Ranger out, Mihalik up

The Lightning on Thursday called up defenseman Vladimir Mihalik from AHL Norfolk on an emergency basis. That means someone is hurt and that is likely defenseman Paul Ranger, who came off the ice late from this morning's morning skate.

No word on what is Ranger's injury. With defenseman Lukas Krajicek also out with what could be as many as two upper body injuries and while wearing bandages today on fingers of both hands, Tampa Bay had just five available defensemen headed into tonight's game with the Capitals.

Mihalik, 22, at 6 feet 7, 222 pounds, has two goals and eight points in 29 games for the Admirals. He played the first two games of the season in Prague after a very good preseason and amid many good words from the coaching staff. 

Comments

[Brittany]

Yikes, what a night. Smitty needs a rest, this just wasn't his night. That was the worst I have seen him, and I'm sure he will be the first to admit it. Of course, facing 30+ shots a night is going to tire you out pretty quick. Maybe we see what Ramo can do on Sat or Sun (really I think we will need Smitty more for the Car game than the Atl game, but I think he needs a rest, so we will see).

Sure hope Heward is ok. That looked really bad. Am I the only one who thinks that OV tends to go a bit overboard when he is hitting sometimes? I know people love him and he shows intensity, but that was not a good hit. Hit him from behind with his forearm to the back of the head into the glass? Come on now OV, you can't do that. I thought they were going to come down hard on hits to the head? Why not make a statement that it doesn't matter who you are, if you hit someone in the head you will be punished. Oh well. Best wishes to Jamie for a speedy recovery. Also, was nice to see all the players willing to help lift him onto the stretcher.

[ajax]

Tough awkward hit. I pray that he is ok. No penalty?? I thought that was the definition of boarding to be honest. He hits him squarely from behind and pins his head against the glass. I do not think he tried to hurt him, but he hit him from behind. Somehow I think if Arty would of hit Ovechkin like that it would of been a 5 minute penalty and two game suspension. Nice to be a star. Hope he is alright.
The game, did anyone else say to themselves, this looks just like last years team, tonight?? Often I look at the big picture. For all the complaints about Ranger the last two weeks, he is eons better than 4 of the guys that played tonight. That is why I say we get two more, even one more Paul Ranger type and it would improve our club by leaps and bounds. For about the fifth game in arow now Mezzy looks absolutely legless at the end of the game. Worst game I have seen Smitty play as a Lightning. Hope Tocchet snaps them out of it cause it was one of those very very sloppy played games that would worry me big time as a coach who needs effort every single night. Too much champaign for the boys last night?? Got to get some help Defensively, man we all say it, but tonight showed sooooo much in just one game. We have 3 1/2 good NHL Dmen and we take a huge hit when one is down. They won't hold up playing 27 minutes a night for long. Unfortunately I think the checkbook just might be closed. Last week I said Malik was the worst skater in the entire NHL. I was dead wrong. Mihalik is a human sundial. Painful to watch. When Malik and Smaby get 20 minutes, I think 7 goals is a good night. Happy New Year, many prayers for Heward.

[Boltflasher]

Well, bad Smitty night + bad defense = 7 goals...

[Marv]

Man, your right. We need some D men.
Good to see the guys playing much better.
Hope Hewy is okay. Can't believe that Ovechkin didn't get a call. He drove his head into the glass with his elbow.
Marv

[Marv]

Man, your right. We need some D men.
Good to see the guys playing much better.
Hope Hewy is okay. Can't believe that Ovechkin didn't get a call. He drove his head into the glass with his elbow.
Marv

[Marv]

Man, your right. We need some D men.
Good to see the guys playing much better.
Hope Hewy is okay. Can't believe that Ovechkin didn't get a call. He drove his head into the glass with his elbow.
Marv

[Max Hunter]

Hewy, our prayers are with you, and we hope you're okay.

[ajax]

Forgot there was a game until my son called me. The part I have watched since....we are sooo thin at D it is scarry. Like I said we can't have any injuries and sure enough Ranger goes down. Mihalik Smaby and Malik...Big and so slow. Thin line, with such little depth. Little I have seen so far Mihalik is another not ready for prime time player. The puck leaves his stick within seconds of getting it, no hesitation. Make plays son, make plays!! That's how you get to stay up in the show.

[Joe Bolts]

Great,sub one bone head for another.

[Boltflasher]

With Ranger down, is someone going to step up and surprise us?...we'll see...

[Coach Bill]

I saw Ranger take a hard shot ( looked like his ankle or lower leg) on Tues. I'm beginning to agree with all his critics, but I really hope he's OK. I'll be watching Mihalik Sat. night. He sure is a big kid. Is he physical? I hope so. R2 was a real "presence" Tues. night.

The Montreal game was really a fun night. It felt awkward with all the Montreal fans almost running us out, but they were having a good time and they were not at all rude or insulting ( like Philly fans). It was interesting sitting with all the French speaking fans who were really nice.

I'm a Red Sox fan and go to the Trop and root against the Rays and I hope we don't come across as rude ( although some New Englanders can be real jerks-that's why I moved here in '76.)

See 'ya all Sat. night