Gratton scuffles despite hurt eye

By EDUARDO A. ENCINA and DAMIAN CRISTODERO, Times Staff Writers
Published October 5, 2007

TAMPA - Chris Gratton admits it wasn't the most intelligent move.

Playing Thursday with a visor and protective lens over his right eye because of a corneal abrasion sustained in the preseason opener, Gratton didn't hesitate when David Clarkson pushed defenseman Filip Kuba into goaltender Johan Holmqvist during the final minute.

He engaged Clarkson in a fight behind the net, risking further injury to defend his goaltender. It was a dangerous move considering how much the Lightning needs Gratton, who was re-acquired during the offseason to be the third-line center.

"It probably wasn't the smartest thing I've done," Gratton said. "We all have to chip in in different ways here, and it was the last couple seconds of the game. And you want to make sure everyone is protected."

Gratton and Clarkson were issued five-minute fighting majors.

"I'm not crazy about him doing that with the injury he has," Lightning coach John Tortorella said.

"But in that situation, high marks."

GETTING THEIR SKATES WET: Tortorella shuffled his defense combinations throughout, as Mike Lundin and Matt Smaby made their NHL debuts, trying to see which pairs worked best.

Both logged significant time, Lundin 12:39 and Smaby 6:15.

"I think by the end of the second shift, you kind of stop thinking and just play," said Lundin, who spent most of his 16 shifts with Shane O'Brien. "That was kind of my focus, to get rid of the jitters."

Doug Janik, who played 75 games last season and dominated in preseason fitness testing, was a healthy scratch. Janik likely was not sent to the minors because the Lightning believed he would be claimed, but the defenseman should get a chance for ice time.

"Right now, I'm disappointed I'm not playing," he said.

"But if we're winning and things are going well, I'm always a team guy first and I can honestly say I'll be happy with that."

ODDS AND ENDS: If, as Tortorella said, left wing Andreas Karlsson (abdominal strain) is ready to play next week, Mathieu Darche might have only two games to show his stuff. ... Captain Tim Taylor said the "biggest thing" since his early September hip surgery was driving to get his hair cut. "Just to get out of the house." ... The Lightning improved to 9-4 with two ties in season openers and 8-5 with two ties in home openers. Tortorella is 5-1 and 4-2 at home.

[Last modified October 5, 2007, 01:09:22]