Teddy Purcell News

It's summer and things are moving along at summer's pace: a lurch and a stall. But there's still plenty to talk about in the world of hockey, so let's just jump right on in.

As most of us know the playoffs are officially over and the conferences have been conquered so now it's time for hockey fans to make their final decision on what team to support in the Stanley Cup finals.

Steve Yzerman on Thursday gave every indication the Tampa Bay Lightning would not be going after Roberto Luongo, who is all but finished in Vancouver and willing to waive his no-trade clause.

Nate Thompson, left, and Cam Fowler of Team USA smile after a U.S. goal during the 2012 IIHF World Championships.

If you tried to predict the outcome of the 2012 IIHF World Championships, and I'm sure you did, chances are you were wrong.

Sure, there's continued conjecture about who the Lightning will bring in in net, what they'll do with all those draft picks, and how on Earth they're going to unload Vincent Lecavalier's contract.

Jan 20, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Teddy Purcell and Dallas Stars center Jake Dowell fight for the puck during the third period at the American Airlines Center.

I often watch the style of play other teams employ in their games, especially during the playoffs.

While we're in the middle of the NHL and AHL playoffs, scattered around cheering for our various other teams, there's a third major hockey tournament going on across the pond.

Tampa Bay Lightning center Nate Thompson was named an alternate captain for the United States at the world championship, which begins Friday in Helsinki, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden.