Clymer, Capitals benefit from change
By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published October 29, 2005
TAMPA - Funny how things work out.
Ben Clymer, who converted from defense to right wing for the last three of his five seasons with the Lightning, is back on defense with the Capitals. Blame, or credit, the NHL's new rules.
When clutch-and-grab was in vogue, the 6-foot-1, 199-pound Clymer was believed too small to battle in corners and in front of the net. With today's anti-obstruction rules that reward defensive speed, Clymer almost is a prototype.
"The rules have changed and that's helped," Clymer said Friday. "But wherever they want me to play, I'm all for it."
Clymer, 27, played his first game at the St. Pete Times Forum since the 2004 Stanley Cup final. He became an unrestricted free agent when Tampa Bay did not make a qualifying offer.
Clymer was switched in Wednesday's game with the Sabres, played 17:17 and was plus-one. Coach Glen Hanlon said Clymer will have about 10 games to prove the move should be permanent.
"We like to think Tampa Bay's loss is our gain," Hanlon said. "We love him."
"I'm far from perfect out there," Clymer said. "I'm trying to correct my mistakes and draw from the knowledge I had as a younger player."
Clymer said he missed not being at the Times Forum for the raising of the Cup banner.
"But I wouldn't change my spot for anything," he said.
WHAT A COUNTRY: Capitals rookie sensation Alex Ovechkin has adapted to many differences living in the United States instead of his native Russia. The biggest has been driving a car.
"Here you see 65 (mph) and you can go 80," he said. "In Russia, you see 65 and you can go 100 or whatever you want. Just give the police some money."
Most notable to Ovechkin is the abundance of equipment available.
"Anything you want, you got it," he said. "You never have to say, "Oh, my god, I don't have skates.' You just play and improve."
SPEAKING OF THAT: Ovechkin, 20, leads the Capitals with 14 points on eight goals and six assists. The left wing entered Friday leading all rookies in goals and with 45 shots. "He's a dynamic player," Lightning coach John Tortorella said. "He has enough jam to beat people one-on-one. He understands getting open to create offense and he's willing physically."
ODDS AND ENDS: Vinny Lecavalier tied Brian Bradley for second in Lightning history with 189 assists. ... Former Lightning defensemen Mathieu Biron and Bryan Muir are with the Caps. Both were scratched. ... Because of a conflict with Sun Sports' Gators postgame show, tonight's game is on FSN.