Defense pairings not set in stone

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO, Times Staff Writer
Published October 4, 2007

TAMPA - Coach John Tortorella said defensive pairings might not stabilize immediately because of rookies Mike Lundin and Matt Smaby.

"We're going to move people around," he said. "We'll have a lot of different looks as far as pairs just to give them an opportunity to be in a good situation."

Preseason pairings have been Shane O'Brien and Filip Kuba, Paul Ranger and Brad Lukowich and Lundin and Doug Janik.

Tortorella said some who play tonight against the Devils "may not play the next game. It gives us a great opportunity to look at the kids."

INJURIES: Left wing Andreas Karlsson strained abdomen is out, though Tortorella said he expects him to play next week. ... Center Chris Gratton had a contact lens placed on his right eye to help speed the healing of scar tissue on his corneal abrasion. He will play wearing a visor. ... Center Ryan Craig (herniated disc) and defenseman Dan Boyle (wrist) are on injured reserve.

TICKETS: About 950 remain, including 200 $8 seats on sale at 9 a.m. at the St. Pete Times Forum box office and 200 $15 seats available to anyone who at the box office mentions radio station 98Rock.

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com.

[Last modified October 4, 2007, 01:20:44]