Vinny, Bolts, Complete Final Test

By JC De La Torre

The Lightning defeated a very inspired HC Slovan club in BRATISLAVA, Slovakia 3-2 in a shoot out to wrap up the pre-season at 5-1. Vinny Lecavalier scored a regulation goal and a shoot out goal to help the Bolts avoid the upset.

Tampa Bay continued to pair down their roster, trading Nick Tarnasky to Nashville for a conditional pick and waiving Michel Ouellet.

The Bolts open the season with back-to-back games against the New York Rangers Saturday and Sunday in Slovakia.

The great thing about this trip is I think it will give a team that has had a lot of transition in the off-season a chance to get to know each other and start to develop that team bond that every hockey club needs to be successful.