Lightning Team Report

INSIDE SHOTS

Seeking signs of team chemistry can be a tricky task. It’s something that’s difficult to put a finger on, but as it starts to grow, it becomes noticeable.

For the Lightning, it’s been especially tough to establish given the roster changeover that has taken place each of the last two seasons. But one-quarter into the season, some of that noticeable chemistry is starting to show up.

Not only do many of the players get together while the team is on the road, on the ice they are starting to stand up for each other with little or no hesitation.

During a victory over the New York Rangers, the Lightning were challenged physically at many times during the game. But when the likes of Steven Stamkos(notes) begins to stand up to someone like superpest Sean Avery(notes) for a hit on Marty St. Louis or Matt Walker(notes) stands up to Donald Brashear(notes) after a late hit to Stamkos, it’s a sure sign something is developing.

“You don’t just put guys in a dressing room and tell them to like each other or care for each other,” Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said. “I think that’s already instilled as a hockey player, you always want to back your teammate up or do the right things. But you grow as a team, and since the beginning of training camp until now we are growing every day.”

Stars 4, Lightning 3  (OT): For the second time in the last six games, Tampa Bay allowed three power play goals in a game but found a way to rally and earn a point. The Lightning were behind 3-1 to Dallas late in the third period, but goals 47 seconds apart by Steven Stamkos and Jeff Halpern(notes) forced the overtime.

NOTES, QUOTES

• Tampa Bay’s top defenseman, Mattias Ohlund(notes), has missed seven consecutive games with what is believed to be an ankle injury. Ohlund has not skated in more than a week, but coach Rick Tocchet said the team is being cautious with Ohlund, not wanting to push him back too soon and cause the injury to linger for the remainder of the season. With the team set to play four games in the next six nights, Tocchet said Ohlund is “very, very close” to returning to action.

• The Lightning’s overtime loss to Dallas was the eighth time this season Tampa Bay has lost in 11 overtime/shootout games. Last season the Lightning lost 17 games that went past regulation.

• Tampa Bay has scored at least one power play goal in a season-best seven consecutive games and in 10 of the last 11 games overall.

Quote To Note:   “I wish I would have beat them, but I can’t say enough about the fan support I got while I was here and how the organization treated me while I was here.”—Lightning goaltender Mike Smith(notes) after he stopped 34 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss in his first game back in Dallas since being traded to Tampa Bay in February 2008.

ROSTER REPORT

Goaltenders:   Mike Smith, Antero Niittymaki(notes).

Defensemen:   Mattias Ohlund, Victor Hedman(notes), Paul Ranger(notes), Andrej Meszaros(notes), Kurtis Foster(notes), Matt Walker, Matt Smaby(notes), David Hale(notes), Lukas Krajicek(notes), Mike Lundin(notes).

First Line:   Ryan Malone(notes), Steven Stamkos, Marty St. Louis

Second Line:   Alex Tanguay(notes), Vinny Lecavalier, Jeff Halpern.

Third Line:   James Wright(notes), Paul Szczechura(notes), Steve Downie(notes).

Fourth Line:   Kurtis Foster, Zenon Konopka(notes), Stephane Veilleux(notes).

Player Notes:  

• D Mattias Ohlund missed his seventh consecutive game with a lower body injury, believed to be with his right ankle. Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said, however, that Ohlund should be “very, very close” to returning to the lineup at some point next week.

• RW Marty St. Louis had his six-game scoring streak come to an end in a loss at Dallas. The scoring streak was the second this season in which St. Louis had scored in six or more consecutive games.

• C Steven Stamkos scored his team best 17th goal of the season and his seventh on the power play, third most in the league this season.

Medical Watch:  

• D Mattias Ohlund suffered a lower-body injury during a shootout loss to Los Angeles on Nov. 14. The injury is not considered serious, but he is out on a day-to-day basis although he’s believed to be close to returning.