Team’s playoff prospects take turn for the better

Nobody thought the Tampa Bay Lightning would be in the thick of the playoffs in December. But as 1992 came to a close, the Lightning was within striking distance. The Lightning won four times in five games in late December, giving them 30 points and a tie for fourth-place in the Norris Division with the Toronto Maple Leafs. “We’re beginning to see some light at the end of tunnel,” said defenseman Doug Crossman, who scored the 100th goal of his career in a 4-1 win over Philadelphia Dec. 20. “If anybody still thinks [our fast start] was a fluke, then they’re going to be in for a big surprise.” The Los Angeles Kings were certainly surprised by the team’s surge when the clubs met at the Great Western Forum Dec. 15. The Kings had…

Millham’s change of heart stroke of luck for Panthers

Mike Millham was ready to hang up his blocker and trapper for the final time when he found out he was the No. 3 goalie on Wheeling’s depth chart earlier this season. The Binghamton, N.Y., native had more reason to quit when he was released last month by the Knoxville Cherokees after losing his only game of the season and allowing nine goals. But the 24-year-old has since signed with the Erie Panthers and they’re very happy he didn’t change careers. Millham stopped 28 of 29 shots in his debut Dec. 11, a 4-1 win over the Wheeling Thunderbirds. He stopped 30 shots the next night in a 31 victory over Toledo. He was filling in for Mike Gilmore, who was recalled by the American League’s Bing-hamton Rangers. “I was a little nervous,” Millham said.…

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Sharp Shooter

“You’ve got to ask yourself a question,” Brian Bradley recently recited in his best Dirty Harry impression. “Do I feel lucky? “Well do you…Punk?” The punk at the end of the Dirty Harry movie wasn’t so lucky. Clint Eastwood had fired only five of the six bullets in his.44 magnum. In Toronto, Brian Bradley was the punk. In Tampa Bay, he has been Dirty Hany. Both of them shoot first and ask questions later. The 27-year-old center the Toronto Maple Leafs couldn’t wait to get rid of has turned into the expansion team’s hero. In its pure definition, Bradley has made a case for league MVP honors. At worst, he should easily be the Lightning’s representative in the All-Star Game. “There’s no doubt he has become one of the better players in the league,” said…