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New Bolts Faces To Appear Saturday

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 24, 2008

TAMPA - Lightning coach Barry Melrose is not a fan of altering a lineup coming off a victory, but when Tampa Bay returns to the ice Saturday against San Jose, at least two new faces will be inserted to face the Sharks.

RW Radim Vrbata has been ruled out for Saturday after what the team is classifying as a "lower body" injury during practice Wednesday. Vrbata, who said he injured a groin muscle, was feeling better Thursday but was still sore. He came off the ice late in practice Wednesday trying to stretch out his right leg before heading to the locker room with a slight limp.

With Vrbata out, either newly acquired forward Matt Pettinger or Jason Ward will find a spot in the lineup. Each practiced with the Chris Gratton line during practice Thursday, which also includes RW Mark Recchi.

New Defenseman

The defense will also have a different look to it after the Lightning officially signed veteran D Marek Malik to a prorated one-year contract worth $1.25 million. Malik will make his Tampa Bay debut against the Sharks wearing jersey No. 22, the number worn by former Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle, who makes his return to Tampa on Saturday with San Jose.

Malik, 33, has been practicing with the team for a week as he worked his way into shape.

"I can't wait to do something besides practice," Malik said.

Craig Suffers Setback

Ryan Craig, who suffered a groin injury Oct. 8 and has been out since, was thought to be ready to return by this weekend. But after practice Wednesday, Craig felt some of the soreness return and missed practice Thursday.

He said the setback wasn't anything of concern, but they want to ensure the injury is 100 percent healed in order to prevent the issue from recurring.

Smoke Signals

Lightning coach Barry Melrose, who is a cigar aficionado and often breaks one out after a game, was asked Thursday the difference between having an extended layoff following a win compared to time off after a loss. "Every cigar tastes like a Cuban after you win. Every cigar tastes like a Honduran after a loss; which is still good, but not quite like a Cuban," he said.

Erik Erlendsson

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