Sports

Ward was pulled after the first period at Florida after he permitted four goals on just 12 shots, with three coming by way of the power play. "I think what's important is that (Ward) bounces back mentally," coach Kirk Muller said. "Rolls up the sleeves, gets ready, works through this.... He's the first to say, 'I wasn't good' and that's OK. The key is how you respond." Look for Ward to redeem himself against a tired Tampa Bay team that dropped a 4-3 decision to the Islanders on Monday afternoon.