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Tampa Bay Lightning on the hunt for Stanley Cup, Randy Jones' brace an original

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, April 18, 2011

Pieces to a puzzle

Tucked in the corner of the St. Pete Times Forum locker room, a silhouette of the Stanley Cup is mounted on a black background with the words "Hunt It Now" over the top, a reference to the team's postseason rallying cry.

The lower right corner of the silhouette is filled in with what looks like a piece of a Stanley Cup jigsaw puzzle. Every time the Lightning wins a playoff game, another piece of the puzzle will be added.

The puzzle has — surprise — 16 pieces, one for each win it takes to earn the Cup.

Brace yourself

Lightning assistant equipment manager Rob Kennedy and assistant athletic trainer Mike Poirier recently built a brace for D Randy Jones, out since March 7 with a high ankle sprain. The brace is two pieces of plastic that sandwich the ankle on the left and right of the shin. A third piece is hinged to the other two, allowing them to stay in place as the foot moves up and down. That supports the painful spot on the outside of Jones' left ankle.

"It's exactly what I needed," said Jones, right, who is available to play (but was scratched Monday) and wears the brace in practice.

Added Kennedy: "Mike (Poirier) said he's never seen a brace like that for hockey. I'd like to see how it holds up in a game."

Three stars

Penguins D Kris Letang: Letang was a presence on both ends of the ice, picking up two assists and five shots, while logging 24:32.

Lightning RW Marty St. Louis: St. Louis had two power-play goals to help the Lightning erase a 2-0 deficit. His second, 2:12 into the third, gave him three in the playoffs.

Penguins G Marc-Andre Fleury: Fleury wasn't as dominant as he was in his Game 1 shutout but had some impressive stops among his 25 saves.

Quote to note

"There's no other Marty in the league. He really analyzes every play. He knows which way every player shoots. He knows their habits. … He's a very smart player and I've learned so much from being around him the last three years." — Lightning W Ryan Malone on teammate Marty St. Louis

The series

Game 1, Penguins 3, Lightning 0: Pens G Marc-Andre Fleury wows.

Game 2, Lightning 5, Penguins 1: Lightning jumps on sluggish Penguins early.

Game 3, Penguins 3, Lightning 2: Pens respond fast after Lightning ties it.

Wednesday: at Tampa Bay, 7, Sun Sports

Saturday: at Pittsburgh, TBA #

Monday: at Tampa Bay, TBA * #

April 27: at Pittsburgh, TBA * #

* If necessary # Sun Sports or FSN

Games 4 and 7 on 970-AM Games 5 and 6 on 620-AM

Tickets

A limited number of club level seats remain for Game 4. Several hundred potentially unused team tickets might be available through Ticketmaster the afternoon of the game.

$30-$220. Available at the St. Pete Times Forum box office and via Ticketmaster: ticketmaster.com, outlets, toll-free 1-800-745-3000.


John Romano: Tampa Bay Lightning falters in key emotional moments

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Monday, April 18, 2011

TAMPA — It was the perfect comeback. Patient, tenacious and dramatic.

It was everything a coach could ask for and as good as a crowd could expect. It began early, arrived late and had a star's fingerprints all over it.

And it lasted for 31 seconds.

That's as much good fortune as the Lightning could stand in a 3-2 Game 3 loss to the Penguins.

The Lightning came from two goals behind to tie the score in the third period Monday night then kissed it all away on the next shift.

So now it is permissible to wonder about this team's ability to control its emotions. About how it deals with prosperity and how it copes with adversity.

For the Lightning has been as good as, or better than, Pittsburgh for the majority of this series, and yet Tampa Bay trails because it has dropped its guard at key moments.

A scoreless game for 40 minutes in the series opener was wiped out when the Lightning allowed back-to-back goals 18 seconds apart. A fresh start in Game 3 was obliterated when the Lightning gave up back-to-back goals 45 seconds apart.

Worst of all, a comeback of grand proportions was ruined Monday night when Marty St. Louis' second power-play goal of the game was amazingly followed by a Pittsburgh score 31 seconds later.

"We know this, it's something we talk about," forward Simon Gagne said. "After a power play, or even a penalty kill, we have to be ready. Whoever goes on the ice has to know the next shift is going to be critical.

"We come back, we tie the game and we have five-on-five, we have to be ready for that big shift. We get caught on the faceoff, and they score the game-winner. It's all about mistakes in the playoffs. We didn't have a lot of mistakes, but every one we had cost us a goal. And that third one was a killer."

Each of these episodes can be explained in technical terms. For instance, defenseman Victor Hedman got beat in a one-on-one situation that led to the second goal. And Lightning players were slow to react on a faceoff that led to the winning goal in the third period.

An optimistic person might just call them regrettable mistakes. A cynic would suggest they were letdowns after momentum-shifting goals less than a minute earlier.

"We came back; we came back from two goals," coach Guy Boucher said. "The problem is we allowed that goal. It's a disappointing goal because it's a faceoff that we know they're doing, so the players are extremely aware of it. We saw it on video, we talked about it, and two players were a little late doing what they're supposed to do.

"After … getting some momentum, getting scored on with something we're supposed to be aware of was a little disappointing."

It was as if the Lightning had been pounding on the door so long Monday night, that once it knocked it down, it forgot someone might be on the other side.

It should have been a statement-making moment against a despondent opponent in a hostile rink, except the Lightning let it slip away.

"Obviously we were excited about tying the game up," Hedman said. "We knew that next shift was going to be big."

A mature team does not allow emotion to rule the moment. A mature team takes advantage of an opponent's lapses. A mature team understands a game's ebbs and flows.

Pittsburgh looks like a mature team.

Thus far, Tampa Bay does not.

Maybe that sounds harsh, but you can certainly build a case to justify it. Because when you watch these teams on the ice, you do not see a major gap in talent.

The Penguins are without their two best offensive weapons, yet they are playing the kind of structured, relentless game that Boucher has been preaching to his own team. They have made mistakes, but they have not turned into consecutive mistakes.

For more than 178 minutes of this series, the Lightning has outscored Pittsburgh 7-3. Unfortunately, the Penguins are up 4-0 in those other 63 seconds.

"It's not like guys go out there and try to screw it up," defenseman Eric Brewer said. "We're trying to make some plays."

And so now, the tone of the series changes again.

Pittsburgh began with home-ice advantage, and Tampa Bay took it away with a victory in Game 2. The Penguins wrested it back Monday night.

Surrendering Game 3 at home now means the Lightning is going to have to win either Game 5 or Game 7 in Pittsburgh if it is to advance.

That's certainly not out of the question, but it's going to require a team ready and capable of growing up in the postseason.

Red Sox 9, Blue Jays 1

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Times wires
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Red Sox 9, Blue Jays 1

BOSTON — Facing former pitching coach John Farrell, Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched seven one-hit innings, and the Red Sox won their third straight. "Farrell is on the other side, so I wanted to show solid pitching in front of him," Matsuzaka said through a translator. For the past four years Farrell, now Blue Jays manager, tried to get Matsuzaka to attack hitters and cut down his pitch count. Monday, the right-hander threw 89 pitches.

Rangers 7, Angels 1

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Times wires
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Rangers 7, Angels 1

ARLINGTON, Texas — C.J. Wilson struck out nine in seven strong innings and the Rangers returned home from a nine-game road trip with a victory over their AL West rival. Adrian Beltre homered for the second straight night, Mitch Moreland drove in three runs and Ian Kinsler snapped an 0-for-19 slide with two extra-base hits before scoring on a suicide squeeze by Elvis Andrus, who had been in an extended slump before his three hits.

Brewers 6, Phillies 3, 12 innings

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Times wires
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Brewers 6, Phillies 3

12 innings

PHILADELPHIA — Ryan Braun drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the 12th for the Brewers. The Phillies tied it at 3 in the ninth on pinch-hitter Pete Orr's one-out RBI single.

Giants 8, Rockies 1

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Times wires
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

DENVER — Tim Lincecum and the Giants sure weren't complaining about the humidor Monday night.

Lincecum, the two-time Cy Young Award winner who led the Giants to the World Series title six months ago, took a no-hitter into the seventh inning at Coors Field, and San Francisco routed the Rockies 8-1.

Spotted an early eight-run cushion thanks to homers by former Rays flop Pat Burrell, Nate Schierholtz and Freddy Sanchez, Lincecum dominated baseball's best team over the season's first 2½ weeks until Carlos Gonzalez broke up his no-hit bid with a clean single in the seventh.

Lincecum allowed four balls out of the infield, none in the first six innings.

This was the Giants' first visit to Coors Field since they made a stink about the humidor protocol before a key September series — before the Rockies faded from the playoff race and the Giants won their first championship since moving West in 1958.

Esmil Rogers allowed eight runs in three innings in the second loss by a Rockies starter this season.

Indians 7, Royals 3, 10 innings

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Times wires
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Pinch-hitter Shelley Duncan's RBI double sparked a four-run 10th inning, and the surprising Indians widened their AL Central lead Monday night with a 7-3 victory over the second-place Royals.

Rookie left-hander Tim Collins walked Carlos Santana leading off the 10th and Duncan hooked a liner barely fair into the leftfield corner. Grady Sizemore, in his second game back from knee surgery, added an RBI single and was 3-for-5 after going 2-for-4 Sunday in his first game since May 16, 2010.

Cleveland won its fourth game in a row.

Expected by most to remain also-rans in the AL Central, the Indians and Royals had not been first and second this late in the season in any order since May 31, 1999, when Cleveland led the Royals and White Sox by 10 en route to a fifth straight division title. That also was the last time the Indians started a season as they've started this one, winning 12 of 16.

Teen tackles triathlete test

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Escape from Fort De Soto Triathlon celebrated its 25th anniversary Saturday morning.

Featuring a course that includes a half-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico, a 10-mile bike around Fort De Soto Park and a 4-mile run to close, the Escape from Fort De Soto Triathlon is one of the more grueling events on the area racing calendar.

John-Gerard Farese didn't seem too fazed by the course's difficulty, though. Farese, 16 of St. Petersburg, was the overall race champion. He got off to a fast start, coming out of the water in second place, and continued at a steady pace to break the tape in 59 minutes, 52 seconds.

Nat Glackin, 29 of St. Petersburg, was just behind Farese to take second in 1:00:11. He was the top runner in the men's 25- to 29-year-old age group.

Vince Tenaglia, 28 of Clearwater, finished in 1:00:49 for third.

Kathy Frailing placed second overall in the women's race after sprinting across the finish line in 1:05:32. Frailing, 44 of Largo, was also the master's champion.

Savannah Dearden, 18 of St. Petersburg, came in third in 1:06:27 and was the women's 15-19 winner.

Local who claimed age division wins were: (M15-19) Cody Sandford, Clearwater, 1:03:00; (M20-24) Eric Hogenboom, St. Petersburg, 1:06:26; (F20-24) Caitlin Warner, Clearwater, 1:14:34; (M25-29) Nat Glackin, St. Petersburg, 1:00:11; (F25-29) Erin O'Connor, St. Petersburg, 1:06:37; (M40-44) Lance Chambers, St. Petersburg, 1:06:05; (F40-44) Christine McDonald, Palm Harbor, 1:14:06; (M50-54) Anders Heidemann, Largo, 1:06:54; (F50-54) Jill Voorhis, St. Petersburg, 1:14:33; (M60-64) Arthur Halttunen, St. Petersburg, 1:11:01; (F65-69) Carol Jean Vosburgh, Treasure Island, 1:27:17; (M70-74) Mark Parish, Clearwater, 1:34:58; (M80 and over) Larry Yost, Treasure Island, 1:51:23.

More than 900 runners took part in this year's Escape from Fort De Soto Triathlon.

LAW DAY RUN: Karsen Callahan was first across the finish line at Saturday's Law Day Run 5K in St. Petersburg.

Callahan, 33 of St. Petersburg, ran 16 minutes, 28 seconds in a dominating performance.

The race had 68 finishers.

Brian Lester, 52 of St. Petersburg, took second in a time of 17:44. He easily won the men's 50-54 group by more than four minutes.

Ben Carlson, 26 of St. Petersburg, was third in 18:19. He was first in the men's 25-29 age group.

Connie Mendoza won the women's race handily. The 42-year-old St. Petersburg resident was across the finish line in 19:45, two minutes ahead of the field. The win was the second in two weeks for Mendoza, who April 9 paired with her daughter Consentina to defeat 129 other teams for the Iron Girl Clearwater teams 5K championship in 44:35.

Clearwater's Colleen McLaughlin, 36, was second in 21:45. She was the women's 35-39 winner.

Kayla Richmond, 23 of Gulfport, placed third in 22:49 and was the top runner in the women's 20-24 division.

Age group winners included: (M9 and under) Emmett Senentz, St. Petersburg, 29:54; (M10-14) Beau Burguieres, St. Petersburg, 38:17; (M15-19) Ross Porter, St. Petersburg, 18:52; (M20-24) Jonathan DeSantis, Gulfport, 23:10; (F25-29) Yova Borovska, St. Petersburg, 22:56; (F30-34) Stephanie Six, St. Petersburg, 26:11; (M40-44) Matt Conigliaro, St. Petersburg, 22:21; (F45-49) Chris Simpson, St. Petersburg, 23:32; (M55-59) Mike Bartholomew, St. Petersburg, 22:09; (F55-59) Linda Allan, Seminole, 30:58.

SEMINOLE STAMPEDE: Treasure Island 14-year-old Hunter McCann needed just 18 minutes and four seconds to complete the Seminole Stampede 5K in Seminole on Saturday and win the overall championship.

He was 22 seconds ahead of the field.

Jett Halterman, 15 of Seminole, came in second in 18:26. He was the top runner in the men's 15-19 group.

Lisa Williams won the women's race by more than a minute. Williams, 32 of Largo, finished in 19:48.

Monique Konstantinovic, 20 of Indian Rocks Beach, was second after running 21:01. Konstantinovic won the women's 20-24 group. Erin Russell, 49 of Clearwater, took third in a time of 22:02. Russell was also the women's masters champion.

The race had 197 finishers.

Picking up age group wins were: (M10 and under) Alessandro Cotton, Seminole, 25:37; (F10 and under) Paige Van Middlesworth, Seminole, 27:51; (M11-14) Michael Clennan, Clearwater, 20:01; (F11-14) Amanda Elsey, Clearwater, 23:47; (F15-19) Jordan Snodgrass, Largo, 24:05; (M20-24) Gerald O'Reilly, Seminole, 35:23; (M25-29) Justin Cimbak, Madeira Beach, 19:24; (F25-29) Tara Krieger, Seminole, 26:36; (M30-34) Alvaro Blanco, Seminole, 22:45; (F30-34) Shannon Simon, Largo, 23:45; (F35-39) Lara Kondor, Seminole, 24:11; (M40-44) Steven Williams, Largo, 19:20; (F40-44) Carol Sterling, Clearwater, 25:54; (F45-49) Andrea Fortunato, Largo, 23:51; (M50-54) Frederick Pellissier, Seminole, 24:19; (F50-54) Deb Robinson, St. Petersburg, 24:50; (M55-59) Chuck McCann, Treasure Island, 26:32; (F55-59) Linda Busch, North Redington Beach, 32:17; (F60-64) Peggy McAvaddy, Seminole, 30:14; (M65-69) James Ladig, Clearwater, 22:43; (F65-69) Jo Truchan, St. Petersburg, 55:24; (M70-74) Herb Townsend, Treasure Island, 22:57; (F70-74) Terry Collier, Largo, 55:24; (M75 and over) Parker Johnston, Largo, 32:34; (F75 and over) Carol Montgomery, Treasure Island, 42:56.

CHILD OF THE SUN YOUTH TRIATHLON: Pinellas County was well represented at the Child of the Sun Youth Triathlon in Lakeland on Friday.

A number of local youth triathletes were gold-medal winners in their division. Earning a first-place finish were: (F9) Emerson Quilty, St. Petersburg, 13:00; (F11) Regan Quilty, St. Petersburg, 20:41; (F15) Maddie Kennedy, Tarpon Springs, 22:26.

Claiming first in the elite division were: (F9) Ava Sykes, Largo, 18:29; (M9) Coleman Inglima, Clearwater, 19:25; (F11) Annabella Mowry, Dunedin, 30:13; (M14) Scott Kremser, Largo, 23:44.

Bryan Burns can be reached at bburns@sptimes.com.


Dodgers 4, Braves 2

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Times wires
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Dodgers 4, Braves 2

LOS ANGELES — Ted Lilly did not allow a runner past second in recording his first victory in four starts. Matt Guerrier pitched a perfect eighth and Jonathan Broxton gave up two runs in the ninth on an RBI groundout by Freddie Freeman and a double by Nate McLouth before getting the final out. The Dodgers' Andre Ethier singled in the seventh to extend his hitting streak to 15 games, the longest current streak in the majors and one shy of his career best in 2006.

Tampa Bay Lightning's Steve Downie, Pittsburgh Penguins' Chris Kunitz suspended for one game

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Steve Downie and Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Chris Kunitz were suspended one game each for separate incidents in Pittsburgh's 3-2 victory Monday in Game 3 of the East quarterfinal. Both will sit out Wednesday's Game 4.

Downie left his feet to clobber Ben Lovejoy in the chest/shoulder area. Downie would have been called for at least charging, but the Penguins scored on the delayed penalty. Kunitz hit Simon Gagne with a blind-side elbow and was given two minutes, but the blow clearly violated Rule 48, which prohibits blind-side and lateral blows to the head.

"I was coming though the middle and getting ready to finish a check like I usually do, and the puck was reaching on him," Kunitz said. "I had my arms in a bad spot up in the air, anyways, and he (Gagne) kind of spun and turned back towards me. I went to brush him in the shoulder and I got him in the head. Not very responsible on my side. I got to definitely be careful. I'm glad he is okay and finished the game."

Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said the play was uncharacteristic of a hard-nosed, but clean player.

"He plays hard and he plays with an edge," Bylsma said. "But I think that's the first time he's had a hearing in an awful long time with the league. A stand-up, straightforward guy."

Game time set for Game 5 of Lightning-Penguins playoff series

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Times Staff
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Fox Sports announced that Game 5 of the Lightning-Penguins playoff series will be at noon on Saturday. The game will be on Sun Sports and 970-AM.

The Rays-Blue Jays game that same day will be at 1 on FSN and 620-AM.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers will reimburse fans for London game

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

There's some uncertainty surrounding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' scheduled October 23 game against the Chicago Bears in London. As we told you last night, the game will be rescheduled for Tampa if there isn't an end to the NFL's labor standoff by Aug. 1.

But there's one thing the Bucs have made clear: If you've already paid for season tickets, as many of you have, you'll get your money back for this lost home game. And the team says you won't have to wait for a final resolution on the labor front before your money is refunded. Refunds will be going out soon, the team confirmed.

So, here's what you should expect:

If you paid your account via cash or check, you'll be given your refund via check. If you paid by credit card, your card will be credited the prorated amount for the single game. For those on ongoing payment plans, your future payments will be adjusted to reflect the remaining balance minus the Bears game.

The Bucs are still losing a home game, and that won't go over well with a great many fans. But, if you're due a refund, it appears you won't have to wait long to receive it.

Johnny Damon will not play for Tampa Bay Rays tonight against Chicago White Sox

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Tampa Bay Rays OF/DH Johnny Damon said he does not expect to play at all today, but has some movement in his bruised left ring finger and Wednesday is a possibility.

Tampa Bay Lightning's Marty St. Louis always seems to come through in the clutch

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By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

TAMPA

He has given his sweat, and he has given his blood. He has fought tooth and nail, especially tooth. After a season of being his team's best player, he has spent a week of the postseason being his team's best player.

Given all that, how can the Lightning possibly ask for more from Marty St. Louis?

On the other hand, given the circumstances, how can it not?

The Lightning needs him now because it trails its playoff series with Pittsburgh two games to one and a defeat in tonight's game would be difficult to survive. The Lightning needs him now because the rest of the offense has struggled with a Penguins team that has been reborn as a smothering defensive unit. The Lightning needs him now because the rest of the offense is in a lingering slump at the worst possible time.

It needs him now because the game is big, and the moment is crucial, and in such moments, who else has the Lightning ever depended upon more than St. Louis?

This is who he is, and this is what he does. In other places people still talk about his size (listed as 5 feet 8). In other arenas people talk about his age (35). Around here, however, onlookers learned long ago to think of Marty as a big-game memory-making machine. If you need a goal, if you need a play, who has ever been a better bet for the Lightning than St. Louis?

Three games into this series and St. Louis has played as if he is trying to make up for his three seasons away from the playoffs, as if he is intent on seizing the chance before it slips away, as if he is aware of how precious these games are. He has three goals in his past two games, each of them more important than the other.

What will he do tonight?

We'll see.

"He's a clutch player," said Lighting coach Guy Boucher. "The more pressure there is, the better. That's Marty.

"I just think he's one of those guys whose entire life is based on proving something: As a smaller guy, you can be a top scorer. Not just a pro, but a top scorer. I just think life is a challenge for him every day."

These moments, however — the postseason moments when St. Louis darts in and out of players a foot taller and 40 pounds heavier, when he drives, prods and energizes his teams — are the moments that have defined St. Louis. There have been times in his Lightning career when other scorers have been more prolific — Vinny Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos. But St. Louis always has seemed largest when the air gets thin and the game gets tight. In those moments, standing on his accomplishments, St. Louis is a giant.

"What impresses me is that this is a recurrent thing with St. Louis," Boucher said. "That's rare. You get some guys who can be a clutch player every so many games. But when you get a guy who does it regularly, that's what's impressive. You don't want to rely on him, but … "

How big is he?

• He is big enough to deserve consideration for this year's league MVP award. Yes, there are arguments against him. But St. Louis certainly should be in the top three.

• He is big enough to reach the Hall of Fame. A year ago, there were discussions of how much more St. Louis needed to accomplish. But with this 99-point season, this year should put him over the top.

• He is big enough to be in the short discussion as the best athlete ever to play in Tampa Bay. Around here there is Lee Roy Selmon, and there is Derrick Brooks, and there is Warren Sapp. And there is St. Louis. (Soon, David Price or Evan Longoria might included, but not yet.)

Eight times he has scored 25 or more goals. For five straight seasons he has played in every game of a season. The faint scars around his face show the wear, but still he does not back down.

All that said, the Lightning could have lost St. Louis. He was worn down by the dysfunction of the previous ownership. After all, check out what happened to Charlie Sheen after he spent too much time around Oren Koules, former owner of the Lightning and an executive co-producer of Two and a Half Men. If Jeff Vinik hadn't taken over the team, who knows? St. Louis might be somewhere talking about tiger blood.

Instead, he is here, still competing, still scrapping.

"I remember Michael Jordan saying that if the game was on the line, I want to be the guy," Boucher said. "And if I'm the guy and I screw up, that's good. It's not necessarily about having success every time. It's having the guts to go forward and be the guy. Not everyone has that.

"That's Marty's mental strength. He has that daring personality. Whenever there are pressure moments, it's never a threat. It's always an opportunity."

For the Lighting to succeed, it is going to need as much of St. Louis as possible. Who knows? Maybe he could manage a couple of assists tonight, which would be good because it would mean other players were scoring. Maybe the Lightning needs him to play defense. With St. Louis, you take your chances.

Tonight, once again, he needs to make a play. Maybe two. Maybe more.

Somehow, you like his chances.

Tampa Bay Lightning looks to Dwayne Roloson as key for playoff Game 4

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

TAMPA — The Lightning plays its most important game in four years Wednesday night. It's not a must-win game, but about as close as you can get to must-win. A victory against the Penguins knots the best-of-seven series at two games apiece. A loss and the Lightning falls behind 3-1 and would need to win three in a row, including two back in Pittsburgh.

Now the trick for the Lightning is to figure out how to play such a crucial game.

It wants emotion, but without being too riled up to focus. It wants to play with urgency, but without a sense of panic. It wants to play like it's still just a hockey game, but knowing full well that the outcome is critical. And the Lightning will play this game with only a handful of players who know what it's like to play in such a game.

"Let's not kid ourselves, we have a lot of players on this team with no playoff experience whatsoever,'' Lightning coach Guy Boucher said. "It's a learning process we knew we would have to go through. ... You can talk as much as you want about it, but until you're on the ice (in the playoffs) ... it's very different.''

That's why the Lightning will continue to turn to its veterans, the players who have been in vital games — players such as Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis, Simon Gagne and, especially, goalie Dwayne Roloson, the 41-year-old netminder who will appear in his 37th postseason game Wednesday.

In 2006, Rolson backstopped the eighth-seeded Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup final. In fact, those Oilers were in the exact same position in the second round of the playoffs as the Lightning is now, trailing 2-1 and needing a Game 4 victory. Roloson and the Oilers not only won Game 4, but went on to win Games 5 and 6 to take the series, with Roloson pitching a shutout in the decisive sixth game.

What Roloson learned during that postseason run: celebrate the victories, learn from the losses, forget the bad goals and, quickly, move on to the next game.

"Teams that have succeeded in the playoffs manage to control their emotions throughout the series,'' Roloson said. "There are times to be excited, like after a win, but it has to be short-lived. When we won a game, it was like we won the Stanley Cup, but it lasted only until we left the rink. Then it was focus on the next game like it was a Game 7.''

Roloson has been solid in this series, stopping 99 of 105 shots. He isn't interesting in dissecting the six goals he has allowed or basking in any of the saves he has made. Roloson's selective amnesia — something that most goalie possess — has kicked in.

"I'm fortunate that I've been around long enough to learn how to forget the last goal,'' Roloson said. "Because if you are thinking about it, then the next shot is probably going to go in, too. You try to forget it and just get ready for what's ahead. That's all that matters — what's next?''

What's next for Roloson and the Lightning just happens to be the biggest game this franchise has played since 2007.


Captain's Corner: Tips for catching Spanish mackerel

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By Dave Walker, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

What's hot: Spanish mackerel have invaded Old Tampa Bay. The annual migration is in full swing. These fish can be easily caught. Look for them around range markers, bridges and shipping channels. They are a schooling fish and therefore travel in large groups. Initially look for bird activity or surface frenzies.

Tip: Once located, mackerel can be attracted and concentrated by using a chum block, a smelly concoction of ground by-catch from shrimpers that usually is frozen into a solid chunk. Hanging one over the side of the boat will almost always bring fish to you.

Safety: There are several important things to remember about mackerel. They have very sharp teeth that they will use on anything, especially humans. They are often hooked in the skin instead of the mouth. Handling a freaked-out mackerel with hooks flying around can be painful as well. Playing the fish with a loose drag is imperative because the hooks will pull easily.

Tackle: Using a hook with a long shank is helpful for preventing biteoffs. Thirty-pound test leader material is somewhat forgiving if the fish hit the bait above the hook. Some anglers use single-strand wire. It is very effective but much more difficult to work with, as well as time-consuming when it is time to rerig. Many people perceive mackerel as oily or "fishy," but I think they are delicious. The secret is to ice the fish thoroughly and eat them fresh. They lose some of their desirable texture when frozen.

Dave Walker charters out of Tampa and can be reached at (813) 310-6531, at www.snookfish.com or by e-mail to captdavewalker@verizon.net.

Monday night home game against Colts highlights Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2011 schedule

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman says he wants to measure himself against the best passers in the NFL. This year, he will get his chance.

Tampa Bay will host Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts at Raymond James Stadium on ESPN's Monday Night Football in Week 4 on Monday, Oct. 3 at 8:30 p.m.

That won't be the only national exposure for Freeman and Bucs, who are coming off a 10-6 record in 2010. Tampa Bay will host the Dallas Cowboys on NFL Network on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8:20 p.m.

It will be the Bucs' first primetime nationally televised game in nearly three years. The Bucs played on Monday Night Football Dec. 8, 2008 at Carolina when they lost 38-23 to the Panthers.

The primetime telecasts could be a boost to the Bucs' sagging attendance. Last year, Tampa Bay was the only team to have all 10 home games subject to local television blackouts.

Bucs co-chairman Joel Glazer has said new season ticket sales in Jan-March were the best in years and renewals have been 'extremely strong.' But he has stopped short of predicting whether there would be blackouts in 2011.

"I think if we do our job, on the field and off of it, blackouts will take care of themselves,'' Glazer said. "And we won't even be talking about if it's right or if it's wrong."

The Bucs also are scheduled to play the Chicago Bears at London's Wembley Stadium Oct. 23. But the game will remain in at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa if the NFL labor situation isn't resolved by Aug. 1. Season ticket holders who have already paid in full will receive a refund for the lost home game and won't have to wait for the resolution of the NFL lockout.

Ticket holders who paid by cash or check will receive a check refund. Those paying by credit card will be credited the pro-rated amount for the single game. Payment plans will be adjusted to reflect the balance minus the Bears game.

Monday night home game against Indianapolis Colts highlights Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2011 schedule

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

TAMPA — A national audience twice will get to click on the television and watch the Buccaneers play at Raymond James Stadium — something local fans could not do last season.

A year after Tampa Bay was the only team to have all 10 home games subject to the local blackout rule, the Bucs were rewarded for their 10-6 record with two prime-time games that could excite — or potentially embarrass — their fan base when the 2011 schedule was released Tuesday.

The Bucs will host quarterback Peyton Manning and the Colts on ESPN's Monday Night Football in Week 4 at 8:30 on Oct. 3. It's the first MNF game in Tampa since 2003.

That won't be the only national exposure for young Bucs like quarterback Josh Freeman, receiver Mike Williams and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. Tampa Bay will host the Cowboys on NFL Network at 8:20 p.m. Dec. 17.

The Bucs last played on Monday night Dec. 8, 2008 at Carolina, a 38-23 loss.

Among the highlights of the Bucs' 2011 schedule:

• An early showdown with NFC South rival Atlanta on Sept. 25 that is the second game of the Fox national doubleheader.

• After their MNF game against the Colts, the Bucs travel on a short week to play at the 49ers on Oct. 9.

• The Bucs travel to Lambeau Field to play the Super Bowl champion Packers on Nov. 20.

• Consecutive road games against division rivals Carolina and Atlanta to end the season.

Bucs co-chairman Joel Glazer has said new season-ticket sales in January through March were the best in years and renewals have been "extremely strong." He did not predict whether there would be blackouts in 2011.

"I think if we do our job, on the field and off of it, blackouts will take care of themselves," he said. "And we won't even be talking about if it's right or if it's wrong."

The Bucs are scheduled to play the Bears on Oct. 23 at London's Wembley Stadium. That game will remain at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa if the NFL labor situation isn't resolved by Aug. 1. Season-ticket holders who have paid in full will receive a refund for the lost home game and won't have to wait for the resolution of the NFL lockout.

Ticket holders who paid by cash or check will receive a check refund. Those paying by credit card will be credited the prorated amount for the single game. Payment plans will be adjusted to reflect the balance minus the Bears game.

Tampa Bay opens Sept. 11 by hosting the Lions, who essentially knocked the Bucs out of the playoffs with a 23-20 overtime win Dec. 20 at RJS. It's the third straight season the Bucs have kicked off the season at home.

The Bucs' first road game will be Sept. 18 at Minnesota.

Of course, given the labor climate, all NFL schedules might need to be written in pencil.

LEAGUEWIDE: The Packers open defense of their title at home Sept. 8 against the Saints in a matchup of the past two Super Bowl champions. The season's first Sunday falls on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The New York Jets host Dallas that day, and the Giants play at the Redskins in a matchup between the two cities, New York and Washington, most affected by the attacks.

Dr. Remote

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Lightning Live: 6:30 p.m. on Sun Sports. Hosts Paul Kennedy and Chris Dingman get you ready for Game 4 of the Lightning-Pens playoff series, which airs at 7 on Sun Sports.

Gruden QB Camp: 8 p.m. on ESPN2. Back-to-back episodes of the former Bucs coach working with college stars; this time it's Nick Fairley (Auburn defensive lineman) and Blaine Gabbert (Missouri quarterback).

Inside NASCAR: 9 p.m. on Showtime. Looking back at Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Talladega.

Reds' Leake keeps job in the wake of arrest

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Times wires
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

CINCINNATI — Reds RHP Mike Leake will keep his spot in the rotation while he handles a misdemeanor shoplifting charge.

Manager Dusty Baker decided to keep Leake as his starter for Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks. Leake was arrested Monday afternoon at a downtown Macy's, accused of removing the tags from six T-shirts and trying to steal them.

Baker talked to Leake before deciding to keep him on schedule to start.

"We talked about how he felt and could he handle the pressures of it, and he said yeah," Baker said. "Sometimes when you're in times of trouble, it's easier to go to work than to not go to work."

Leake declined to be interviewed.

CABRERA CASE: Prosecutors released documents related to Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera's drunken-driving case in which witnesses describe seeing a dark SUV driving on the wrong side of the road the night of Feb. 16, when the slugger was arrested in Fort Pierce. In other Tigers news, DH/C Victor Martinez went on the 15-day disabled list a day after aggravating a groin injury.

PENSION BOOST: Major League Baseball and the players' association agreed to increase pensions for older retired players, the Associated Press reported. The increases involve players from before 1980 who had less than four years of big-league service.

DYKSTRA EVADES CHARGES: Los Angeles County prosecutors declined to file charges against former Mets and Phillies OF Lenny Dykstra after he was arrested on suspicion of trying to buy a stolen car.

ANGELS: Former Rays LHP Scott Kazmir, sidelined after one start by lower back soreness, threw three innings in an extended spring game. Manager Mike Scioscia said his velocity picked up during the outing.

BLUE JAYS: RHP Frank Francisco, a closer candidate before straining his right shoulder, was activated off the 15-day disabled list. RHP Jesse Litsch, a former Dixie Hollins standout, was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.

CARDINALS: RHP Ryan Franklin was bumped from the closer's role after blowing four of five save chances and posting an 11.57 ERA. … 2B Skip Schumaker (right triceps strain) and reserve OF Allen Craig (left groin strain) went on the 15-day disabled list. INF Nick Punto was activated from the disabled list and 1B Mark Hamilton was recalled from Triple-A Memphis.

MARINERS: CF Franklin Gutierrez, out since mid March with a stomach ailment that plagued him last season, is headed to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. … RHP David Aardsma, coming back from January hip surgery, began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Tacoma. … 1B Justin Smoak went on the bereavement list to visit his ill father.

MARLINS: RF Mike Stanton, batting .194 with no homers in his first season as a cleanup hitter, was dropped to sixth in the batting order.

METS: INF Brad Emaus was designated for assignment, and INF Justin Turner was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo.

PHILLIES: LH reliever J.C. Romero went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right calf. LHP Mike Zagurski was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

RANGERS: RHP Tommy Hunter threw off a mound for the first time since straining his right groin during spring training and said he felt no pain.

ROCKIES: 3B Ian Stewart was demoted to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make room for RHP Ubaldo Jimenez's return from the 15-day disabled list.

TWINS: 1B Justin Morneau sat out for the third straight game with the flu.

WHITE SOX: RHP Jake Peavy will miss his next rehab start because of muscle tenderness and irritation in his surgically repaired right shoulder.

YANKEES: 3B Alex Rodriguez was out of the starting lineup for the second straight game because of a sore left side. He said he expects to return today.

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