Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
February 22, 2001

Richards is the leading rookie scorer (16 goals, 31 assists). (Allsport)

Richards has made an immediate impact on the NHL by becoming the leading rookie scorer (16 goals, 31 assists). He is also third in shots on goal with 121. He was named October Rookie of the Month and is a candidate for the Calder Trophy which is given to the best rookie in the league.

Brad Richards: Hi everyone! I'm glad to be here and hope to answer all your questions.

Question: from richrdsmvp: Brad, How have you bonded with the other players? Have the vets helped you out much? If so, Who?

Brad Richards: A lot of the guys on the team have been great to me. Vincent has been a buddy of mine since before here. Others have helped. Especially early in the year.

Question: from marty3: Describe what it's like having Vincent Lecavalier as a 'Teammate" on the Lighting?

Brad Richards: Since he was a friend before it is cool. We talked about it and dreamed about it. We pinch ourselves and are happy to be here. As far as Vincent on the team he is easy going and a great guy. He makes it more relaxed.

Question: from hockeygal: What was your favorite team when you were young

Brad Richards: When I was young I was always changing teams every year! But a team like Toronto was always one and I cheered for Chicago a lot too.

Question: from jean-luc: What went through your mind the first time you scored a goal in the NHL?

Brad Richards: It was a lot of excitement! I was proud and hoping a lot of people close to me saw it. Especially my parents since they were there. It was a very surreal situation. Like a dream world.

Question: from leon: Hey Brad! Die Hard Bolts fan, section 116 loves ya! My question is How important has the aquisition of Matt Barnaby been to the Bolts so far?

Brad Richards: I think Matt brings a lot of good things to the team. A lot of positive energy and easy to get along with off the ice. He is always up for every game and every practice. People build off his energy to get ready for the games.

Question: from zamboni: Good ole #66 has proposed a possible change to the rules so that we play 4 on 4 instead of 5 on 5. What is your feeling on this?

Brad Richards: I think it is something to look at. It is tough to break tradition in the game of hockey but at the same time if a guy like Mario is talking about it, it may be time to look at things. Not just 4 on 4 but other things, too.

Question: from puckerup: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

Brad Richards: I always eat the same thing on the night before and on the day of the game. I eat a filet, vegetables and ice cream for dessert. Before the game - my stick, I don't like people touching it, or the blade touching the ground or getting dirty.

Question: from freshpaint: How are the fans in Tampa Bay? Do they give you a good home ice advantage?

Brad Richards: I think the fans are great here, considering the past they've had. Sometimes it isn't full but they are a great group and really loud. When it is full and they are behind you it is a lot of fun. As we improve and get better, they will be even louder and it will be even more fun.

Question: from girl_n_net: What has it been like playing for coach Tortorella?

Brad Richards: It is a change, obviously. Different coaches have different ideas. He is a realist. He doesn't think we can make this team a winner overnight. He is patient. He is working with what we have and have everyone grow together as a team.

Question: from barky: What would you say your strengths are and what do you feel still needs work?

Brad Richards: My strengths are my vision on the ice and my patience with the puck. I need to work on my defensive side and playing without the puck. Using my body more and taking the puck off players with my body.

Question: from freshpaint: You only have 8 penalty minutes all season. Do you avoid physical play on purpose?

Brad Richards: No. It is just getting used to the league. It isn't my nature though. I just want to get my foot in the door and this is the best way to help the team. Sometimes you get a few in a bunch and sometimes you go forever without a penalty. This is helping my team right now but I do want to learn to be more physical. That doesn't mean taking stupid penalties.

Question: from hockey_fan: Brad, who would you say has been your top opponent?

Brad Richards: I think the hardest team to play against is New Jersey. Ottawa was good too. So was Colorado.

Question: from ranger993: Who would you say is the toughest player you've played against in your young career?

Brad Richards: Best player I've played against this year .. Jaromir Jagr is really good. But I think Joe Sakic was dominant when we played him. As far as goalies.. Joseph and Brodeur have been hard to score on.

Question: from freshpaint: It seems (aside from last year's goal scoring outburst) that your assists outnumber your goals 2 to 1. Would you call yourself an unselfish player? How do you think that style of play helps a team more than someone with opposite numbers?

Brad Richards: I am for sure not a selfish player. I have always had more assists. It is the way I play. I don't think it changes the role on the team. If you contribute by putting up numbers, that is your job. If you have good numbers in assists or goals it doesn't matter, as long as someone is scoring.

Question: from vipers: Being from Detroit, I see the guys get sent up and down a lot. Is it hard to adjust to players being moved up and down all the time?

Brad Richards: No. I think at this level players get used to it. There are so many trade and players being moved that we get used to it. Guys like myself play with the same players. the 4th line guys get shuffled more. It is something you get used to.

Question: from blueser: You play your next 5 games on the road, how difficult is that going to be?

Brad Richards: It will be very difficult. The teams we play are fighting for vital positions. Every game means something for them. On the road is hard and places like Philly and Buffalo are even harder to play in. We will learn a lot about our team.

Question: from leon: How big was the trade that sent Dan Cloutier to the Canucks? I know you, Vinny and Dan were all great friends.

Brad Richards: Personally it sucks for us. We lost one of our best buddies. When you look at it that way we were always together. At the same time we can't control that. He needed to move on and play on a team where he had a chance to be himself. He didn't feel he had that chance here. It is better for him and the team felt it was good to make the trade. That is the life of hockey. We have to keep growing as a team. Learn the little things it takes to win games in the NHL. Once we do that and have a few seasons under our belt we will have the experience to take off.

Question: from girl_n_net: What is the best advice anyone has given you?

Brad Richards: Probably to stay with what you have started and what "got you here". Put 150% into what you do. Never abaondon anything and try to take shortcuts.

Brad Richards: Thank you for coming to the chat. Thanks to the Lightning fans and my fans. Hang in there. Things are going to get better!