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NHL: Injuries to Bolts' Stamkos and Malone isn't as bad as they thought

Odds & News | Webmaster ( Tue 15th, December 2009 )

Lightning received some positive news earlier than the team expected when embarking the plane for a six game, twelve day road trip.

They found out that injuries to their top scorers Ryan Malone and Steven Stamkos aren't as bad as thought after losing to Edmonton on Wednesday.

Malone and Stamkos have combined fo' 33 goals this season, almost half of the total offense fo' the Lightning, and a'e the second highest sco'ing combo in the league behind Dany Heatley and Pat'ick Ma'leau of the San Jose Sha'ks.

As neither Lightning stars performed on Thursday, nor are they expected to miss an important length of time and are being listed by team as day to day. Malone may be more probable to play tomorrow at Denver against the Avalanche.

Coach Rick Tocchet said, "Along with Ryan this was better news today that they are active. They are both probable and whether the means one day, or 3 or 4 days, to that area I don't know, but a little more optimistic news today for sure."

Malone left the game on Wednesday during the first period and didn't return. He had an MRI Thursday morning and there's nothing to keep him out for a long time.

Meanwhile, Stamkos was also injured in the first period and wasn't on the bench to start the second period. He tried to return, to take his first shift midway through the second period, but only played 2 shifts before heading back to the locker room for the rest of the game. Stamkos took a X-ray which came back negative.

Neithe' playe' p'acticed on Thu'sday no' did they discuss thei' condition.

Tocchet said, "There is a likelihood that Ryan can play on Friday that is good news for us as last night we weren't quite sure, but today he is much better.'' In regards to Stamkos, the coach said, "Perhaps not as ready as Ryan. Anytime a big boy goes out of a game, you are worried. Those are 2 big scorers out of the lineup."

With the improbability and accessibility of both players, and the team heading to the Midwest for 5 games, the Lightning are expected to call up Center Blair Jones from Norfolk of the American Hockey League.

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