Number Nine…
Number Nine…
Number Nine…

Eh, sorry for the redux with the #9 stuff…. But Nine are off the Lightning training camp roster as of this evening:

C Ryan Craig Springfield (AHL) Training Camp
LW Andre Deveaux Springfield (AHL) Training Camp
G Brian Eklund Springfield (AHL) Training Camp
LW Mitch Fritz Springfield (AHL) Training Camp
C Jason Jaspers Springfield (AHL) Training Camp
RW Marek Kvapil Springfield (AHL) Training Camp
D Doug O’Brien Springfield (AHL) Training Camp
D Todd Rohloff Springfield (AHL) Training Camp
C Nick Tarnasky Springfield (AHL) Training Camp

Artyukhin, Hebling and Rogers remain… Defensively: Timo does not surprise me but Andy Rogers? That one does. Big time.

“We will continue to monitor the situation in terms of our presence, and just as importantly our opponents,” Feaster said. “Detroit, Montreal, the Panthers … haven’t been doing much scrapping in their preseason games. But Sunday’s opponent Buffalo appears to have a couple of guys trying to fight their way on to the team, at least that’s what it looks like from here.”

This article was actually published yesterday in the Tampa Tribune but it brings to light a concern the fans have expressed with regards to the Lightning’s lack of physical presence - IE an Enforcer.

At 6′8″, 258 lbs. Fritz fits the bill but does not have the hockey ability to keep himself on the Tampa Bay roster full time (skating ability is lacking and such)… Yet for opportunities that need on-ice policing (rivalry games with the Panthers and such) Fritz will always find himself a spot on the roster.