Miller claimed by Red Wings

Posted Nov 11, 2009 by Tribune Sports

Updated Nov 11, 2009 at 03:46 PM

BRANDON—The Lightning lost forward Drew Miller today when he was claimed on waivers by the Red Wings. Had Miller cleared waivers, the Lightning could have sent him to AHL Norfolk.

It looks like a good situation for Miller, who had no points and was minus-3 in 14 games. Michigan is practically home for the former Michigan State star, and the Red Wings are the defending Western Conference champions.

“I think he’s a good player,” Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said today. “He played 13-14 minutes on average there for awhile, (but) it was on of those things where we have a couple of guys in the minors that if we do bring up, hether it’s Paul Szczechura or somebody, where we have a centerman and a right-handed shot, because we needed a righthanded shot, also.”

“It’s good for him. Now he’s in the NHL.”

The Lightning practiced at the Brandon Ice Sports Forum for a third consecutive day in preparation for tomorrow night’s home game against the Wild. Rookie defenseman Victor Hedman, who suffered a concussion in last Thursday at Ottawa, and Tocchet said he’s probable for the game. Hedman said Tuesday that his medical tests were normal.

Leading scorer Steven Stamkos left practice a little early after getting dinged up on Tuesday, but a team spokesman said he was fine and will play tomorrow.

Tocchet again stopped just short of naming his starting goalkeeper, reiterating he is going with the hot hand. That probably means No. 2 man Antero Niitymaki, who has been on a tear of late.

Asked if anything has surprised him about Niittymaki this year, Tocchet cited the former Flyer’s work ethic. Lightning goaltender coach Cap Raeder expressed a similar sentiment in discussing Niittymaki on Tuesday.

“Tremendous work ethic,” Raeder said. “He comes to work every day and has a great focus. He’s very business-like. ... He’s very cool, calm, even-keeled both on and off the ice - he barely says, ‘boo.’ ... He’s a real professional in every way, shape and form.”

- Tony Fabrizio