Krajicek expected to play

Posted Oct 11, 2008 by Erik Erlendsson

Updated Oct 11, 2008 at 12:55 PM

New Lightning defenseman Lukas Krajicek is expected to arrive in Tampa this afternoon and, provided he arrives in enough time, will be in the lineup tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes, according to head coach Barry Melrose.

The team did not make any recall announcements, so if Krajicek doesn’t make it, expect either the team to dress 5 defensemen or possibly slide David Koci into a defensive slot, as he is capable of playing on the blue line.

Melrose also said that Krajicek may see some time on the power play, again provided they have a chance to meet with him and give him a crash-course in what they want to do.

Mike Smith will get the start in goal, and with such a light schedule this month, I would expect both Smith and Olie Kolzig to alternate starts for the time being. Melrose discussed this morning about how both guys deserve to play because, not only for their play in the two games in Prague, but for how hard they have been working hard in practice.