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Ludzik keeps Cloutier out

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO

© St. Petersburg Times, published November 15, 2000

MONTREAL -- Dan Cloutier said he is ready to play, but coach Steve Ludzik said the goaltender needs a few more practices to get into game shape.

Cloutier hasn't played since Oct. 21 because of tendinitis in his left biceps. He has had one full practice since Sunday, when he came off injured reserve.

"He's just not ready yet," Ludzik said before Tuesday night's game with the Canadiens at the Molson Centre. "Game-wise, we don't see it yet."

"I feel ready, but it's not my decision," Cloutier said. "There's nothing I can do about it."

Cloutier very much wanted to play against the Canadiens. He is from Mont-Laurier, Quebec, about 75 miles north of Montreal, and his parents were supposed to attend the game. Cloutier said those plans changed when Ludzik named Kevin Weekes starter.

"Anybody would be disappointed," he said. "This is the closest place to home. It's nice to play here, and my parents are coming down. It would have been nice, but it's all part of hockey."

Cloutier said he hopes he can win back some playing time. "I can't really say anything right now because I've been hurt," he said. "But I hope it's going to be the same way. I hope when I play well, I'll get to play."

MAKING A POINT: After getting two goals and eight assists in his first seven games, center Brad Richards had a goal and an assist in his next eight.

Richards said he isn't worried. He is a rookie, after all.

"If I was a veteran with a lot of years under my belt, it might be different," he said. "I wasn't expecting to get 95 points. I think I've played better in the last few games. I'm more confident. Sometimes (the shots) just don't go in."

Going into Tuesday night's game, Richards led the league in rookie assists (nine) and power play assists (six) and was second in power play points (seven).

ODDS AND ENDS: Forward Brian Holzinger is wearing a visor during practices. If he decides to wear it in games, he will be the sixth Lightning player, and fourth this season, to make the move. ... Defenseman Petr Svoboda (lower back strain) practiced in the morning but remains on injured reserve. He was expected to play Friday night against the Maple Leafs, as was forward Wayne Primeau (left heel bruise). ... Left wing Fredrik Modin did not practice in the morning because of a sore left big toe. He played Tuesday night. ... Defensemen Craig Millar (sore tissue below the ribs) and Sergey Gusev (right knee) were scratched.

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