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"I don't buy it. He's healthy to play,'' the Lightning coach says.
By JOANNE KORTH, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 1, 2002
TAMPA -- Forward Zdeno Ciger returned to practice Thursday, but his future with the Lightning remains unclear.
Ciger left Tuesday's game against Detroit (after the first period and skipped practice Wednesday, telling team officials he suffers from anxiety attacks. Team doctors have declared him medically fit to play.
Fit or not, coach John Tortorella has other issues with the 32-year-old left wing, who will not be in his lineup any time soon.
"I don't buy it. He's healthy to play," said Tortorella, who has six injured forwards in addition to Ciger. "It's wrong just to go every two weeks and pick up your check -- a ton of money -- and not be determined to help this team do the things it wants to do.
"If you can't handle demands, get out of the game."
Ciger, acquired Dec. 12 in a trade with the Rangers, makes $1.7-million. He was brought in to spark the struggling offense and help Vinny Lecavalier. In 26 games, Ciger has six goals, six assists and is minus-12. His playing time has steadily diminished.
Ciger said his condition is not just psychological. Physical symptoms emerge when he gets mad, cold or tired. The muscles in his neck and back tighten, causing shortness of breath and loss of feeling in his extremities. The problem has existed for the past five years, he said, but has worsened since coming to Tampa Bay.
"I try to play. I like hockey," Ciger said. "But it's time to think about my health problems."
Among the options for the Lightning are leave Ciger on the roster and scratch him, trade him or assign him to the minor leagues if he clears waivers. It must pay Ciger's full salary unless he refuses the minor-league assignment or elects to leave the team.