December 24, 2003
NHL Roundup
Andre Roy got a goal early in the third period to help Tampa Bay earn a 1-1 tie with Boston, but the big news from the Fleet Center ice was Lightning head coach John Tortorella benching Vincent Lecavalier in the second period for not shooting the puck:
Lecavalier didn't shoot the puck during a three-on-two and was punished for it.
"An awful call," Lecavalier said of Tortorella's decision. "Offensively, I go with my instincts. If I think the play is to make a play, that's what I do. It didn't work out. I'm just going to keep playing hard. If I get benched for it, that's fine."
Tortorella fired back.
"Interesting. It wasn't the proper call?" he said. "Let's forget about the backhanded turnover. Let's talk about trying to play hard.
"He's got to start playing in the team concept. I don't care who he is or who he thinks he is."
This isn't the first time this season that head coach and budding superstar have clashed in Tampa Bay, and it probably won't be the last. Especially when the tenor is just like this. With Tampa Bay reportedly interested in Islanders defenseman Roman Hamrlik (who was a scratch on Wednesday night), might the tempermental youngster be headed for Long Island?
Gary Roberts scored twice to help Toronto to a 5-2 win over Florida. The Leafs have now earned a standings point in 15 straight games, and stand atop the Eastern Conference with 49 points at the Christmas break, not exactly where I expected them to be just a few weeks ago.
In Chicago, Michael Leighton made 23 saves in the Blackhawks' 3-0 win over the Blues. After starting December with a nine-game unbeaten streak, the Blues have now dropped two in a row. The win was only the second in 21 games for the Blackhawks (2-12-4-3).
Minnesota is now unbeaten in its last six games after tying Nashville, 3-3. Calgary continued its winning ways, dumping visiting Edmonton, 2-1. Rick Nash scored his 21st goal of the season, but it wasn't enough as Phoenix beat Columbus, 2-1.
In Buffalo, the Sabres blew a 2-0 lead, and had to settle for a 2-2 tie with Ottawa. And finally, in Washington, Peter Bondra scored with less than a minute remaining in regulation to give the Captials a 3-2 win over Montreal. The Capitals are now 3-2-2 under new head coach Glen Hanlon.
After Wednesday's games, the NHL takes a two-day Holiday for Christmas. Look for our next NHL Roundup on Monday, December 29.
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