Tortorella: I lied
And he said it with a little smile on his face, too.
Coach John Tortorella said he knew defenseman Dan Boyle (out 11 weeks after a second surgery to repair tendons in his left wrist) was going to play Thursday against the Senators for the first time since Nov. 3. And he said he knew the tumult it would cause among reporters after the morning skate. So when asked if Boyle would play, Tortorella said no.
"I just didn't want you guys bugging him,'' Tortorella said when asked about it Monday.
That was it? No new information? No smoke screen to throw off the Senators?
"That was it,'' Tortorella said. "Everybody was trying to figure it out. I just didn't want you guys bugging him in the morning.''
As for Boyle, both he and his agent George Bazos said the defenseman, who scored two goals, came through the game with flying colors despite playing a team-high 24:25.
"I surprised myself,'' Boyle said.
More in tomorrow's paper.
Also, center Brad Richards apparently has a slight case of mono that did not keep him from practicing Monday. He is expected to play against the Sabres.
Follow the Lightning through the season with beat writer Damian Cristodero and the Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
I know how mono makes one feel, the fact that Brad is still playing is a demonstration of his dedication to the game. Please spin.
As for Boyle, way to go! Let's see more today Dan!
Posted by: Eric | January 28, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Aww!!Poor Brad!!My sis had mono last week so I have an idea how it makes you feel..I am SURPRISED hes still playing..usually you can rupture something in your body if your having physical contact while you have mono..he should be in bed..but I guess if he feels he can give it a go then let him!
Posted by: lauren | January 29, 2008 at 12:08 AM
Olin- är du från Sverige?
Too bad about Richards. Especially since I have him on my fantasy team.
Posted by: Tre Kronor | January 29, 2008 at 03:01 AM
Why on Earth, capitulate? You never, ever say things like that to your wife, reporters, anybody.
The priests are all wrong on this one...
Mono? Gee Brad, try not to hit anybody or get hit OK?
Hey, there's the onion truck I just fell off of......
Posted by: Casper | January 29, 2008 at 06:06 AM
Old Torts just further endearing himself to the media and local reporters he loves so much. He does only what he thinks is best for the team (!!!!!!!!)
Guess he never heard the old adage "Never, never tell"!
Hey Brad, if you skate tonight, take it easy out there....no big hits or checks, could hurt yourself! LOL
Posted by: keith | January 29, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Hej Tre Kronor-Nej, Farfar och Fader,kousins til Landskrona-Malmo. I was born in Michigan grow up in florida. I try to learn and study Svenska.Have best bud in Linkoping.I follow swelitsen and collect game worn jersy's-elitesen memoribilia, and try to practice my swedish at time's...Ha en bra dag...
Posted by: olin | January 29, 2008 at 11:20 AM
What a second here. Tortorella LIED? WHAT?
Are we actually supposed to be surprised?
Glad to have Boyle back. I hope he can keep his game up.
Are we supposed to actually believe the Brad has mono junk?
Posted by: Mike13 | January 29, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Mike13: Why would they lie?
The Boyle lie aside of course =)
Posted by: Eric | January 29, 2008 at 03:27 PM