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By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 30, 2001
RALEIGH, N.C. -- General manager Rick Dudley said defenseman Petr Svoboda is regularly asked about when teams talk trade with the Lightning.
That was understandable last season, when Svoboda was an All-Star and Tampa Bay's best defenseman. But Dudley said he is getting calls this season despite Svoboda's severe concussion, which has kept him off the ice for six weeks.
Dudley said he is honest with fellow general managers about Svoboda's condition. It is thought the Flyers have asked about Svoboda, who played for them for three-plus seasons, from 1995-98.
Dudley said even if Svoboda, who will be 35 Feb. 14, were healthy, it would take a huge offer to pry him loose. The team signed Svoboda to a two-year contract last season, in part to help develop its peach-fuzz defense.
"He's the perfect fit for us, and we made that determination to keep Petr Svoboda," Dudley said.
COINCIDENCE?: Scouts from the Stars, Rangers, Canucks and Blues watched Monday's game against the Hurricanes at the Entertainment and Sports Arena.
The Rangers and Canucks are known to be searching for goaltending help. Vancouver scout Shawn Dineen has said the Canucks could be interested in Tampa Bay's Dan Cloutier, who started Monday for the second time in eight games.
Coach John Tortorella said decisions on playing time are not made with trade possibilities in mind.
"It's a decision we make daily," he said. "We don't look into the future."
DROUGHTS: The Lightning had 11 goals in its past nine games heading into Monday night, but some scoring droughts have gone on much longer.
Some examples: Defenseman Paul Mara, one assist in 12 games. Forward Todd Warriner, no points in 18 games. Forward Mike Johnson, four assists in 21 games. Richards, two goals, no assists in 11 games. Forward Wayne Primeau, one goal, three assists in 24 games.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Forward Martin St. Louis on the Lightning's struggles, which, heading into Monday night, included nine consecutive losses and 13 in 14 games:
"Everybody sees a light (at the end of the tunnel)," he said. "But I think we thought the tunnel was a little shorter."
ODDS AND ENDS: Lightning left wing Gordie Dwyer and defensemen Sergey Gusev were healthy scratches. Forward Stan Drulia (back) also was scratched. ... Tampa Bay has played 29 of its 51 games on the road. The Lightning plays 12 times away from the Ice Palace in the season's final 10 weeks. ... Talk around the Hurricanes is that defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh will be traded.