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Sarich getting stint in minors

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 27, 2000

TAMPA -- Lightning general manager Rick Dudley said defenseman Cory Sarich could learn from the experience of defenseman Ben Clymer.

The Lightning called up Clymer from the IHL's Detroit Vipers on Thursday, while sending Sarich and left wing Kyle Freadrich down.

Moving Freadrich was not a surprise. The 6-foot-7, 250-pound tough guy has been a healthy scratch all eight games.

But Sarich, 22, was expected to be one of Tampa Bay's steady hands. Instead he has one assist in six games and is a minus-5. He was a healthy scratch the past two games.

"We haven't lost any confidence in Cory Sarich," Dudley said. "We know he's going to play for a long time for us. But we felt he was trying to do way too much to help us. We told him to go down and play comfortable. He'll be back before long."

That is what happened to Clymer, 22, who played 60 games for Tampa Bay last season but was sent down during preseason. Reports from Vipers coach Brad Shaw have been glowing.

"Clymer has gone down to Detroit and done exactly what he needed to do," Dudley said. "He has played very well. He's a comfortable guy who makes a good first pass, and he looks much more mature and he deserves a chance to play.

"That's why you have a farm system. It doesn't mean the people you send there aren't good enough for you. You want to make them the best they can be."

SVOBODA OUT: Defenseman Petr Svoboda will miss tonight's home game against the Senators because of a hip flexor injury aggravated Wednesday night against the Red Wings.

Svoboda said he was hurt in the second period while going for an icing. Red Wings left wing Brendan Shanahan grabbed Svoboda's sweater to slingshot around him and reach the puck first.

Svoboda told referee Mike Leggo that a penalty should have been called. Instead, Leggo called Svoboda for unsportsmanlike conduct.

"It's a f------ joke," Svoboda said after the game.

Said Dudley: "Regardless of whether it was or wasn't a penalty, you can't talk to the referee. ... It wasn't just a hook, it was a grab of the sweater."

KUDOS: Dudley said right wing Sheldon Keefe and center Ryan Johnson showed the intensity against Detroit he wants from all Lightning players.

"We have a couple of passengers right now, and they're high-skill guys," Dudley said.

INJURIES: Right wing Stan Drulia (broken left hand) is day-to-day. Goaltender Dan Cloutier (left biceps tendinitis) may practice today.

Tonight: Lightning vs. Senators

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

RADIO: WDAE-AM 620.

THE LOWDOWN: After killing off its first 29 short-handed chances, Tampa Bay allowed eight goals on its next 22. The team has killed off 20 of 20 short-handed chances at home. Patrick Lalime is 3-0-1 with a 1.47 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage for Ottawa. Jani Hurme is 2-0-2 with a 2.88 goals-against average. Kevin Weekes, 2-2 with a 3.22 goals-against average, is expected to start for the Lightning. Senators right wing Marian Hossa entered Thursday night's games one point behind league-leader Ziggy Palffy, who has 16. Vinny Lecavalier's career-best seven game point-scoring streak ended Wednesday night against the Red Wings. The teams split four games last season, each sweeping at home. Ottawa leads the series 15-14-1. Tampa Bay is 8-6-1 against the Senators at home. The Senators haven't won at the Ice Palace since December 1998. The Lightning will host a Halloween party for children. From 6-7 p.m. Ice Palace vendors and concessionaires will pass out candy to children in costume. There also will be a costume contest. Call (813) 301-6500 for information.

- Compiled by Damian Cristodero.

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