Lightning/NHL

Cuts set to come quickly

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published September 16, 2006

BRANDON - If the Lightning brass has its way, three days of scrimmages that begin today at the Ice Sports Forum will be played with the intensity of playoff games.

In a way, they are.

Coach John Tortorella said he will make cuts before the team leaves Tuesday for a two-game trip to Washington and Detroit.

"These scrimmage games hold a lot more importance than they did in prior years because we're evaluating right away who is going to even get a chance to play an exhibition game," Tortorella said Friday. "Some guys are going to be let go before we go on that trip based on what we see out here, so it's a key situation for a lot of people."

Most on notice are the youngest players. But even those more established are jockeying for a chance to crack a roster that has openings on the third and fourth lines and, perhaps, for a defenseman.

"Every day is important," wing Nikita Alexeev said. "You're fighting for spots, so every minute is important."

General manager Jay Feaster said players were told, "You have to look at the scrimmages as your Stanley Cup finals. If you're a banger, you need to start banging (today). If you're a goal-scorer, you need to score goals. It's an only the strongest will survive kind of thing."

SECOND CHANCE: A lot of eyes are on Alexeev, the No. 8 overall pick of the 2000 draft who spent last season playing in Russia.

"You don't get too many second and third opportunities in this game," Tortorella said. "I hope he steps up and takes it."

The talented 6-foot-4, 230-pounder has been held back by inconsistency and questions about work ethic. At the 2003-04 training camp, he started playing with Vinny Lecavalier but did not make the team.

"New rules, a couple of years of maturity," Tortorella said, "it's a great situation for him, especially the way the game is being played right now for him to take it and run with it."

RELIEF: Players completed two days of fitness testing with three 15-lap skates. That came after Thursday's three six-lap sprints and 3-mile run.

"I'm glad this thing is over," wing Vinny Prospal said. "I'm not going to lie. It's tough for everyone."

Prospal was one of the strongest in the 15-lap skates as was Alexeev, defensemen Luke Richardson and Doug Janik and wing Marek Kvapil. Laggers included wings Marek Bartanus and Brandon Elliott, both of who were sucking serious wind by the end.

Lecavalier was unlucky to be in a group with Prospal and Richardson, who were like machines as they passed their teammate.

"I say every year, 'Okay, Vinny, now I'm going to follow you,' " Lecavalier said. "I try, but I can't do it."

Lecavalier said he tried to draft Prospal to stay with him.

"No chance," Lecavalier said. "The guy is just too good."

3-MILE RESULTS: Center Nick Tarnasky had the best time at 18 minutes. He was followed by Kvapil at 19:01, wing Justin Keller at 19:10 and defenseman Cory Sarich at 19:30.

INJURIES: Wing Ruslan Fedo-tenko (hip surgery) said a decision will be made today if he can play in today's scrimmages. ... Defenseman Filip Kuba (hernia) is expected to play. ... Wing Darren Reid strained a groin Friday and is day to day. ... Goalie Sean Burke (back spasms) likely is out.

[Last modified September 16, 2006, 02:11:59]