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Tocchet: Tampa Bay Lightning needs "passion" in today's game with the Capitals
So, what do you say we talk about some hockey today? As you probably noticed, my days since last week have been filled with the story about potential new owner Jeff Vinik and his efforts to buy the team with the help of the NHL. His efforts apparently are ongoing and the league hopes to make an announcement soon.
But on to other things: ... Read more
Tampa Bay Lightning terminates contract of defenseman Lukas Krajicek
Defenseman Lukas Krajicek cleared unconditional waivers on Saturday and the Tampa Bay Lightning terminated his contract, meaning Krajicek is free to sign with any team in North America or Europe. And (update) he did indeed sign with the Flyers. ... Read more
Rick Tocchet: Mike Smith remains Lightning's No. 1 goalie
Tampa Bay Lightning coach Rick Tocchet made it clear that Mike Smith remains his top goalie even though Antero Niittymaki appears set to start his eighth straight game tonight.
And perhaps even longer.
"Smitty is our No. 1 coming in and it’s not like he lost the job,'' Tocchet said. "He is our No. 1. It’s just that Niitty was supposed to be our backup and he’s turned into 1b because he’s really played well for us, especially the last two weeks.'' ... Read more
Coach Tocchet hopes Tampa Bay Lightning responds after "one of our worst games"
What does Tampa Bay Lightning coach Rick Tocchet expect out of his players in tonight's matchup with the Canadiens? A focused effort after Saturday's 2-1 shoot out win over the Thrashers, a victory Tocchet called "one of our worst games" of the season. ... Read more
Tampa Bay Lightning sends defenseman David Hale to AHL Norfolk for conditioning
The Tampa Bay Lightning announced it has reassigned defenseman David Hale to AHL Norfolk on a conditioning assignment. The assignments usually last two weeks.
Hale, acquired during the summer from the Coyotes in the Radim Vrbata deal, has played just two games in January. He has four assists and is an even plus-minus in 35 games on the season. ... Read more
Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Mike Smith is run over in practice, passes "test"
It was difficult to tell if Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steve Downie could have slowed down and or stopped before he ran over goalie Mike Smith during Monday's practice. Either way, Smith, who perhaps is a little sensitive to getting plowed given his concussion history and that he has not played in six games because of a neck strain caused by being run over by Capitals defenseman Brooks Laich, took a couple swipes at Downie's head as they lay on the ice. ... Read more
Goalie shuffle: Dustin Tokarski back to AHL Norfolk, Riku Helenius to Sweden
The Tampa Bay Lightning re-assigned goaltender Dustin Tokarski to AHL Norfolk, which means Mike Smith, who has missed six games with a neck strain is ready to return to the lineup. The more intriguing transaction, though, was the assignment of minor-league goalie Riku Helenius to Sodertalje of the Swedish elite league. ... Read more
Rookie defenseman Victor Hedman returns to lineup for tonight's game against Atlanta
Rookie defenseman Victor Hedman, a healthy scratch in the Lightning's win against Toronto on Thursday, will be back in the lineup tonight against Atlanta, coach Rick Tocchet said.
"Mentally, it was good for me to get a look from up top,'' he said of watching from the press box. "It looks so much easier up there. It was good -- we had a day off yesterday (Friday) too -- to clear my mind and think about everything except hockey.''
Tocchet said the one-game break should do Hedman well. ... Read more
Time to give it up (again) for the Tampa Bay Lightning's Marty St. Louis
Since I just recently wrote a story for the paper about Marty St. Louis, the Tampa Bay Lightning's continually running motor, I decided to use this space to give another (and deserving) hand to the right wing for continuing his stellar play even after the story appeared. ... Read more
Report: Possible Pistons sale accelerating search for Lightning buyer
The plan by Karen Davidson, widow of former Lightning owner Bill Davidson, to explore a sale of the NBA's Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) has accelerated efforts by Lightning owners and the NHL to find a buyer for the Tampa Bay franchise, sources told Sports Business Daily. ... Read more
About the bloggers
Follow the Lightning through the season with beat writer Damian Cristodero and the Tampa Bay Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
E-mail Damian Cristodero: cristodero@tampabay.com
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