TAMPA -- Jarkko Ruutu told Lightning bench boss Rick Tocchet yesterday to stick to coaching.
Tocchet, who was incensed with a "submarine" hit Ruutu put on Lightning centre Ryan Craig in Ottawa's 3-0 victory Sunday, told Tampa reporters he wished he wasn't behind the bench because he would have personally dealt with the Senators agitator.
Ruutu wasn't penalized on the play.
"Craig's had two knee operations, so I don't think that was professional," said Tocchet, a rugged player during his 18 years in the NHL. "I have a suit on, so I can't do anything about it. I wish I didn't have a suit on."
Ruutu said Tocchet and the Bolts have bigger concerns than him.
"That's good," said. "It seems to work. If I can get the coaches rattled, I think it's a huge compliment for me. (Tocchet's) playing career is over now.
"In games, that's what it's all about. If you throw some 'meatheads' on the ice, then you've got to take advantage of it. Maybe (Tocchet) should pay attention to how his team is doing. There's a lot more to worry about than me in that organization."
Craig, who broke his stick when he cross-checked Ruutu and wound up with a penalty, was none too pleased about the low hit.
"His reputation speaks for itself. I thought it was unnecessary," said Craig.
From the fired line
Senators GM Bryan Murray took a run at former coach Craig Hartsburg in yesterday's edition of USA Today.Asked what happened to the Senators this season, Murray put the blame on Hartsburg's approach. "We talked a lot about the trap and defensive coverage, instead of letting the players play," said Murray. "That comes down to coaching. I talked to Hartsy about it often. No. 1, we didn't work hard enough in practice and that's the biggest area that a coach has to look after. The other part is making sure that your players understand what they are and what roles they have to play and allow them to do it. It's not a complicated business, but we make it complicated." Murray said even though the Senators won't have a shot at surefire 1-2 picks John Tavares or Viktor Hedman in the NHL draft, they've got a line on a good player for midway through the first round. "This little run gives the organization some credibility and the fans some hope. That's why we want to keep winning," said Murray. "We think there might be another defenceman better than Hedman. He's not as ready, but we think he could end up being better."
Bozak on radar
The Senators expect to be among the contenders to land C Tyler Bozak from the University of Denver. The unrestricted free agent, who was never drafted, flew to Toronto yesterday to meet with agent Wade Arnott to make a list of teams he'd be willing to sign with. "He's got quite a lengthy list of teams that have shown interest," said assistant GM Tim Murray. Bryan Murray went to Denver early this season to speak with Bozak, a 6-foot-1, 180-pounder who had eight goals and 15 assists in 19 games with the Pioneers this season. Bozak's teammate and Senators draft pick Patrick Wiercioch has been talking up Ottawa. "We have been on top of him since Day 1," said Tim Murray. "He knows we have big interest. I would be shocked if we're not on the shortlist."
Alfie honoured
Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson has been named the team's nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy in voting by the local chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. The award is given annually to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey." "Any time you get nominated for an award, it's a great honour," said Alfredsson, who missed only two games with knee surgery and a broken jaw. "When you're the captain, you try to lead by example. I'm not trying to be the hero."
Off the glass
The Senators have held talks with 2008 No. 1 pick Erik Karlsson, whose Frolunda Indians were eliminated from the Swedish Elite League playoffs Saturday. Karlsson, 18, wouldn't be able to sign a deal, but he could agree to an amateur tryout agreement with Binghamton. He's under contract with Frolunda until the end of April and he is on Sweden's under-19 team ... The Senators assigned F Jim O'Brien to Binghamton yesterday. O'Brien, the club's top pick in 2007, had 62 points in 63 games with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds this season.
BRUCE.GARRIOCH@SUNMEDIA.CA
