Ein Caron-Interview in Tampa

(Foto: Raffi Derian)

In der Tampa Bay Times erschien folgender Artikel von Damian Christodero:

Sebastien Caron was asked what he remembers about a game from November 2003, when he allowed the Lightning eight goals in 49 minutes in what turned into Tampa Bay's 9-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"I don't remember that game," Caron said, smiling.

Seriously, though, "It was a different time," he said. "I was really young back then and the team was not doing well back then either. But I learned a lot from the past years and I told myself if I was going to give it another shot I would be more ready for it, and I think I am."

The Lightning will find out soon as it officially announced signing Caron, 31, to a prorated one-year, one-way contract. As a goaltender coming from Europe (he played this season in Germany), Caron still has to clear waivers. We will know at noon Tuesday if he clears. It is not expected to be a problem.

The plan is to give Caron some time to get acclimated to the NHL with some practice time against NHL shooters. Once he starts playing and proves capable, Dustin Tokarski -- who starts tonight against the Sabres -- will be sent back to AHL Norfolk. At least that's the plan right now.

Caron, who was 25-23-0 for Iserlohn Roosters this season with a 2.57 goals-against average and .932 save percentage, said the deal with Tampa Bay came together in just the past few days. He even played Friday for Iserlohn.

"I just go with the flow," he said. "I'm just going to enjoy my time here and get some playing time and do my best and try to do a show. I'm not going to say no to that."

Caron, 6 feet 1, 184 pounds, played 92 NHL games between 2002-07 (90 with the Penguins) with a 25-47-14 with a 3.45 goals-against average and .892 save percentage.

"We'll go one game at a time," coach Guy Boucher said when asked how he will handle Caron. "He's going to get some time to get accustomed ... We'll see when we can put him in."