The Fifth Liners

Steve Yzerman is a legend. In his 22 seasons with the men in red, he lifted three Stanley Cups and was inducted into the hall of fame in 2009. He also won countless other medals and trophies. His banner hangs in the rafters of the Joe Louis. In addition to Michigan dedicating a day to the famous Detroit Captain, there are arenas, junior hockey leagues and roads also bearing his name. Yzerman now has a new achievement to add to the collection, he's been awarded the Order of Canada; the second highest award for merit in Canada. Second only to the Order of Gretzky. Congratulations Steve!

Things are tight at the top of the Atlantic Division, as it stands there's only two points between the top three teams. The two Florida teams, while geographically close, are miles apart in the points race. The Tampa Bay Lightning are holding onto a slim lead at the top of the division, while the Florida Panthers are only avoiding only just avoiding the wooden spoon. From the Panthers' BB&T Centre to the Lightning's Tampa Bay Times Arena is only 245 miles by road, but based on this season's, performances so far, that distance might as well be 100,000 miles because it's difficult to see how the two teams are in the same league. What makes the difference in fortunes so unusual is that the two Florida teams' recent histories are freakishly similar. Both teams replaced their General Managers in 2010. Steve Yzerman coming into Tampa Bay and Dale Tallon taking the reigns at the Panthers. Further more, in 2013, both teams fired their Head Coaches. Guy ...

Coach Guy Boucher has been officially relieved of duty at Tampa Bay Lightning. Bolts GM Steve Yzerman isn't satisfied in the direction the team is going and still has hopes to make the playoffs. The Bolts currently sit 27th in the league and play the Winnipeg Jets tonight.  Full video  here.