Sports: Team clicking well early

Team clicking well early

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO

BRANDON -- It's hard to put your finger on why things are different at this training camp.

But after three days of scrimmages, there is no doubt the pace is faster than at this time last season. The players, even the newcomers, seem to be meshing quicker. They certainly are in better condition.

"Guys worked hard in the summer," center Brian Holzinger said after Saturday's workout at the Ice Sports Forum. "The foundation was laid last year and people took it upon themselves to train well, and I think that's showing."

"We have our hard hats on," goaltender Kevin Weekes said. "But we're having a good time."

Greater personnel depth and fitness are contributing, but don't overlook the decision to divide the camp in two. The A camp is filled with players who, for the most part, will comprise the NHL team. The B camp is mainly for prospects.

That's not to say B players can't be promoted and A players demoted. In fact, prospects Dmitry Afanasenkov, Evgeni Artukhin, Ryan Tobler, Martin Cibak and Matt Elich, all forwards, and defenseman Henrik Bergfors will play with the big boys in today's 2 p.m. scrimmage at the Ice Palace in Tampa.

Less mixing and matching of veterans and prospects gives A players more time to work together. And B players are evaluated against competition on their level.

"We want to be fair, but we're not going to waste a minute in working with the NHL players," coach John Tortorella said. "I say that with no disrespect to the young players."

DWYER STILL PAYS: The white team beat the black 3-2 in a shootout that decided a 60-minute scrimmage that ended 4-4. The black team paid for a catered lunch of pasta dishes, chicken, salad and sandwiches that cost each player about $40.

You can't fault Gordie Dwyer for the loss. The left wing, who does not have an NHL goal, scored twice for the black, including a well-placed wrister on a penalty shot that beat goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin to a top corner.

It was a great way to cap camp's first week for Dwyer, who is fighting for a roster spot and has impressed Tortorella with his effort and preparation.

"We know Gordie is going to do everything he can to stay with the team," Tortorella said.

SCARY MOMENT: Defenseman Kristian Kudroc had to be helped to the ice as he skated to the locker room, bleeding from his nose and mouth after Dwyer's shoulder slammed into his face during a check. Kudroc, who likely has a broken nose, never lost consciousness but had difficulty breathing.

"My mouth and nose were full of blood," he said.

Dwyer, who knelt next to Kudroc on the ice, said there was no intent to injure.

"He turned and had his head down," Dwyer said. "It's just part of the game. You play hard and finish checks. Sometimes that stuff happens."

CHARITY SCRIMMAGE: The team will scrimmage at 2 p.m. today at the Ice Palace. It is open to the public for a suggested cash donation of $5 that will go to the Tampa Bay chapter of the American Red Cross for disaster relief. Entrances on the west side of the arena will open at 12:30 p.m. Practice is at 1. The game will have three periods with a 20-minute continuous clock.

ODDS AND ENDS: Center Brad Richards scored for the fifth time in three scrimmages. He also scored in the shootout. ... Left wing Fredrik Modin said he still hasn't put full pressure on his sensitive hip flexor muscle but is pleased the soreness is subsiding. ... Marek Priechodsky will be out about a week with a separated left shoulder. ... Former Lightning left wing Nils Ekman, part of the trade for center Tim Taylor, will play in Sweden after failing to come to terms with the Rangers.