Organization wants to grow more scorers
By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published March 21, 2007
TAMPA - If nothing else, the Lightning's three-year run with AHL Springfield reinforced to management that the organization desperately needs offensive sharpshooters.
General manager Jay Feaster acknowledged the lack of firepower was a main reason the Falcons struggled as a Tampa Bay affiliate. That affiliation will end this season with the Lightning likely moving to Norfolk, Va., and targeting scoring punch in the June draft.
"We need to find some goal scorers," Feaster said. "Even if they're not immediately going to be big-time goal scorers here they can be big-time goal scorers down there and give us that organizational depth."
It might be a multiyear project. Head scout Jake Goertzen said this year's draft is believed to be generally shallow. He said the greatest talent will be available in 2008.
Goertzen said the team would not pass up a stud at another position but agreed, "We must upgrade our skill and scoring."
How lean is Springfield? Its 154 goals in 68 games are last in the 27-team league and entered Tuesday behind by 15.
MANAGING ASSETS: Considering Springfield is last in its division and out of the playoffs, Feaster said he believes goaltender Karri Ramo and defensemen Matt Smaby are better off with the Lightning for a taste of the NHL.
"They're with us," Feaster said. "They're in this mode if we need them. They're plugged into what we're about right now."
Smaby, 6 feet 6, 239 pounds, is expected to work closely with strength coach Eric Lawson.
"He has a big summer in front of him in terms of his physical maturation and development," Feaster said.
TURNING 40: Marty St. Louis agreed his eight-game goal drought is fueled, in part, by being one goal shy of 40.
"You always put pressure on yourself to do well and help your team," the right wing said. "Sometimes you add pressure on yourself you don't really need."
That kind of pressure can make players grip their sticks a little tighter and miss scoring chances.
"It'll mean nothing unless we're where we want to be," St. Louis said of 40 goals. "It would be great but I'm more worried about trying to win games."
ODDS AND ENDS: Tampa Bay swept the four-game series from the Islanders and have beaten them eight straight. ... Left wing Andre Roy played his 400th NHL game. ... Ramo, Smaby and forwards Karl Stewart and Andreas Karlsson were healthy scratches.
Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com.