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Lightning to focus on special teams toward end of camp

 
Tyler Johnson noted  that most teams haven't set up their power play and there's more work to be done. [DIRK SHADD | Times]
Tyler Johnson noted that most teams haven't set up their power play and there's more work to be done. [DIRK SHADD | Times]
Published Sept. 30, 2014

TAMPA — For most of Monday's Lightning practice, the focus was on special teams.

The power play and penalty kill were mostly set aside in the first week or so in camp when there were 60-plus players. But now that the roster is down to 28, those units will be a major emphasis during this final week.

"That's a big part of the game," coach Jon Cooper said. "That's something we're going to really focus on in the last three exhibition games, to get a feel for who is working well together, get some combinations."

The first power play unit Monday included C Steven Stamkos, RW Ryan Callahan, LW Nikita Kucherov, C Valtteri Filppula and D Victor Hedman. But Cooper said different combinations will be tried this week.

The Lightning's penalty kill ranked 23rd last season (80.7 percent) but is 16-for-16 in three preseason games. C Tyler Johnson noted, however, that most teams haven't set up their power play and there's more work to be done.

"We only have three more preseason games and then the regular season starts so you want to be clicking on all cylinders right away," Johnson said. "It's one of those things you have to focus on now."

Busy week: The Lightning will hold morning skates at Germain Arena today and Thursday for its games in Dallas and Sunrise. Wednesday, it will hold a public practice at 1:15 p.m. at Germain Arena. Friday, the team will have a golf outing. Saturday night is the preseason finale at Amalie Arena against the Panthers.

High praise: While owner Jeff Vinik lauded the work of GM Steve Yzerman in implementing his plan, he also expressed satisfaction with Cooper, who is entering his second full season as coach. "I admire our coach in so many ways," Vinik said. "He's got a great ability with the guys to be their father and their friend at the same time. I think he's a great leader of our organization."

Minor setback: LW Brenden Morrow participated in only part of Monday's practice because of back spasms, which Cooper considers minor.

"It happens to everybody at some point during the year," Cooper said. "I saw him holding a cup of coffee in the morning and all was good and all of a sudden something tightened up. He's all right."

Captain watch: Cooper said Stamkos will play in two of the final three preseason games. Stamkos, who played in his first one Friday, was encouraged how his surgically-repaired right leg responded the days after. "It makes me excited to know how much better it's feeling after games compared to last year," he said.

Miscellany: Cooper said G Ben Bishop and G Evgeni Nabokov will each get a full game this week and split the other; Bishop could start tonight in Dallas. … With few right-handed shooters at right wing, Cooper said some left-handed shooters may audition this week on the right side.

Contact Joe Smith at joesmith@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_JSmith.