Denis clears recall waivers

As expected, goaltender Marc Denis cleared recall waivers at noon today and is on his way to Tampa.

Lightning general manager Jay Feaster said goalie Mike Smith is day to day with a strained left knee. If he is not ready to go Thursday against the Capitals, Denis will be Karri Ramo's backup. Denis is being brought up on an emergency basis, meaning as soon as Smith is ready, Denis must go back to Norfolk.

The way Smith sounded Tuesday night, it should not be a long recall. Will Denis play a game? Probably hinges on how fast Smith gets back. On the other hand, this is a great opportunity for Ramo to carry the ball for a bit, even if it is a short bit.

Coach John Tortorella was pretty strong Tuesday that he believes Ramo would be better served starting next season in the minors as a way to get playing time and experience. Ramo, of course, doesn't see it that way. An extended stretch as a starter in which he has some success might go a ways to changing Torts' mind.

Comments

[Voice of the Turtle]

If, as the coach suggests, Ramo will be headed for a year in the AHL next season, why not start Denis? Should Marc have a few decent games, it might make him marketable over the summer to some team that might be willing to take a shot with him. At this point, what do the Lightning have to lose, and if Denis falls on his face, chances of securing the #1 pick in the 2008 draft heighten.

Danny Boyle's bad luck has been abundant. His house burned down, falling skates curtailed his year on the team, his +/- has gone to hell, and other injuries have nagged away at him. This intelligent, skilled, and hard-working guy deserves a break (and we can only hope that it isn't his finger).

[Tackleberry]

Gee, another one of our goalies may be going to the AHL. What do you think they will do with Smith, mid-way through the 08-09 season?

Talk of bringing Denis up! Wow! I thought that Tort couldnt wait to get rid of him. Torts is REALLY grasping at air. WHY CANT THIS COACHING STAFF DEVELOP A GOALIE?

Hopefully, the Boyle injury is nothing serious. Get well Dan, the team needs you.

This brings to light V4. With the way this season is going, WHAT IF, V4 seriously injures his wrist to where he is out for parts of the 08-09 season? Is it really worth gambling the health of V4 for the remaining games that mean nothing?

Lets say V4 plays all the reamining games and injures himself on the road. Assume that the Bolts win all the remaining games, and they move up to 13th or 14th in the Conference. The bolts now have a lower draft pick, V4 is injured and the 08-09 will be off to a rough start.

Is there something I am missing? Anyone, please let me know if there are other circumstances I am missing.

[Natty]

YEAHY!!!!! I hope he gets to play! I am so excited for him, even if his time here might not be for long....

[Rusty]

You can't strain a knee. You can only strain muscles, and a knee isn't a muscle last time I checked. Smith has a SPRAINED knee.

[Mike13]

I've thought for a while that they should send Ramo back to Norfolk. If he isn't playing, what the heck is he doing here? Denis should be the starter while Smith is out. And he should be the backup when he comes back.

[benjamin]

Should I be amazed that not one team wants Denis? I mean this genius GM, who should be fired, picked a great netminder enough to trade away Moden and Richards. Yes Ramo should be in the minors getting between the pipes every night and looking at pucks. More bad coaching and management and all year long. There is a reason that this team is minus 37 in the third period this year and it is not all on the players.

[patricia]

Mike13, I dont mean to be rude, but have you seen Denis play? I dont understand, did you not watch the games with him in goal. I am sorry but Denis sucks and that was one of the worst trades in NHL history. Is it really a shocker no one wants him??? His time is done, back your bags and just go home!