Lecavalier takes shot at big feat

The league's top goal scorer is on pace for 50 after two vs. Phoenix.

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published February 14, 2007

TAMPA - When Lightning management said before the season it wanted Vinny Lecavalier to score 50 goals, he seemed to give the notion a cold shoulder as too much to expect.

Now that the Lightning center is one of the hottest scorers in the league, it doesn't seem so far-fetched.

With two goals in Tuesday night's 5-3 victory over the Coyotes at the St. Pete Times Forum, Lecavalier has a league-best 37, two better than his previous career high and on pace for 52.

"I don't even want to discuss it," Lecavalier said. "I'm just happy with the way things are going right now."

You think?

Lecavalier has goals in 14 of his past 18 games. He also had an assist Tuesday, and his three points gave him 76, two off his career high.

Only once this season, in games against the Canadiens on Dec. 30 and Jan. 2, has he gone consecutive games without a point.

"That's the key to his development," coach John Tortorella said. "He can be good a lot through a year, but he's being great consistently. He has the ability and he's beginning to do that, and that's the key for our hockey club."

A club making a serious run at first place in the Southeast. Tampa Bay (32-24-2) has won 13 of 16 games and with 66 points is just three behind the Thrashers.

It was not an easy win. In fact, much as it did in its previous home victory over the Kings, the Lightning took an early two-goal lead only to see it dissolve; 3-2 at the end of the first period, 3-3 after the second.

But Brad Richards' 20th goal, on the power play, 1:24 into the third period was the winner, and Eric Perrin's ninth goal and first in 28 games was the insurance.

Those goals were a big boost to a team looking for more balanced scoring, especially after Lecavalier's line, that also includes Marty St. Louis and Vinny Prospal, combined for three goals and five assists in the first period but got quiet thereafter.

Getting Richards revved up could be key.

"It's starting to come a little bit more now," said the center who has 49 points but two goals, five assists in his past six games. "We're winning some games so it makes it easier on my mind."

"I think if we have some finishers on his line he's sitting at 60-plus (points)," Tortorella said. "He's played that well as far as setting people up."

Setting up and finishing was the M.O. for Lecavalier's line in the first period.

St. Louis had a goal, his 32nd, and two assists. Prospal had two assists in the first period and three in the game. The trio totaled nine points and has 15 points in its past two games.

"They have one of the best, if not the best transition team in the league," Phoenix captain Shane Doan said. "They've got some guys who if you're not careful, you catch yourself watching them because they're that talented."

Right now, Lecavalier is leading the way.

"He's just a tremendous talent," Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky said. "He's a great athlete."

Perhaps on his way to 50 goals.

First Period-1, Tampa Bay, Lecavalier 36 (Prospal, St. Louis), 5:56. 2, Tampa Bay, St. Louis 33 (Lecavalier, Prospal), 7:52. 3, Phoenix, Zigomanis 10 (Saprykin, Laraque), 8:18. 4, Phoenix, Saprykin 11 (Ballard, Zigomanis), 11:48. 5, Tampa Bay, Lecavalier 37 (St. Louis, Ranger), 15:19. Penalty-Saprykin, Pho (hooking), 3:09.

Second Period-6, Phoenix, Morris 4 (Roche, Doan), 18:16. Penalties-Saprykin, Pho (hooking), 1:51; Richards, TB (delay of game), 10:02; Ballard, Pho (roughing), 11:16; Sarich, TB (cross-checking), 11:16; Janik, TB (holding), 14:24; Michalek, Pho (holding the stick), 19:47.

Third Period-7, Tampa Bay, Richards 20 (Fedotenko, Prospal), 1:24 (pp). 8, Tampa Bay, Perrin 9 (Fedotenko, Richards), 11:45. Penalties-Gratton, Pho (delay of game), 5:33; Roy, TB (delay of game), 5:33. Shots on Goal-Phoenix 8-8-10-26. Tampa Bay 12-9-6-27. Power-play opportunities-Phoenix 0 of 2; Tampa Bay 1 of 3. Goalies-Phoenix, Tellqvist 9-7-2 (27 shots-22 saves). Tampa Bay, Holmqvist 21-11-0 (26-23). A-18,019 (19,758). T-2:18. Referees-Gord Dwyer, Mike Hasenfratz. Linesmen-Steve Miller, Mark Pare.

Lightning 5

Coyotes 3

[Last modified February 14, 2007, 06:32:58]