Out of Habit Lecavalier Schedules Golf Outing, is Late to First Playoff Game

The first games haven’t even started yet, and we’ve already got our first drama of the 2011 NHL Playoffs.

Lightning Captain Vinny Lecavalier was late to tonight’s series opening game against the Penguins.  The reason?  Golf.  That’s right, the 30 year-old center was roughly 25 minutes late for the team’s scheduled arrival time at the CONSOL Energy Center, and showed up wearing Dockers, a red nike polo, golf spikes, and a Titliest hat.  When asked about the goof, Lecavalier had this to say:

“Look, cut me some slack.  I’ve played for the Lightning my entire career.  I schedule these things years in advance.  First day of the playoffs, nothing going on, I golf, that’s just the way it’s always been.  Some habits are hard to break.”

Lightning head coach Guy Boucher was not reserved in his comments about the tardiness:

“Ya know, shit like that probably would’ve flown under (former dumbass coach Rick) Tocchet, but not on my watch.  He’ll probably sit for the first period.  At least.”

Lecavalier, often a target of angst of the Tampa Bay fan base, may have added fuel to the fire with the gaff.  Moreover, the incident may have been the final nail in the coffin for the long-standing trade rumors.  Lightning GM Steve Yzerman:

“Well, he’s really an irreplaceable kind of guy and he had a second half as good as any in the NHL, but this may be the final straw that forces us to deal him.  It’s certainly something we’ll have to look in to this summer.”

However, not all the feedback on the late arrival was negative.  Lecavalier again:

“Well, I did shoot a 68; so actually, I feel pretty damn good going into the game tonight.  All in all, it’s not that bad of a thing, ya know?”

And Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma:

(Wiping away several tears) “Good! It’s freaking karma if you ask me!  Sid (Penguins captain Sidney Crosby) is for sure not playing today.  Sniffle.  He (Lecavalier) should sit!  It’s a joke that it might only be for one period, but I’m glad to see it.  Sniffle sniffle.  I can’t believe the NHL is going to let us endure this without him (Crosby).”