Lecavalier to have surgery on injured shoulder

The Lightning announced Saturday that star center Vinny Lecavalier will undergo surgery, likely in the next seven to 10 days, to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder that was dislocated during Thursday's game with the Capitals.

The delay in the timing of the procedure is so that swelling in the shoulder can be reduced. The Lightning said it expects a 12- to 15-week recovery process, which would mean Lecavalier will be ready for next season's training camp.

Lecavalier could not be reached for comment, but the Lightning released this statement:

"While I'm disappointed to be facing surgery at this time, I'm looking forward to working hard during the summer to be ready for training camp in September,'' Lecavalier said. "I'm luck to have good people like Lightning athletic trainers Jason Serbus and Tommy Mulligan around to help me through the process. I'm confident I'm in good hands.'

Tortorella softened a bit his view of the hit by Washington's Matt Cooke that was thrown when Lecavalier did not have the puck. Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau has said Cooke, who was fined $2,500 for the hit, was trying to check Michel Ouellet when Lecavalier got in the way.

"I don't think it was a vicious hit, and I certainly don't think he was trying to hurt him,'' Tortorella said. "But (Lecavalier) was in a vulnerable position, didn't see it coming, didn't have the puck. I wonder what would have happened if we were in a playoff run and something like that happened?''

Other stuff from this morning: With Lecavalier out, the lines that will start the game were interesting. Jeff Halpern centered for Marty St. Louis and Mathieu Darch; Jussi Jokinen was between Michel Ouellet and Jason Ward; Craig MacDonald centered for Nick Tarnasky and Junior Lessard; Andreas Karlsson was between Doug Janik and Karl Stewart. ... How far is Andre Roy in coach John Tortorella's doghouse when, with a lineup spot open, he goes to Stewart instead of Roy? Seems like Andrea's time in Tampa is just about over. ... Shane O'Brien, too, was a healthy scratch. Keep an eye on his situation over the summer. With Alex Picard already penciled into a spot for next season, it may come down to how much confidence the team has in Matt Smaby's development or if Mike Lundin needs some minor league time to determine if O'Brien is still wanted or could be used as trade bait. ... Tortorella said Smaby had a rough outing against the Capitals but has overall improved and is playing a much more physical style, which they like. ... Captain Tim Taylor skated at the morning workout, his last time on the ice as a Lightning player. The center, who missed the entire season because of preseason hip surgery, is calling it quits after 13 seasons and Stanley Cup titles in 2004 with the Lightning and 1997 with the Red Wings. Taylor said it was the right thing to do, but still regrets not playing in Saturday's game, something Tortorella gave him the option to do. "I'll never be on the ice as a player again,'' Taylor said. "That's tough.'' ...

Comments

[bear]

Pelle Linburg

[léo Çh]

So ajax?
After Bear's, David's and my examples of goalies who can Steal a Cup?
Still don't believe?
You gonna argue "oh, they had this guy and that guy" bla-bla-bla, They all had a Super-Standout goalie and that's it.
It can be done.
It's been done.
And it's gonna get done again.
Did Bourque get it done by himself? Nope. Not until he met Roy.
Did the Wayner get it done in L.A.? Nope. He didn't have Fuhr (who was pharmaceutically enhanced, sure), but still.
SSF

[Jimmy]

And yes, I know Forsberg is on the Avalanche this year. Should have never wasted the money or time on him. I do believe that Nashville wasted young talent in his acquisition and then "Roger Clemens like" antics after they were eliminated from the playoffs. I lose respect for this guy for holding on like this. Just go.

[Jimmy]

Forsberg isn't worth any attention whatsoever. The guy is practically a non-factor out there and should have never been brought back. The fact that Nashville gave up young studs to get him pre-deadline was terrible judgment. The guy is damaged goods at best and reminds me of an Eric Lindros these days, just holding on and not even close to what he used to be.

As far as Stamkos, I think the guy is the typical hyped #1 of each and every draft year. I wouldn't get too too excited over the guy. He is 6' 170, which in this NHL of these days actually gives him a good shot, after we have seen how the 13 year old looking Patrick Kane has performed. What a league we have now. Stamkos has definitely been dominant but here's to hoping the Lightning suck again next year so we get John Tavares. If you want to see a players player, have a look at that guy. Cream of the crop and coming out in 2009. If you never have heard of him, he is worth all the hype and then some.

[David]

Also, Bill Ranford stole the cup vs. Boston for an Edmonton team that featured the mighty Petr Klima as their hero.

[Bear]

Jimmy nailed it on the screws

Tampa fans, slower than most, have finally figured out the Bolts aren't so good anymore and it's no longer the cool thing to do..look out below PSE.

A few other goalies that stole series/Cups on their own.
Rogie Vachon, Ken Dryden, Terry Sawchuk and Crozier (should have).

[Not The Marlboro Man]

Jr.,
Thank you for this season's insightful and well written blogs. I hope you continue to give the Media as well as this enemic organization the words they well deserve. One last thought...the Lightning probably won't get the number one draft pick...its just how things have gone from bad to worse this year.

I do believe though that they have a chance to have better blue line now that our youngsters are getting a chance to play and Shane O'brien has been seen for what he really is by coaches (a big fat nothing). As anyone can see with Roberto Luongo, goal tending is only a portion of winning hockey. Defense along with consistant goal tending is key in the new NHL. If you can't control the tempo of the game with defense you are simply not going to win. I really believe that we only need one physical mean blueliner ...preferrably a veteran or someone as least as good as Jay Boumeester from Florida. THen we need 3 good forwards all preferrably top six quality and capable of 20 plus goals per season. Brian Rolston, Cory Stillman, Marcus Naslund...the list is big and goes on. If Feaster doesn't pull the trigger on at least a couple of trades or a few great UFA's, I won't even watch Sunshine Sports next season, much less buy a cheap seat ticket.

Personally, this season has turned my stomach and made me ill as a hockey fan. I could have lived with decline of the team because those things happen from time to time...but its the way in which this organization hornswoggled the fans and lied to us. Then the league along with their stooges chimed in to make tis season a first class goat rope. The League had better get its poop in one bag because fans throughout North America are all saying what ain't being printed. They are starting to call the games fixed and rediculous as well as one sided in calls. Gary Bettman better get his hands on the problems in a hurry because pretty soon he'll be out of job as well as every player n the NHL if they don't start gaining the fans respect back and operate once again with some integrity.

Since the Bolts have tanked for the season I guess I have to pull for Colorado....sorry all you Canadiens fans....the Avs rock, even though they are originally from Quebec. I want to see if Forsberg is worth the attention he received. May everyone one of you fans in Tampa have your cigars long and your glasses full...NTMM out.

[jr]

We know PSE has no pride and doesn't consider the fans' interest but....if they have any sense, they will sever the purchase agreement with the penniless uncommitted Koules, lower the asking price to a realistic, marketplace level and seek an enthusiastic buyer with the required financial committment.

They are simply not going to get anyone without a leaky cranium to fork over $200 million for something that on its absolutely best day is worth $180M. They need to fire Sal Galioto, the charlatan who couldn't deliver a loan from the compahy who lists him as a consultant. There are no Internet reports of Societe Generale no longer making sports loans except in Lightning press releases. This clown used SG's other woes as a fig leaf for his failure to deliver. I actually believe PSE swallowed his alibi.

The new committed ownership needs to exorcise the inept GM and cancerous coach and get the highest offer for Lecavalier. He's not staying here. They need to spend around $50M in payroll to resurrect the franchise. They need to be patient about the surrounding real estate which may not be prudently developed for at least 5 years.

And the new owners should be aware that there are far fewer gullible fans than there were a year ago. Price increases for ticket packages are not remotely practical, even in a healthy economic environment. Tampa's unemployment trend is one of the worst in the country. It ranks near the top in real estate depreciation. And that doesn't take into account the poor product they are trying to peddle.

The St Pete Times can't be counted on the come close to reporting the facts surrounding this abortion of an organization. Too many conflicts of interest. The bloggers have led the way in reporting the shenannigans of ownership, not by days but by weeks and in some cases, months. In other cities with similar situations, at least the fans would have the media on their side.

[léo Çh]

Is the impostering not working for you anymore, little child?
Back to basics, eh?
Haw-haw-haw!!!
SFF

[léo Çh]

Cam Ward was an EXCEPTIONAL stand-out!
Anyone says otherwise must send me their beautiful pictures of the planet Mars for surely, that's where they must've spent the spring of 2006.
Ward was Brilliant. Not just cuz he took over from Gerber and eliminated US. Top to bottom, he was brilliant.
Not so much this year.
Like Luongo.
Stop fighting, ajax.
Completely sober, mate. (but thanx for remindin' me, ugh, that was too much...) I understand; it's been awhile since you've seen a Super-Standout. I get it. It's been awhile for everybody. But as a Partisan, I REMEMBER that they EXIST and what DEFINES them. And if you say Theodore again, I'll scream! I never vouched for that weakling. Ever!
But I'm vouching for the Priceberg.
You should too.
So stop fighting and open your eyes.
You're about to witness something Precious.
Yes! I'm sober!
SFF

[léo Çh]

Casper, yes, yes!
Draft well and conditon those drafts in a system that will never vary from the ranks on up.
A guy who would fit in beautifully on this team and who would be a General on your blue-line is, much as it pains me to lay it out, Mark Streit. He would TAKE OVER your team's blue line and powerplay in a heartbeat. A perfect fit for Tampa, UFA at the end of the year.
Too bad for you he ain't going anywhere.
Ajax,
Detroit/Nashville, 1st round?
My money's on Ellis. No contest. Detroit Out.
SFF

[D. Gale]

Nat, ur s moron...you're not in Kansas anymore...I'm gonna get you and your little dog, Toto.

[ajax]

Leo it is 6:02, to early to blame your post on drinking. No goalie steals a cup without lots and lots of help. Any super standout goalie in the last three cup winners, nope. Leo part of life is admitting when you need to change steps. GBY

[//]

Vinny, heel well...I said heel, heel boy...that's a good Vinny...there, boy.

[Nat4]

Vinny...heal well and fast. Looking forward to next season to see this team come back. Instead of dwelling in the negative let's hope for the number one draft pick, healing vibes to all the injured Bolts, some good free agency to fill some key roles, closure to the ownership situation, keeping Vinny in Tampa and an awesome start to the 2009 season in Prague.....where I will be to support this team. Go Bolts!

[Casper]

Well, if we're going to lose Roy, and Torts won't throw O'Brien a bone, take a look at a guy for Atlanta who's a lot like OB. Exelby sticks up for his goalie and his 'mates. Sure, he's prone to the bonehead play now and then, so is Ranger and certainly DFB. All these guys lack is NHL caliber coaching. Picture these two words in a size 50 font red letters--- D_E_F_E_N_S_I_V_E___C_O_A_C_H_I_N_G_!

We can do a lower cap if clubs have a cast iron b###h of a time playing against us. Halpern will help see to that.

Don't care about Stamkos, never saw him play. If we actively coach whom we have both here and in Virginia, scout better (help us out here Tool Man and Clyde) and draft just halfway decent, things will improve.

Go Bolts!

[léo Çh]

Ajax,
First off, I think you meant "morale" instead of "moral". Unless Tortie was trying to teach us something...
As for Luongo, lemme ask ya my man,
Was he candidate for the Hart this year? No. 2nd half of the season, he sucked. If Marty had been there....yay or nay? Are the Devils' D and Offensive power superior to the Canucks'? Not at all. Luongo didn't step up like he did LAST YEAR with the SAME TEAM. They deserved what they got, so don't gimme that. I got no sympathy for guys who don't step up.
Now turn your idea around,
Do you honestly believe that Detroit is gonna win it all? Why not? They got the best D-man in the league and their Offence is an unrelenting horror.
They got no goalie, though.
What about Pittsburger? Sid and Geno, man! Whew!
Oh, but they got Fleury too...yeeesh, you ready to bet the farm?
Who looks good in the West? I'll tell you: the Sharks and the Ducks.
Hello! What do these clubs have in common? Say! They've got the 2 best goalies in the playoffs!
That's right.
Hey, ajax, ain't trying to CONVINCE you of anything; I'm just telling you how it is,
A single player CAN'T win championships.
Unless it's a goalie.
I'm not making anything up; you've seen it happen so many times. Roy, Brodeur and throw in Hasek too (even though he didn't go the distance with the Sabres,still,wow!) guys who Won it all when their team had no business winning.
1986, 1993. Don't tell me, ajax; I'll tell you.
Now watch my Boy.
Cuz it's about to happen again.
SFF

[Jimmy]

Crazy to trade O'Brien? Haha, he is awful. The guy tries to skate with the puck and move it up ice like he is Bobby Orr, but the main problem is he is nothing like Orr in stature or play. The guy needs to play with more of the rough edge he has once every 10-15 games he plays. When he was brought in from Anaheim it seemed like a steal, absolute steal, but unfortunately he is a dog. That is why he is sitting out. Andre Roy, while a good character guy will be gone soon too. When you look at the starting line-up for tonight it is pretty entertaining. Between injuries, trades and salary caps this team has been cut up and down every which way. What a squad that was iced this year. It is interesting to see how people react when they realize that the Lightning are not good anymore. If you look back to pre 2002/2003 season the team was never really that good, and was at most times downright horrible, but a lot of people didn't pay attention to them then becuase it wasn't the "cool" thing to do. Much like being a Bucs fan in the 1980s wasn't. Boy what a year this has been...whew....

[matt]

Nothing bad is going to happen in tonight's game. No way Tortorella would disrespect the GM of the Thrashers who is the GM of the US team. Just isn't going to happen. I only hope Waddell can convince Torts to force his way out over the summer so he can take over as ATL's head coach. As long as he leaves I don't care where he ends up. Plus the Bolts would on;y be on the hook for the difference in salary.

[Nils]

All I know is the Flounder is not the answer. Ramo has far more potential. Funny. the guy that Feaster wanted will be a bust and the other two guys are producers. This makes a mockery of a fine sport.

[bolt1210]

That is just crazy talk about O'Brien's situation. They would be crazy to trade him away!

[ajax]

Where is my goalie mad friend Leo?? Just get me a goalie and everything falls into place. I see Roberto Luongo the greatest goalie this side of Carriette Price, missed the playoffs for the 6th time in his 7 year career. How could this possibly happen gang?? Amazing how the goalie is such a pulse of the team. You ever hear this old hockey adage? To much credit for the win and to much blame for the loss. Everyone knows that Luongo is nowhere near the goalie of Chris Osgood!!!!
Leo in the off season I want you to work on that silly attitude that a goalie can turn a team around all by himself, never has and never will. Is it strange that the best D's in the league(Detroit Anaheim) have the best Dmen and nowhere near the best goalies. I think not. Chalk one up for us Florida dummies over the wise Habbersham. lol bba culater tata

[ajax]

The biggest thing I get out of this entire entry is how truly empty this roster is. The line-up tonight would need Marty to play 35 minutes in game 7 of the "Calder Cup" finals. I say at least 6 of those forwards have to be let go, they have proven they can't play anytning more than a 6-8 minute role, at most. O'Brien in the doghouse as well. Just amother sign of the real problem, deterioration of the moral of the entire club. I am pretty sure he was proably a little mouthy as well. Pretty soon the doghouse will be fuller than the bench. (and with these dogs it shold be.) And some educated blogger please spell out to me in real plain English, why Marty and Boyle should be playing any more than about 10 shifts??? Oh yeah, to send a message. So many "messages" from Torts this year I am sure I missed a few.

[Leanmean43]

This Team is CURSED!! I bet even if we do finish last we won't get the first pick, that's how unlucky we are. Since 1995 only 3 teams who finished last have retained the first pick in the draft.

[Victor]

Any word on fines/suspensions for the last minute fights?

[Bryan]

Get well soon Vinny. You should have shut it down a LOT earlier when the season was already gone. Go get your hand and shoulder fixed and keep working hard. Tampa loves you, man.

[Nan]

Good luck with your surgery and rehab, Vinny! What a lousy deal! It is good to hear that it is repairable and that you can make training camp. I hope that you can still take a vacation over the summer but nothing dangerous okay? Please?

[karma]

And the geniuses in Toronto only gave Cooke a $2,500 fine for the hit. Maybe they should have looked at the tape. What a mickey mouse league with no real protection for the world's best players..

[Scott]

Scratch Marty tonight! Please, no more bad news from a statistically meaningless game.

Marty, keep your head low(er). Torts, put Roy in the lineup just in case....better yet, they can skate on the same line with Halpern.

[C]

Fitting end to the season...