Lightning Taking on Coach's Identity

By Roxanne Wilder

Bright House Sports Network

About a year ago, Tocchet took over as head coach for the Bolts, after then head coach Barry Melrose was fired only 16 games into the season. Tocchet spent the season playing catch-up, trying to bring a young club up to speed after they'd gone through a relatively disorganized camp that lacked enough intensity to prepare them for the long season.

This season is a different story. The Bolts are 6-4-5 and in second place in their division. They are the only team in the East that has not yet lost in regulation on their home ice. This current Lightning team is taking on their coach's image as their own identity. They view themselves as a gritty, hard-working club.

"Maybe we're not quite there, but we're moving to the style of play he (Tocchet) wants." Matt Smaby said, "When we've had success it's been when we've played his style of hockey."

There was a scary moment on the ice today for Lightning star Steven Stamkos. During a drill, goalie Mike Smith poke checked the puck and Stamkos ended up tripping, slamming into the end boards, and then falling on the ice. He was down for a few moments but then skated off the ice without help. It seemed to be his left wrist that was bothering him. He said, though, that he was okay; the team made that determination after evaluating him, and he is expected to be all set for Thursday when the Bolts face the Lightning at the St. Pete Times forum.

Coach Tocchet also alluded to the fact that defensemen Victor Hedman may be ready for Thursday's contest. The rookie missed Saturday's game against Montreal because of the mild concussion he suffered in Thursday's game from a hit by Senator right wing Chris Neil. Hedman's brain function test was normal and he participated fully in practice again on Tuesday.