EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - After a good training camp in which he tied for the team lead with four points, Andre Roy said he was surprised he was scratched for the season's first game.
After Saturday's game against the Devils, the left wing has been scratched from the first three and said he is waiting for his chance.
"We're playing well so it's hard to change the lineup," Roy said. "I just have to be patient and wait for an opportunity to get in."
Defensemen Darren Rumble and Janne Laukkanen also have been scratched for three games.
Coach John Tortorella said he understands the players don't like to sit, but added, "I am not going to force-feed a lineup when one lineup is contributing to make a feel-good situation for some of the guys who are out.
"All three of those guys are working very hard. They're staying on top of the game as best they can with practicing. When the opportunity arises, it's up to them not to get taken out again."
Roy has kept his spirit and has been his usual playful self during practice.
"I just have to make sure I still have fun and bring what I usually bring to the rink," he said. "It's not the end of the world. It's still the best job in the world. I'm not complaining."
DINGMAN'S SPOT: Roy is on the bench because of the good play of Chris Dingman. The left wing, who plays with center Tim Taylor and Dave Andreychuk, has zero points. But he is good defensively and very tough to knock off the puck.
"That is a big reason why Chris Dingman is out there," Tortorella said. "We think he fits into that line as far as responsibility defensively. It's important. Andre had a good camp, and he is champing at the bit to play. It's tough. Guys don't want to sit out, but those are the decisions we have to make." GAINING RESPECT: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur likes the way the Lightning is building.
"You have teams that build with one or two guys. The Lightning has a lot of guys who chipped in last year and most of the team is back together," he said. "They're going to be a force."
FINALLY, A PENALTY: When Devils left wing Mike Rupp was called for hooking 12:48 into the first period, it broke a streak of 143 minutes, 45 seconds in which New Jersey played against Tampa Bay without a penalty.
That included the final 19:45 of Game 4 of the East semifinals and, absurdly, all 111:12 of New Jersey's 2-1, triple-overtime victory in Game 5.
ODDS AND ENDS: Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle had a game-high 24:40 of ice time and assisted on Vinny Lecavalier's tying goal. ... Devils defenseman Scott Niedermayer was scratched because of back spasms. ... Center Igor Larionov played despite telling New Jersey reporters his sprained knee is only 60 percent.
