Brett Connolly News

While the Tampa Bay Lightning 's season came to a bitter end nearly two weeks ago, many of the team's top prospects continue showcasing their talents.

OK, a whole bunch of extra time has slipped through the hourglass. But it seems like Nick Drazenovic and Brett Connolly should still be those hugely-talented youngsters who wielded their sticks like magic wands and, in the process, helped conjure up victory after victory for their respective Prince George Minor Hockey Association rep teams.

Some of the top prospects in the Tampa Bay Lightning organization helped the Syracuse Crunch make quick work of the first round of the AHL playoffs, and by the end of Wednesday night they should finally know who they will face in the second round.

November 4, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Brett Connolly gets the puck past Chicago Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery and center Dave Bolland for a goal at St.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have some great young talent that could be making splashes like Radko Gudas did this year.

Richard Panik, fresh from a three-week stint with the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning, scored a power-play goal 6:36 into overtime to lift the Crunch to a 4-3 AHL playoff win at War Memorial Arena.

Steven Stamkos did not play in last year's world championship because of a left shoulder issue he wanted to heal.

Life is good these days for Brett Connolly as he prepares to lead the Syracuse Crunch into the American Hockey League playoffs.