TAMPA - When former Lightning general manager Rick Dudley brought in former Lightning coach Steve Ludzik to be an assistant with the Panthers in November, most figured it was only a matter of time before Ludzik took over as coach.
That's why there were raised eyebrows when former Lightning assistant John Torchetti became the coach last week when Dudley stepped down as coach to concentrate on GM duties. But if there was one person not surprised, it was Ludzik.
"When Duds brought me in he told me I would not be the head coach at any point this season," Ludzik said.
Ludzik hinted the man Dudley wanted all along to be the next Florida coach was Lightning associate coach Craig Ramsay, but Ramsay signed an extension with the Lightning last week.
So isn't it weird now that Ludzik is working for Torchetti, the man who used to be his assistant?
"Not at all," Ludzik said.
"The reason it works is because we're best friends," Torchetti said. "We're in this thing together. ... Besides, four or five years from now, it might come around the other way again."
SEASON TICKETS: Lightning season-ticket prices are going up next season.
Season-ticket holders received renewal forms in the mail last week, and there will not be an increase if tickets are renewed by March 5. If tickets are renewed after March 5 and new season-ticket holders will see an increase from this season's prices.
The biggest jump is the VIP rows (the first two rows off the ice). The first row will see a $1,000 increase, while the second row is going up $500. Most other season tickets are increasing from $100-$200 for the season.
Early renewal of season tickets gives ticket holders a 10 percent discount on playoff tickets.
The season-ticket forms also include a contingency bonus if there is a work stoppage next season. Paid-in-full accounts will earn interest at the annual rate of 10 percent on the value of the tickets for any game postponed or canceled.
ODDS AND ENDS: Lightning center Vinny Lecavalier will sign autographs from 3-4:30 today at the Sports Authority at Citrus Park. ... The Lightning hosted its first on-ice wedding Saturday night. Elga Chatman and Chris Kamelaris, originally from New Jersey but residents of Tampa, were married during the second intermission. ... Referee Terry Gregson officiated his 1,400th NHL game. ... Lightning scratches were forwards Andre Roy and defensemen Darren Rumble and Nolan Pratt. The Panthers were without leading scorer Valeri Bure (groin).
