Smith to start, Vrbata to get back in

Posted Oct 20, 2008 by Erik Erlendsson

Updated Oct 20, 2008 at 12:57 PM

Lightning coach Barry Melrose told the assembled media today after practice that Mike Smith will be back in net for Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Thrashers. Melrose cited Smith’s play in Saturday’s game against Minnesota in which he pitched the shutout, even though he didn’t get credit for the win after allowing a shootout goal to Antti Miettinen. And while Smith didn’t receive a ton of action in the game, he did come up with some key saves, especially in the overtime when the Wild had a power play.

Also, Radim Vrbata will be back in the lineup after being sat out Saturday against the Wild as a healthy scratch while David Koci will be out of the lineup. Vrbata said after practice today that he obviously wasn’t thrilled with being sat out and basically said he needs more ice time to be more productive. Through the first four games of the season, Vrbata had zero points and 10 shots on goal while averaging 13:28 of ice time per game. Vrbata cited his season last year in Phoenix in which he scored 27 goals while playing just over 18 minutes a night.

Melrose also stated that Marek Malik, as of Monday, would not be ready to play on Tuesday against Atlanta because they feel he is not in good enough condition right now to jump into the lineup. There’s a chance that things could change overnight and Malik could be in the lineup, but based on what Melrose said Monday, I wouldn’t expect to see him suit up, especially after the way the defense played against the Wild on Saturday.

Ryan Craig once again skated with the team on Monday and looks close to returning. Melrose said that he would expect that by Saturday’s game against San Jose, Craig would be ready to go if called upon. Should Craig indeed be ready to play and the team officially signs Marek Malik as expected, a roster move would need to be made. Tampa Bay is at 22 as of Monday, but the addition of both Craig coming off the injured list and Malek’s signing would put them one over the maximum, meaning somebody would either have to be traded or waived and sent to the minors.