By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, January 13, 2012

TAMPA — It has been an upside-down month in the Big East, and fittingly, USF found itself on the winning end again Friday night, rallying from 10 points down in the final six minutes to knock off No. 24 Seton Hall 56-55 at Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Down 52-42, the Bulls ended the game on a 14-3 run, punctuated by Toarlyn Fitzpatrick's 3-point play for the lead with 55 seconds left.

Seton Hall got a putback to get within one, and guard Jordan Theodore — who USF coach Stan Heath had called "probably the best player in our league right now" — had a one-and-one for a chance to win with 3.8 seconds left. The 82 percent free-throw shooter missed the front end, and Fitzpatrick grabbed the rebound to seal the Bulls' first win over a ranked opponent in nearly two years (Feb. 3, 2010, at No. 7 Georgetown).

"It says a lot about our team, when we put our minds to something. We really wanted this win," said senior Ron Anderson, who had a team-high 14 points, six during the final run.

USF (10-8) matched last season's win total, and its 3-2 conference record marks the deepest into Big East play the Bulls have had a winning league record. Seton Hall (15-3, 4-2) was ranked for the first time in 11 years, but the Bulls almost certainly made it a short stay in the polls. After committing 12 turnovers in the first half, USF had just two in the second, and none in the final 10 minutes.

"Our guys really hung tough … a lot of big plays made, offensively and defensively," Heath said. "The second half, just taking care of the basketball … was monumental. … So many guys played well for us. … Anderson was just a beast. He defended, rebounded, made his free throws, did all the little things for our team."

USF nearly gave the win away. Up one, guard Jawanza Poland missed the front end of a one-and-one with 21 seconds left, then freshman point guard Anthony Collins (six assists) fouled Theodore with 3.8 seconds, giving him a chance to win.

"We had a one-and-one to win the game. That's all you can ask for in this league on the road," Pirates coach Kevin Willard said.

Four players scored in USF's 14-3 run. Collins started it with a layup, Anderson scored the next six points, then Poland hit a 3-pointer to tie the score with 2:22 left, setting up Fitzpatrick's go-ahead play.

The crowd, announced at 3,805, came alive in the final nine minutes on dunks by Hugh Robertson and Poland that immediately preceded the Bulls' final surge.

"That place got pretty loud once we started making a comeback" Fitzpatrick said. "We really fed into that. We got hyped, the crowd was hyped. It was just a hyped atmosphere, and that's normally something you don't see here. It just really had us fired up. I think that's why we were able to pull off such a close game. It really kept the energy going in the building."

USF stays home and faces St. John's (8-8, 2-3) Wednesday night, with a winnable road game four days later at DePaul (10-6, 1-3). With continued solid play, the Bulls could be 5-2 in the Big East with seven more games against unranked conference opponents.

Greg Auman can be reached at auman@tampabay.com and at (813) 226-3346. Check out his blog at tampabay.com/blogs/bulls.

Times wires
Friday, January 13, 2012

DAYTONA BEACH — Kurt Busch insisted he wanted racing to become fun for him again when he split with Penske Racing to end last season.

With an underfunded team that likely won't compete for many wins, Busch believes his passion has returned.

"The pressure is not there," he said Friday, the second day of testing at Daytona International Speedway. "It's not going to take winning to make me happy. Right now, it's just going to the track and having fun."

Busch goes into the 2012 season with Phoenix Racing, a small team that leans on Hendrick Motorsports for support. Team owner James Finch fielded his Chevrolet in all 36 races last season but the team had only two top 15s — a pair of 12th-place finishes by Landon Cassill and Bill Elliott — and never contended for a victory.

Still, Busch thought it was a perfect fit as he recovers from a tumultuous 2011 season that led to a mutual split with high-powered Penske. Driver and team parted ways in December after another public meltdown.

He has said he realized his behavior stemmed from being too tightly wound, too sponsor conscious and unable to relax and be himself. Busch said in December he has started seeing a sports psychologist.

"If I'm going to sit there and tell stories to my grandchildren, this is not what I wanted to tell them," the 2004 series champion said. "So in looking at the big picture, I've got to understand what it takes to be a competitive driver and to harness that fire in my belly the right way and to put it together in a 2004-style effort."

Busch said he had discussions with owners Richard Petty, Richard Childress and Michael Waltrip. Petty, who needed a driver for his iconic No. 43 and eventually turned to Tampa's Aric Almirola, said this week that sponsors wouldn't touch Busch.

"Nobody at the time wanted to pay the bill for him. That's how simple it was," Petty said.

But Busch, who announced a three-race sponsorship deal this week with Tag Heuer Eyewear, said that was news to him.

"It was weird to hear his comments … because he was ready to throw me in the car and we would have been down the road," Busch said.

TEBOW INSPIRES CHAMP: Defending Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne said he admires Tim Tebow and wishes he displayed his faith as strongly as the quarterback does. Bayne, 20, has used his newfound fame as a platform for his Baptist religion. He said he talked to Tebow over the phone and that the Denver quarterback, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Florida, gave him useful advice. "It's definitely somebody I look up to, and I'd like to wear my faith on my sleeve a little more like he does," Bayne said.

FAST TIMES: Busch posted the fastest lap of the day at 206.058 mph but was being pushed in a two-car tandem by Regan Smith. Busch's brother Kyle was clocked at 205.813 while pack racing.

Times wires
Friday, January 13, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — Mark Emmert did enough in his first 17 months as NCAA president to get a 24-month contract extension.

Friday, the executive committee unanimously approved a deal to keep Emmert in office through October 2017.

"I am grateful for the executive committee's support during this critical period of time in intercollegiate athletics," Emmert said in a statement posted on the NCAA's website. "I look forward to continuing to work with presidents, commissioners, athletics directors, coaches and other leaders as we strengthen our service to student-athletes."

Emmert has pushed for rapid changes since he took office in October 2010. Many of the measures, particularly tougher academic standards, have been embraced by school presidents.

"He is exactly the right person the association needs to lead the NCAA through this very important time in our history," said Ed Ray, executive committee chairman and Oregon State president.

But two significant rules changes passed by the Division I Board of Directors in October — a $2,000 athlete stipend and requiring multiyear scholarships rather than annual renewals — are facing override hearings. Emmert wants only slight modifications to the stipend before sending it back for a 60-day comment period, he said Friday.

Thursday, Emmert said he would back a small football playoff if that's what BCS officials decide. He would support a four-team playoff field as long as the field doesn't grow, he said.

Meanwhile, an NCAA working group is proposing several cost-cutting measures, including reducing noncoaching staffs in football to 12 and in basketball to six starting in 2013-14; the elimination of foreign tours starting this summer, and scholarship reductions in football and women's basketball. Division I schools would lose five football scholarships, going from 85 to 80.

UCF loses assistants: A month after leaving Auburn to become the Knights' defensive coordinator, Ted Roof is leaving to take the same job on new Penn State football coach Bill O'Brien's staff. O'Brien and Roof were on the Georgia Tech staff from 1995-2001 under George O'Leary, the current UCF coach. Also, former Knights assistant Tim Salem was hired by Illinois to coach the running backs.

Arkansas: First-team All-SEC quarterback Tyler Wilson said he will return for his senior season.

Kansas: New football coach Charlie Weis hired former Dallas Cowboys secondary coach Dave Campo as defensive coordinator.

Kansas State: Former No. 1 football recruit Bryce Brown, a running back who left Tennessee after one season, has withdrawn from school and could enter the NFL draft, ESPN reported.

Michigan: Quarterback Denard Robinson, a 2012 Heisman Trophy candidate, and defensive back J.T. Floyd said they would return for their senior seasons.

Ohio State: School president Gordon Gee apologized for comparing the problem of coordinating the school's many divisions to the Polish army. Gee emailed an apology to a spokeswoman for the Polish American Congress. … Football coach Urban Meyer completed his staff, hiring former Notre Dame assistants Ed Warinner (co-offensive coordinator/line) and Tim Hinton (tight ends/fullbacks). … Though banned from playing in a bowl game due to NCAA violations, Ohio State will get about $400,000 from the Big Ten's bowl bank account.

Penn State: Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley, named interim football coach after Joe Paterno's firing Nov. 9, left after 33 years at his alma mater. He was not retained by new coach Bill O'Brien. "Walked out the doors proud with a lot of great memories and friends and a better man," he wrote on Twitter.

Tennessee: Football coach Derek Dooley hired Alabama assistant head coach Sal Sunseri as his defensive coordinator.

Times wires
Friday, January 13, 2012

DURHAM, N.C. — For Florida State, this was about as good a result as possible without actually beating No. 7 Duke.

Natasha Howard led FSU (10-8, 2-2 ACC) with 17 points while Cierra Bravard added 16, Chasity Clayton 15 and Chelsea Davis 10 in a game in which the Seminoles outshot the Blue Devils and played them even on the boards but ultimately lost 73-66 Friday.

"We turned the ball over a little bit too much, and that's been something we've wrestled with," said FSU basketball coach Sue Semrau, whose team committed 25 turnovers to Duke's 15. "But my team's coming a long way."

FSU shot 51.9 percent from the floor to 45.6 for the Blue Devils.

Tricia Liston scored 20 and freshman center Elizabeth Williams added 18 points and eight rebounds for Duke (13-2, 4-0), which has won 33 straight at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Louisville's top scorer out with ankle injury

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Leading scorer Kyle Kuric will not play today when the 14th-ranked Louisville men's team takes on DePaul. Kuric sustained a high left ankle sprain in practice, coach Rick Pitino said.

The senior forward was hurt Thursday when he apparently stepped on a teammate's foot. Pitino said he was not sure how long Kuric, who is averaging 13 points and had scored in double figures in 10 of his past 11 games, would be out.

UConn: Freshman Ryan Boatright will not play today at Notre Dame, benched for the second time this season as the NCAA investigates his eligibility. The point guard was suspended for the first six games for an infraction that involved accepting a plane ticket last year while he was playing AAU basketball.

Times wires
Friday, January 13, 2012

HONOLULU — Matt Every, finally making news for his golf, made the game look and sound easy Friday at the Sony Open.

Every, a former All-American at Florida, closed with three straight birdies for 6-under 64 and a 10-under 130 total, giving him a two-shot lead over Carl Pettersson (67) and David Hearn, who kept the Canadian presence on the leaderboard with his second straight 66.

Brendon de Jonge shot 62 and Pat Perez was solid again with 67 to finish three behind, along with Doug LaBelle, a Monday qualifier at the Sony Open for the third time. Steve Stricker made double bogey from a bad lie in a bunker that stalled his momentum. He settled for 69 and was five back.

Every, however, dominated the day on and off the course.

He made news in 2010 when he was arrested and jailed on a misdemeanor drug possession charge after agents were called to a casino hotel because of a strong odor of marijuana coming from the room he was in.

Every, 28, confirmed he was suspended by the PGA Tour for three months. "I don't do drugs. It was a (bad) deal, man," he said. "Wrong place, wrong time, perfect storm. … I'm not mad at the tour. They did what they had to do. But it's over with."

Graham DeLaet, the first-round leader at 63, had consecutive double bogeys at the start of his round and rallied for 72, putting him five out of the lead.

Stricker was tied for the lead when he birdied the 18th at the turn. On the opening hole, he got through the hard part with a drive in the fairway. His 3-iron into the wind came up a yard short and plugged into a bunker. He knocked his next shot over the green en route to double bogey.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, January 13, 2012

The only official business the Rays concluded Friday was making room for new addition Luke Scott on the 40-man roster by designating catcher Nevin Ashley for assignment.

Of more significance, they continued talks on a multiyear contract extension for manager Joe Maddon, whose deal expires after this season.

But with Maddon leaving today on a European vacation, it's possible negotiations won't be concluded until his late-January return. There is no deadline, and both sides have said publicly they expect a new deal.

Also, in what was a formality, the five eligible Rays filed for arbitration by Friday's deadline: centerfielder B.J. Upton and pitchers Burke Badenhop, J.P. Howell, Jeff Niemann and David Price.

Ashley, 27, has yet to play in the majors, splitting last season between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham. He hit a combined .263 with eight homers and 48 RBIs.

Ashley made a good impression on Maddon in the previous two spring trainings, and he joined the Rays for the 2010 playoffs (though not active) when Dioner Navarro left after being excluded from the postseason roster.

The Rays have four catchers on the roster: Jose Molina, Jose Lobaton, Robinson Chirinos and Stephen Vogt. They are likely to add another experienced catcher.

Ashley could remain in the organization if he clears waivers.

FANFEST SET: The Rays' annual FanFest is Feb. 18 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Highlights include a Thanksmas meal with Maddon, a "yard sale" of memorabilia, players reading to kids, and autographs, from players and coaches (for a donation), and from broadcasters and ex-major leaguers (for free). Admission and parking are free. Details: tampabay.com/blogs/rays.

Around the majors

SEATTLE — The Mariners and Yankees pulled off a good old power play.

Power pitcher for power hitter.

Seattle agreed to trade right-hander Michael Pineda to New York for catcher Jesus Montero, a swap involving two young stars under age 23, the Associated Press reported.

As part of the trade, the Yankees also sent pitcher Hector Noesi, 24, to Seattle for righty Jose Campos, 19.

In other Yankees news, right-hander Hiroki Kuroda agreed to terms on a $10 million, one-year deal, the Associated Press reported. Kuroda was 13-16 with a 3.07 ERA for the Dodgers in 2011 and 41-46, 3.45 in four years in Los Angeles after a long career in Japan.

ARBITRATION: Giants ace Tim Lincecum headed 142 players filing, and he is set to ask for a record salary when figures are exchanged next week. The two-time National League Cy Young Award winner made $13.1 million last season.

CUBS: Reliever Kerry Wood, 34, agreed to a $3 million contract for 2012 with a $3 million club option for 2013. The righty went 3-5 with a 3.35 ERA in 55 games last year in his second stint with the club. He missed the end of the season because of a tear in his left knee that needed arthroscopic surgery. Also, shortstop Starlin Castro said he has cooperated with authorities investigating an allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman in the fall. Castro, 21, has not been charged. Chicago police have declined to comment.

Braves: The team avoided arbitration with outfielder Martin Prado, agreeing to a $4.75 million contract for 2012, and brought back utility infielder Jack Wilson, 34, with a scaled-down deal. Prado, who made $3.1 million last season, is a versatile player who could be the long-term replacement at third base when Chipper Jones retires. Wilson agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract.

Phillies: Right-hander Kyle Kendrick avoided salary arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $3.585 million.

Rangers: Free agent slugger Prince Fielder was in Texas to talk with the two-time American League champs.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

Times wires
Friday, January 13, 2012

SUNRISE — The Penguins broke out of their slump in a big way.

Pittsburgh got its first multigoal effort in the past six games, beating the Panthers 4-1 Friday to end a six-game losing streak. The skid was its longest since 2006.

"It's a huge relief," said goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, who stopped 25 shots. "It wasn't fun for anybody. It got frustrating, but everybody stuck together."

The Penguins took a 1-0 lead on Steve Sullivan's goal at 1:49 of the second. Florida goalie Scott Clemmensen attempted to bring the puck out from behind the net, but it slipped away from him and out to the Penguins' Matt Cooke below the right circle. He passed to Sullivan in the low slot, and Sullivan easily got the puck past Clemmensen trying to get back in position.

"Maybe we needed to get a little bit of a miscue and a fortunate goal to get us started," coach Dan Bylsma said.

Crosby skates: Sidney Crosby skated for the first time in more than a month because of concussion symptoms, after the Penguins' morning skate. "The symptoms are getting a lot better, but I wouldn't say (I'm) symptom free," he said. Crosby said he has been having dizziness and balance problems.

Around the league: The instigator of a brutal fight that ended with a Rangers fan lying in a Philadelphia intersection after the Winter Classic was charged with assault. Dennis Veteri of Glassboro, N.J., threw the punch that turned a verbal dispute between Flyers and Rangers fans physical after the teams' Jan. 2 game, then landed a blow that knocked an off-duty police officer and Iraq war veteran unconscious, Philadelphia police said. Veteri was arrested Thursday and released on bail Friday. … Commissioner Gary Bettman, at the Penguins-Panthers game, shot down any chance of the Winter Classic being played in South Florida, citing "chemistry.'' The Panthers had thought the Marlins' new stadium could lure the game. … Blackhawks agitator Daniel Carcillo is out for the season with a torn ACL sustained on a hit that got him suspended for seven games Jan. 2 vs. the Oilers.

First Period—None. Penalties—Asham, Pit, major (fighting), 4:39; Barch, Fla, major (fighting), 4:39; Dupuis, Pit (tripping), 5:40; Weiss, Fla (tripping), 11:33; Versteeg, Fla (slashing), 13:39.

Second Period—1, Pitts., Sullivan 8 (Cooke), 1:49. 2, Pitts., Malkin 18 (Neal, Kunitz), 19:25. Penalties—Tangradi, Pit, major (fighting), 4:47; Gudbranson, Fla, major (fighting), 4:47; Weiss, Fla (tripping), 9:12.

Third Period—3, Pitts., Ty.Kennedy 6 (Orpik, Dupuis), :36. 4, Fla., Repik 2 (Garrison, Barch), 6:55. 5, Pitts., Neal 22 (Kunitz), 15:43. Penalties—Repik, Fla (interference), 1:39. Shots—Pitts. 18-14-9—41. Fla. 6-11-9—26. PP opportunities—Pitts. 0 of 4; Fla. 0 of 1. Goalies—Pitts., Fleury 20-12-2 (26 shots-25 saves). Fla., Clemmensen 5-2-3 (41-37).

First Period—1, Pho, Aucoin 2 (Korpikoski, Gordon), 1:49. 2, Clm, Kubalik 1 (Johnson, Vermette), 5:32. 3, Clm, Nash 15 (Savard, Brassard), 7:09. Penalties—Doan, Pho (holding), 11:15.

Second Period—4, Clm, Russell 1 (Pahlsson, Dorsett), 1:52. 5, Pho, Korpikoski 10 (Vrbata, Ekman-Larsson), 8:48. 6, Clm, Brassard 6 (Tyutin, Nikitin), 18:36. Penalties—Dorsett, Clm (boarding), 15:50.

Third Period—7, Pho, Vrbata 22 (Korpikoski, Ekman-Larsson), 11:12. Penalties—None. Shots —Pho 6-13-16—35. Clm 15-8-9—32. PP opportunities—Pho 0 of 1; Clm 0 of 1. Goalies—Pho, LaBarbera 3-7-1 (32 shots-28 saves). Clm, Sanford 7-9-3 (35-32).

First Period—1, Buff, Ellis 3 (Gaustad, Kaleta), 1:05. 2, Buff, Gaustad 4 (McNabb, Kaleta), 3:53. 3, Tor, Grabovski 14 (Schenn, Gunnarsson), 14:06. 4, Tor, Crabb 7 (Grabovski), 16:52. Penalties—Brown, Tor (delay of game), 17:05.

Second Period—5, Buff, Pominville 15 (Vanek), 14:13. Penalties—Vanek, Buf (kneeing), 4:26; Gerbe, Buf (hooking), 11:14; Gragnani, Buf (cross-checking), 15:47.

Third Period—None. Penalties—Tor bench, served by Kadri (too many men), 7:44; Gragnani, Buf (high stick), 9:01. Shots—Tor 8-9-9—26. Buff 6-10-9—25. PP opps—Tor 0 of 4; Buff 0 of 2. Goalies—Tor, Gustavsson 13-8-0 (25 shots-22 saves). Buff, Miller 11-12-2 (26-24).

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, January 13, 2012

WASHINGTON — Five lousy minutes.

Five lousy minutes when the Lightning took three minor penalties and the Capitals scored two power-play goals were the difference in Tampa Bay's 4-3 loss Friday night at the Verizon Center.

But the way the Lightning looked at it, it was referees Mike Hasenfratz and Francois St. Laurent who were lousy and bore some responsibility for Tampa Bay falling behind 2-0 in the game's first 5:45.

An argument could be made goaltender Dwayne Roloson should have stopped the tallies by Alex Ovechkin and Troy Brouwer, but …

"Two penalties for absolutely nothing," Boucher said. "We get two penalties for absolutely nothing; calls that are never called the entire year, so right away they give (the Capitals) a break, and they capitalize right away, and we're behind the eight ball the rest of the way."

"They scored two power-play goals," center Steven Stamkos said, "and in the end, those are the goals that won them the game."

It was the sixth straight loss for Tampa Bay (17-22-4), and it might have been the most frustrating in the streak because except for those five minutes, the Lightning had the better of play, evinced by a 31-20 shot advantage that helped the team overcome a 3-0 second-period deficit.

Tom Pyatt's second-period goal started the rally. Stamkos' power-play goal, his league-best 30th goal of the season, made it 3-2 with 3:24 left in the third, and after Brouwer's empty-net goal, Vinny Lecavalier made it 4-3 with 11 seconds left.

For good measure, Stamkos got his licks in on Brouwer, who had a hat trick but with 6:11 left in the third hit Marty St. Louis from behind into the boards.

"Our players played hard," Boucher said. "We can't ask for more with our players."

They just couldn't do enough to overcome those five lousy minutes.

They began with defenseman Pavel Kubina's high-sticking penalty on Marcus Johansson 48 seconds in. The play was over, Boucher said, and any contact with Johansson was inadvertent because Kubina, though his stick was in the air, had no intention of hitting the Capitals player.

Tampa Bay killed that power play but wasn't as lucky on St. Louis' interference call or Eric Brewer's delay of game, both of which produced goals through Roloson's legs. There was no arguing Brewer's penalty, but St. Louis said he simply skated in front of Washington's Joel Ward.

"It's a play that happens all the time," he said. "I don't know."

What Tampa Bay knows is it answered well after Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Hurricanes but still fell 10 points behind the Capitals for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

"We played well enough to win," Boucher said. "What's tough is we're not getting the breaks."

Especially in those five lousy minutes.

First Period—1, Washington, Ovechkin 18 (Johansson, Wideman), 3:52 (pp). 2, Washington, Brouwer 12 (Semin, Wideman), 5:45 (pp). Penalties—Kubina, TB (high-sticking), :48; St. Louis, TB (interference), 3:01; Brewer, TB (delay of game), 5:07; Washington bench, served by Beagle (too many men), 11:04; Hamrlik, Was (hooking), 18:01.

Second Period—3, Washington, Brouwer 13 (Laich, Knuble), 5:25. 4, Tampa Bay, Pyatt 4 (St. Louis), 17:06. Penalties—Carlson, Was (tripping), 10:16; Downie, TB, major (fighting), 12:42; Alzner, Was, major (fighting), 12:42.

Third Period—5, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 30 (Malone, Lecavalier), 16:36 (pp). 6, Washington, Brouwer 14 (Laich, Halpern), 19:00 (en). 7, Tampa Bay, Lecavalier 17 (St. Louis, Purcell), 19:49. Penalties—Clark, TB (holding), 10:09; Stamkos, TB (roughing), 13:49; Brouwer, Was (boarding, roughing), 13:49; Hamrlik, Was (delay of game), 16:00. Shots on Goal—Tampa Bay 8-8-15—31. Washington 8-5-7—20. Power-play opportunities—Tampa Bay 1 of 5; Washington 2 of 4. Goalies—Tampa Bay, Roloson 6-10-2 (19 shots-16 saves). Washington, Vokoun 18-10-0 (31-28). A—18,506 (18,398). T—2:39. Referees—Mike Hasenfratz, Francois St. Laurent. Linesmen—Jay Sharrers, Brian Murphy.

Times wires
Friday, January 13, 2012

ST. LOUIS — The Rams prevailed in a competition with the Dolphins to land Jeff Fisher for their coaching vacancy Friday. They said they are finalizing details to hire the former Titans coach.

Fisher, 53, the Rams defensive coordinator in 1991, when they played in Los Angeles, interviewed twice with St. Louis, once meeting with quarterback Sam Bradford.

"The process has been lengthy but for good reasons," said Fisher, who inherits a team that is 23-73 with no playoff berths over the past six seasons. "I took a lot of time looking at and exploring in detail the noneconomic issues of both clubs."

After firing Steve Spagnuolo on Jan. 2, the Rams said they preferred a coach with previous head coaching experience. Spagnuolo had been the Giants defensive coordinator. His predecessor, Scott Linehan, had been the Dolphins offensive coordinator.

Fisher went 142-120 with only six winning seasons among 17 with the Titans before stepping down after last season. He made the playoffs six times and reached the Super Bowl once, losing 23-16 to the Rams in January 2000.

"I'm really excited that the Rams are the best fit for me," Fisher said. "I hope I'm the best fit for the Rams and am looking forward to finalizing the (contract) details and coming to work."

SI.com reported Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will join Fisher in St. Louis. Williams ran the defense under Fisher with the Titans from 1997-2000 before leaving to become head coach of the Bills. Earlier this week, Williams said he wouldn't talk to Fisher until after the Saints' season ends.

Jaguars: Falcons quarterbacks coach Bob Bratkowski was hired as offensive coordinator. He follows new coach Mike Mularkey, who was Atlanta's offensive coordinator. The hiring comes one day after Mel Tucker, who served as interim coach after Jack Del Rio's firing, said he would remain as defensive coordinator.

Jets: Coach Rex Ryan said quarterback Mark Sanchez has the support of the organization. The comments came two days after New York's Daily News reported several Jets players were unhappy with him, one calling him lazy. "If it's not all of (his teammates), it's the majority that have a great deal of confidence in Mark Sanchez," Ryan said. "And when he walks through that door, his head is going to be held high."

Titans: Tight end Craig Stevens, a potential restricted free agent, re-signed for four years and what Nashville's Tennessean reported was for $15 million. Stevens caught only nine passes this season but is considered a key run blocker.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 14, 2012

Odds are that at some point this season, new Rays DH Luke Scott will say something that creates controversy.

He has done it before, most famously when he asserted in December 2010 that President Barack Obama "doesn't represent America" and wasn't born in the United States, leading the Orioles to issue a statement distancing themselves.

And again when Scott, who is white, told ESPN.com in April 2011 that he'd openly caution then-teammate Felix Pie, a dark-skinned Dominican, when he was acting like an "animal" or a "savage" and throw banana chips into his helmet.

He's open about his devout Christianity, his right-wing politics, his love of guns.

But former teammates, including Pie, have said repeatedly that they had no problems with Scott and that he's not a racist, and rave about what a good guy he is to have around. "Really gonna miss him as a teammate," CF Adam Jones, who is black, tweeted Thursday. "Was a gamer and if u knew him, he's actually pretty coo(l)."

The Rays, well aware of what they're getting, are not concerned.

"We pride ourselves on having a positive environment that encourages individuality and allows our guys to be themselves," executive VP Andrew Friedman said. "We have many different types of personalities, but what brings everyone together is their outstanding work ethic and commitment to winning. Luke is a great competitor and teammate, and we're confident that he'll fit in well."

Scott, similarly, won't hesitate walking into a new clubhouse.

"I'm a pretty easy guy to get along with," he said. "Low-maintenance guy. I go, I do my work and try to enjoy my teammates. I respect everybody, respect their beliefs. They're my teammates, they're like my brothers, they're like my family. I'm going to spend more time with them than I will with my own family. I'm excited, I'm looking forward to it."

ARB UPDATE: Arbitration-eligible players and teams exchange figures Tuesday, which is essentially the point of no return given the Rays' policy of breaking off negotiations.

Of their five cases, three seem relatively straightforward, LHP J.P. Howell ($1.1 million 2011 salary) and RHPs Jeff Niemann ($903,000) and Burke Badenhop ($750,000 with Florida). But LHP David Price ( $1.25 million) and CF B.J. Upton ($4.825 million) present the potential for high-stakes complications.

Already beyond their projected payroll limits at around $54 million to $55 million, and with plans to add another hitter, the Rays have set figures in mind — let's guess roughly $4-4.5 million for Price, $6.5-7 million for Upton. But if they end up on the wrong end of a hearing and a few million off, they could have issues. At the least, they're likely to wait to see how the numbers look before moving forward on a hitter.

RAYS RUMBLINGS: RHP Alex Cobb said all has gone well in his recovery from August thoracic outlet surgery, and he expects to be ready for spring training. … The Rays have one ESPN Sunday Night Baseball appearance set so far, April 29 at Texas. … There's some talk that Johnny Damon, unhappy the Rays didn't keep him, could end up with the O's. Or maybe back with the Yanks? … Former Ray Willy Aybar was released from a Dominican Republic jail on bail of $131,600 after another accusation of domestic abuse and is under a restraining order, but he told reporters he hopes to resume playing in Japan. … Of much interest to the Rays, MLB still hasn't decided whether to add the second wild card to this year's playoffs; March 1 is the deadline.

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.

By Rob Gorta, Times Correspondent
Saturday, January 14, 2012

Weather: Cold fronts passing through every four days will push water out of the bay on low tides, exposing every sandbar at the edge of every flat. Take advantage and look for cuts in the bars. Fish have no choice but to use these cuts on extreme lows as their route on and off the flats.

Gear: Neoprene waders are a must when water temperatures go below 65 degrees. Wading boots provide protection against stingrays. Another important item is a wading belt. It allows anglers to carry an extra rod, a small tackle box and, most important, it slows water from entering the waders if you slip or fall.

Tackle: I prefer a 7-foot rod and a 30 series reel loaded with 10-pound braided line. The light braid allows long casts with the wind, which covers more area when blind-casting. A 6-foot, 20-pound camouflage leader keeps reds from seeing the braided line in the clear water. A red, quarter-ounce jig rigged with a root beer-colored tail is hard to beat. It imitates a small crustacean, a favorite of redfish.

Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg. Call him at (727) 647-7606 or visit captainrobgorta.com.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 14, 2012

Hunt for a Bucs head coach: Day 12

Top of the list

1. Mike Sherman: Former Packers and Texas A&M coach

2. Marty Schottenheimer: Former Browns, Chiefs, Redskins and Chargers coach

3. Brad Childress: Former Vikings coach

4. Rob Chudzinski: Panthers offensive coordinator

5. Mike Zimmer: Bengals defensive coordinator

On the radar

1. Jerry Gray: Titans defensive coordinator

What's new

• NFL.com reports Miami is considering bringing Zimmer in for a second interview.

• San Francisco Chronicle reports Green Bay linebackers coach/assistant head coach Winston Moss, a Bucs second-round pick in 1987, is the front-runner in Oakland.

Our take

The Bucs were expected to spend this weekend talking to candidates, including Zimmer and Chudzinski. But there are potential candidates on coaching staffs that had games this weekend, so the Bucs await the outcomes to see when those coaches will be available. The Bucs continue to take their time. But with Jeff Fisher close to a deal and, presumably, assembling a staff in St. Louis, other dominoes could start to fall soon. The Bucs are in the process of eliminating candidates and, presumably, getting closer to a decision.

Stephen F. Holder, Times staff writer

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 14, 2012

Texans (11-6) at Ravens (12-4)

Time: 1 p.m. TV/radio: Ch. 10; 1010-AM

Coaches: Texans — Gary Kubiak (47-49); Ravens — John Harbaugh (44-20)

The Texans win if …

Their running game is superior to the Ravens'. That would allow Arian Foster, left, who had 153 yards against the Bengals last week, and Ben Tate to take the pressure off QB T.J. Yates.

The Ravens win if …

Their defense plays the way you would expect coming off a bye week. The Ravens limited the Texans to 14 points in an Oct. 16 game in Baltimore.

Matchup to watch

Texans WR Andre Johnson, far left, back from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the teams' game in October, is likely to see matchups with rookie CB Jimmy Smith. The Ravens can't give up big plays.

Our take

This is the playoffs, so all bets are off. But the Ravens' 8-0 home record this season can't be dismissed. This is the first time they've had a home playoff game under Harbaugh. And given the bye week, they'll be ready for Houston.

Prediction | Ravens 24, Texans 21

Giants (10-7) at Packers (15-1)

Time: 4:30 p.m. TV/radio: Ch. 13; 1010-AM

Coaches: Giants — Tom Coughlin (74-54, 142-113 overall); Packers — Mike McCarthy (63-33)

The Giants win if …

They pressure Packers QB Aaron Rodgers with a relentless pass rush. The only way to beat the Green Bay passing game is to throw off its precise timing.

The Packers win if …

They hit enough deep balls over the top of the Giants secondary, a distinct possibility given New York's soft pass defense.

Matchup to watch

Former USF standout DE Jason Pierre-Paul, far left, finished fourth in the NFL with 16½ sacks, helping the Giants regain their place among the best pass-rushing teams in the league. Pro Bowl LT Chad Clifton will be tasked with slowing him.

Our take

The Giants match up well against the Packers, something they proved in the regular-season meeting, when visiting Green Bay won on a last-minute field goal. But unless the New York secondary plays unbelievably, the Pack will prevail.

Prediction | Packers 29, Giants 26

Stephen F. Holder, Times staff writer

Stat pack

passing yards

rushing yards

passing yards allowed

rushing yards allowed

texans

ravens

153.0

124.8

189.7

196.2

offensive rankings: Texans — 10th; Ravens — 15th

defensive rankings: Texans — 2nd; Ravens — 3rd

points scored: Texans — 23.8 (10th); Ravens — 23.6 (12th)

points allowed: Texans — 17.4 (4th); Ravens — 16.6 (3rd)

Stat pack

passing yards

rushing yards

passing yards allowed

rushing yards allowed

giants

packers

295.9

307.8

89.2

97.4

121.1

111.8

255.1

299.8

offensive rankings: Giants — 8th; Packers — 3rd

defensive rankings: Giants — 27th; Packers — 32nd

points scored: Giants — 24.6 (9th); Packers — 35.0 (1st)

points allowed: Giants — 25.0 (25th); Packers — 22.4 (19th)

219.1

213.9

96.0

92.6

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 14, 2012

5 questions W Marty St. Louis

(Before Thursday's game with Carolina, his first wearing a visor after a puck hit him near the left eye.)

So, you'll be wearing a visor now?

Next question.

Are you just testing it out?

Next question.

Does the (face) cage (he had been wearing) come off tonight?

Next question.

You're not being very helpful.

No, not very.

Why don't you want to talk about the visor?

(Silence)

Sly move

Rookie Brett Connolly was in an interesting situation last week when he was traded from a place he wasn't to a place he might never be.

Tri-City of the junior Western league acquired Connolly's rights from Prince George in a trade that can be classified as "just in case." If the Lightning does not make the playoffs, Tri-City reasoned, perhaps it will return Connolly to juniors. If it does, the Americans will have him.

"Some of them are reaching out to me, joking around: 'You don't want to play in the NHL. Come back to play juniors,' " Connolly said. "It's just something that happens."

Asked if he was rooting for Tri-City, Connolly deferred.

"I'm just concentrating on the Lightning," he said.

Snowed in

When 18 feet of snow recently fell on the Alaskan city of Cordova, Nate Thompson could feel the residents' pain. Or was it their chill? He is from Anchorage, about 170 miles west.

"I talked to my mom, and she said she has 6 or 7 feet of snow in front of her house," the center said.

Thompson said he has never seen a snowfall that deep, and as for winters in the Tampa Bay area, well, they don't seem so bad.

"It's crazy," he said. "They're having a real winter over there."

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 14, 2012

The most intriguing player in the Lightning organization might be minor-leaguer Dustin Tokarski.

Even from AHL Norfolk, his presence is felt in Tampa, where the Lightning is going through yet another season of goaltending angst and Tokarski has gotten stronger as the season has progressed.

So why hasn't Tampa Bay called up Tokarski for even a quick look to gauge his development?

General manager Steve Yzerman considered it about a month ago, but coach Guy Boucher wanted to give struggling No. 1 Dwayne Roloson more time to find his game.

"I always want to believe in our players," Boucher said. "Any player at any moment of the year can turn things around; you never know when, especially with a guy who's done it before who's got experience. … I believe (Roloson) can still do well."

But Roloson's 3.68 goals-against average and .880 save percentage have not improved, and he allowed a couple of questionable goals in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Capitals.

The Lightning also has fallen to last in the Eastern Conference and is a gaping 10 points out of the final playoff spot. That means the time likely is at hand for Yzerman to shift focus to plan for next season rather than a playoff run the team gives little indication it can mount.

In that context, why not call up Tokarski, 22, even for a quick look? At the least it would give Tampa Bay a chance to evaluate him in a big-league atmosphere.

It would be important information for a team needing a long-term goalie solution and facing a short-term decision on whether to re-sign Tokarski, a pending restricted free agent who entered Saturday 15-9-0 with a 2.41 goals-against average, .903 save percentage and two shutouts.

For what it's worth, Boucher last week did not publicly raise any objections: "The reality is we have a guy in the minors whose contract is up, and he's been doing real well in the minors. And we have a general manager who wants to know what he's got. That's normal."

And intriguing.

By Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 14, 2012

TALLAHASSEE — The previous two times North Carolina traveled to Florida State, the Tar Heels needed buzzer-beating 3-pointers to escape with victories.

That might have been the only type of shot Seminoles guard Deividas Dulkys didn't hit Saturday.

Dulkys hit a 3-pointer on the opening possession after a long series of perimeter passes. He hit another one from the left corner. He hit another from above the right elbow. Add another five to arrive at his final stat line: 12-of-14 from the floor, 8-of-10 from 3-point range, en route to a career-high 32 points. The UNC starters headed to the locker room early to avoid the impending student rush, and FSU celebrated its stunning 90-57 victory over the No. 3-ranked team in the country.

"It was awesome," said Dulkys, who foreshadowed his shooting prowess in morning practice when he made a personal-best 28 3-pointers in a row. "If I wake up tomorrow morning, it was awesome. If not, it was a dream."

The Seminoles (11-6, 2-1 ACC), in front of the season's first sell-out at the Tucker Center, showed no signs of the offensive woes that limited them to 10 points in the first half against Princeton 15 days ago or the defensive lapses that caused them to lose by 20 at Clemson a week ago.

Dulkys' shooting performance was mesmerizing, but FSU coach Leonard Hamilton also pointed to the more subtle elements of the game.

"I just thought that our guys did the little things we've been asking them to do in relation to spacing, ball reversals and penetrating," said Hamilton, whose team entered shooting an ACC-worst 30.2 percent from 3-point range but was 12 of 27 (44.4 percent) Saturday. "We didn't change our offense, and we didn't come up with any other terms to use and motivate our players other than the ones we've been using. The nature of the game, the respect we have for Carolina, the pain of the loss at Clemson all kind of brought our team back in focus."

UNC (15-3, 2-1), which entered leading all of Division I in points and rebounds per game, was held to a season-low scoring output and suffered its worst loss in Roy Williams' nine seasons as coach.

"Florida State made us look like a bunch of little junior high guys," he said.

Center Tyler Zeller had a game-high 14 rebounds to go with 14 points. Former Sickles High standout John Henson added 10 points for UNC, but he missed on all seven of his free throws.

FSU's largest margin of victory ever over UNC and first home win against the Heels since Jan. 22, 2004, had Hamilton looking forward to both Tuesday's game against Maryland and the bigger picture.

"When you're trying to become a program of significance and move into that upper echelon of the ACC, you've got to be successful against two of the top four winningest programs in the history of college basketball, Duke and North Carolina," he said. "We have to now take this momentum, come back to practice and get a game plan together."

Dulkys, too, talked about getting back to the grind. As for how long he lets his mind linger on his career performance, he couldn't exactly say.

"I have no idea," he said with a smile. "It's never happened before, so we'll see."

Times wires
Saturday, January 14, 2012

MELBOURNE, Australia — Serena Williams knows better than most what it takes to win a Grand Slam title.

The 13-time Grand Slam champion approaches the Australian Open beginning Monday (tonight locally) still troubled by a sprained left ankle that needs regular ice treatment. She has played two competitive matches (at the Brisbane International) since losing the U.S. Open final in September.

"Two is plenty for me, for sure," she said Saturday, smiling. "Overall I feel really good."

In 2007, Williams won the third of her five Australian Open titles after a lead up of three matches. She has twice won here without any warmup events.

Other contending women are dealing with issues, too. Defending champion Kim Clijsters retired in the Brisbane semifinals with muscle spasms in her left hip. And top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki, still looking for her first Grand Slam title, has been dealing with a left wrist injury.

Australian Samantha Stosur, who lives in Tampa, has been working with a sports psychologist for the past 10 months.

In nine appearances here, Stosur's best runs have ended in the fourth round. She sounded as if she was taking some of Ruth Anderson's advice as she tried to forget recent Brisbane and Sydney defeats. "You can't dwell on anything that you weren't happy about for too long," she said. "Take what you can out of it."

On the men's side, Novak Djokovic begins his followup to 2011, when he won 41 straight matches, three of the four majors and gained the No. 1 ranking.

"It's going to be very difficult to repeat what I have done," he said. "But, look, I've done it once. … Why not stay optimistic and positive about the whole season?

Djokovic had a 10-1 record against Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in 2011. His only loss at a major was to Federer in the French Open semifinals.

Federer comes in having hurt his back and withdrawing at Doha, something he'd had to do once before in his pro career. On Saturday, he said, "All that's gone, so I feel like I'm back to normal."

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Saturday, January 14, 2012

BROOKSVILLE — The Shark Fest Duals at Nature Coast featured several of the top programs in the state, and against that high level of competition the Sharks reached the finals, establishing the hosts as a force before next month's state series.

Palm Harbor University, armed with three top-ranked wrestlers, defeated Nature Coast 37-28 in the championship round Saturday, so the Sharks could have been satisfied with their finish in the 12-team field. It speaks to the attitude within the program that they were not.

"The kids wrestled great this weekend," Sharks coach Mike Lastra said, "but we weren't in this tournament to take second place. We wanted to win."

Cameron Tull (132 pounds), Mitch Lambert (160) and Carlos Carasquillo (170) went undefeated (8-0) in the event for the Sharks.

According to Scout.com, the Sharks were ranked ninth in Class 2A heading in, and their showing in a field that also included Bradenton Manatee, Gainesville and Countryside was a real boost.

"Our kids were real motivated because of the competitions," Lastra said. "There were a lot of good individual matches that should help us in the long run."

Fivay took third place over Gainesville via forfeit. The Hurricanes left early after a consolation semifinal win over Countryside, leaving the Falcons with third after their 39-25 win over Bradenton Manatee.

Although the Falcons were 17-0 in dual competition before Shark Fest, many questioned the level of their competition. Fivay laid many doubts to rest, going 6-2, with its losses against PHU and Nature Coast.

"Most of these teams aren't in our (classification, 2A), but it was a good experience to get some matches under our belts," Fivay coach Andy Medders said. "We fell short in some matches because my guys didn't smell blood in the water like they should have."

Sean Speer (120) was the lone Falcon to go undefeated. Nicco Lightfoot (182) and Mike Hahn (220) both lost their first matches of the season, and each now has a 27-1 record.

Wesley Chapel's Nick Popolillo (160) also went undefeated at 8-0 in the tournament. His only losses this season have come once to Lambert and twice to Springstead's Cody Ross.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, January 14, 2012

49ERS 36, SAINTS 32: Vernon Davis' 14-yard catch with nine seconds left — the game's fourth touchdown over the final 4:02 — puts San Francisco into the NFC title game. 4C

Wade said no.

And you said, "Whew.''

That alone should tell you something about Phillips and something about the team that was interested in hiring him. What it says are bad things about both parties.

Phillips, after all, is a man who has spent a lot of years proving he was not a satisfactory head coach, and this was probably his final chance at a head coaching position. Despite that, Phillips said never mind. Perhaps the idea of another Wade Phillips hire sounded as uninspired to him as it did to you.

Fisher said no way.

And you said, "Huh?''

That should tell you something about Jeff Fisher, and it should tell you something about a team that wasn't worth either side interviewing the other. It is flattering for neither.

Fisher, we can agree, is about 100 pounds of hype in a 50-pound bag. Again, he's a nice coach, but when did six playoff seasons in 17 years merit a bidding war? Still, the Rams sounded good to him, and the Dolphins sounded interesting.

But the Bucs weren't worth considering. Which leads us to this:

Isn't there anyone who wants this job? And if so, do you want them? Remember when Groucho Marx said he would never join a club that would have him as a member? Evidently, that club is the Bucs. And Groucho is just old enough to interview.

Over the last week, we have learned a great deal about the Bucs, mainly that a lot of people don't think working for them sounds like a great deal. That's a little unsettling. You keep waiting for the Bucs to say no to coaches such as Phillips, and for crying out loud, he's saying no first. Frankly, if any of the 32 NFL teams want to interview Phillips, he should show up 15 minutes early and he should bring pizza.

So what else have we learned?

We have learned the Bucs don't quite understand the Rooney Rule. No, it does not mean you have to interview candidates as old as Andy Rooney.

We have learned Wilford Brimley has no interest in coaching.

We have learned the Bucs are so smart, they have a whole list of candidates no one else was smart enough to interview.

We have learned the Bucs are interested in coaches that even Texas A&M threw away.

We have learned Marty Schottenheimer is still alive. Who knew?

We have learned the Bucs found the perfect way to make Mike Zimmer and Rob Chudzinski sound like great candidates … by interviewing the old guys first.

Most of all, however, we have learned the Bucs job, despite a talented young quarterback and a promising defensive line, might not sound quite as attractive as some might have you believe. Just asking here, but could it be that some coaches don't see the stability or the track record of spending that helps make winning possible? Why else?

Shouldn't the Bucs be asking these same questions? Why wouldn't the best candidates be willing to mud wrestle each other for the Bucs job? If not money, if not organization, what is lacking?

Here's a question, too? Is there a candidate on the interview list who is going to tempt you into buying tickets?

Schottenheimer? Without ques­tion, he has the best resume of any of the candidates who have been mentioned publicly. It's just that resume was written in hieroglyphics on an ancient scroll.

Granted, if Schottenheimer was a few years younger, he might be a slam dunk for the Bucs. He won in Cleveland, and he won in Kansas City, and he won in San Diego, and he was great in the movie Cocoon. None of those franchises quite recovered from his firing.

As it is, the Bucs could do worse as far as a guy to grab the attention of a young team and point it in the right direction. Schottenheimer wouldn't be here for a decade, but if you plan to change coaches again in 3-4 years, he's worth considering.

Sherman, for whatever reason, seems to be considered the favorite. After a 25-25 stint at Texas A&M, it is not quite clear why.

Chudzinski? Zimmer? At least other teams will talk to these guys. And they should. Both had good seasons this year. But does either have the weight to impress the Bucs players? Or, for that matter, you?

And so the search continues. We'll see if there are better nominees to announce.

Curly Lambeau, for instance.

I bet he would leap at the chance.

For the latest on the Bucs' coaching search, go to tampabay.com/blogs/bucs or follow on Twitter at @BucsBeat.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, January 14, 2012

Ask around the locker room about the Lightning power play and you get several reactions, none of which indicates players are eager to talk.

There is the stare, the shrug and, expertly executed by coach Guy Boucher, the sigh.

"I have never had a year like this in the power play," Boucher said, "ever."

In a season in which so much has gone wrong for Tampa Bay, perhaps nothing has frustrated the organization as much as the sputtering, and at times foundering, power play.

In its way, the power play is as much to blame for the team's lack of success as its leaky defense and goaltending.

The numbers are startling.

The Lightning's 13.5 percent efficiency when playing with an extra man was 28th in the 30-team league entering Saturday. It was last on the road at 9.1 percent.

Optimists point to the team's 20 percent efficiency at home, but that is offset by trends such as a 3-for-40 skid in the team's past 12 games overall and 2-for-39 in its past nine on the road.

For good measure, consider the team has one goal in 10 five-on-three opportunities. No team with as many chances has fewer.

Compare that with last season, when the power play was sixth in the league and producing enough offense to help mask some of the Lightning's defensive deficiencies.

"Last year it was winning us games. This year it hasn't," right wing Teddy Purcell said. "We always talk about, if you can't score, at least try to build some momentum on it, and we haven't done a good job of that, too."

What is the problem? Boucher said players have been stationary in the offensive zone.

"The mobility we're asking for on the power play is not working," he said. "We're asking for some cycling, we're asking for some guys to move, and that's not what I'm getting."

Wing Marty St. Louis said perhaps players are trying to find a balance between what is scripted and their instincts.

"You have certain things you are trying to do," St. Louis said, "but at the end of the day, you have to make plays and read plays and be hungry and not wait for the pretty play.

"A lot of goals are not set plays. They're just awareness to bring the puck to the net and have players going there and be hungry to score."

That is what happened during Friday's 4-3 loss to the Capitals when Steven Stamkos scored by driving to the net to take a pass from Ryan Malone.

Boucher, who has worn out his notepad devising power play lineups, also had five forwards on the ice, a configuration likely to be repeated today against the Penguins.

Many times, though, the Lightning has trouble simply getting into the offensive zone. Part of that is turnovers, a season-long plague, and perhaps the lack of a true quarterback, a job that has fallen by default to St. Louis.

"We have to have poise, and that falls a lot on my shoulders," he said. "If I rush things, I put guys in bad situations."

There also is the thought that because the team has had less power-play time this season compared with last, it hasn't gotten enough game-situation reps.

"That makes a difference," captain Vinny Lecavalier said. "Sometimes you feel good about your power play and the next game you get one. You need more. You get three, four, five, you get on a roll."

It is an interesting theory. The Lightning had 537 power-play minutes in 2010-11. This season it is on pace for 453. Is that because the team's occasional lack of urgency and drive does not draw as many penalties? That is difficult to determine.

Bottom line, "it's down, and we know it's down," St. Louis said. "That's why we have to show more urgency when we get one."