Thunder makes roster changes

Friday, Nov. 27, 1998 | 10:45 a.m.

Fans going to tonight's Las Vegas-Grand Rapids game at the Thomas & Mack Center (7 p.m. faceoff) might consider purchasing a program. They'll need one to keep track of who's who in the Thunder lineup.

On Wednesday, the Thunder lost the services of NHL holdout Petr Nedved, who finally was traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the New York Rangers. Nedved, a former NHL all-star who sat out all of last season in a contract dispute with the Pens, had been staying in playing shape in Las Vegas.

The Thunder also is expected to be without defenseman Bryan Helmer, who was recalled by the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes on Thursday.

And to top it off, Las Vegas traded disappointing left wing Andrei Vasilyev -- to Grand Rapids -- after Wednesday night's game between the clubs at the T&M.

Vasilyev was expected to be one of the Thunder's offensive mainstays this season. But until Wednesday, when he scored the first goal in the Thunder's 5-4 defeat to the Griffins and skated hard, Vasilyev has been a huge disappointment.

After being cut by the Coyotes in training camp, Vasilyev showed little enthusiasm for returning to the IHL. He had just three goals before the Thunder traded him, principally to dump his contract on the Griffins.

Vasilyev is not expected to play in tonight's game.

The Thunder, 5-10-2, occupies the IHL basement with just 12 points. Grand Rapids (6-11-2) is next to last, with 14 points.

Las Vegas will be looking for a better goaltending effort in tonight's rematch.

Regular goalie Scott Langkow continued to struggle in Wednesday's loss, allowing a couple of soft goals, including one on a fluttering, long-range wrist shot from Todd Hlushko that bounced off his glove and trickled into the net during the second period.

Tonight is Ladies Night, with women being admitted free. The Thunder will conclude the current home stand against the Houston Aeros at 7 p.m. Saturday.