Linemates Learning From Lightning's Roberts

Gary Roberts has heard his fair share of sometimes unflattering monikers directed at him in good-natured ribbing throughout his career.

During his two seasons in Florida, the now 42-year-old was referred to as "The Corpse" at various times. In Toronto, it was "RoboCop." There's even been the Dr. Seuss-ical "Scary Gary."

In Tampa, it's simply "Robs." And his two current linemates have no intention of changing that.

"I don't know if he wants some 19-year-old or 20-year-old giving him a nickname," said 21-year-old right wing Steve Downie, who grew up outside of Toronto watching Roberts play for the Maple Leafs.

It wouldn't be difficult to tag Roberts with a new moniker related to his age, given his new linemates - Steven Stamkos and Downie - are a combined two years younger than Roberts. And when it is said that Roberts is old enough to be the father of either player, it's a fair statement, as neither Stamkos nor Downie were born when Roberts made his NHL debut with Calgary in 1986.

"We're probably the only line in the NHL like that that's been put together," 19-year-old Stamkos said.

In the past two games, it has been that Over/Under line that has scored the only two goals for the Lightning, both by Roberts. While the trio has been clicking on the ice, however, finding offense from the three wasn't exactly the purpose for uniting the cagey veteran with one player who isn't old enough to legally purchase beer and another who would still get his ID checked.

"To me, the way Robs works in practice, because he does work hard, for Downie and Stamkos watching him and the way he prepares, I think their level of practice has gotten better, it really has," interim coach Rick Tocchet said. "They are not to where we want them to be, but they are getting better, and I think Gary Roberts has a lot to do with that."

Just watching Roberts can rub off through osmosis, but to spend time talking hockey - whether playing or preparing for it - is a role Roberts relishes.

"One of the reasons I'm still playing is I enjoy that opportunity," Roberts said. "And as an older player, it's something you have to bring to the table. Both these young guys are great individuals, and for me to have some kind of an impact on how they prepare to play, for me is an accomplishment."