Erik Erlendsson covers the Tampa Bay Lightning for The Tampa Tribune.
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Posted Nov 17, 2008 by Erik Erlendsson
Updated Nov 17, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Here’s your daily update on the often line combo swapping, and the MVP line has been broken up. Adam Hall is not practicing and has shown up on the injury report with the dreaded “lower body” issues that seem to be plaguing the team. Ryan Malone is also not on the ice, so looks like he’s doubtful for Tuesday’s game against the Panthers.
The line combinatios are:
Steven Stamkos-Vinny Lecavalier-Marty St. Louis
Matt Pettinger-Vinny Prospal-Radim Vrbata
Evgeny Artyukhin-Jussi Jokinen-Mark Recchi
Gary Roberts-Chris Gratton-Ryan Craig
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Reader Comments
Por (LoveLightningHockey) on November 17, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Hey if it works - then go with it, but if the new line isn’t working then put the MVP line back together (Seems like they are trying anything to get Stamkos going)
Suggest removalPor (Fredrik Erdtman) on November 17, 2008 (Suggest removal)
I like that they try to put Stamkos on that line. Last night I didn’t like what I saw from him. Right now it looks like one more year in junior would have been best for him. Hard for new coach when he knows he has to give him icetime or get same complaints as Barry did.
One of few bright spots yesterday was the play Vrbata, even he wasn’t super good at least it was much better then what we saw earlier.
On defence I think Emminger had the best game since coming over from Flyers. Malik played a solid game as well and had one of the nicest passes I have seen this team make for a while.
Suggest removalPor (Chris) on November 17, 2008 (Suggest removal)
I wonder if not-ok-hockey is making the lines up. Hopefully they are letting Tocchet do it.
Suggest removalPor (Watching from Canada) on November 17, 2008 (Suggest removal)
I like the looks of these lines. Stamkos needs strong support which he will get from these two. Prospoal is a hard worker wherever he plays Gratton’s line looks great. I still think something needs to be done about Artulin. He floats so much that he seldom contributes to the game. He needs to get tougher or play less. But This looks good for now.
Suggest removalPor (BOLTS RULE !!!!) on November 17, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Looks like they are trying to get Stammer, more playing time and maybe a little more involved in the game. Give it a shot, what is there to lose, Prospal will do well no matter where you play him.Maybe Marty can help out Stamkos as well, he has done great with helping out the younger Vinny (5 yrs younger than Marty), Prospal is Marty’s age. Maybe that can help.
Plus it will make Vrbata step up and play a little harder.
Cmon BOLTS keep up the hard work, get some grit and dont be afraid to hit somebody.
GO BOLTS!!
Suggest removalPor (Eddie Laugen) on November 17, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Something is going to click soon.
Suggest removalPor (Mike) on November 17, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Love seeing Stamkos with V4. How about putting Arty in front of the net on PP? Couldn’t hurt.
Suggest removalPor (Beth) on November 17, 2008 (Suggest removal)
I like the idea of Stamkos on the same like as Vinny and Marty. Right from the point he was selected, I always figured Vinny would take him under his wing and show him the ropes. I was very surprised when that didn’t happen but I’m excited to see what it’ll bring.
Suggest removalPor (marosh) on November 17, 2008 (Suggest removal)
marty vinnie steven as MVS - Multiple Virtual Storage
Suggest removalPor (BillSmith) on November 18, 2008 (Suggest removal)
Hope it works. Fingers crossed.
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