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Lightning notes: Hedman, Niittymaki, Szczechura in lineup

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 12, 2009

TAMPA - Paul Szczechura will make his return to the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup tonight when the team hosts Minnesota to open a two-game homestand.

Szczechura was called up from Norfolk of the American Hockey League on Wednesday and Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said the 23-year-old from Brantford, Ont., will be in the lineup.

Szczechura is getting the opportunity after Tocchet received good reports from Norfolk. In 14 games with Norfolk, Sczcechura has a team-leading 14 points and eight assists while ranking third on the team with six goals, including one shorthanded.

"I just want to keep working on my game, do what they ask me and just do the best I can, which is what you want to do as a player," Szczechura said. "Whatever role they want me to do is fine by me, killing penalties, playing good defense, I'll do whatever.".

Szczechura made his NHL debut last year appearing in 31 games with four goals with nine points.

Gritty Nitty
Goaltender Antero Niittymaki will make his fourth consecutive start in recognition of his recent stretch of quality play.

In his past four starts, Niittymaki is 2-0-2 and allowed only one goal in each of three games. Overall, Niittymaki is 4-1-2 with a 1.95 goals against average and .940 save percentage.

Hedman to play
After missing Saturday's game against Montreal with a mild concussion, rookie defenseman Victor Hedman will be back in the lineup.

"I'm 100 percent," Hedman said. "I'm glad I don't feel anything lingering. I don't know if surprised is the right word, but I didn't know if I would be 100 percent ready for this game. But it feels good.

"Hopefully now, I'll be able to play in 81 games this season . . . as a start."

Scratches
With Hedman expected to return, Kurtis Foster will sit and miss out on the opportunity to play against his former team. Matt Smaby also will be out as he continues to wait his turn and make his season debut.

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