Vrbata a late scratch, Koci in

Not that this is a surprise in that right wing Radim Vrbata (zero points and six shots and zero hits) has done little this season, but coach Barry Melrose said this morning he was not changing the lineup because of the good things he saw in the third period of Thursday's game with the Islanders.

David Koci gets in his first game this season, perhaps as a counter to Minnesota's giant Derek Boogaard, though Boogaard isn't a crazy thug nd wouldn't necessarily run around for the sake of running around. He's more of a cop.

Whatever, it still was a bit startling when they announced Vrbata was out since he came off the ice early this morning, as does a player who is expecting to play, and Koci came off late.

Comments

Hey Don,
You must have a man crush on Vrbata. Where did you see his offense and creativity? He has been lost so far this season. He needed to sit and maybe he can pick up his game to a level that comes close to his level of pay.

[Beau]

McGz,

I definately think Koci's presence on the bench had something to do with the team playing a more physical game. If you ever get a chance to talk with the players, ask them yourself.

[McGz]

So beau you're saying the reason the Lightning played an uptempo dominating game is because Koci was getting splinters on the bench? Come on you don't really believe that do you? Hopefully Vrbata gets the message and responds. The team seems to be coming together and wins are in the future. We missed a bunch of open nets last night and those will start to go in. Our goaltending is phenomenal and the defense is greatly improved from the games in Prague. I have seen marked improvement oin every game. Let's keep it going!

[Beau]

I guess everybody should be benched for taking penalties? If anybody has an excuse for taking those penalties it is Koci, considering it was his first game and he hasn't gotten a taste of how the refs are calling it. What is everybody else's excuse?

I believe Malone is the penalty minute leader 19 minutes (14 of which are minors), so by your way of thinking he should never ever see the ice again. Hell, send him down to Augusta, he doesn't even belong in the AHL.

What a joke. Don't worry though, you will probably get your wish and Koci will be gone. Just remember that when somebody takes advantage of one of your favorite players.

By the way, anybody think it was a coincidence that the team plays its first physical game the day that Koci is in the lineup? Funny how that works.

[**The Real Hockey Chic**]

You know what they say, Immitation is the sincerest form of faltery. So thanks a$s hat.

I have always said I needed to be two places and once and viola there we go. I was at the game last night and not on the computer but I gotta say nice job impersonating me. Can you play hockey as well?

Go Bolts!!!

Nice game last night fellas...

[ajax]

Another long long night at the trop. I read not one thing on Marty Vinny and Prospal. Anything? 8 more penalties, wowsers. It has been a while since I attended a game that we won!!! Maybe I will stick to TV tomorrow and Tuesday. At least the Bucs have a chance as I won't be using those tickets.

[Boltflasher]

Just back from game, easily the best game so far. Best passing with some nice crisp passes out the D zone and maybe, for the first time, through the neutral zone...Best game by Malone and several others as Bolts really dominated on both ends of the ice except for Backstrom..Backstrom got the Wild the 2 points...

[Don in St. Pete]

Tough break for the Bolts in the shootout. Why didn't anyone try to shoot the puck? Anyhow, A couple of early fumbles by Lundin and some late dribbling by Carle but other than that our D were as solid as a rock. In five games we've allowed 10 goals in regulation which tells me that contrary to our SOG numbers our defense are doing a decent job. Meszaros was a beast, as was R2KN. Did anyone catch the late penalty on MEZ? I couldn't figure where and how the call was made. We dominated against an unbeaten team. Smith had only 3 or 4 tough saves throughout the course of the game and several came durin OT. We missed a few open nets which were the difference, and allowed the Wild to stay in the game. Tough team, tough goalie and a hard earned point. Although the guys tried, I'd say it was a huge mistake benching Vrbata. Although the 2nd penalty on Koci was not really his fault, we missed the offense and creativity of Vrbata. It's obvious nobody wants to dance unless it's a prearranged card, so play your best players.

[Kincaid]

Koolaiders again voice their approval..sad

[mike p]

See? Melrose was right, we don't need extra help scoring! Good thing Vrbata was a scratch or we might have beat the wild 17-0 instead of 16-0.

[Nathan]

Thoughts from the game:

1. Good hitting.

2. Evgeny Artyuhkin is a beast.

3. I really think the team is starting to "come together" a bit. They looked comfortable on the ice together.

4. First win should be coming within next 2 games.

Also...can anyone tell me why Vrbata's getting paid 3 million a year, and he gets scratched...for Koci to come in? That just doesn't make sense to me.

[Hockey Chic]

Oh schuckie darns!!! Well, we're only 0-for-5. There are plenty of games left. I'm sure the pucks will start flying into the net. Melrose is still a genius. All signs point to a high playoff seed. We play in a weak division. Our morale remains high. At least the Chief has his Telestrator.

[Hockey Chic]

Rosies polished as I'm expecting a big third period for the Lightning. Get 'er done!!!!

[McGz]

Lightning look good tonight. Glad to see koci not on the ice anymore stamkos line is getting some quality chances! Lots of hitting and puck possession. Defense has looked impressive too.

[mike p]

Gee, Vrbata can't create much offense on a new team where he is bounced around lines more often than a clown on a pogo-stick, he deserves to be scratched! Put that Koci out there, the lightning don't get enough penalties per game, we have to catch up to those other teams who have more (oh wait, there are none)! Use your brain Melrose, puts out the penalty on ice and lets 3 million dollars sit.

[MooDaddy]

Amen McGz... Send him down to Norfolk. give those fans their "entertainment" back. two penalties in the span of 2:10 is unacceptable. Hopefully he shows us why he's here later with a great fight!

[McGz]

Koci should not get another shift in this game. He can't even get off the ice without getting another penalty!