TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Malik Joins Power Play

ADVERTISEMENT

By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 14, 2008

OTTAWA - Marek Malik's most notable offensive moment in the NHL might have been his between-the-legs shootout move to beat Olie Kolzig in 2005-06.

But with Tampa Bay's power play in a serious funk - 0-for-the-last-26 after Saturday's game - Malik has been given a shot to run one of the point positions.

"I'm sure people are surprised and might be asking, 'what's Malik doing on the power play,' but what are we on the power play, like 0-for-25? So all jobs are open," interim coach Rick Tocchet said. "But he's actually done a pretty good job for us, and if you look at the tape he's made some good passes to guys, so we're going to continue. I even told him to be ready to go to the front of the net, so you might see him at the net, too."

Malik has scored three power-play goals in his 670 games in the NHL to go with 18 power-play assists.

CANADA'S PRIDE: Tampa Bay's management group had the opportunity Friday night to catch the first scrimmage of Team Canada's selection camp for the World Junior Championships, which begin Dec. 26 in Ottawa.

Two Lightning prospects are among the invitees; 2007 second-round LW Dana Tyrell (Prince George) and G Dustin Tokarski, who led Spokane to a Memorial Cup championship last year.

"I was very impressed with Dustin Tokarski. I like his possibilities to make the team. He has a realistic opportunity to make it and play quite a bit," Lightning general manager Brian Lawton said. "In Dana's case, I think he's exactly the type of player that they're looking for. If he makes the club, he'll be identified as kind of a core guy and what they'd be looking to stand for as far as his work ethic and his character."

NUTS AND BOLTS: D Mike Lundin cleared waivers Saturday and was assigned to AHL Norfolk, where he played for the Admirals against Bridgeport. C Chris Gratton also reported to Norfolk, but he is not expected to play until next week. ... RW Adam Hall and LW Matt Pettinger both returned from injury. ... RW Radek Smolenak was a healthy scratch. .. C Jeff Halpern will play Wednesday at Norfolk on a conditioning assignment or Thursday against Colorado. ... Strength coach Kevin Ziegler returns to full-time job as a fireman in Minneapolis today.

Erik Erlendsson

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT