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By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 22, 2001
ATLANTA -- The Lightning may need a new flagship minor-league affiliate next season. It is unclear if the IHL's Detroit Vipers will continue operating.
Greg Myford, Vipers general manager of business operations, said Wednesday that Vipers owner Palace Sports & Entertainment, which also owns the Lightning, is "looking at the viability of the Vipers" from a "financial standpoint."
Myford said a decision will be made shortly after the Vipers' final game, April 14. Lightning assistant general manager Jay Feaster declined to comment on the Lightning's minor-league options until a decision has been made.
There has been great speculation about the future of the 11-team IHL. The Vipers, Orlando and Cleveland have attendance and financial problems. There has been talk of a merger with the AHL.
IHL spokeswoman Nicole Norris said the league intends to play next season and no teams have said they will cease operations. Even Myford spoke of a positive outcome.
"The IHL certainly intends to play next year as a league, and as of today, the Detroit Vipers intend to be a part of the league," he said. "We would definitely not leave any stone unturned in coming up with every responsible reason to play."
That said, he added, "We are definitely looking at the Vipers from a financial standpoint. We are in the business of hockey. ... It does have to be a priority."
MORE MINOR PROBLEMS: Thrashers general manager Don Waddell said Atlanta's minor-league affiliate in Orlando is in the same wait-and-see mode.
Even though Waddell said, "I think they're committed to operating," he is looking for a new affiliate. The Thrashers' agreement with the Solar Bears ends after the season.
Waddell said he is not necessarily looking for a team outside the IHL, and he thinks the IHL and AHL eventually "will end up together."
BACK AND FORTH: Tampa Bay's Ben Clymer, who played 60 games on defense last season, has made an impression at forward. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder has given the Lightning size up front, which has helped the forecheck.
Coach John Tortorella said he wants to use Clymer as a forward and a defenseman next season.
"Anything I can do to help the team," Clymer said.
ODDS AND ENDS: Forward Alexander Kharitonov and defenseman Kristian Kudroc were healthy scratches. ... Thrashers forward Steve Guolla has 11 goals at Philips Arena, including four against his former team.
fWHEN/WHERE: 7:30; Ice Palace, Tampa.
TV/RADIO: Sunshine; WDAE-AM 620.
THE LOWDOWN: The Lightning is 3-8-0-1 in the second of back-to-back games. ... This is the fifth and final meeting of the season. ... Tampa Bay is 3-0-1 against the Thrashers at the Ice Palace. ... Tampa Bay (6-0-0-1) can match a franchise record by gaining a point in its eighth straight home game. ... Tampa Bay's 17 home victories (17-14-3-1) are second to the 22 the team won in 1995-96, the only season in which the Lightning has had a winning record at home. ... The Thrashers are 11-19-6 on the road, 0-2 against the Lightning. ... The third period has been rough for Tampa Bay this season. The Lightning has been tied or one goal behind with less than five minutes remaining in 12 of its past 20 losses. It has been tied or one goal down at some point in the third period in 16 of its past 20 losses. ... Entering Wednesday night's game, Lightning F Martin St. Louis was tied for seventh in the league with three short-handed goals. Rob Zamuner's team record of four was set in 1996-97. -- Compiled by Damian Cristodero.