Lightning News

Habs' Hamrlik ready for coming storm
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November 7
Montreal Gazette
 
"Roman Hamrlik has seen more ice time than he did Thursday against the Boston Bruins. But you'd have to go back more than two seasons, when he was on the blue line of the Calgary Flames, to find it. For a variety of reasons, not the least of which are the injuries to Andrei Markov, Ryan O'Byrne and Hal Gill, Hamrlik has become the workhorse of the Canadiens' defence corps. He can expect to see plenty of ice Saturday night when the Tampa Bay Lightning, with whom he broke into the NHL at age 18 in 1992-93, pays a visit to the Bell Centre (7 p.m., CBC, RDS, CJAD Radio-800). Hamrlik played a game-high 29:44 in the Canadiens' 2-1 shootout victory Thursday over the Bruins, the most he's worked in ..."
Hedman has concussion, says hit from Neil was clean
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November 7
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Tampa Bay Lightning rookie defenseman Victor Hedman will not play in Saturday's game with the Canadiens because of a concussion sustained in Thursday's game with the Senators on a brutal hit by Ottawa's Chris Neil. Hedman's next chance to play will be Thursday at home against the Wild, but coach Rick Tocchet said he could not say for sure if Hedman will be ready, and that the team will be very cautious. "Back in the day you'd throw water on your back and go out," Tocchet said. "But now, with those lingering effects you just have to be very careful. You got to make sure. Lucky that's his first one, and hopefully it's just a mild concussion. It's one of those things you've got to go through ..."
Hedman out with mild concussion
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November 7
Tampa Tribune
 
"Victor Hedman had his fair share of well-wishers show up at Bell Centre on Friday, a day after the rookie defenseman took a vicious hit from Ottawa winger Chris Neil. As Hedman sat in the stands watching his teammates go through practice, players from the Swedish national junior team filed into the stands to exchange handshakes and hugs with their longtime teammate. For Hedman, however, he would rather have been on the ice putting on a show. Instead, the 6-foot-6 blue liner must sit out tonight's game against Montreal and may not be ready to play when Tampa Bay returns to the ice Thursday against Minnesota. While he said he is feeling fine and has no lingering effects from the hit ..."
Spezza shines as Senators down Lightning 3-2
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November 6
Ottawa Citizen
 
"That 7-1 home ice beating the Ottawa Senators put on the Tampa Bay Lightning a couple of weeks ago was an aberration. This time, other than Chris Neil levelling Lightning rookie Victor Hedman with a clean, but devastating hit, there was no beat down. After letting a 2-1 lead get away, the Senators needed an power-play goal in overtime to handle the Lightning 3-2. Nice timing, Jason Spezza, on your first goal of the season. This is how it will be most nights: the Senators trying to eke out a victory in a tight game, needing big saves from Pascal Leclaire (who needed his best friends, the posts). The home team was in need of a fix after consecutive losses and talked about the importance of ..."
Downie goes off on Neil
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November 6
Ottawa Sun
 
"Depending on who you talked to Thursday night, Senators winger Chris Neil is either: a) A good, hard-nosed player who hits with the best of them. b) An axe murderer. Tampa forward Steve Downie was definitely in the b) camp. It all started when Neil knocked Lightning rookie defenceman Victor Hedman out of the game with a fierce hit behind the Tampa net with about six minutes to go in the second period. Downie raced in to fight Neil and got an instigator and misconduct for his trouble. "He's not the cleanest player," said Downie (who admitted he didn't see the hit), "and he's always preaching about dirtiness every time we play them, calling players gutless. Then he does something like that. ..."
Spezza to the rescue
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November 6
Ottawa Sun
 
"Jason Spezza's timing was perfect. Returning to the lineup after missing two games with what's believed to be a back/groin injury, the Senators centre fired his first goal of the season past Antero Niittymaki at 4:17 of overtime to give Ottawa a 3-2 win over Tampa Bay at Scotiabank Place. While the Senators came out of the dressing room to salute the troops on Canadian Forces Night, those left in the crowd of 17,511 saluted them right back. Mike Fisher and Daniel Alfredsson also scored for the Senators, who halted a two-game losing skid. Goalie Pascal Leclaire made 18 saves. "To get one in overtime, get the win and get my first is always nice," said Spezza, who hadn't scored since April ..."
Lecavalier still hopes to make Canadian Olympic team
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November 6
St. Petersburg Times
 
"C Vinny Lecavalier said making the Canadian Olympic team for the 2010 Games in Vancouver is "very important to me." That is why Tuesday's game in Toronto, with Team Canada executive director Steve Yzerman in the stands, was so crucial. Lecavalier, who entered that game with one goal and slipping ice time, scored on a rebound, got to the net and played solid defense. "The good news is they're picking the team Dec. 31," Lecavalier said. "The last game, I think, went great. So I'll try to build off that and get more and more opportunities to get in the flow of the game." RW Marty St. Louis seems like a lock. C Steven Stamkos, who has 12 goals in 14 games this season, has forced his way into ..."
Victor Hedman hurt in Lightning Loss
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November 6
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman was on his back behind his goal line, and teammate Steve Downie was fighting Ottawa tough guy Chris Neil in his defense. Tampa Bay fell 3-2 in overtime Thursday night at Scotiabank Place, but the result seemed secondary after Hedman, 18, Tampa Bay's prized rookie, left the game in the second period and did not return after Neil crushed him on a play that, depending on who was speaking, either was defended or condemned. Lightning coach Rick Tocchet, after saying he believes Hedman is "okay" and calling him day to day, said the hit was clean. So did Neil: "I got my shoulder right in his chest. He's like 8 feet tall (actually 6-6), so it's not like I could ..."
Craig returns from minors
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November 6
Tampa Tribune
 
"After a one-month stint playing in the minors, LW Ryan Craig returned to the Lightning after he cleared re-entry waivers Thursday. After playing in 181 games with Tampa Bay since being called up during the 2005-06 season and registering 32 goals and 63 points, Craig was sent to the American Hockey League to start the season after not earning a roster spot out of training camp. But after scoring seven goals and nine points through eight games with Norfolk, Craig earned a call back up to the NHL. The 27-year-old former eighth-round pick in 2002 made his season debut against Ottawa in place of Drew Miller, who played four minutes Tuesday in Toronto. "I just want to play hockey," Craig said. ..."
Ryan Craig clears re-entry waivers, will join Tampa Bay Lightning tonight
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November 5
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Forward Ryan Craig cleared re-entry waivers and could play for the Tampa Bay Lightning in tonight's game with the Senators. To clear roster space, defenseman Paul Ranger, away from the team dealing with a personal issue, was placed on injured reserve."
Tampa Bay Lightning opts for goaltending tandem with Mike Smith and Antero Niittymaki
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November 5
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Goaltender Antero Niittymaki is playing very well right now. Mike Smith, not so much, especially on the road. For coach Rick Tocchet, the equation is simple. "He's winning," he said of Niittymaki, "so you keep playing him." Niittymaki makes his second straight start tonight against the Senators at Scotiabank Place. What is intriguing is the assignment seems open-ended even after Tocchet has been adamant that Smith is Tampa Bay's No. 1. But desperate to stay close to a playoff spot while working out some well-publicized offensive kinks, Tocchet has no choice. "Right now," he said, "you have to keep playing the hot goaltender." Clearly that is Niittymaki, 29, signed during the summer as a ..."
Lightning puts forward Ryan Craig on re-entry waivers; Karri Ramo shines
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November 4
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Tampa Bay Lightning has put forward Ryan Craig on re-entry waivers. We will know whether he clears by noon tomorrow. The claiming price is $15,000. Not really a surprise given what Lightning coach Rick Tocchet has said lately about possible roster changes, and not a surprise given Craig has prospered for AHL Norfolk with seven goals. Craig did say when he was demoted he was going to work hard to get back to the NHL and hoped it would be with the Lightning. There was no word on a corresponding move yet by Tampa Bay to clear room on the roster. The team is at the limit of 23, though defenseman Paul Ranger is on an indefinite leave of absence for a personal matter. Also, wing Drew Miller, ..."
Lightning steal Kessel's thunder
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November 4
Toronto Star
 
"Phil Kessel may have been gasping for air after he finished his 23:50 of ice time in his first game back after almost six months. But it was his teammates who were left breathless after his performance, where he led the Leafs with 10 shots and was a force around the Tampa net."
Mattias Ohlund's hit gives Tampa Bay Lightning spark in 2-1 OT defeat of Toronto Maple Leafs
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November 4
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund said he knew who he had lined up for a bone-crunching check: Phil Kessel, the Maple Leafs' prized free agent in his first game after healing from summer shoulder surgery. But Ohlund, who drove Kessel into the ice with a clean double-punch to the chest, said it wouldn't have mattered who was skating toward him. "We try to play hard, and sometimes you get the right timing and get those hits," Ohlund said. "It wasn't a big deal." Oh, but it was, as a catalyst 13:20 into the game, and as a punctuation mark on Tampa Bay's much-needed 2-1 overtime victory Tuesday night at the Air Canada Centre, the team's first win in six road games. "You're looking for guys ..."
Stamkos sizzles in Hogtown
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November 3
Toronto Sun
 
"A first overall NHL draft pick coming home to Ontario to play the Maple Leafs is a match made in heaven. Or hell, if you're wearing blue and white. In the tradition of Eric Lindros, Dale Hawerchuk and Joe Thornton, here comes Markham-born Steven Stamkos in tonight with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 2008 top pick has 16 points in 12 games and two points in a pair of ACC dates already. "I still have a lot of friends and family coming to the game (about 50 tonight), so it's definitely one I had circled on the calendar," Stamkos told the St. Petersburg Times. "I know there's going to be a lot of media. But having gone though that first year, I kind of know what to expect now.""
Stamkos scoring this time
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November 3
Tampa Tribune
 
"During his first trip last season to his hometown of Toronto, Steven Stamkos fielded questions from the hometown media about why he was struggling. When the top pick in the 2008 draft makes his first trip home this season for tonight's game, the subject matter will be the complete opposite. "Everybody was asking me why I wasn't scoring last year," Stamkos said, "and I think maybe they'd be asking me why I am this year." That's because Stamkos is tied for second in the league with 11 goals and carries a six-game goal-scoring streak into tonight's game. Last season he didn't reach his 11th goal of the season until Feb. 24. It's a far cry from last season when he was the subject of a ..."
Richards, Carter fly high in win over Lightning
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November 3
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Lightning have turned into road worriers. Tampa Bay's 6-2 to loss to the Flyers on Monday marked the 11th consecutive road game in which the Lightning failed to pick up a victory, a stretch that dates back to March 14 of last season. This season, the road woes are staggering as Tampa Bay has an 0-4-1 road record and in the past three games - at Ottawa, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia - the Lightning have been outscored 17-4, outshot 99-68 and the power play has gone a listless 1-for-15 while generating only 13 shots on goal in those man-advantage opportunities. The road misery is the mirror opposite of the team's home fortunes, where Tampa Bay is 4-0-3 and is the only team in the Eastern ..."
Tampa Bay Lightning game in Toronto has Olympic subplot
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November 3
St. Petersburg Times
 
"As if returning to his hometown of Toronto wasn't enough for C Steven Stamkos, tonight's game with the Maple Leafs will be an Olympic audition. The Globe and Mail reported Steve Yzerman, Team Canada's executive director, will be at the Air Canada Centre to scout Stamkos and Lightning teammates Marty St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier. St. Louis and Lecavalier are known quantities. Stamkos, with 11 goals in 12 games, is making a dark-horse bid to be on the team for the 2010 Vancouver Games. "I'm starting to hear things in the media, which is obviously a positive for me," Stamkos said. "In Toronto, they'll find a way to get the Olympics in there, especially with the game in Canada, so I'll have ..."
Tampa Bay Lightning alarmed after loss to Philadelphia Flyers
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November 3
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Lightning coach Rick Tocchet wasn't aware his players called a closed-door meeting after Monday's nose-holding 6-2 loss to the Flyers. "Did they have one? Good," he said. "If we have to wait all night for them, we will; whatever it takes." The 10-minute gathering delayed the departure of the team bus from the Wachovia Center a similar amount of time. The message? "We all know we can play better," center Steven Stamkos said. "We've got to play as a team. "We know we can do it. We have the personnel. We have the coaching staff that prepares us for each game. We just have to go out and execute, especially on the road." The road has been a black hole for the Lightning, 4-4-4 but a league-worst ..."
Richards, Carter pace Flyers in 6-2 victory
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November 3
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"With Simon Gagne and Danny Briere sidelined by injuries, the Flyers need others to pick up the scoring slack.In the last two games, that formula has been perfectly executed.Centers Mike Richards and Jeff Carter snapped slumps with two goals apiece, and rookie right winger David Laliberte added his second goal in two games to highlight the Flyers' 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning last night at the Wachovia Center.Laliberte became the first Flyer to score in his first two NHL games since Eric Lindros did so in 1992. He also became the fifth Flyer to perform the feat.James van Riemsdyk continued his impressive play as well, contributing three assists and lifting his point total to 13, ..."
Flyers are pests in crease, unnerve Tampa Bay
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November 3
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"SCOTT HARTNELL knows his bread and butter.If Wayne Gretzky's office was behind the net, the Flyers' perpetual pest has built a home just inches in front of the opposing goalie's crease, and it's paying dividends.Hartnell posted his second consecutive three-point game last night as the Flyers ran over the Tampa Bay Lightning, 6-2, in a special early-evening game at the Wachovia Center to avoid a conflict with Game 5 of the World Series.After struggling in a six-game stretch in which he only posted one assist in the middle of October, Hartnell decided - as did the rest of the Flyers' offense - to get back to basics."I didn't have a great start personally," Hartnell said. "Looking at the ..."
Bolts' top line leaves out Lecavalier
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November 2
Tampa Tribune
 
"After three games and two periods of trying to spread the wealth, Rick Tocchet reverted to Tampa Bay's money line in advance of tonight's game against the Flyers. The line of Steven Stamkos between Marty St. Louis and Ryan Malone was reunited to begin the third period of Saturday's loss to New Jersey and scored the tying goal five minutes into the third. The trio is expected to remain together for tonight's 5 p.m. game against Philadelphia. "I'm looking for foot soldiers and there's no doubt that Stamkos with Marty and Malone has carried us," Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said. With that top line back intact, it once again puts the spotlight on struggling center Vinny Lecavalier, who has ..."
Rick Tocchet switches Vinny Lecavalier's linemates again to try to clean up 'little things' in his game
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November 2
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Vinny Lecavalier may continue to be frustrated that he's not scoring, but it's not the Lightning captain's lack of goals that has coach Rick Tocchet the most concerned. Tocchet said that when Lecavalier started the season with an eight-game goalless streak, he was still doing the little things well: finishing checks, playing low, handling defensive responsibilities. But Tocchet said that part of Lecavalier's game has slipped recently and "we've got to get him cleaned up." That's partly why Lecavalier was moved off a line with Marty St. Louis in Sunday's practice - and likely for tonight's game in Philadelphia - and paired with Drew Miller and Stephane Veilleux. Tocchet said he's not ..."
Devils ward off Lightning strike
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November 1
New York Post
 
"The road has become the Devils' playground. They found another way to win away from home yesterday and another hero in shootout scorer David Clarkson as they stretched their team-record perfect road start to seven victories -- equaling the second-longest in NHL history. Now, especially after yesterday's 2-1 shootout victory over the Lightning here, the Devils are starting to believe that they can bring this road recipe back to Newark and do something about that 1-4 home embarrassment. They play host to Washington Wednesday and the Islanders Friday. "We're doing something pretty hard to do. Winning all these games on the road is quite an accomplishment," Martin Brodeur said. "It's ..."
Devils topple Tampa in 7th road win
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November 1
New York Post
 
"The New Jersey Devils have become road warriors. David Clarkson scored the lone shootout goal in the fourth round of the tiebreaker and the Devils extended their season-opening, road-winning streak to seven games with a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. The run at the start of the season equals the second longest in NHL history, matching Toronto (1940-41), Philadelphia (1985-86) and Detroit (2005-06). Buffalo holds the league record of 10 in a row, set at the beginning of the 2006-07 season. "We've played pretty good the whole time on the road, but I thought we played such a tight game," Devils coach Jacques Lemaire said. "We didn't give much to their top guns. They ..."
Tampa Bay Lightning being vigilant while guarding against swine flu
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November 1
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Lightning head medical trainer Tommy Mulligan said that as the vaccine for the H1N1 flu virus becomes more available, the organization will recommend players get it. And get it "through our doctors, as opposed to going to (a storefront)," Mulligan said. "The availability of the vaccine is the biggest issue. Once it becomes available to us, we'll recommend it for the players and give them the opportunity and the choice with our recommendation." Other than that, the Lightning has not drastically changed what it does to guard against bugs that could travel through the team. Hand-washing is being stressed, as are cautions against sharing water bottles and towels. If there is a difference, ..."
Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Antero Niittymaki gets praise from both teams after shootout loss to New Jersey Devils
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November 1
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Backup G Antero Niittymaki, making his first start in two weeks due to the Lightning's light schedule, said it "felt like forever" since he had been in a game. But Niittymaki showed no signs of rust Saturday against the Devils, with his 37-save effort the main reason the Lightning even made it to overtime in a 2-1 shootout loss. "Nitty stood on his head," C Steven Stamkos said. "He pretty much got us that point by himself." The game may have gotten out of hand in the first period had it not been for Niittymaki, who made a great glove save on a close chance by former Lightning D Cory Murphy and stopped an Ilkka Pikkarainen shot during a 2-on-1. But Niittymaki's most impressive moment came ..."
Niittymaki on top of game despite layoff
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November 1
Tampa Tribune
 
"Although Antero Niittymaki hadn't seen live action in two weeks, the Lightning netminder showed no rust in his first start since Oct. 14. With the schedule spread out and Tampa Bay playing four games in a two-week stretch at home, Niittymaki watched Mike Smith play the first three games of the homestand, with the Lightning going 2-0-1. But it was Niittymaki's play Saturday that ensured the Lightning would keep their stretch of seven games at home without a regulation loss intact after he stopped 37 shots, including three of four in the shootout, in a 2-1 shootout loss to New Jersey. "Niittymaki was incredible tonight," Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said. Although the Lightning were being ..."
Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos proving he belongs among the NHL's young stars
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October 31
St. Petersburg Times
 
"So much for the hand-wringing and uncertainty. Lightning center Steven Stamkos admitted to both after his longtime right wing, Marty St. Louis, was switched to Vinny Lecavalier's line in hopes of getting the captain going. St. Louis had meant so much to Stamkos' development as a rookie last season, and the two hadn't missed a beat this season. But three games into the experiment - the next is today against the Devils at the St. Pete Times Forum - no worries. Stamkos has five goals in those games, six in his past four. "It's great playing with Marty," Stamkos said. "You always want to play with a guy like that. But it's nice to play well without him and prove you can be a good player even ..."
Lightning get revenge against Sens
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October 30
Ottawa Citizen
 
"Everyone was wondering what would happen. Just two weeks ago, the Ottawa Senators gave the Tampa Bay Lightning their worst beating of this young National Hockey League season, 7-1 at Scotiabank Place. How would the Lightning react in the return match? This time the Lightning did all the spanking, by a 5-2 count that was worse than it looked. Ottawa scored its two goals when the game had already been decided. The next meeting will be on Thursday at Scotiabank Place, with the Senators looking for their little slice of revenge. Thursday night, Steven Stamkos scored two power-play goals (and had one assist), while singles came from fourth-line left wing Todd Fedoruk, Ryan Malone, and Alex ..."
Lightning strike back
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October 30
Ottawa Citizen
 
"Everyone was wondering what would happen, even the coach. Just two weeks ago, the Ottawa Senators gave the Tampa Bay Lightning their worst beating of this young season, 7-1 at Scotiabank Place. How would the Lightning react in the return match? Would they get their revenge, as Tampa Bay coach Rick Tocchet hoped? Or would the Senators carry on with the psychological edge they earned with the first win? Tocchet wasn't certain. "Obviously, when you get spanked by a team, you're looking for some guys to react a little better than they did in Ottawa," he said. "But I think we've righted the ship a little since then. I think we're a little more confident." He needn't have worried. Roles were ..."
Penalty parade proves downfall for Sens
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October 30
Ottawa Sun
 
"For the second straight game, the Senators penalty killers were called upon to save the day. This time, the task was made more difficult by the nature of the initial call against them. "The first goal almost set the tone for the game," coach Cory Clouston said after last night's 5-2 loss to the Lightning at St. Pete Times Forum — a final score that was made to look respectable by late goals from Jarkko Ruutu and Alex Kovalev. "It was a power- play goal on a penalty (where) they high-sticked themselves. Those are hard to take." The referees, one (Justin St. Pierre) of whom also worked the night before when the Senators were given one power play to Florida's seven, had sent Jonathan Cheechoo ..."
Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa
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October 30
Toronto Sun
 
"The Maple Leafs could get a large offensive boost on Tuesday night. Phil Kessel is almost done recovering from shoulder surgery and could make his Leafs debut against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Air Canada Centre. "(There's) a good chance of it, yeah," Leafs coach Ron Wilson said on Thursday afternoon after the Leafs practised at a suburban Buffalo arena. Kessel didn't say much as he was hustled to the team bus by a Leafs staff member, but acknowledged he has been cleared for physical play in practice. As for suiting up versus Tampa, the 22-year-old took a wait-and-see approach. "It's a few days away," Kessel said. "I'll see how it feels. I don't know yet.""
Tampa Bay Lightning defeats Ottawa Senators 5-2
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October 30
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The shot was a blur, and when it hit the net, you knew you had seen something special. Lightning center Steven Stamkos continued Thursday night solidifying himself as one of the game's best young stars with two goals and three points in a 5-2 victory over the Senators at the St. Pete Times Forum. But it was his second tally that got the raves. "A special goal," coach Rick Tocchet said. "That," wing Alex Tanguay said, "was beautiful." Stamkos made it look simple: a move with speed around Ottawa's Milan Michalek, an undressing of veteran defenseman Chris Phillips and a wrist shot into the short-side top corner past goaltender Brian Elliott. "I tried that move the shift before and didn't ..."
Vinny: We're getting close
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October 30
Tampa Tribune
 
"Vinny Lecavalier says they're close. The Lightning captain said Tampa Bay's .500 start through the first three weeks doesn't reflect the improved talent level on a young roster that has had difficulty closing out games. "If we keep skating and keep working hard, things will work out for this hockey club," Lecavalier said before Thursday's game against Ottawa. "This is a totally different team from last year. We're a lot stronger overall, and there's no comparison between our defense now and last season." During their 3-3-3 start, the Lightning squandered several late leads, costing the club valuable points. "I like the way this team is working," Coach Rick Tocchet said. "But if you've got ..."
A measure of revenge for Lightning
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October 30
Tampa Tribune
 
"Maybe it was because they were well-rested and their opponents were playing on consecutive nights. Maybe they were mad. Or maybe they've gotten that much better in two weeks. Whatever the reason, the Lightning on Thursday night looked like a different team than the one that lost at Ottawa by six goals Oct. 15. Their 5-2 victory against the Senators at the St. Pete Times Forum was one of their best outings yet. "I don't know if revenge is the right word," Coach Rick Tocchet said after his team improved 4-3-3 overall, 4-0-2 at home. "You just learn from situations you're put in. Obviously, it left a bad taste in our mouth." The Lightning used an 11-day period in which they played only two ..."
Bolts's Zonopka brings energy
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October 29
Tampa Tribune
 
"When Rick Tocchet feels the need for a change of pace, the Lightning coach simply lets the dogs out. And Zenon Konopka races out front to lead the pack. Tampa Bay's 28-year-old force field sets the tone for a fourth line that consistently alters momentum and tempo in the Lightning's favor. "One of the best dogs I ever had was a pit bull," said Konopka, who centers a high-energy line between wingers Todd Fedoruk and Steve Downie. "He was real well-mannered on the leash, but if anyone crossed me or my dad, he'd pounce on them. That's just what me and my guys want to do. "Whenever Coach Tocchet lets us off the leash, we pounce." Signed by the Lightning in July, 2008, Konopka has found a ..."
Miami investor says he won't buy Bolts
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October 29
Tampa Tribune
 
"Miami Beach investor Jeff Greene rebuffed the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, announcing he no longer is interested in purchasing the troubled NHL franchise. Greene was considered the front-runner to purchase a majority interest in the club and bring resolution to the contentious situation between co-owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie. "After careful due diligence and a thorough analysis of the terms and economics of the deal, we have determined that this investment does not meet our criteria," Greene said in a written statement. "At Florida Sunshine Investments, we are presented diverse investment opportunities here in Florida, throughout the United States and around the world. We looked ..."
'09 top draft picks make the cut, staying in NHL
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October 29
NHL.com
 
"Six players taken in the 2009 Entry Draft made their NHL team's opening-night roster. Making the League is one thing; staying there is another. But for the special six from this June's draft, they all passed their first major test. John Tavares (No. 1, Islanders), Victor Hedman (No. 2, Lightning), Matt Duchene (No. 3, Colorado), Evander Kane (No. 4, Thrashers), Dmitry Kulikov (No. 14, Panthers) and Ryan O'Reilly (No. 33, Avalanche) haven't all passed the 10-game threshold, but all have been told that they should look into permanent housing. Teams have nine games to evaluate their teenage prospects before having to make a decision on whether to keep them -- and activate their entry-level ..."
Reeling power play not a concern
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October 28
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Lightning's shootout woes have been well documented, but a struggling power play has also contributed to their mediocre start. Through the first five games, Tampa Bay converted six of 27 opportunities with a manpower advantage as new advisor Adam Oates stressed quick puck movement and more shooting. But in the past four games, the Lightning are 1-for-16 on the power play heading into Thursday night's home matchup against Ottawa. "I thought we started out strong on the power play ... we've cooled off a little bit," said second-year C Steven Stamkos, who leads Tampa Bay with three power-play goals. "Teams are starting to figure out what our tactics are. Now we have to find different ..."
Former Tampa Bay Lightning star John Tucker cancer free after radiation
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October 28
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Almost five months after he finished radiation treatments, and three weeks since his latest tests confirmed his cancer is in remission, John Tucker still cannot taste. It is a by-product of the treatment, which, five days a week for seven weeks in May and June, was directed at the malignancy at the back of his throat and base of his tongue. Tucker's fried taste buds are expected to rejuvenate, maybe fully, by June. Given the alternative, he said not being able to taste a taco is no big deal. "I don't miss anything," the former Lightning star said. "I'm just happy it's gone the way it's gone. This is just another life lesson." Tucker, 45, explained all this for the first time Saturday ..."
Lightning grant Ranger indefinite leave of absence
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October 27
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Lightning aren't saying why defenseman Paul Ranger was granted an indefinite leave of absence today, and Ranger wasn't available for comment. Ranger missed Saturday's game against Buffalo and Sunday's practice for what the team called personal reasons. A statement issued by the Lightning today said the 25-year-old Canadian will "return as soon as he is able." "There will be no further comment from the Lightning or our players and coaches on this matter, and we ask that everyone please respect Paul's privacy at this time," general manager Brian Lawton said in the statement. Ranger, a top-six defenseman, has one goal and one assist and is minus-2 in eight games. His 2008-2009 season was ..."
Tampa Bay Lightning is struggling in shootouts
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October 27
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Left wing Ryan Malone had an interesting suggestion about how the Lightning could improve on shootouts. Rally caps. Or rally helmets, as the case may be. Players could turn their helmets around at the beginning of a shootout, Malone said. "That would probably work," he added. "I don't know what else to say. The next time we just have to bear down a little more." At 0-3 in shootouts this season and 3-13 including last season, Tampa Bay has to do something. Worse, the Lightning lost Saturday's shootout to the Sabres 1-0 at the St. Pete Times Forum after six shooters failed to score on goaltender Ryan Miller. For the season, shooters are 0-for-10 on shootout opportunities, with forwards ..."
Lightning building with early picks
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October 26
Buffalo News
 
"Steven Stamkos knows he's not in Sidney Crosby's class, at least not yet. And while Victor Hedman is as good as advertised, he's got a long way to go to be on the level of Evgeni Malkin. But the Pittsburgh Penguins' blueprint is one the Tampa Bay Lightning would like to follow. The Penguins, defending Stanley Cup champions, built their foundation at the top of the draft. Crosby went first overall in 2005, while Malkin was the second overall selection the year before. The Lightning has been in the top two the last two drafts, picking Stamkos first overall in 2008 and Hedman second back in June. "You don't want to compare yourself to the Pittsburgh Penguins. They've got some world- class ..."
Sabres rally for shootout victory over Lightning
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October 26
Buffalo News
 
"At one end of the rink, Ryan Miller went down to one pad and pumped a fist. At the other, Tyler Myers raised his arms and was tackled by his teammates. Eventually, the two stars of the shootout converged to celebrate the Buffalo Sabres' stunning victory. The Sabres, down by a goal in the final seconds of regulation Saturday, rallied to send the game to a shootout then rode their hot goaltender and hot-shot rookie to a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Myers was the only player out of 12 to find the net in the extra session, while Miller gave him the opportunity by stopping all six Lightning breakaways. "We've spent time at length talking about the extra points you can gain in ..."
Vinny on way to regaining comfort level
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October 26
Tampa Tribune
 
"Now that he has put a 15-game scoreless drought to rest, C Vinny Lecavalier believes the goals will start coming more easily. Lecavalier scored on a backhand rebound with less a second left in the first period of Saturday night's 3-2 shootout loss to the Sabres. He hadn't scored since March 17 against Toronto. "It definitely feels better," Lecavalier said after Sunday's practice. "Even though we lost, we played a great game. I was happy and relieved. It's nice to get that monkey off your back and feel lighter. "Even though I was happy with the way I was playing, when the puck doesn't go in, it kind of weighs on you a little bit." The team captain had five goals at this point last year en ..."
James Wright has ally in captain-linemate Vinny Lecavalier
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October 26
St. Petersburg Times
 
"James Wright, whom the Lightning must keep or send back to juniors, has a powerful ally in captain Vinny Lecavalier. Asked if he will lobby for his linemate, Lecavalier said, "Oh, yeah, he's been playing great. He's smart. He's a quick learner. He listens when you talk." Told of the comments, Wright seemed humbled. "I was even just happy to meet the guy," Wright said. "Coming from him, that's a huge compliment." Wright, 19, deserves it, having earned a job out of camp and a spot on a line with Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis. He has a goal and two points, is plus-2 and averaging 13:50 of ice time, though he had a career-best 17:05 Saturday against the Sabres. After nine games, the ..."
Lightning building with early picks
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October 25
Buffalo News
 
"Steven Stamkos knows he's not in Sidney Crosby's class, at least not yet. And while Victor Hedman is as good as advertised, he's got a long way to go to be on the level of Evgeni Malkin. But the Pittsburgh Penguins' blueprint is one the Tampa Bay Lightning would like to follow. The Penguins, defending Stanley Cup champions, built their foundation at the top of the draft. Crosby went first overall in 2005, while Malkin was the second overall selection the year before. The Lightning has been in the top two the last two drafts, picking Stamkos first overall in 2008 and Hedman second back in June. "You don't want to compare yourself to the Pittsburgh Penguins. They've got some world- class ..."
Sabres rally for shootout victory over Lightning
Comment
October 25
Buffalo News
 
"At one end of the rink, Ryan Miller went down to one pad and pumped a fist. At the other, Tyler Myers raised his arms and was tackled by his teammates. Eventually, the two stars of the shootout converged to celebrate the Buffalo Sabres' stunning victory. The Sabres, down by a goal in the final seconds of regulation Saturday, rallied to send the game to a shootout then rode their hot goaltender and hot-shot rookie to a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Myers was the only player out of 12 to find the net in the extra session, while Miller gave him the opportunity by stopping all six Lightning breakaways. "We've spent time at length talking about the extra points you can gain in ..."
Extra time gives Bolts learning opportunity
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October 25
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Lightning are in a stretch in their schedule in which they play only four games in two weeks, and they're all at home. Coach Rick Tocchet used last week's four open days as something of an extended camp, and he plans a similar schedule this week. Tampa Bay doesn't play again until hosting Ottawa on Thursday night. "These are days we really need," Tocchet said. "They're valuable days, and we'll basically have the same blueprint. We'll tweak it a little, but we'll be getting after it and doing some more teaching. We're going to implement a couple of new things." The Lightning held three practices and a non-ice workout last week after a road trip to Ottawa and Pittsburgh in which they ..."
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