Tampa at Toronto 11/03/09

[Cat Smasher]

Forwards
Blake - Stajan - Kessel
Ponikarovsky - Grabovski - Kulemin
Hagman - Mitchell - Stempniak
Primeau - Wallin - Orr

Defense
Kaberle - Komisarek
Beauchemin - White
Exelby - Schenn

Goalie
Gustavsson

Kessel era about to begin for Leafs
Kessel cleared to play tonight
Stajan gets first chance centering Kessel

[Cat Smasher]

Tampa Bay Lightning game in Toronto has Olympic subplot

The Globe and Mail reported Steve Yzerman, Team Canada's executive director, will be at the Air Canada Centre to scout Stamkos and Lightning teammates Marty St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier.

St. Louis and Lecavalier are known quantities. Stamkos, with 11 goals in 12 games, is making a dark-horse bid to be on the team for the 2010 Vancouver Games.

Stamkos said about 50 family and friends will be at the game.

"It's exciting any time you get a chance to play at home," he said. "Definitely one I had circled on the calendar before the year."

That being said, expect Stamkos to have a HUGE game, as most local guys do when they come home.

[skacore]

I'm pumped for this one.

Got Stamkos/Malone in my hockey pool, Kessel's 1st game, tons of potential for fights and a physical game. Good heavyweight match up with Orr and Walker...

[grits207]

I don't expect much out of Kessel tonight since it will probably take him a while to get his game going after being out so long.

Sucks that Rosehill and Mayers are sitting out again tonight, was hoping to see Rosehill vs Konopka. Oh well, I have a feeling Orr is going to get his first dominant win of the season tonight.

[Cat Smasher]

Exelby vs Downie would be ok, both of them are due for a brutal hit.

[The Crow]

I could see Konopka stepping up and having a go with Orr if Fedoruk or Walker don't go with him. Malone is due for a fight, and Vinny and Komisarek usually have rough stuff for eachother.

[ToxinX]

Originally Posted by The Crow

I could see Konopka stepping up and having a go with Orr if Fedoruk or Walker don't go with him.

Don't get me wrong, He's a gamer, but if that happens, so long Z, nice knowing ya

[The Crow]

He'd almost certainly lose, but imo the tougher the guys he's fought, the more he rises to the challenge. He's hung in there with the likes of Walker, Godard, McNeill and Neil before.

[Knucklechucker]

Originally Posted by The Crow

He'd almost certainly lose, but imo the tougher the guys he's fought, the more he rises to the challenge. He's hung in there with the likes of Walker, Godard, McNeill and Neil before.

I bet Z.K would fight Orr, and I don't think he'd get killed, I really like the kid, he fights with a wide up style, but he's crazy, not stupid. I really doubt he would try and go toe to toe if him and orr did decide to fight

[The Crow]

I'd preferrably like to see Fedoruk or Walker go with him. For me, it's a win for Fridge if he doesn't get dropped, and Walker has beaten OIrr before, so I don't think Orr has no one willing enough to go with him.