Exam on Boyle still being scrutinized

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published November 6, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Dirk Shadd | Times] An MRI exam on defenseman Dan Boyle's left wrist, which was surgically repaired after a skate fell and severed three tendons, was ordered to address concerns about the wrist's strength.

SUNRISE - There was no news on defenseman Dan Boyle, who Monday had an MRI exam on his surgically repaired left wrist.

Team spokesman Bill Wickett said information will be available today after further "examination and consultation" with Richard Gray, the orthopedic surgeon who performed the Sept.23 procedure that repair three tendons severed when a skate fell on Boyle from atop his locker.

It was unclear if Gray, apparently in surgery most of Monday, saw the results, met with Boyle or spoke to trainer Tommy Mulligan. Coach John Tortorella has said the MRI was to address concerns about strength in the wrist.

Boyle had played four games after missing the first nine and averaged 21:42 of ice time. He has zero points and is minus-7, but Tortorella said the team's scoring chances off the rush "tripled" by Boyle's fourth game Saturday, in which he played 28:28.

"He's our rover," Tortorella said. "We'll miss that, but we have to find a way to generate other scoring chances. ... We'll get some off the rush if our neutral zone pressure is there."

Defenseman Doug Janik, a healthy scratch the previous four games, was in the lineup.

RAMO UPDATE: It has been about a month since Karri Ramo sustained a high ankle sprain, and AHL Norfolk coach Steve Stirling said he believes the highly regarded goaltender could practice this week.

Stirling said "it is my hope" Ramo is ready to play a Nov. 14 game at Hartford.

Stirling said Ramo, who rolled his ankle during an Oct. 10 workout, has been skating by himself for about a week: "It won't take him much time to get ready."

EXPLANATION, PLEASE:Tortorella said he understands limiting illegal hits but said he could not understand the five-minute boarding major wing Nick Tarnasky received in the second period for checking Mike Van Ryn.

"Was it not just a body check?" Tortorella said. "I was told it was a violent hit from behind. I didn't even see the guy's back. I saw his side."

Van Ryn stayed down as if injured but played on the subsequent power play. The Panthers said he had the wind knocked out of him.

ODDS AND ENDS:Ryan Craig back was sent to Norfolk on a two-game conditioning assignment. The center will play Wednesday and Friday and join the Lightning on Saturday in Washington. ... Wing Mathieu Darche was a healthy scratch.

[Last modified November 6, 2007, 01:29:45]