AHL To Downie: Sit For 20 Games

Tampa Bay RW Steve Downie was handed a 20-game suspension by the American Hockey League on Thursday after the league reviewed his actions in Saturday's AHL game against Norfolk.

In the final minute of a game in Hershey, Pa., Downie was given a game-misconduct penalty and written up for physical abuse of an official when his stick made contact with the shin of linesman Mike Hamilton during a faceoff. The report stated Downie intentionally struck Hamilton; Norfolk and Lightning officials claim Downie struck the puck and inadvertently made contact with Hamilton.

The Lightning and Norfolk released statements Thursday, appealing the suspension.

"The Tampa Bay Lightning support the Norfolk Admirals in appealing the 20-game suspension handed down to right wing Steve Downie for his actions in a game against the Hershey Bears on February 28," the statement said. "The Lightning has requested that the American Hockey League consider additional evidence in the matter and requests that the player receive a modicum of due process before a final decision is rendered. To clarify public reports, the player struck the official (during the course of play) with the follow through of his stick after winning a faceoff against Hershey's Andrew Joudrey. The club understands Downie remains on indefinite suspension, pending the appeal, and it will have no further comment on this matter until its resolution."

Downie received a 20-game suspension during the preseason last year while with the Philadelphia Flyers for elbowing Ottawa's Dean MacAmmond, and served a three-game suspension in Norfolk this season for a hit from behind to Worcester's Kyle McLaren.

ROBERTS TO RETIRE? Veteran LW Gary Roberts was not at practice Thursday, and indications are the 42-year-old might have played his last game.

The team said Roberts is taking some time to ponder his immediate future and the two sides will discuss the situation in the coming days. Lightning general manager Brian Lawton said Wednesday he attempted to trade Roberts to a playoff contender before the trade deadline but found no takers. Roberts also cleared waivers without being claimed by another team.

After Tuesday's game against Pittsburgh, in which Roberts was held out of, the 21-year veteran spoke as if he knew he would not be back on the ice.

"I feel like the coaching staff gave me an opportunity to play and show what I could do when I was healthy," Roberts said. "The game has been great to me and it will never leave a sour taste in my mouth."

The team declined to comment further on Roberts' situation.

Roberts' agent Rick Curran said Roberts just needs a couple of days to think things over.

"If he decides to stay and play, it will be his decision; it will be his decision one way or the other," Curran said.

NEW FACES: Trade acquisitions D Noah Welch and RW Martins Karsums were on the ice for practice Thursday and are expected to make their Lightning debuts tonight. Karsums was wearing No. 44; Welch was wearing No. 7

Karsums practiced on a line with Vinny Lecavalier and Vinny Prospal, although it's unclear whether that will be a combination tonight against St. Louis.

Welch will become the 18th different defenseman to suit up in a game this season for Tampa Bay.

Among those not practicing Thursday were LW Ryan Malone (flu), D Lukas Krajicek (flu) and D Marek Malik (ankle/foot). C Paul Szczechura (wrist) left early.

Erik Erlendsson