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Staal, Hurricanes Overwhelm Bolts

The Associated Press

Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward clears the puck away from defenseman Joe Corvo and Lightning center Jeff Halpern.

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 7, 2009

TAMPA - On the same day Lightning interim coach Rick Tocchet reportedly received a vote of confidence from management, his players had a funny of way of demonstrating their support.

In perhaps their most embarrassing effort of a dismal season, the Lightning yielded six goals in the second period en route to a 9-3 loss to Carolina as a stunned crowd of 15,692 openly displayed its disgust by issuing mock cheers for routine third-period saves.

The Hurricanes built a 9-1 advantage after 40 minutes behind the first four-goal game of Eric Staal's career and prolific nights by linemates Tuomo Ruutu and Erik Cole, who combined for 10 points.

"Obviously, it's unacceptable," said Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier, who scored in the third period and assisted on Ryan Malone's goal that closed the scoring with 10:48 remaining. "The blame goes to everybody on the ice ... we're all frustrated."

Tampa Bay's Mike McKenna was lifted after allowing three first-period goals within a span of 3:08, but he returned at the start of the final period after Karri Ramo was beaten six times on 22 shots.

The biggest cheers of the second period came when public address announcer Paul Porter advised fans that only one minute remained in the disastrous session.

"I don't think you can get rid of 21 guys in one night," Tocchet said, only half-kidding. "It was a team stinker and every single guy contributed to this. It was a humbling experience. You need to roll your sleeves up and meet the challenges, or you can go hide - and I'm not going to hide. I'd like to apologize to our fans."

After the first period, Lightning GM Brian Lawton refuted multiple reports that the club already had decided Tocchet would return behind the bench next season.

"All those reports are premature," Lawton said. "Rick's doing a good job and I like what he's doing. He'll be judged on his body of work."

While denying Saturday's rumors, Lawton acknowledged the process of evaluating Tocchet "could be accelerated."

Marty St. Louis also scored for the Lightning, who have won only twice in their past 11.

Staal's first goal came with Carolina short-handed, following a miscue by Lightning defenseman Cory Murphy at the right point. Another potential short-handed goal by the Hurricanes was short-circuited later in the opening period when Patrick Eaves overskated the puck. It was that kind of a forgettable evening for the home team.

"I was just happy to get back in the net," McKenna said. "I never want to come out."

In an opposite corner, rookie Steven Stamkos noted the Lightning played more competitively in the third period.

"I don't know how much you can redeem yourself when you're losing 9-3," McKenna said. "They were clearly on cruise control at that point."

Carolina coach Paul Maurice appreciated the rare laugher.

"Every once in while, these games happen," he said.

Reporter Ira Kaufman can be reached at (813) 259-7833.

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