No power plays for Lightning

In a game that lasted 111 minutes, 12 seconds, it was astounding to Lightning center Tim Taylor that Tampa Bay did not get one power play. The Devils were called for one penalty - a diving call on Sergei Brylin in the third period - that was offset by a hooking call on the Lightning's Dave Andreyhcuk.

Referees Stephen Walkom and Brad Watson gave New Jersey four power plays, including two in the first overtime, and it scored on one in the first period.

"We played another team from New York," Taylor said. "We don't have a chance. I am appalled. I can't believe it. I think they deserved some penalties as well; and nothing."

Lightning coach John Tortorella deferred.

"I think I'd better leave that one alone," he said.

The Devils had some fun with right wing Grant Marshall before the game. Coach Pat Burns had the team bus leave just a bit early from the team hotel, forcing Marshall to sprint to catch up.

"I didn't have to take warmups," said Marshall, who scored the winning goal. "If I had known the game was going to go six or seven overtimes, I would have walked."

Lightning head scout Jake Goertzen couldn't say enough about defenseman Andreas Holmqvist, one of Tampa Bay's top prospects. Holmqvist spent most of April in Tampa, soaking up playoff atmosphere and working with Eric Lawson, the strength and conditioning coach.

Goertzen likes Holmqvist so much, he said he could play in the NHL next season. The 21-year-old Swede had four goals, nine assists and 28 penalty minutes in 43 games with Linkopings of the Swedish elite league.

"A lot depends on how hard he works this summer," Goertzen said. "He skates well enough. He thinks about the game well enough. He's big enough (6 feet 4, 190 pounds), and he moves the puck."

Goertzen said Holmqvist "really soaked up everything Eric threw at him. He's got a winners attitude, and he knows he will have to work at it. And it doesn't bother him."

He also must sign a contract. If he does, expect to see the 61st pick of 2001 at September's rookie camp and Lightning camp.

A top prospect you likely will not see next season is Russian center Alexander Polushin. Two reasons. Until Tampa Bay sorts out its minor-league situation, there is no good place to put him if he came to North America. He also signed a two-year contract with CSKA Moscow of the Russian elite league.

Polushin, 19, the 47th pick of 2001, still can sign with the Lightning because NHL contracts supersede those in Europe. Still, the situation would have to be ideal for him to switch gears.

"It's a really solid option," Goertzen said of Polushin's European contract. "He got some good money to sign over there, and developmental-wise, it's not going to hurt him."

Goertzen said another season with Brampton, a junior team, will not hurt Adam Henrich, Tampa Bay's top pick in 2002 and 60th overall. The left wing had 31 goals, 33 assists and 70 penalty minutes and was plus-24 last season.

Henrich, 19, has great size (6-4, 220), and Goertzen said his upside is enormous. Consistency is still a question, but "the gap is narrowing."

"I suggested to him making the World Juniors should be one of his goals," Goertzen said. "It's difficult when you're not on the radar. But if he comes to training camp hot and takes it home to Brampton, he has a chance."

After taking a puck to the face in Game 3, Scott Stevens might not have played in Game 4 were it not for a custom-made helmet. Equipment manager Rich Matthews heated a piece of plastic until it was pliable enough to shape into a flap. He punched air holes in it, painted the light blue plastic black so it would not be obvious and added a piece of foam inside for extra protection. After wearing it in the pregame skate, Stevens decided to play.

"I was surprised," he said. "It wasn't bad."

Unlike many goalies, Martin Brodeur has no problem speaking with reporters after morning skates on game days. And he doesn't just answer questions, he holds conversations.

Before Game 5, he spent 20 minutes talking and laughing and giving insights on myriad topics, including how he stays so calm, especially during the playoffs.

"I just see it as another hockey game," he said. "If I want to be successful, I can't put too much pressure on myself. The media puts pressure on you, and there's pressure from the fans. It's a big deal in the playoffs. So I think you have to ignore all the outside stuff and just play hockey. This is a game. It's nothing more."

Today's lineup

Lightning