By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Take a hit, make a play
Lightning C Dominic Moore said he probably never worked as hard for an empty-net goal, or took as much punishment, as he did at the end of Game 1.
Moore, at the goal mouth, didn't just collide with pursuing Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, above, in the 4-2 East semifinal win Friday, he gave Ovechkin enough of a hip check at the goal mouth to launch him into the end boards before flying into the goal post himself.
"I took a right turn at the end," Moore said. "I wasn't going to go for it. (The puck) was going to go wide of the net, and I didn't want to get caught (up ice). But then I saw it had a chance to hit the post, and then I had to take off again."
Number of the day
7 Shots fired by Capitals LW Alex Ovechkin in Game 1 that Tampa Bay blocked.
Tickets
The Lightning has released several hundred club-level seats for Games 3 and 4 and a potential Game 6 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. The price is $187.75 and includes all-you-can-eat amenities. Several hundred unused team tickets of various prices have been released for Game 6 only. Check Ticketmaster (outlets, ticketmaster.com, toll-free 1-800-745-300).
The series Lightning leads 1-0
Game 1, Lightning 4, Capitals 2: The line of Downie-Bergenheim-Moore comes up big again.
Game 2: at Washington, 7 tonight
Game 3: at Tampa Bay, 6:30 Tuesday
Game 4: at Tampa Bay, 7 Wednesday
Game 5: at Washington, 12:30 Saturday*
Game 6: at Tampa Bay, TBD May 9*
Game 7: at Washington, TBD May 11*
* If necessary
TV: Game 2 on Versus; Games 3 and 4 on Sun Sports; Game 5 on Ch. 8; rest TBD
Radio: Game 2 on 620-AM; Games 3 and 4 on 970-AM; rest TBD
Quote to note
"They've lost one game at home now. I think they'll be charging out there. We'll be bombarded from everywhere. I'd be surprised if that wasn't the case. I expect them to be outstanding."
Coach Guy Boucher, right, on what he expects from the Capitals in Game 2 today
In his ear
Lightning assistant coach Wayne Fleming is not with the team because of his recent brain cancer diagnosis. But he is making a contribution by watching games on television and text messaging and e-mailing his observations and suggestions to the coaching staff between periods — and sometimes during periods. The messages go to video coach Nigel Kirwan, who is in the team offices. Kirwan relays the messages through a headset to assistant Dan Lacroix on the bench. "So, it's like he's there," coach Guy Boucher said. "On top of the X's and O's, there's an inspiration factor right now that has made a difference for our team. That's why I'm saying he's really impressive."