Tampa Bay picks up former Islander Thompson
The Tampa Bay Lightning claimed forward Nate Thompson offwaivers from the Islanders on Thursday. Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
Nate Thompson, who was placed on waivers by the Islanders on Wednesday, was picked up by Tampa Bay Thursday. Thompson went to the Coliseum to pick up his gear before catching a flight to Florida.
Thompson said it was tough to part with his teammates but is looking forward to going to a club that wants him. "It's exciting," he said.
Kohn gets first chance
Dustin Kohn has had a good week. Two days after playing in the AHL All-Star Game, the Bridgeport defenseman was called up to play the first NHL game of his career last night. He got an assist on Blake Comeau's goal.
"This is my first game and there's nothing better than this," the 22-year-old said.
Kohn, who is replacing Andy Sutton in the lineup during his two-game suspension, hopes to make a good impression on the organization. What does he want to prove? "That I'm responsible in my own end and ready to help the team and contribute however I can," he said.
Sutton upset about hit
Sutton's distress about injuring Penguins forward Pascal Dupuis, a former teammate, seemed to overshadow his concern about the two-game suspension he received as a result of Tuesday's incident.
"It's been tough," Sutton said. "I've known Pascal a long time and I consider him a friend."
Sutton hit Dupuis from behind and sent him face-first into the boards. After spending several minutes lying on the ice, Dupuis skated off with a towel held over his bloodied face.
Sutton reached out to Dupuis several times afterward and received a text back Wednesday - "It's ok, stop worrying!!!" - that provided the defenseman some peace of mind.
Of the suspension, Sutton said: "It's not my place to decide that."
