Lightning's young defense gets younger

PRAGUE, Czech Republic — Much was made about how young Tampa Bay's defense was entering training camp. Well, guess what? It got even younger with the demotion of 28-year-old Andrew Hutchinson to the minors and the promotion of 21-year-old Vladimir Mihalik to the NHL.

The average age of Tampa Bay's projected top six in today's season opener with the Rangers is 23.8.

"We have no alternative," coach Barry Melrose said. "These are our guys. It's not like we can airlift six veteran D in here tomorrow. As a coach, we know that. Hopefully, every game we get better and better. Are there going to be some bumps along the way? Yeah. But I told them, as long as you guys compete, I'm there with you. That's all I ask, compete every night, work hard in practice."

Damian Cristodero, Times staff writer