Lightning/NHL

Nasty elbow hit concusses DiMaio

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published September 27, 2006

MONTREAL - Lightning wing Rob DiMaio left Tuesday night's game with a concussion after a seemingly dirty hit by Guillaume Latendresse.

The Canadiens left wing led with his elbow 2:06 into the first period and slammed DiMaio's head off the sideboard glass. As DiMaio crumpled, teammate Doug Janik went after Latendresse but ended up fighting Michael Komisarek.

Latendresse received a five-minute major and a game misconduct to start a rough 4-3 overtime loss for Tampa Bay at the Bell Centre.

"It was a very dangerous play," Lightning captain Tim Taylor said of the hit. "(DiMaio) is in a fog right now. I'm sure the league will look at that."

Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle also left in the second with what the team called an upper body injury. Coach John Tortorella said holding him out was precautionary.

Alexander Perezhogin scored the winner 2:13 into the extra period after Montreal's Saku Koivu tied it 9:56 into the third.

Ryan Craig gave the Lightning (2-0-2) a 3-2 lead at 8:21 with the team's third power-play goal. Eric Perrin and Filip Kuba also scored and goaltender Johan Holmqvist made 37 saves.

Latendresse's hit set the tone in a game that had 75 penalty minutes and also featured a fight between Tampa Bay's Nick Tarnasky and Ryan O'Byrne.

Latendresse said he was told before the game by the Canadiens coaching staff to be more physical.

"I'm not out there trying to hurt anybody," he said. "I was just trying to finish a check."

"That is not finishing a check, when you hit somebody from behind," Taylor said.

Tortorella said he did not see the hit.

"I'm not sure if it was intentional. I'm not sure he's that kind of player," Tortorella said. "I don't think anyone is looking to do that to someone."

DiMaio returned to Tampa with the team.

BURKE REASSIGNED: Goaltender Sean Burke cleared waivers as expected and was assigned to AHL Springfield. Burke, a 17-year NHL veteran and three-time All-Star, has said he will report and hopes to be picked up by another team.

OTHER MOVES: Also sent to Springfield were center Blair Jones, goalie Karri Ramo and defenseman Andy Rogers. There are 27 players left in camp.

FIRST TIME: With Andreas Karlsson nursing a fatigued groin in Tampa, Jones was called up from Springfield for one game. It was his first trip to Montreal, and though it wasn't quite like stepping into the old Forum, Jones said playing in the Bell Centre was pretty darn exciting.

"It's one of the biggest buildings in the league, and to look up and see the Stanley Cup banners is pretty cool for me," Jones said.

HOME, SWEET HOME: One of Perrin's most emotional memories is of playing two playoff games for the Lightning against the Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Perrin grew up in the Montreal suburb of Laval, and the games were his first in his hometown as an NHL player.

"I don't think anything is higher than a playoff game," Perrin said.

But the center knew Tuesday's game could go a long way to determine if he wins a spot out of camp.

In that sense, "Right now, for me, this is my playoff time," he said before the game. "I've got to think it could be my last game every game."

ODDS AND ENDS: The team is off today. ... Training camp moves Thursday to the St. Pete Times Forum. Practices remain open to the public.

TRAINING CAMP

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

TODAY: Off, camp moves to St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa.

THURSDAY: Pregame skate, 10:45 a.m.

FRIDAY: Practice, noon.

SATURDAY: Practice, TBA.

SUNDAY: Off.

OCT. 2: Practice, 11 a.m.

OCT. 3: Practice, 11 a.m.

OCT. 4: Practice, 11 a.m.

UP NEXT: LIGHTNING VS. RED WINGS

when/where: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

Radio: 620-AM

PRESEASON GAME

SATURDAY: at Stars, 8

REGULAR-SEASON OPENER

OCT. 5: at Thrashers, 7

[Last modified September 27, 2006, 02:37:39]