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Injuries take their biggest toll on defense

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO

© St. Petersburg Times, published November 28, 2000

UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Injuries are mounting for the Lightning, especially on defense. Seven regulars sat out Monday night's game against the Islanders.

That included Petr Svoboda (pinched nerve in neck) and Paul Mara (abdominal bruise), both of whom hoped to play.

Also out were defensemen Jassen Cullimore (bruised left thumb), Craig Millar (bruised rib tissue) and Andrei Zyuzin (concussion), and forwards Stan Drulia (bruised left foot) and Alexander Kharitonov (concussion).

"It always seems to happen to the blue line," general manager Rick Dudley said.

Svoboda, injured Friday night when he collided with Florida's Peter Worrell, was placed on injured reserve. It is hoped he will be ready for Saturday's game against the Red Wings at the Ice Palace.

Mara, hurt Nov. 14 against the Canadiens, was aiming for Monday's game after accupressure therapy Friday. He said the muscle stiffened.

To shore up the defense, Kristian Kudroc was called up from from the IHL's Detroit Vipers. The 19-year-old, acquired last summer from the Islanders with goaltender Kevin Weekes, had a goal and 16 penalty minutes and was plus-1 in 12 games with Detroit.

Also on defense are Cory Sarich and Ben Clymer, both 22 and both of whom have spent time in Detroit this season.

"They have to play within themselves and play good, solid D," Dudley said. "That's all we want."

A REAL GORING: Despite an eight-game losing streak entering Monday's game, Islanders coach Butch Goring said heads weren't drooping.

"I would hope that we're a team that believes it's going to get better," he said. "There is no way in the world we are going to get down. We have a bright future. I believe that."

It is questionable whether Goring will be around to see it. He is rumored close to being fired. General manager Mike Milbury has said he is staying the course.

Goring is most upset at New York's power play, which was 1-for-41 in its previous 10 games and could use a player like Phoenix's Jeremy Roenick, rumored to be the Islanders' prime trade target.

"Watching our special teams be so ineffective is hard for me to accept," Goring said. "You rack you brain as to what I could do to affect it."

ODDS AND ENDS: Defenseman Kaspars Astashenko was a healthy scratch. ... Left wing Gordie Dwyer returned after a 23-game suspension and fought Dave Scatchard.

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