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By JOANNE KORTH
© St. Petersburg Times, published September 25, 2001
TAMPA -- After two weeks of fitness testing and grueling conditioning drills, Lightning players might have thought the hardest part of training camp was over.
They thought wrong.
The Lightning will spend much of the next two weeks learning coach John Tortorella's system -- forechecking, penalty killing, defense -- but not at the expense of conditioning.
"We feel we still have a couple of weeks where conditioning will be a big part of camp," said Tortorella, whose team opens the regular season Oct. 5 against the Islanders.
"Usually, the day before a game, you don't condition them as much, but we feel it doesn't matter what the exhibition schedule is. We're going to condition right through camp."
The Lightning (2-0-1) returned from Houston in the wee hours of Sunday morning only to report Sunday afternoon for a practice that consisted almost entirely of conditioning drills.
"Training camp is supposed to be that way," right wing Martin St. Louis said. "We're definitely working hard at conditioning. I guess we're going to be in great shape."
The Lightning has at least two preseason games remaining, both against the Panthers, Friday at the Ice Palace and Sunday in Sunrise. Team officials are working to reschedule one of the two games postponed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Either way, it won't change Tortorella's itinerary.
Gone are the daily intrasquad scrimmages coaches used to evaluate young players, most of whom were assigned to minor league teams last week.
From now on, two hours of practice will be followed by one hour of conditioning and weight training.
"This is the time to work hard," center Brad Richards said. "We don't play until Friday. If we skate extra hard on Monday and Tuesday, that won't hurt us. He knows how far to push us."
CHEMISTRY LESSONS: Now that training camp is down to one group of 26 players, Tortorella said he has a clearer idea of which players work well together.
"As the preseason goes on, the dynamic of your team begins to unfold as far as who plays well together and who doesn't," Tortorella said. "There has been some good competition for spots; and not just to make the 23-man roster, but where do you fit?
"We still haven't made all the decisions yet, but as the days go by and the exhibition games go by, you have a better understanding of who feels comfortable together."
SHARING RESPONSIBILITY: Dave Andreychuk, Tim Taylor and Fredrik Modin are serving as assistant captains, Tortorella said. Vinny Lecavalier was the captain last season, but his contract dispute likely will not be over before the regular season starts.
CULLIMORE ON TARGET: Defenseman Jassen Cullimore, who sprained his right knee during training camp, hopes to be skating again by the end of this week and be in uniform for the season opener.
"I've been riding the bike to get the stiffness out of it," he said. "But I can't go too hard because all it takes is one wrong movement and it sets you back a couple of days."
ONLINE: Tortorella will chat at 7 p.m. today at www.tampabaylightning.com.
WHEN: Team practices at 9 a.m. today.
WHERE: Ice Sports Forum, Brandon. Take Selmon Expressway to Faulkenberg Road exit near Brandon. Turn left on Faulkenberg and go through intersection at Adamo Drive. Turn right on second street (Elizabeth) after Adamo.
ADMISSION: Practice is free and open to the public. Wednesday scrimmage at Ice Palace is open only to season-ticket holders.
PRESEASON SCHEDULE: Friday vs. Florida at Ice Palace, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at Florida, 7:30 p.m.
INFORMATION: Call (813) 301-6500.