Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said he did not realize Thursday was the 25th anniversary of his first NHL goal.
"Really?" he said when somebody brought it up before Tampa Bay's game with the Senators.
Really. On Oct. 15, 1984, Tocchet, then a Flyers rookie, scored 3:10 into the second period of Philadelphia's 5-2 loss to the Canadiens.
Tocchet, who had 440 career goals, didn't remember much about the tally, though he was correct that he scored on goalie Doug Soetaert. He also said he was assisted by Len Hachborn and "maybe" Thomas Eriksson,. He was assisted by both, with Eriksson getting the primary.
As for the location of the shot, "It had to be from 3 feet in," Tocchet said of his favorite spot in front of the net. "I could lie to you, but I'm sure you guys will research it. I'm sure it's in black and white somewhere."
Chew on this
During the 2005-06 season, defenseman David Hale was taught by Devils coach Larry Robinson, one of the game's legendary blue-liners. The most enduring lesson?
"He told me to chew gum," said Hale, now with the Lightning. "It was just a reminder to go out there and have some fun. It's not one of those things you take literally."
Did you start chewing gum?
"I actually did, yeah," Hale said.
So, you did take it literally.
"Well, yeah."
No talk of body position, stick-checking, anything like that?
"I think it was his last resort," Hale said. "It's not like he was telling me 'Just chew gum.' He definitely gave me some good stuff.''
Hale said he chewed Dubble Bubble at first.
"Probably the worst gum for your teeth," he said.
And now?
"Whatever is available."
5 questions | RW Stephane Veilleux
What was Wimbledon like? Just seeing the grass; the surface is really perfect.
Who is your favorite player? Andy Roddick. He hits so hard and is so intense.
Did you play tennis growing up? Until I was about 15. I could have gotten a scholarship.
Why did you stop? I had more passion for hockey.
Any other tennis trips planned? Roland Garros (for the French Open) next year.
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