed the right buttons in the playoffs so far. Circumstances have worked in his favor, but his tweaks in the forward lines have worked out.

The biggest question is -- where would the Lightning be without Jonathan Drouin?

Drouin’s departure and subsequent suspension may have been the best thing that has happened to the team this season. The speedy forward going home to Montreal for six weeks did two things. It lowered the quality of trade offers that Steve Yzerman received and he intelligently decided to pass. It also allowed Drouin to get his head together, figure out some things he had to do to be more successful at the NHL level and he came back with a positive attitude along with a chip on his shoulder.

You wonder if Drouin would have gotten the chance at a bigger role if Stamkos did not develop the blood clot? The kid is playing well on both ends of the ice and his full-time addition to the power play – something that has come about 1 ½ years too late in my opinion – has made a major difference for that unit. A friend in the pressbox said the other day about Drouin – “He sees everything on the ice.” It is gratifying to me that many people are eating serious crow about Drouin. Although I haven’t heard enough of them admitting they were wrong.

The Lightning can beat the Penguins if they make them work for everything they get. Bishop can do that alone, but even he can’t plug every gap if the Bolts are careless with the puck. While the Penguins defense has improved over the last two months – helping them go 22-5-0 -- I still think Tampa Bay can put up goals on them in the series. Cooper should keep the Lightning in attack mode. They can win a game here and there 1-0 or 2-0, but they are much more dangerous team when they force teams to react to them. Perhaps Cooper has finally learned that from the first two series.

In some ways, the rest is gravy for the Lightning. They are the clear underdog in this series. But grab one of the first two games and it’s anybody’s ballgame.

Tampa Bay in seven.

Bonino shows his skill

I remember talking to Avon Old Farms coach John Gardner one day and asking him if Bonino could have success at Boston University and even make it to the NHL down the road.

Gardner did not need to say anything. He made a gesture with his hands. Bonino had NHL hands in high school and as his skating improved to go along with his keen hockey sense, the sky was the limit.

Bonino led Farmington to the Division II high school title in his final year there, scoring more than 90 points in 20-something games. He was a gangly player with great skill and smarts, and no one could stop him at that level. It was between Bonino and Fairfield Prep’s Mark Arocbello, who is now with the Toronto Maple Leafs, for high school player of the year in 2004-05. I split the decision. Picked Arcobello and wrote a feature on Bonino for the cover of the All-State issue.

The next season Bonino went to Avon Old Farms prep school -- a place that also produced Brian Leetch, Chris Higgins and Jonathan Quick – and proved wrong many of the downstate Division I high school coaches who told me his numbers were just a product of his competition at Farmington. He needed to improve his skating big time and he worked at it, making a huge jump in the first few months at Avon.

After success at Boston University, including a national championship, Bonino has spent time with four different organizations. He scored 22 goals for Anaheim in 2013-14, but was traded to Vancouver the next season and one year later to Pittsburgh. Bonino notched his third career overtime goal in the playoffs Tuesday to push the Penguins on to the series against the Lightning.

Gardner had it right with Bonino. He could see him in the NHL because of his skill level at that age. His hockey sense was also vivid. Many scouts missed that before he was picked in the sixth round by San Jose. I saw it with Killorn as well when he played for Deerfield Academy (Mass.) in many of the same rinks Bonino performed. Killorn just needed to get stronger. It goes to show you – skill and hockey sense should be the first things scouts look for. Compete level and physical attributes almost always can be improved.

Boucher is Back

Guy Boucher always preferred to stand at the level of reporters in a scrum to answer questions when he was the Lightning coach.

It wasn’t possible with all the television cameras at morning skates, or when practices were well attended. One day, Boucher climbed up to the podium and smiled when a local scribe asked him, jokingly, if he felt power standing above them.

“A false sense of power,” Boucher said, followed by his patented mischievous laugh. “You guys got the pens.”

Boucher had his faults as a coach in Tampa Bay, but had way more positives than negatives while bringing the Lightning to the Eastern Conference finals in his first season. One break and maybe they would have held the Cup that year.

Whether it was that he was too much of a players-coach or too stubborn to change his defensive style and tactics, things fell apart for Boucher in Tampa. No one knows what was happening behind closed doors, but one thing that has bothered me about his final season is some of his players seemed to quit on him. If he has learned since then to adjust some of his ideas defensively, the Ottawa Senators will be a difficult out with Boucher as head coach from this day on.

Here’s what Vincent Lecavalier said about Boucher back then.

“He’s a hard-working guy and he knows what he’s talking about. He’s got an answer to any question. There’s never a pause. He knows it. For the players, that gives us confidence that he really knows what he’s talking about. Everything he does is calculated. Every drill we do is with a purpose. It’s almost like a game simulation. He’s the type of guy that if you’re in a conversation with him, you listen. You’re learning.”

The Top 107 songs in my 50 years of Music: Reprise

By Mark Pukalo

Dick Clark couldn’t have said it any better.

“Music is the soundtrack of our lives.”

Working on this project of rating the best and most influential songs in my lifetime brought back so many great memories. It was an enjoyable journey, and I learned a lot while researching the songs and artists listed in the top 350. If I could change anything, I might go back and redo the bottom 50. Maybe I’ll add 400-351 at some point down the road for fun.

No one will agree with everything. Music can be very personal. But I’ve always loved sharing good songs with others, because that is how my interest grew. So, hopefully, out of the hundreds of tunes mentioned and displayed on twitter or facebook, a few were added to ipods of friends or followers.

Now I have to start another list, eh? LOL. Top 50 albums of all time? Maybe in one blog. Top 100 movie lines or scenes of all time? Love to do it, but it would be very difficult. We’ll see.

For now, this is it. Here’s a reprise of the final 107. Thanks to all that added likes and comments!

107. Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve. … A very well-written and orchestrated tune from a group that has some un-realized potential. “Try to make ends meet, you’re a slave to money, then you die.”

106. Train in Vain – The Clash. … The English punk rockers made a lasting influence on music even though they were not at their peak for very long, especially with this tune.

105. Cruel to be Kind – Nick Lowe. … The operative words are “in the right measure” to make this song politically correct. The pop-rocker from the UK co-wrote and released this catchy tune in 1979 while Letters to Cleo did a nifty cover for the likeable movie “10 Things I Hate About You.”

104. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana. … The late Kurt Cobain apparently changed his explanation of the lyrics many times, but the song just rocks no matter how you interpret it.

103. I Don’t Like Mondays – Boomtown Rats. … Bob Geldof reportedly wrote this song in 1979 after seeing the news of a senseless school shooting in San Diego by a 16-year-old girl. A sad song with a message that resonates today.

102. Barely Breathing – Duncan Sheik. … The Jersey-born artist, who went to Brown University, released this melodic tune in 1996 and later won a pair of Tony Awards to go along with a Grammy.

101. Spread your wings – Queen. … Bassist John Deacon wrote this tune from the nifty album “News of the World” about a young man named Sammy, who sweeps the floor at “the Emerald Bar” with an eye toward the future. “Knew it was time, he’d made up his mind, to leave his dead life behind.”

100. Is She Really Goin’ Out With Him? – Joe Jackson. … The angry, but humorous and accurate, Single Man’s Anthem from a brilliant English artist who probably should have had several more songs on the list. “Pretty women out walking with gorillas down my street.”

99. Follow You, Follow Me – Genesis. … The English group produced many solid, memorable songs including “Misunderstanding” and this easy-going, heartfelt tune is my favorite. Could be played at weddings.

98. Rockin’ in the Free World – Neil Young. … The “King of Distortion” and San Jose Sharks fan’s song is kinda all over the map with a message of anti-war and social injustice along with Middle East hate toward American freedom. But it freaking rocks and Trump is not authorized to use it.

97. Goodbye to you – Patty Smyth & Scandal. … John McEnroe’s wife owns one of my favorite voices and she put out some great music, whether in a group or solo. This dance number is her most memorable. “Bye Bye Baby.”

96. Message in a Bottle – The Police. … An S.O.S is answered. Sting told Q Magazine of this song, “I like the idea that while it's about loneliness and alienation it's also about finding solace and other people going through the same thing.” One of those tunes that comes alive, when it is played live.

95. Way Down Now – World Party. … Karl Wallinger is performing again after suffering an aneurysm that kept him away several years. He produced some amazing music for what was basically his solo project, including this cheeky, well-written tune.

94. Undun – The Guess Who. … Lester Bangs said of this band; “. … They had the courage to be drunken buffoons, which makes them poetic.” Burton Cummings’ tremendous voice led the way for a group that recorded some great music, led by this catchy tune.

93. Speed of Sound – Coldplay. … Unless your list of musical geniuses is very small, Chris Martin belongs on it. Martin said this smooth tune with some great piano work was inspired by his daughter Apple, the first of his two children with actress Gwyneth Paltrow, and artist Kate Bush’s sound.

92. No Such Thing – John Mayer. … The debut single in 2002 for the versatile Bridgeport, Connecticut-born, Fairfield-raised, artist takes on high school guidance counselors. “They love to tell you, stay inside the lines. But something’s better, on the other side.” He has certainly showed them.

91. For You – The Outfield. … The Manchester, England-based trio, originally called the Baseball Boys, was actually more popular in the U.S. than in their homeland and Tony Lewis’ distinctive voice is their signature. This one stands out to me among their many solid pop/rock tunes.

90. Space Oddity – David Bowie. … “Ground Control to Major Tom.” The unique rock classic about a fictional astronaut floating in a most peculiar way, “far above the moon” was released nine days before Apollo 11 landed in 1969.

89. Sara Smile – Hall & Oates. … Daryl Hall wrote this moving, soulful tune about his long-time girlfriend, or perhaps my first crush? It was ranked No. 11 on the Billboard chart for the year 1976.

88. I want to hold your hand – The Beatles. … Paul and John wrote this classic in 1963 and it became the Fab Four’s first No. 1 hit in America just after my first birthday. “And when I touch you I feel happy inside. It’s such a feeling that my love, I can’t hide.” Always thought it was “I get high.”

87. Betcha By Golly, Wow – The Stylistics. … The Philadelphia group is my favorite from this genre, led by the magical voice of the great Russell Thompkins Jr. The beautiful love song was apparently first recorded by Connie Stevens, but never sounded better than when Russell sang, “If I could, I’d catch a falling star. To shine on you, so I’ll know where you are.”

86. Rhiannon – Fleetwood Mac. … Stevie Nicks displays her powerful voice and Lindsey Buckingham jams in a song about an old Welsh Witch. “Taken by the sky. Dreams unwind. Love’s a state of mind.”

85. Asking for Flowers – Kathleen Edwards. … This likeable and talented Canadian singer-songwriter, who spent time growing up overseas as the daughter of a diplomat, is taking a break from the music business to own a coffee shop outside Ottawa. She said this tune, about a friend going through depression, is her best writing effort. I agree.

84. Doctor My Eyes – Jackson Browne. … The first hit for the Los Angeles native came from his self-named debut album and is about a man battling life’s hardships. “I have done all that I could, to see the evil and the good without hiding, you must help me if you can.”

83. Part of the Plan – Dan Fogelberg. … My cousin Joe introduced me to “Souvenirs” in the mid 70s and it is still among my favorite easy-listening, mellow albums. This nifty tune batted leadoff on the CD which was produced by Joe Walsh, and became the first hit for the Illinois native who later died of cancer at 56 in 2007.

82. Venus – Shocking Blue. … The Dutch group took this 1969 tune -- written by guitarist Robbie van Leeuwen and sung by Mariska Veres -- to No. 1 in nine different countries. Bananarama later returned it the top spot on the charts in 1986. “Her weapon were here crystal eyes. Making every man, mad.”

81. Heart of Gold – Neil Young. … The acoustic classic, written about a young man searching for meaning in his life, was named the third greatest Canadian song of all time by a CBC Radio series. The Toronto native took to it to No. 1 on the Billboard chart in 1972. Dedicated to old friend Chip Doucette – a huge fan of the artist.

80. My Sweet Lord -- George Harrison. … The most under-rated artist from the Fab Four apparently intended to fuse different religious thoughts into this song to encourage people to “abandon sectarianism.” This is definitely one of the most memorable tunes from my early childhood in 1970 and one of my first 45s.

79. Back in the High Life Again – Steve Winwood. … An uplifting, optimistic tune that displays the soothing voice of the former lead singer from the group Traffic. “It used to seem to me, that my life ran on too fast. And I had to take it slowly, just to make the good parts last.”

78. Lola – The Kinks. … Ray Davies reportedly claims the song was primarily about the band’s manager dancing with a “possible” transvestite one night in Paris, but others say it’s from a blend of different inspirations. Regardless, it is a classic from the English band and sounds best when played live.

77. If I Had a Rocket Launcher – Bruce Cockburn… The Canadian jazz/folk/rock artist wrote this emotional, angry, political song about his visit to Guatemalan refugee camps in Mexico during the 1980s. “I want to raise every voice. At least I’ve got to try. Every time I think about it, water rises to my eyes.”

76. I Wanna Be Sedated – The Ramones. … Joey Ramone apparently wrote this song about a boring night in London and it became a classic for the Hall of Fame punk/rock band. Saw this group on spring weekend at UConn one year and all I can remember is two guitarists playing while standing atop huge speakers.

75. I’ll Be You – The Replacements. … Lead singer, guitarist and Minnesota native Paul Westerberg wrote the band’s only single that reached the Billboard charts. “I could purge my soul perhaps, for the imminent collapse. Oh yeah, I’ll tell you what we could do. You be me for a while. I’ll be you.”

74. You are the Sunshine – Stevie Wonder. … The all-time great has several other songs that probably should have been on the list like “My Cherie Amour” or “Superstition,” but this is his best and most memorable in my opinion. “I feel like this is the beginning, though I’ve loved you for a million years.”

73. Don’t let me be misunderstood – Santa Esmeralda. … The Animals released it as a rock tune in 1965 before the latin -- and best version -- became a hit in the 70s while NBC Sports used it as outro music for baseball and football games. It was also background for one of the best fight scenes in modern cinema.

72. Amie – Pure Prairie League. … This is one of the best sing-a-long songs of all time from a country-rock group with roots in Ohio. It was written about an on-and-off relationship.  "Don't know what I'm gonna do. I keep, fallin' in and out of love with you." Released as a single in 1973 after getting big play on college radio.

71. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – Rolling Stones. … Mick and Keith wrote this classic tune that was apparently only played on pirate radio stations originally in Great Britain because of its suggestive lyrics. The song became the group’s first No. 1 hit in America and was rated No. 2 all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

70. Rock Lobster – The B 52s. … There are not many, if any, party dance songs better than this one with some crazy lyrics from lead singer Fred Schneider and guitarist Ricky Wilson. It brings back memories of Friday night mixers from college and some great times in the 80s. “He was in a jam, said a giant clam!”

69. Sister Golden Hair – America. … No. 1 hit from 1975 by a group that graced us with a lot of great easy-listening music. “I ain’t ready for the altar, but I do agree there’s times when a woman sure can be a friend of mine.”

68. Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology) – Marvin Gaye. … What great music we missed out on when Marvin passed away in 1984. The Washington D.C. native wrote this simple, beautiful, but sad tune about concerns over the environment. “What about this overcrowded land. How much more abuse from man can she stand?”

67. Love is the drug – Roxy Music. … Catch that Buzz. Bryan Ferry said the lyrics came to him while he was walking one day in London’s Hyde Park and it later became the group’s signature tune. “I say go, she say yes. Dim the lights, you can guess the rest.”

66. My Best Friend’s Girl – The Cars. … Ric Ocasek wrote this cheeky tune about frustration over a woman – no doubt before he met wife Paulina Porizkova. Something about this simple tune makes it my favorite from the Boston-based group, which will make the Rock’n Roll Hall of Fame some day.

65. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd. … Roger Waters and David Gilmour co-wrote this brilliant short song from 1975, reportedly about feelings of alienation and mistrust. “We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year. Running over the same old ground. What have we found? The same old fears.”

64. Good Girls Don’t – The Knack. … This controversial, borderline inappropriate tune brings one of the great debut albums of all time “Get the Knack” to life more than Sharona did. The late Doug Fieger reportedly penned the song with naughty lyrics from the perspective of a teenage boy.

63. Peace, Love And Understanding – Elvis Costello. … This is something America needs a whole lot more of right now, and there is nothing funny about it. “As I walk on through this wicked world, searching for light in the darkness of insanity. I ask myself, is all hope lost? Is there only pain, and hatred, and misery?”

62. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green. … The Reverend! co-wrote and performed this soulful, moving tune that became a No. 1 hit in 1971. “Loving you whether, whether, times are good or bad, happy or sad.”

61. Smoking Gun – Robert Cray Band. … The five-time Grammy-winning blues guitarist has been somewhat under the radar, but he hit it big commercially in the mid 80s with this rocking tune about infidelity and irrational behavior that turns to disaster.

60. Angie – Rolling Stones. … Whether it is really about a woman or Keith trying to quit heroin, the 1973 No. 1 hit is my favorite from the super group. “With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats, you can’t say we’re satisfied. But Angie, Angie, you can’t say we never tried.”

59. Brian Wilson – Barenaked Ladies. … Still steamed the Canadians didn’t perform this cheeky tune the last time they visited Tampa. Former band member Steven Page wrote and sang the song about a man who suffered from mental illness like the Beach Boys’ talented leader. “So, I’m lying here, just staring at the ceiling tiles, and I’m thinking about, oh what to think about.”

58. Indian Summer – Poco. … The under-appreciated Southern California country-rock band produced some terrific songs and none better than this title track from a 1977 album. It reminds me of my favorite time of year in New England. “Cool at night – and hot all day.”

57. Life’s Been Good – Joe Walsh. … Joe wrote this epic tune about rock stardom, with a nod toward his partying and room demolition days with Keith Moon and others. “I live in hotels, tear out the walls. I have accountants pay for it all.”

56. Never can say goodbye – Jackson Five. … Clifton Davis wrote this beautiful song that was originally slated to be performed by The Supremes. Michael, in the innocent days of the early 1970s, took the lead at age 12 while backed by the amazing Tito along with Jermaine, Marlon and Jackie.

55. Walk On – U2. … The song was dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese academic who was put under house arrest for 11 years due to her pro-democracy activism. Bono said he wrote it as an uplifting anthem, praising the work she did. “You could have flown away, a singing bird in an open cage, who will only fly, only fly for freedom.”

54. Operator – Jim Croce. … The South Philadelphia native sang about guys named Leroy and Jim, who you shouldn’t mess around with, before he tragically died in a plane crash at age 30 in 1973. His incredible work will live on, led by this tune, “and you can keep the dime.”

53. Friday, I’m in Love – The Cure. … The British alternative rock band’s best tune, and you can dance to it. “I don’t care if Monday’s blue, Tuesday’s grey and Wednesday, too. Thursday I don’t care about you, it’s Friday, I’m in love.”

52. Mexico – James Taylor. … JT writes and sings about fun and a “sleepy senorita with the eyes on fire,” in a Mexican border town while Graham Nash and David Crosby add backing vocals on this 1975 tune.

51. Distant Sun – Crowded House. … Seven Worlds did collide when this tune graced one of my favorite albums entitled “Together Alone.” The under-rated band was formed in Australia and led by New Zealander Neil Finn, who wrote this one. “I can’t pretend to know what you want, but I offer love.”

50. Tequila Sunrise – The Eagles. … Don Henley and Glenn Frey co-wrote this beautiful, short song from the under-rated album, “Desperado.” “Take another shot of courage. Wonder why the right words never come. … You just get numb.”

49. Under the Milky Way – The Church. … Bass guitarist and lead vocalist Steve Kilbey said the song just came to him and then-girlfriend Karin Jansson while smoking a joint one day. The Australian band did not quite fulfill its potential, but this late 80s masterpiece will live on.

48. I saw her standing there – The Beatles. … The first track on the Fab Four’s debut album “Please, Please Me” in 1963 is my choice as their top tune. “We danced through the night, and we held each other tight. And before too long, I fell in love with her.”

47. What I like about you – The Romantics. … The Detroit band’s “power pop” tune brings back memories of UConn days. It only made No. 49 on the billboard charts in 1980, but has become much more popular as a party dance song since. “Keep on whispering in my ear, tell me all the things that I wanna hear.”

46. Comfortably Numb – Pink Floyd. … The best song from a masterpiece concept album named, “The Wall.” Roger Waters and David Gilmour wrote about a troubled rock star and end the tune with some amazing guitar work.

45. Feelin’ Stronger Every Day – Chicago. … The “rock and roll band with horns” will finally be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. The group was at its best in the first half of the 70s, led by this powerful tune.

44. (Just like) Starting Over – John Lennon. … Some songs bring back vivid memories. The lights went on to end a concert at Jorgensen Auditorium when I was at UConn and this tune blared through the big speakers. It never sounded better and I remember people dancing, arm and arm out of the building. It was released as a single less than two months before John was murdered and reached No. 1 after his death.

43. Put the Message in the Box – World Party. … Maybe a reach, but this likeable sing-along tune, from a brilliant album named “Goodbye Jumbo,” sounds the call for saving the environment. “See the world in just one grain of sand. You better take a closer look. Don’t let it slip right through your hand.”

42. Every little thing she does is magic – The Police. … Sting and the boys have fun with this nifty little tune that mixes a little dance, reggae and rock from the album, “Ghost in the Machine.” “I resolve to call her up, a thousand times a day, and ask her if she’ll marry me, in some old fashion way.”

41. Voices Carry – Til Tuesday. … Aimee Mann calls out her boyfriend triumphantly at the end of one of the best videos of all time. Mann penned the song, reportedly, about one of her own bad relationships. “When I’m in the dark, I’d like to read his mind. But I’m frightened of the things I might find.”

40. American Girl – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. … **Casey Kasem takes over from here!**. … Named one of the top 100 “guitar songs” of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, Tom wrote about standing on the balcony near a California freeway and basically watching life go by while, “waves crashed on the beach.”

39. Taxi – Harry Chapin. … The late, great storyteller and humanitarian from New York wrote and performed perhaps the ultimate story song, about Harry and Sue’s chance meeting. “Through the too many miles and the two little smiles, I still remember you.” The artist died in a car crash on the LIE in 1981. Hey Harry, keep the change.

38. Long Cool Woman – The Hollies. … The Hall of Fame band from England made it to No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard chart in 1972 with this old-school rock tune about a “5-foot-9, tall, beautiful” woman, after Graham Nash had left the group. “With just one look I was a bad mess. ‘Cause that long cool woman had it all.”

37. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen. … One of the most powerful songs ever, whether you are listening in the car or at a concert. The Boss wrote about a street-wise rebel urging a young woman to take off with him. “Together Wendy we can live with the sadness, I’ll love you with all the madness in my soul.”

36. Tempted – Squeeze. … Soulful number from a British band which released several catchy tunes. The song, basically about infidelity, was never a hit single in the U.S. but has been used in several commercials and became more popular later in the 1980s. “Tempted by the fruit of another. Tempted but the truth is discovered.”

35. You’ve got a friend – James Taylor – The great Carole King wrote this moving tune and performed it on “Tapestry” before JT’s magical version won both a Grammy in 1971. “Close your eyes and think of me, and soon I will be there, to brighten up even your darkest night.”

34. Won’t get fooled again – The Who. … The epic tune was originally supposed to be the conclusion of a rock opera, but ended up on “Who’s Next?” Pete reportedly said the song “screams defiance at those who feel any cause is better than no cause,” but it wasn’t only an anti-revolution song because “revolution could be unpredictable.” Now, it works perfectly as entrance music at NHL games.

33. No Myth – Michael Penn. … Sean’s brother and Aimee Mann’s husband wrote this song about a relationship that fell apart at an early stage. It reached No. 13 on the billboard chart in 1989 as his debut single. “What if I were Romeo in black jeans. What if I was Heathcliff, it’s no myth. Maybe she’s just looking for. … someone to dance with.”

32. Radar Love – Golden Earring. … The Dutch rock band hit a home run with this epic tune about lovers sending telepathic messages. “When I get lonely, and I’m sure I’ve had enough. She sends her comfort, comin’ in from above. Don’t need a letter at all.”

31. Alison – Elvis Costello. … I’ve often been told that Alisons – those who have just the one L -- are trouble. The particular one that Elvis sang about let his little friend take off her party dress. But seriously folks, this catchy little tune graces one of the best albums ever made – “My Aim is True.”

30. All These Things That I’ve Done – The Killers. … Lead singer Brandon Flowers wrote this moving song apparently when he was a bellman at a Casino in Las Vegas. Can’t find a definite explanation of the lyrics from Flowers, but reportedly it is basically about trying to make yourself a better person. “I got soul, but I’m not a soldier” has become a sing-along line and their performance of the tune at Live 8 was epic.

29. In Your Eyes – Peter Gabriel. … The Englishman wrote this memorable love song and performs it with Youssou N’Dour. It was at its peak of popularity when Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) hoisted a boom box above his head to play it for Diane Court (Ione Skye) in the movie “Say Anything.” “Love I get so lost, sometimes. Days pass and this emptiness fills my heart. When I want to run away, I drive off in my car. But whichever way I go, I come back to the place you are.”

28. Working Man – Rush. … The song received major play on a Cleveland radio station and became popular in 1974, which introduced the Canadian group to America. The trio - including Geddy Lee, the master Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson - built a Hall of Fame career from there and this is their most iconic tune. “They call me the working man. I guess that’s what I am.”

27. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant – Billy Joel. … The song was never released as a single, but remains one of the New Yorker’s most popular efforts with its mix of jazz, rock and pop. It runs 7:37 on the late 70s masterpiece, “The Stranger.” “A bottle of red, a bottle of white, whatever kind of mood you’re in tonight. I’ll meet you anytime you want – in our Italian restaurant.”

26. Sultans of Swing – Dire Straits. … Mark Knopfler reportedly wrote the song about a jazz band performing in a small pub in South London and proclaiming itself the Sultans of Swing. It reached the top 10 in both England and the U.S. in the late 1970s from the group’s debut album. “You check out Guitar George. He knows all the chords.”

25. The Story in Your Eyes – The Moody Blues. … I first heard this song on our old 8-track player, which was later stolen when our house was robbed. The under-rated English band took the smooth song with nifty lyrics to No. 23 in the early 70s. “Listen to the tide slowly turning. Wash all our heartaches away. We’re part of the fire that is burning. And from the ashes we can build another day.”

24. Bad – U2. … Bono wrote this song about heroin addiction for the album “The Unforgettable Fire,” and it is at its best when played live. The most memorable performance came at Live Aid when the Irishman jumped from the stage and took women out of the crowd to dance with. “This desperation, dislocation, separation, condemnation, revelation in temptation, isolation, desolation. Let it go, and so fade away.”

23. Band on the run – Paul McCartney & Wings. … Paul wrote the song basically about freedom and escape, that we were all prisoners in different ways. It was the title track from Paul’s fifth solo album since leaving the Beatles and it reached No. 1 in the U.S. “Thought of giving it all away. To a registered charity. All I need is a pint a day.”

22. Round Here – Counting Crows. … Look up how lead singer Adam Duritz describes the complicated, unique, brilliant song he wrote. It is basically about making decisions on what your life is going to be without the lessons you learned as a kid. “Maria came from Nashville with a suitcase in her hand, she said she’d like to meet a boy who looked like Elvis. And she walks along the edge of where the ocean meets the land, just like she’s walking on a wire in the circus.”

21. Layla – Derrick & the Dominos. … Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon wrote this love song for the short-lived group, inspired by a poem from a Persian poet about a man who went crazy when he could not marry a woman, well, who was out of his league. It lasts more than seven minutes and Clapton won a Grammy for the acoustic version in 1993.

20. American Pie – Don McClean. … The folk artist from New York penned this epic tune basically about the tragic death of Buddy Holly – the day the music died – and the declining civilization. Was No. 1 on the billboard chart for several weeks in 1972. “Now the halftime air was sweet perfume, while the sergeants played a marching tune. We all got up to dance, oh, but we never got the chance.”

19. Ridin’ In My Car – NRBQ. … The New Rhythm and Blues Quartet (previously Quintet) became a concert favorite in the Northeast during my youth with their blend of many styles and fun lyrics. Paul McCartney, Keith Richards and Bob Dylan reportedly were fans. Al Anderson wrote this nifty little love song in the mid 1970s. “It’s been a year and a day since I talked to you. I don’t know how I made it, but I sure have been blue.”

18. Any Major Dude Will Tell You – Steely Dan. … Donald Fagen and Walter Becker produced some amazing songs and may not have been any better than on “Pretzel Logic,” which was released in 1974. This smooth tune was released as a B-side from that album and references a mythical creature from Northern Pennsylvania called a squonk. “Any major dude with half a heart surely will tell you my friend. Any minor world that breaks apart falls together again.”

17. A Man I’ll Never Be – Boston. … Never been a huge fan of Wall-of-Sound songs, but this band did it better than anyone and was on the top of its game with this emotional top-40 hit. The “power ballad” is basically about how difficult it is to live up to expectations. “If only I could find a way, I’d feel like I’m the man you believe I am. And it gets harder every day for me, to hide behind this dream you see.”

16. The Boys of Summer – Don Henley. … The Eagle with a golden voice wrote this tune reportedly about “questioning the past” and it recounts the time he saw a “dead head sticker on a Cadillac.” He won a Grammy for his vocal performance on the song in 1986 that came from perhaps his best solo effort, “Building the Perfect Beast.” “I can tell you my love for you will still be strong, after the boys of summer have gone.”

15. Tiny Dancer – Elton John. … Some songs don’t just work perfectly in a movie scene, they make you recognize how really good they are. That is the category this gem, written by Bernie Taupin about California girls, falls into from a great album named “Madman Across the Water.” “Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you’ll marry a music man. Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand.”

14. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin. … Not a big fan of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, but you have to appreciate their talent and work writing one of the most iconic, powerful songs of all time. Plant once described the lyrics as about “a woman getting everything she wanted without giving back,” and not finding meaning to her life in a way.

13. Hello It’s Me – Todd Rundgren. … If I would ever do Karaoke (fat chance), this would be the song I would perform. There’s not a better tune I sing in the car. Really. Todd is a tremendous musician, who I saw later in his career at the Wolf Den for free!, and this song has always moved me.

12. Hurricane – Bob Dylan. … Some 17 years after Bob’s brilliant and controversial protest song, I read a captivating story by William Nack in Sports Illustrated on Rubin “Hurricane” Carter in 1992 that made me appreciate it even more. The tune tackled racism and privilege like few others. Unfortunately, racial hate is still way too prominent in our society. In some ways, it’s more disgusting than ever. “Now all the criminals in their suits and their ties, are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise. While Rubin sits like Buddha in a 10-foot cell, an innocent man in a living hell.”

11. Jungleland – Bruce Springsteen. … The Boss’ near 10-minute epic story of love and gang violence on the mean streets closes one of the best albums ever made, “Born to Run.” The late, great Clarence Clemons provided the best saxophone solo of all time to top it off. “The street’s alive as secret debts are paid, contracts made, they vanish unseen. Kids flash guitars just like switch-blades. Hustling for the record machine.”

10. Landslide – Fleetwood Mac. … Stevie Nicks reportedly wrote this beautiful song in Aspen while contemplating the challenges of life and her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham. “Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love? Can the child within my heart rise above? Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?”

9. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen. … Freddie Mercury once said of the epic and diverse tune he wrote, “It’s one of those songs which has such a fantasy feel about it. I think people should just listen to it, think about it, and then make up their minds as to what it says to them.” It was No. 1 in England for several weeks in 1976 and reached No. 2 in the U.S. after “Wayne’s World” brought it back to the radio in 1992.

8. Imagine – John Lennon. … John said he used the inspiration of Yoko’s poems to imagine a world at peace, without the need for material possessions or fighting over religion. Sounds like a mighty nice place that we should strive for, doesn’t it? “You may say I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will be as one.”

7. Take it Easy – The Eagles. … Jackson Browne was stuck on the second verse. He had, “I’m standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona.” His former California housemate Glenn Frey stepped in and finished it with, “and such a fine sight to see. It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford. Slowin’ down to take a look at me.” The debut single on the first album by the greatest American Rock & Roll band was born. RIP Glenn.

6. I Melt With You – Modern English. … When asked what my favorite song is, I have often answered with this melodic one-hit wonder that was popular in the early MTV days. Lead singer Robbie Grey of the on-again, off-again British new wave band, reportedly said the song was about a couple making love while nuclear bombs are falling. “Dream of better lives the kind which never hate, trapped in a state of imaginary grace. I made a pilgrimage to save this human’s race, never comprehending a race that’s long gone by.”

5. Losing My Religion – REM. … The 1991 song has nothing to do about religion itself. The title is apparently a Southern phrase that means losing your temper, civility. Lead singer Michael Stipe basically said that it was about wanting someone so bad you lose yourself – obsession -- something we have all felt at one time or another. Peter Buck’s mandolin riff makes it unique and special.

4. Dream On – Aerosmith. … Steven Tyler has often told the story that he used to lay under the piano when he was a child while his classically-trained father played, and claims he got some of the chords for this power ballad. The song, which Tyler said is about “the hunger to be somebody,” evolved over time and made it to the group’s debut album in 1973. According to Wikipedia, it was first performed live at the The Shaboo Inn near UConn and graces the end of the movie “Miracle.”

3. Thunder Road – Bruce Springsteen. … The Boss wrote this masterpiece, that apparently evolved lyrically over time, basically about taking Mary out for a wild date. Not sure you can use, “Show a little faith, there’s magic in the night. You ain’t a beauty, but hey you’re alright,” as a pickup line, but man, does it work in this epic song. The classic leads off on one of the best albums of all time, “Born to Run.”

2. What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye. … Renaldo Benson from the Four Topps and songwriter Al Cleveland started the process of this amazing work of art -- which touches on police brutality, social unrest, love and family. Marvin took over, after Benson’s group mates reportedly thought it was too much of a protest song, molding the tune the way he wanted it to sound. "War is not the answer. For only love can conquer hate." Detroit Lions’ players Mel Farr and Lem Barney are used in the background. Natalie Merchant and Sarah McLachlan led an amazing cover of the song at the end of a Lilith Fair concert in Hartford that I will always remember as one of my favorite live music moments.

1.   Hotel California – The Eagles. … Dedicated to Jeannie, Shannon, Cheryl and Scott, who can check-out any time they like, but they can never leave. And Dad, who believe it or not, loved this song.

Don Felder started with a unique melody and Don Henley wrote most of the edgy lyrics, with help from Glenn Frey. The tune took on a mythic nature with wild interpretations, including some Christian Evangelists who claim it was about the Church of Satan. Henley denied that and said it is simply about “a journey from innocence to experience.” It was their take on the high life in LA and the “dark underbelly of the American Dream.” “There she stood in the doorway, I heard the mission bell. And I was thinking to myself, this could be Heaven or this could be Hell.” The transcendent guitar work of “Fingers” Felder and Joe Walsh ends the song that was released in 1977, won Record of the Year and provides the perfect backdrop to run the credits on my list.