Aggressive plans on deck for Svitov

TAMPA -- The first thing Alexander Svitov must do is get into shape. The second thing is learn English.

General manager Jay Feaster said Svitov will spend the summer in Toronto working with a personal trainer. When he returns to Tampa at the begining of August, he will work with Lightning strength and conditioning coach Eric Lawson. He also will have English lessons three times a week.

It all is part of an ambitious program to counteract Svitov's lack of playing time and prepare him for his first NHL training camp.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder played eight games last season while a tug of war for his services raged between his hometown team in Omsk, Siberia, and Moscow's Central Red Army team.

"He is in below-average shape right now," Lightning scout Yuri Yanchenkov said.

Head scout Jake Goertzen said Svitov will bounce back quickly, and could make the roster next season.

"He can step in and play," Goertzen said. "He's strong. He's mentally tough and a competitor. He is also a better playmaker than given credit for."

Svitov is a good skater, has a wicked wrist shot and has a defensive sensibility, somewhat rare in a prospect.

He also can be a physical presence as he showed during the World Junior Championships at which he had two goals and an assist and led the event with 43 penalty minutes.

He was accused of spitting at Canada's Brian Sutherby and of beating up Switzerland's Beat Forster. Svitov denied spitting and the fight was either a valiant effort to protect a teammate cross-checked across the face or a beat-down helped by two teammates who held the Swiss player.

Either way, Goertzen said he is not worried about Svitov trying such shenanigans in the NHL.

"He won't be the biggest guy and the strongest guy out there," Goertzen said.

"There are no shortcuts," Svitov said. "I have to work hard and fight for a spot on the team."

Wings celebrate title

DETROIT -- With his Stanley Cup champions standing close behind him, retiring coach Scotty Bowman looked out on a sea of fans and said thanks.

Bowman, who led the Wings to their third NHL title in six years, thanked his team for a season where it all came together. He thanked his family for years of support.

"I can leave being a Red Wing for the rest of my life," Bowman told the throng at Hart Plaza.

Detroit police said more than 1-million fans turned out for the celebration, chanting "One more year,' to the team's lineup of aging stars. Dominik Hasek is among those considering retirement.

Hasek called the moment "very emotional," but said he wants to make his decision "without emotions."

-- Information from Times wires was used in this report.