Morning skate stuff

You are going to hear a lot of rumors about various players coming to the Lightning, especially as free agents, in order to replace Dan Boyle. Probably best not to believe them. Given the Lightning's payroll situation, it is probably wise to assume that is not a road they will travel.

There also seems to be a school of thought, espoused by coach John Tortorella today, that Boyle could be back on the early side of the four-to-six week window to recover from his tendon surgery. Four weeks means Oct. 21. Tampa Bay doesn't play again until the 24th and at that point will have played just six games. In Lightning world, that does not justify signing a another free agent.

As for trades, that could be more manageable because of the payroll-out, payroll-in thing. Still a long shot because of 1) the Lightning already has depth issues and 2) if I were a team approached by another trying to fill a huge gap like Boyle, I'm not going to be charitable.

So get used to what you see because that's likely going to be what you get out of the gate. Bryce Lampman and Mike Lundin will play tonight against the Red Wings. Lampman has limited, but some, NHL experience, so he's probably in a better position to snag the sixth D spot out of camp.

The injury list is still significant.

Ryan Craig was sent to a doctor today to get his back spasms checked. "He's locked up,'' Tortorella said. ... Michel Ouellet (left hamstring) skated this morning but will not play. Tortorella said the training staff has asked to hold Ouellet out one more game. Trainer Tommy Muligan said that is true. ... Chris Gratton (corneal abrasion) looks better. That is, his right eye is not as colorful, but said his vision is still a bit fuzzy. ... Vinny Lecavalier (undisclosed upper body injury) will not play tonight but skated and said whatever is bothering him is nothing to worry about. He said if it were the regular season he would be playing. Tortorella said there is no reason to rush Lecavalier, anyway. It's not like he is trying out.

Tonight's lineup:         

Forwards

Vinny Prospal-Brad Richards-Marty St. Louis

Jan Hlavac-Andreas Karlsson-Jason Ward

Nick Tarnasky-Craig MacDonald-Andre Roy

Mathieu Darche and Kyle Wanvig

Defensemen

Filip Kuba-Shane O’Brien

Paul Ranger-Brad Lukowich

Bryce Lampman-Doug Janik

Mike Lundin

Goaltenders

Karri Ramo (likely starter); Johan Holmqvist

Comments

[Mike13]

If it was explicitly stated, I missed it. Is Karri Ramo getting the start tonight?

If so, that will be exciting news. I'm anxious to see if the rookie can continue to play extremely well and force Jay to deal Johan or Marc. Neither of whom were ultra-good in their pre-season games.

[Phantom]

The only thing close to Boyle as a pick-up was a cast-off, and he was here last year. Andy Delmore. Don't want him, this is why we grow crops on the farm.
The youngsters must seize this chance. But also recognize the difference between knocking somebody out of their mouthpiece and taking a stupid penalty. As a rook, Ranger's best attribute was on-ice situational awareness, along with a sweet pass.
Heck of an opportunity, who gets this year's shot?

More pressure on the forwards to generate their own chances/offense, since this is a blessing in disguise to re-vamp the defense. (Don't take that the wrong way, "Hurry back Danny", we'll need the firepower if Denis is going to let in 3 a game.)
I see this as an opportunity for 1 or 2 young guys to make a positive imprint, and a huge chance for Mike Sullivan to do some of that coaching (defence) stuff.....

Craig's back is starting to bother me. I speak from experience saying it's the beginning of the end.
Hope Grats' eye is coming along OK.
Stretch Ouellet, stretch; we don't need popping hammys and groinage coming back.

Good test against the Wings tonight. If they bring their game, notice how they look like they're on the power play when at even strength. Wouldn't count on it though, they're smart and want to evaluate serious opportunists. Hint...hint....

Go Bolts and Gooooooo Ramoooooooooooo!!!!!