By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011
5 questions | C Dominic Moore
What pet did you have growing up? We had a parakeet named Godzilla
How big was he? About, you know, 4 inches; a tiny little thing.
Did he breathe fire? He had a high-pitched tweet. That's about it.
Any other distinguishing characteristics? He actually was a tragic story.
How so? We went away for a couple of days. We got a warm spell in the house, and he overheated and didn't have any air. He went the way of the dodo, so to speak.
The story that wasn't
After the Lightning lit up Toronto G James Reimer, above, in Monday's 6-2 victory, Tampa Bay coach Guy Boucher, left, said extensive scouting of Reimer, as the team does against every opposing goaltender, helped Tampa Bay's cause.
So, Wednesday, after Reimer made 36 saves to beat the Hurricanes, he said he was motivated because he "heard through the grapevine" that the Lightning said he was a typical goalie coached by the Leafs' Francois Allaire: someone whose flaws are easily detected.
Sheesh, it's like playing telephone.
For the record, Tampa Bay players nor Boucher said any such thing. C Nate Thompson said it was better to shoot high on Reimer, but that was about as inflammatory as it got.
"A Francois Allaire goalie?" Boucher said later. "All they have is success."
Twitter feed
C Nate Thompson has embraced Twitter, originally as a way to raise awareness for charitable endeavours but now to have a little fun posting observations and pictures. Follow him at @NateThompson44.
"It's the best word of mouth to keep people aware and help raise some money," Thompson said. "You have to be smart with what you say, but if you're smart with it and say the right things, fans enjoy it and hopefully it grows the game of hockey."
And speaking of charities, seven Lightning players have signed up to shave their heads April 7 to raise money for child cancer research: Thompson, Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis, Victor Hedman, Teddy Purcell, Ryan Malone and Mike Smith.
Quote to note
"I don't mind (if) you get in front of the net, you battle; I don't mind that at all. But slew foots, two of those … he doesn't play the right way."
C Vinny Lecavalier, on Canadiens rookie D P.K. Subban, left
Number of the day
43.4 C Steven Stamkos' road faceoff percentage entering Saturday, ranked 169th among league centers