LV tries to put it together

Tim Graham

Friday, March 21, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

A flash here. A flash there.

At times this season, the Las Vegas Thunder has demonstrated its electricity. A few games at a time, the team even has shown the potential to be a contender for the Turner Cup. In other stretches it has shown the ability to play worse than the dregs of the International Hockey League.

Yes, there have been obstacles out of the Thunder's control: injuries, players lost to the National Hockey League. And management has been quick to remedy those situations by shuffling players in and out from lesser leagues and even bringing a former goaltender out of his two-year retirement.

But with the postseason just more than three weeks away, Las Vegas can't afford to tinker much longer. With all its parts pretty much in place, the Thunder tries to come together tonight at 5 against the Houston Aeros at The Summit.

As Thursday's IHL trade deadline passed, general manager Bob Strumm, who made two deals Wednesday, found himself satisfied with his roster and stayed pat.

"We just want to make our team better," Strumm said. "Our roster is set and that's the way it is."

For the first time in more than a month, the Thunder has starting goaltender Parris Duffus back from the Phoenix Coyotes. It has Sasha Lakovic back after his release from the Calgary Flames. It has newly acquired Alexander Semak from the Vancouver Canucks at first-line center, a position head coach Chris McSorley has been eager to fill.

The return of Duffus, who is 24-14-5 with a 3.05 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage with the Thunder this season, allows Andre Racicot to settle in as the No. 2 man once he overcomes groin and knee injuries. It also lets temporary backup Clint Malarchuk return to his role as assistant GM/coach.

"Not that it's totally different, but it's always good to have Parris back," the Thunder's all-time leading scorer, Patrice Lefebvre, said. "When Andre gets better we'll have two permanent goalies."

Lefebvre also is happy to see Lakovic again. Last season he witnessed the physical forward amass a season-record 416 penalty minutes in 49 games.

"Of course, it's nice to have Sasha back," Lefebvre said. "His reputation proceeds him. If he can keep his temper down a bit he'll be useful to us."

So should Semak, who recorded 37 goals and 42 assists for the New Jersey Devils in 1992-93. After skating with Semak Thursday in practice, Lefebvre noted "It's obvious he has skills."

Thunderbolts

* HOLD IT, CLINT: Goaltender Parris Duffus joined the Thunder in Houston Thursday and will start against the Aeros tonight. But Clint Malarchuk won't be able to return to retirement just yet. Andre Racicot remained in Las Vegas with groin and knee injuries, forcing Malarchuk to make the trip as Duffus' backup.

* RANK AMATEUR: According to New Brunswick newspapers the Telegraph-Journal and Times-Globe, brawling forward Sasha Lakovic made a pit stop before returning to the Las Vegas Thunder Wednesday from the Calgary Flames organization, where he officially was released. Instead of rejoining the Thunder from Calgary, or even its American Hockey League affiliate in Saint John, the papers report the "Pit Bull" is coming from the recreational Fish and Brew Gentleman's Hockey League where he played under an assumed name for the Portland Pub. He recorded no points and three penalties. When Lakovic was discovered, he cost the club a victory because of his ineligibility from playing under the name of an actual Pub player not in the lineup. He was skating for the Pub because Saint John informed him in mid-February to go away. Calgary tried to trade his rights ever since. Lakovic was able to muster some professional stats this season. In 19 games for Calgary, he had an assist and 54 penalty minutes. In 18 games with Saint John, he recorded a goal, eight assists and 182 penalty minutes.