Craig steps up, proves his worth in comeback
By DAMIAN CRISTODERO, Times Staff Writer
Published November 11, 2007
WASHINGTON - If there were any doubts about the roles Ryan Craig can fill for the Lightning, they were put to rest in Saturday's victory over the Capitals.
In his first NHL game of the season, the forward, who had been sidelined by a herniated disc, played 17 minutes, scored a power-play goal and had three shots. Not bad for a player the team challenged to prove he was worth the $850,000 contract he was awarded in arbitration.
"He played very well," coach John Tortorella said. "He just played within himself. It fills the bench out a little bit for me as far as having where I can use him in a lot of different situations in a lot of different positions."
Craig played on the second power-play unit and got some turns on the top lines after left wing Jan Hlavac was hurt. He was on the ice in the game's final minute and to help squelch the desperation an opponent feels after Lightning goals.
"A shift after a goal is real important," Craig said. "It's something where we want to keep the momentum going and play in their end."
Craig, 25, was hurt during training camp and Friday finished a two-game conditioning assignment with AHL Norfolk in which he scored a goal, had two assists and played 52 minutes.
"It was huge," Craig said of the confidence he reaped Saturday. "Nobody likes to be hurt, and to come back in and contribute to the team, it's huge. I keep using that word."
HLAVAC HURT: Hlavac had his nose broken midway through the third period by a high stick from Mike Green. The Capitals defenseman received a four-minute high-sticking penalty. Craig scored on the power play to make the score 4-1. Hlavac is not expected to miss time.
POKER TOURNAMENT: Vinny Lecavalier's Celebrity Poker Tournament is 6 p.m. Monday at Tampa's Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Proceeds benefit the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Go to vinny4.com for information.
ODDS AND ENDS: After Friday's two-hour wrist surgery in Baltimore, defenseman Dan Boyle joined his teammates in Washington. He was unavailable for comment. ... Defenseman Brad Lukowich blocked a game-high four shots. ... The Lightning had six giveaways. Washington had 15. ... Lightning defenseman Matt Smaby, center Craig MacDonald and wing Mathieu Darche were healthy scratches.
Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com.