TAMPA - The news was supposed to be that Dave Andreychuk was nominated for the Masterton Award, given for perseverance and dedication to hockey. But the Lightning captain made some news of his own Thursday when he said, with all appropriate qualifiers, that he wants to play another season.
"I'm definitely not closing that out," he said. "I'm still excited about the game, and with the playoffs coming I'm going to be even more excited. I have to take it one day at a time but there are not many reasons why I shouldn't play."
Andreychuk said a final decision will come during the summer, and he won't do anything before talking to general manager Jay Feaster.
"So we'll see how it goes," he said.
Andreychuk, 40 and in his 22nd season, has 21 goals and, entering Thursday, a 57.8 winning percentage on faceoffs, sixth in the league. Doesn't sound like a player ready to hang up his skates.
"Right now I feel good," Andreychuk said. "I'm still enjoying the game, I'm contributing, and I'm having fun. That's how I've gone into it every summer, to find some reason why I shouldn't play. As of today, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't."
Feaster said he would welcome back Andreychuk, who is playing out a one-year, $1.55-million deal.
"I think Andy will play forever," Feaster said. "I truly do. I cannot see the day when Andy comes in and says, "I've had enough.' He's incredible."
And nominated for the Masterton by the Tampa Bay chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The winner will be announced in June.
"It's something I take pride in, the consistency of my game and being able to do it every year," said Andreychuk, whose 634 goals are 11th all-time with an NHL-high 270 on the power play. "So (the award) would be nice."
"Look at the way he plays," associate coach Craig Ramsay said. "He goes out and blocks shots and plays a physical game, bangs around, gets hurt and plays, and makes other players better. That's perseverance and dedication to the game."
ODDS AND ENDS: The Lightning's 3-2-1-0 series victory earned it the Nextel Cup and a $5,000 check from the Panthers to Tampa Bay's charitable foundation. Center Eric Perrin, up from Hershey, Pa., trying to win a playoff roster spot, was named an AHL All-Star. Left wing Andre Roy returned after missing four games with an inner-ear infection. Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina sat out, he said, to get some rest before the playoffs. Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo sat out after playing Wednesday in Sunrise. Defenseman Darren Rumble, and forwards Martin Cibak and Ben Clymer were scratched. Fredrik Modin's goal gave him a career-high 57 points.
