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Short wing utilizes size to his advantage

A year after his 18 goals, the Lightning has higher expectations for 5-foot-9 Martin St. Louis.

By JOANNE KORTH

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 28, 2001

TAMPA -- The protein shake was thick and green, sort of like pistachio pudding before it sets. Martin St. Louis took a gulp then wiped away the mustache.

Yum, yum.

The chalky concoction could not have been tasty, but the grin on the face of the shortest man in the Lightning locker room smacked of satisfaction.

Really, how else should St. Louis feel?

"I've always battled the size issue," said St. Louis, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound right wing who likely had his skates on when they measured him. "Somebody smaller is always going to have to do more and work harder. But you know what? Now I can say, "I've made it.' "

Unknown a year ago, St. Louis blossomed into one of the Lightning's most consistent scorers. This season, the fan favorite will be a fixture on Tampa Bay's top line.

Any time St. Louis hits the ice -- as he will at 7:30 tonight against the Panthers in the Lightning's only home preseason game -- many in the Ice Palace sit up a little straighter. Maybe it is their way of offering the diminutive player a boost.

Maybe they just don't want to miss anything.

"It's fun watching Marty play," said linemate Fredrik Modin, whose trademark slap-shot blasts are a striking contrast to St. Louis' sneaky wristers. "He's a slippery little booger. I lose track of him all the time."

A productive scorer at every other level -- youth teams, the University of Vermont and the minor leagues -- St. Louis (pronounced san-loo-EEE) struggled for two seasons to find his niche with Calgary.

Though it wasn't his forte, the Flames played him mostly as a checking forward on their third line. In 69 games, he scored four goals.

"I wasn't frustrated," said St. Louis, 26. "I was playing against the top line, and I was killing penalties. That was my role. I was playing in the NHL, and I felt a part of something."

But St. Louis, who for years overcame his lack of size with speed, skill, smarts and spunk, did not fit into Calgary's long-term plans.

For a while, no one else seemed interested either.

Sensing St. Louis again would prove his doubters wrong, Lightning general manager Rick Dudley signed him as a free agent last season for $250,000.

Playing his first full season, St. Louis was the team's fourth-leading scorer with 40 points, 18 goals, including a team-high four game-winners, and 22 assists. He also led the team with three short-handed goals.

"I like big hockey players," Dudley said. "People questioned me as to why I would sign this little guy, but I never doubted he could play. It's nice when you show faith in somebody and they come through."

St. Louis, who kept his NHL dream alive through two summers working at a lumber yard in his native Quebec, surpassed even Dudley's expectations by working his way onto the Lightning's top line.

Knowing this chance might be his last, St. Louis refused to fail.

"He was about out of the game," Lightning coach John Tortorella said. "He waited and waited, and when he got his opportunity, he took it. It wasn't given to him.

"I think he's a good model to some of our younger players who think they should be here right now. Look at the steps that kid has gone through, and now he's a very solid player for us."

While there are times St. Louis' size is a disadvantage, the positives outweigh the negatives. Linemates Modin and Brad Richards can send the puck into the offensive zone knowing he can chase it down.

Defenders get tired trying to catch him and, when they do, rarely land a solid hit.

St. Louis also has become a capable defender thanks to his time in Calgary. Rarely out of position, he often creates turnovers that lead to scoring chances.

But now, the stakes go up.

After his breakthrough season, St. Louis embarks on the second year of his two-year contract amid high expectations. Management, fans and teammates will look for him to be even more productive.

For the first time in his career, he must prove people right.

"I was always proving people wrong, and I think that makes you work harder," St. Louis said. "When I go on the ice, I work hard. That's the only way I've known.

"I've made it now, but I don't just want to make it. I want to be a good player. I want to make a difference."

Someone pass the protein.

Lightning vs. Panthers

Tampa Bay's preseason home opener is at 7:30 tonight at the Ice Palace, which will have stiffer security.

RADIO: WDAE-AM 620.

NEGOTIATIONS: Vinny Lecavalier's agent is upset with the Lightning.

INJURY: A strained groin could sideline Brad Richards.

TONIGHT: LIGHTNING VS. PANTHERS

WHEN/WHERE: 7:30; Ice Palace, Tampa.

RADIO: WDAE-AM 620.

THE LOWDOWN: Be prepared to face stiffer security getting into the arena. The Lightning is discouraging people from bringing bags and said purses, diaper bags and similar items might be searched. Metal detectors will be at every entrance. Kevin Weekes is scheduled to play the entire game in goal for the Lightning. Don't expect to see Panthers center Pavel Bure, who has a strained groin. Florida is 1-4 with seven goals. A win or tie for Tampa Bay (2-0-1) means that for the first time in 10 preseasons, the Lightning will be unbeaten in its first four games. The Lightning is 10-6 against the Panthers in preseason. Tampa Bay is 34-25-12 all-time in preseason. The teams play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Sunrise, the Lightning's final preseason game.

-- Compiled by Damian Cristodero.

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