HC Slovan players lose, get bonus anyway

I have to say I really liked HC Slovan owner Eric Assimakopoulos. Maybe it's that we're fellow New Yorkers. Maybe because he seems like a generous individual, and on Tuesday said he was giving his players their 10,000 Euro bonus anyway, even though they lost 3-2 in a shootout to the Lightning.

You recall from earlier today, Assimakopoulos said he would give the bonuses to each player ($14,323.19 on the exchange rate) if they won. But after a terrific effort in which the team, for some stretches, outplayed Tampa Bay, Assimakopoulos, pounded his fist over his heart and said the bonuses would be paid.

Very quickly now because it's 3 a.m. and I just flew in to Prague from Slovakia, let's look at the good and bad of the game:

GOOD

- Vinny Lecavalier scored a goal and a shootout goal. Should provide him confidence going into the regular season.

- His linemates Marty St. Louis and Vinny Prospal skated well.

- Evgeny Artyukhin is looking more and more confident.

- Rookie defenseman Vladimir Mihalik is looking more and more confident.

- Power play is at least moving the puck better.

- Defenseman Andrej Meszaros becoming more and more of a force and inserting his personality into the game.

- Mike Smith is a good goaltender.

- Lightning finished preseason 5-1, and we can start thinking about the regular season. "Now," Lecavalier said, "it's the real thing."

BAD

- Ridiculous frustration penalties took all the wind out of the second period.

- Power play was 3-for-33 in preseason.

- Team has trouble finishing. Hit three crossbars and a post against HC Slovan.

- Defense still can run around. Sorry, just don't think Andrew Hutchinson will be a top 6.

- Coach Barry Melrose said team will work with Mike Smith to make better decisions sometimes on when to handle the puck.

Lightning 3, HC Slovan 2 (SO)

Vinny Lecavalier scored a power play goal, his first goal of the preseason 6:26 into the third period to tie the score 2-2. His shootout goal was the winner. The Lightning finished preseason 5-1 and faces the Rangers on Saturday in the season opener in Prague.

Friday: Chat with Damian from Prague

What can we expect from the new-look Lightning this season? How will things be different under Barry Melrose? How is No. 1 draft pick Steven Stamkos progressing?

And, most importantly, what is happening in Prague, site of the Lightning's season-opening games against the Rangers? Times beat reporter Damian Cristodero will take your questions live from the Czech Republic Friday from noon to 1 p.m. EST.

In the meantime, feel free to leave a question in the 'Comments' area below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Ouellet clears waivers

Right wing Michel Ouellet cleared waivers and is free to be assigned to the minors, though that was not done immediately. Does that mean a trade is working?

Looks like Koci makes the team; Malone out

Before we get to enforcer David Koci, wanted to make sure you saw this. The owner of the HC Slovan team said the game will be streamed live on the Internet at osporte.sk.

Anyway, nobody associated with the Lightning will talk about the last cut it must make to get down to the required 24 players, including extra goalie Karri Ramo. But reading between the lines today, you can make a good argument that Koci likely will start the season with Tampa Bay.

Consider coach Barry Melrose has been talking up the big Czech since before the start of the season, and made a big deal of saying he has promised his stars they always will be protected. On Monday, the Lightning traded Nick Tarnasky to the Predators. Tarnasky is no enforcer, but he was a willing fighter. And while Tampa Bay has a few of those still around, it certainly doesn't want Vinny Lecavalier and Ryan Malone regularly handling those duties. Evgeny Artyukhin is big and can hit, but he is not a great fighter.

So that leaves Koci. Melrose would not discuss the whys and wherefores of the team's thought process, but he did say Koci's skating (a big concern before preseason) is better than expected. He also added this:

"He's been great," Melrose said. "He's one of those players you have to have on your team. He lets your star players sleep at night."

Read into that what you will. Given all the circumstances, though, seems like Koci has the inside track and the final cut will come from elsewhere.

Other stuff from the morning skate:

My plan today was to try to interview whoever was sitting in Section C2, Row 8, Seat 47 at the Samsung Arena. You have to sit in this seat to believe it. It is in the middle of the upper bowl behind one of the nets, but is literally four feet behind what has to be an 18-inch wide pillar that helps to hold up the ceiling. In other words, it blocks the view of the middle of the ice from net to net. So if you want to see the goalies, you have to lean into the beer of the guy or gal sitting nest to you. But HC Slovan owner Eric Assimakopoulos said the seat is not sold.

Lightning coach Barry Melrose said Ryan Malone, originally scheduled to play, will sit out tonight with a sore shoulder. Radim Vrbata will take his place. It's been a tough preseason for Vrbata, who has bounced around from line to line looking for someone with whom to develop some chemistry. He began preseason with center Steven Stamkos and Malone.

"I really like him as a player," hockey ops chief Brian Lawton said. "I really haven't seen a lot of great magic or chemistry out there. That's why he's moved around a bit."

That sets up an interesting juxtaposition. Lawton says he sees no chemistry from Vrbata, so Vrbata is shifted from line to line. Vrbata, acquired as a free agent and given a three-year, $9-million contract, says he can't develop any chemistry while he moves around.

"I would rather stick with one (line) for all the preseason games to develop some chemistry," Vrbata said. "But that's what the coaches want to do, so I have to go with it. But for me, personally, it would be better to figure out the person I was going to play with, how they play."

Melrose said all he wants is for Vrbata to play hard.

"I want to see him hunt the puck a little harder. I want to see him win more battles," Melrose said. "The puck can't always come to him. He's got to work to get in the holes. He has to work to win battles. At times I've seen that in him, at times I haven't. It's just a case where he has to compete a little harder. Even with his talent, the puck is not getting to him. He has to have the puck, hopefully he'll realize that, compete a little harder and everything will be taken care of."

Pretty wild scene at the morning press conference as Slovakian reporters peppered Melrose and Vinny Lecavalier with questions. Of defenseman Vladimir Mihalik, who will make the team in the short term thanks, in part, to Paul Ranger's injured shoulder, Melrose said, "He's one of our biggest surprises in camp." ... Defenseman Andrej Meszaros, of Slovakia, who said Monday about 20 family and friends were coming to the game, now claims his ticket list is up to 30. ... Of HC Slovan coach Zdeno Ciger, whom played with the Lightning in 2001-02, Lecavalier, a former teammate, said, "We had some real chemistry. I love Z. He's a great guy, and I'm glad he's doing so well here. He's definitely doing something right." Ciger has led Slovan to consecutive Slovakia elite league titles. ... Mike Smith will start in goal and play the entire game.

As I explained on Monday and today, the Samsung Arena, which was built as an open-air facility and was finally covered in 1954, is a great place, with 8,000 steep seats, an intimate feel and those crazy view-blocking poles. It also does not have a press box. It does have seats with little work tables in the stands reserved for the press. Problem today was it was revealed that at least some of those seats were sold, and myself and ESPN.com's Scott Burnside did not have a place to sit and work while the game was in progress. After much discussions between the NHL representative here and an arena executive, the issue was resolved. Much more accommodating was the press conference room, which included a server behind a bar, pouring juice, soda and water, and coffee into regular coffee cups with spoons and dishes on which to carry the cups.

And if you think that is service, you'll love this. On Monday, as we sat talking to Ciger in the arena stands, another Slovan executive brought him a drink in a pretty, but small glass. Ciger took a sip and scrunched up his face, swallowing quickly. Seventy proof vodka will do that to you.

Cheers.

Slovan owner: $14,000 per player if we win

Eric Assimakopoulos always has been generous with his employees. The owner of the HC Slovan hockey team, which faces the Lightning tonight in Bratislava, Slovakia, said he is trying to become the first league owner here to offer his players workman's compensation. He has bought thousands of dollars in equipment for local kids, and he said his team was the first in Slovakia to give its players championship rings.

Now, Assimakopoulos, 38, a native New Yorker and real estate investor who said he still dreams of owning the Rangers,  told the St. Petersburg Times that if HC Slovan beats Tampa Bay, he will give each of his players a 10,000 Euros bonus. That is $14,323.19 at the current exchange rate. Not bad for players Assimakopoulos said make an average of about 50,000 Euros. Multiplied over 20 players, about its $287,000.

"They were really happy," Assimakopoulos said when asked how his players reacted, adding, "If we win, who knows what I'll will do."

Lightning coach Barry Melrose shrugged when told the story.

"No. 1, I've got to see if it's true or not, but it's a good story," he said. "It's different over here. We're going to respect them. It's going to be the biggest game they ever played, just like the guys in Berlin. Our guys are good today on the ice. We have to do the same hings we've been doing and that's to get in shape and hopefully come through this game unhurt."

Tarnasky traded to Predators

The Lightning traded rugged wing Nick Tarnasky to the Predators for a conditional 2009 draft pick. Tampa Bay received a sixth-round pick that would turn into a fifth if Tarnasky plays at least 55 games. The trade will save the Lightning $525,000 off the cap.

With Michel lOuellet on waivers (he will either be claimed or sent to AHL Norfolk) Tampa Bay still needs to make one cut before 3 p.m. Friday to get down to the required 24 players, including extra goalie Karri Ramo.

Ouellet on waivers

The Lightning apparently has placed right wing Michel Ouellet on waivers. We will know at noon eastern time on Tuesday whether he was claimed or assigned to AHL Norfolk. Ouellet, who is scheduled to make $1.3-million this season, was acquired last year as an unrestricted free agent. Though he came on strong at the end, he was a disappointment with 17 goals and 36 points in 64 games. He had a goal and an assist in four preseason games. Tampa Bay would save $1.3-million off the cap if he was claimed.

Tuesday's lineup

Mike Smith will start in goal and is expected to play the entire game.

Goaltenders: Mike Smith, Karri Ramo. Forwards: Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis, Vinny Prospal, Steven Stamkos, Ryan Malone, Evgeny Artyukhin, Chris Gratton, Adam Hall, Mark Recchi, Ryan Craig, Jussi Jokinen, Jason Ward. Defensemen: Andrej Meszaros, Matt Carle, Shane O'Brien, Mike Lundin, Andrew Hutchinson, Vladimir Mihalik.

Last chance for bubble guys

What happens in Tuesday's final preseason game will go along way to determining the Lightning's final two cuts (assuming Jeff Halpern, Paul Ranger and Nick Tarnasky go on injured reserve), hockey ops chief Brian Lawton said. The team has to be down to 24, including extra goalie Karri Ramo by 3 p.m. eastern time on Oct. 3.

It would seem as if the cuts will come from the forwards as the team is set on defense with seven healthy players and Ranger, rehabbing a right shoulder injury, waiting to be cleared to play. Once Ranger is cleared, a decision will have to be made, but doesn't seem a lot of sense sending anyone down now. That means Vladimir Mihalik may actually make it through, though certainly nothing is in stone.

It would seem Michel Ouellet has to show something. Jason Ward had two goals in his last game. Is that enough to secure a spot? Do David Koci's fists earn him a spot? It does not seem likely Radim Vrbata is in danger, but he has struggled and will not play against HC Slovan.

The other factor in forming a lineup is how Tampa Bay wants to use its players. What if it decides it likes Jussi Jokinen better at center than wing. If that is the case, where does that leave Ryan Craig, who would seemingly be behind Vinny Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos, Jussi Jokinen and Chris Gratton? Back at wing?

Still so many moving parts. One more game to figure it out. 

"The first two games are so crucial to us, we want to have the right lineup in," Lawton said of the season-opening games, Oct. 4 and 5 against the Rangers in Prague. "I think we probably have several right lineups."

Other notables: Tarnasky is practicing, but still could be put on injured reserve to help with the numbers crunch. ... Mihalik and defenseman Andrej Meszaros, both from Slovakia, are expecting friends and family to be at the game. ... Meszaros has zero points in the preseason but says he doesn't care. "I don't have to have a point. ... I'm a team player and as long as we win, I'm happy." ... Several Lightning players signed autographs for 45 minutes at a local sporting goods store in the morning. Players also signed on the ice after an open workout at Samsung Arena. ... The league was trying to secure a different charter plane for Tuesday night's ride back to Prague to avoid the hassles experienced Sunday with Czech Airlines.

Zdeno Ciger and the New York Slovak

Was sitting in the stands at Samsung Arena in Bratislava, watching the Lightning practice on Monday and noticed Zdeno Ciger's picture hanging from the rafters as an all-time great of HC Slovan. The someone pointed out that he was sitting two rows behind me. Hadn't seem him slide in. He is now the coach of HC Slovan and has won the past two Slovakian elite league titles.

Ciger, a left wing, played briefly for the Lightning during the 2001-02 season, with six goals in 27 games. But Ciger also was afflicted with panic attacks that cut short his time with Tampa Bay. Ciger spoke of the affliction as if the cause was obvious.

"That's because I didn't have good time with the coach, John Tortorella, that guy," Ciger said. "All my life I play lots of hockey and I couldn't sit on the bench and not help the team. ... I was nervous because I was really disappointed. If I'm not playing, I'm dying."

Ciger said he uses that lesson when he is behind the bench.

"That's why I'm trying to sue my guys," he said. "If you're talented, if you're good, I don't think it's a good idea to bench him and let him sit. These are the guys who are going to do the winning."

Ciger said he never thought about coaching until his friends in Slovan's management approached him mid season three years ago. Two titles later, he says he likes it. Despite his success, Ciger said he cannot think about coaching at the national level until he goes through three years of coaching school. He may just do it.

"Everything for hockey," he said. "That's my life."

Ciger spoke about his "demanding" owner Eric Assimakopoulos, the "big business man."

Assimakopoulos, 38, is a native New Yorker, who says he went from construction worker to real estate investor at Morgan Stanley to running his own business that led him to Europe and eventually Slovakia. He not only owns the team, but several hotels in Bratislava, including the one in which the Lightning is staying, and 80 percent of the city's airport.

He said he grew up wanting to play for the Rangers and then wanting to own the Rangers. "And that dream is not over," he said.

"This," he added about hockey, "is my pleasure."

Assimakopoulos has big plans for his team, starting with building a new 10,000-seat arena. The team could certainly use it. The Samsung Arena is old. It started out as an open air arena, he said. The roof was added in 1954. It has 8,000 seats, many still wood and poles that support the ceiling and block crucial parts of the ice, depending on where you are sitting. But the seats are steep, so you are right on top of the ice. And Assimakopoulos assured that when the place is rockin' it is LOUD.

Personally, I love places like this. The charm and tradition way make up for what is lacking in amenities. You get the feeling Assimakopoulos feels the same way deep down, but modernity sometimes calls. It is the same with the Lightning's game against HC Slovan. Assimakopoulos admitted he probably overpriced the tickets which run as high as $1,100 for premier suite seats. But, as he said, they just wanted to break even.

Assimakopoulos said about 1,000 tickets remain. He believes the game will be a sellout.

He certainly doesn't seem to be. Assimakopoulos said he wants to grow hockey in Sloavkia and Europe. And I love this: he wants to be the first owner of a Slovakian hockey team to offer his players disability insurance. I'm sure that will put him in good with the rest of the owners.

On a side note, had a chance to walk around Bratislava today in perfect 60-degree, sunny weather. What a stunning city with a central area and square with charm and architecture that in its way matches Prague's. Unlike Prague, Bratislava is one of those places, I likely would not have had a chance to visit otherwise. I would have missed out.

Knopka, Bochenski clear waivers

Just some housekeeping:

There was some concern the Lightning could lose Zenon Knopka on waivers. But the center cleared Monday at noon along with forward Brandon Bochenski. Both will report to at AHL Norfolk.

Lightning 4, Berlin Eisbaren 1

Defenseman Vladimir Mihalik scored his first NHL goal 10:26 into the second period help push Tampa Bay to a 4-1 victory Sunday over Berlin Eisbaren in front of an announced 11,800 at the O2 World Arena. Gary Roberts got the assist. Roberts also scored off a superb pass from Steven Stamkos to tie the score 1-1 2:08 into the period.

Jason Ward's third-period goal opened a two-goal lead for Tampa Bay (4-1). Goaltender Olaf Kolzig, who won a championship with Eisbaren, was solid in net and stopped Alex Weir's breakaway with 5:31 remaining in the second period.

The Lightning went on a four-minute penalty kill 9:14 into the third period after left wing Ryan Malone beat down Richie Regehr. Malone got two minutes for instigating, two for high-sticking, five for fighting and a 10-minute misconduct.

Eisbaren pulled its goalie and played six-on-four during the power play but did not score. The team could not get the goalie back on the ice in time to stop Ward's empty-net goal with 6:24 left.

Great things about hockey in Europe

There are to so far, and I will admit the first is totally selfish: No TV timeouts. I don't know what they do normally, but this game has flown by and part of it is we don't have to wait for commercials. That would be great on deadline. The other is the great fans in a standing rooms section that takes up almost the entire lower bowl behind one of the nets. They chant, they cheer, they sing, they bang drums and wave flags. It's almost like a soccer match.

And, by the way, they play the Zamboni song between periods as the ice is cleaned.

I will say this, though, the big ice seems to really take away the physical play. When I went to the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, the competition was so good, I thought the bigger, international ice was the way to go. But perhaps if a game isn't played as crisply as those (and let's face it, this is still preseason), the lack of physical play is noticeable. Even beyond that, you just want to see some. The Lightning has been very physical this season. I think that can be a big part of its game. We are not seeing it on the big ice, though Evgeny Artyukhin still can't seem to control his urge to commit penalties. The big Russian has two today and now has eight minors in five games.

PA Head Kelly: Grow international presence

Myself and Scott Burnside, a colleague who writes for ESPN.com, spoke for several minutes with Players Association executive director Paul Kelly, who said as many as eight teams likely will travel to Europe next year, perhaps to cities such as Helsinki or Moscow, to continue the NHL's program of opening the season overseas.

"This is not a flash in the pan for us," Kelly said. "We're actually thinking about continuing it and growing it."

He also said for the first time that, beginning in August or September 2011, there is a good chance there will be a World Cup of hockey that will be held every four years thereafter. The tournament has shown up intermittently over the years with seven held since 1976. He said a final decision could come in six months or less. Kelly, however, said the consistent appearance of the World Cup will not necessarily preclude NHL players from participating in the Olympics. The NHL has not committed to the Olympics after the 2010 Games in Vancouver. The 2014 Games are in Russia, and at this point, Kelly said, the players "strongly favor participation," though he said the current frosty relationship between the NHL and new KHL in Russia over player contracts could be crucial.

A final note: Kelly said there are ideas about putting NHL franchises in Europe, ideally an entire division. But Kelly said the chances of that happening are on the far end of a five-to 10-year window. Kelly said the discussions are so early "no one has ever talked in any concrete terms about it."

Still, he said the idea was intriguing.

"Putting a franchise in Europe makes sense for a lot of reasons," Kelly said of promotional, marketing and financial opportunities. "It strengthens hockey generally around the world when you bring the finest players in the world to play in places like Prague and Berlin."

Am I in a 'Seinfield' espisode?

If you've ever seen the "Seinfeld" episode where the manager of the Chinese restaurant keeps telling Jerry and friends they will be seated in "Oh, five, 10 minutes," you  know how the Lightning, and especially hockey ops chief Brian Lawton, felt Sunday morning.

The team and the rest of us support and media types got to the Prague airport for an 11 a.m. flight to Berlin to play an exhibition at 4 p.m. against Berlin Eisbaren. Well, of course, the Czech Airlines charter plane was not at the gate. So, we sat down in two different lounges (players in one with food and drinks, media in another with a bottle of water and a small carton of apple juice) to wait.

The person in charge of the charter, a Czech gentleman who spoke with a thick English accent and was receiving phone calls every 30 seconds, it seemed, assured Lawton the plane would be coming, and he really said this, in five or 10 minutes. He said there was a maintenance issue and the plane was parked at another terminal.

Well, five or 10 minutes go by and Lawton asks again. This time he is told seven minutes. Seven minutes later, we're told, I'm not kidding, five or 10 minutes. On the next go-round, the Czech Airlines guy says he has word from the control tower that the plane is on the move. How long will it take to arrive? No joke, five or 10 minutes. He scurries out of the office to take yet another phone call.

Five or 10 minutes later he rushes back into the lounge, looks out the window, sees no plane and throws up his hands as if to say, "What the (blank) is going on?" He didn't have the nerve to say five or 10 minutes at that point, but that is actually what it took until we finally saw the plane being towed from another part of the airport.

So, the plane finally arrived and we took off about 90 minutes late. The game in Berlin was pushed back to 4:30 to accommodate the delay. I really can't believe I'm saying this but I found an airline that has even less legroom than United States carriers. Czech air must have been built for midgets or bean poles. Absolutely no room to move. Good thing it was a 45-minute flight.

Berlin is a sprawling city and the O2 World Arena, is brand spankin' new, having hosted just two hockey games. It is so new, the gentleman, who wore an official arena uniform, did not quite know how to get us to the press box. "We're feeling our way around here, too," he said.

Finally made it up to the top of the building, which is beautiful, by the way, and has a spectacularly clear sound system -- the St. Pete Times Forum should take notice -- that is loud but still does not rattle the backs of your teeth with too much treble, as happens in Tampa. It was playing Ian Hunter when we came in, so it wins points there as well.

The arena also was built in what was formerly East Berlin, and is across the street from one of the remaining sections of the old Berlin Wall that has been completely covered in graffitti. Very cool.

This part of Europe has embraced wind power. As we flew in to Berlin, you didn't have to strain very hard to see numerous windmill farms along the countryside. They're smarter than we are, that way.

Big day coming for Lecavalier, Kolzig

The Lightning faces the Berlin Eisbarens on Sunday in Germany. Two good stories here.

The first is Vinny Lecavalier, who plays his first game since April's arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn glenoid labrum in his right shoulder. The other is goaltender Olaf Kolzig, a German citizen, who won a championship with the Eisbarens in 2004-05, the year of the NHL lockout.

Kolzig called it a big deal because "other than my mother and brother, the rest of my family lives over there. I played for the national team a number of times. I'm really looking forward to it."

And wondering about the reception he'll get.

"If you have a guy who says they don't, then he's lying to you," Kolzig said. "Of course you do. It's natural. The worst thing that can happen is you're booed and have stuff thrown at you."

Likely won't be the case for Kolzig.

As for Vinny, he said he's looking forward to getting on the ice. His shoulder, he said, is still not 100 percent, but it feels stronger than it has since the surgery. His biggest concern is waiting for that first hit.

"It's a little tougher now, especially with the injury because the first thing I think about is the shoulder," he said. "So, I've got to make sure I look up to see what's coming at me. ... It's a mental thing, but that's how it's going to be. I have to live with it. The doctor said every month it's going to be better and better and maybe by the middle of the season, I won't feel it at all."

Asked what he is looking for from Lecavalier, coach Barry Melrose said, simply, "That he doesn't get hurt. ... He's in good shape, feels strong. It's just a matter of getting up to full speed."

More on Lecavalier in Sunday's paper.

Other practice notes:

Melrose shook up Steve Stamkos' line a bit, dropping right wing Radim Vrbata to a third line with center Jussi Jokinen and Mark Recchi. Evgeny Artyukhin replaced Vrbata with Stamkos. Melrose has said he wants to see more from Vrbata, who hasn't been very visible lately. He also has praised Artyukhin for getting better every game. Why not? This is the time to experiment. It's also a time to send a message to Vrbata that he needs to show more. ... The MVP line of Lecavalier, Vinny Prospal and Marty St. Louis was reunited. Center Chris Gratton played with Gary Roberts and Adam Hall. A fifth line included center Ryan Criag, Nick Tarnasky and bubble players David Koci, Jason Ward and Michel Ouellet. ... Melrose said his players need to be careful to be focused when playing in Berlin and Tuesday in Slovakia. "Are you kidding?" he said. "This is their Stanley Cup." ... Czech native Prospal visited his mother, Kvetoslava Prospalova, Friday night after she underwent surgery, he said, for a problem with varicose veins. "She's like any other older person," Prospal said. "She put it off and put it off until she had to go."

Sunday's lineup: Goaltenders -- Olaf Kolzig, Karri Ramo. Forwards -- Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis, Vinny Prospal. Steve Stamkos Evgeny Artyukhin, Ryan Malone. Chris Gratton, Adam Hall, Gary Roberts, Jussi Jokinen, Radim Vrbata, Mark Recchi. Defensmen -- Andrej Meszaros (tentative), Matt Carle, Shane O'Brien, Janne Niskala, Mike Lundin, Andrew Hutchinson, Vladimir Mihalik.

Kolzig gets the start and is expected to play the entire game.   

It's different, and dirtier, in the Czech Republic

Spent a good chunk of the day at the O2 Arena today in Prague. The Lightning had an hour-long video session to address the lack of aggression the team has shown the past two games when it comes to puck battles. The Lightning also skated for 90 minutes, a bit longer than usual, but with a lot of traveling on Sunday (three countries in one day as it goes to Berlin to play a game and then to Slovakia), the morning skate on Sunday will be optional.

Anyway, in that time had an interesting conversation with Jiri Kalous, an assistant coach with the HC Slavia Praha hockey team based in Prague. We got through the usual stuff about how big hockey is in the Czech Republic, how Jaromir Jagr, before he bolted for Russia, was the country's favorite NHL player; now, Kalous said, it is more of a collective pride in the natives who can play in the world's best league.

But when it got to the game itself, I was surprised Kalous said the NHL game is much less dirty.

"Here it's not good playing in hockey," Kalous said. "There are many fouls in our competition. In the NHL, if somebody plays with the stick, immediately out. (He meant stick fouls, of course.) You have cleaned it up. It is hard but clean. it is very good."

Why is there so many stick fouls in Czech. Kalous said it is the larger ice surface.

"It's very hard to catch him and defend him," Kalous said. "So from there, they use their sticks."

Czech native Vinny Prospal said a lack of fighting also contributes. Fights in the Czech Republic earn a two-minute penalty for a minor dustup and five-minute penalty for a brawl and a game misconduct. Kalous said it used to be players were suspended up to three games for fighting but that rule recently changed. "So you're not able to square with someone in a fighting way, so you you use your sticks," Prospal said.

One other thing that is different here, the ice surface is covered, and I mean covered, with 50 ads. I counted. There literally is more color than whote ice. There also are ads on the glass. Big clear letters that are see-through, but they are there, nonetheless.

For the Lightning's game, however, the ice sheet will be painted over. The league has brought in Dan Craig to supervise. Craig is now an NHL employee but was the guru of ice in Edmonton, which is widely believed to have the best NHL ice.   

Two cuts to go

This is going to get a bit involved, so bear with me, here.

After Thursday's cuts, the Lightning has 29 players on its roster, but only 28 on the trip to Europe because center Jeff Halpern (knee) stayed in Tampa. The Lightning must get down to 24 players by the time it plays the Rangers in the season opener Oct. 4 in Prague. Usually teams can carry only 23 players, but the four teams in Europe can carry 24 if the extra player is a third goaltender. Karri Ramo earned his way to Europe with two stellar exhibition efforts. The Lightning also did not want only two goalies here in case one got hurt so far from home.

To make matters easier, lets start with the 29 and the assumption that Vinny Lecavalier (shoulder) is able to play. We should know more on that score Sunday when he gets in his first exhibition. The roster, then, will go down to 26 when defenseman Paul Ranger (shoulder), wing Nick Tarnasky (thumb) and Halpern are put on injured reserve, which takes them off the roster count for at least seven days.

That leaves two cuts that need to be made by the Oct. 4 game with the Rangers. That would bring the roster down to 24. That will have to be reduced to 23 when the team gets back to North America. It is assumed Ramo, at that point, will be sent to AHL Norfolk.

So who is on the bubble? It seems Jussi Jokinen has earned a spot. If that is true, that means forwards Jason Ward, David Koci and Michel Ouellet likely are sweating it out. On defense, the situation still is in flux. There are eight on the roster, including Ranger, who is going on IR. If the Lightning decides to keep the other seven, then everyone else is safe. If it wants six, then it would seem Mike Lundin, Andrew Hutchinson and Vladimir Mihalik will have to watch their backs. Personally, I think Mihalik has been the best of those three.

Mihalik brings up another interesting situation. Hockey ops chief Brian Lawton said he believes there will be times he will swap out Mihalik and Matt Smaby with the big club. In that way, he said, they both game some valuable experience. Smaby, of course, was sent to Norfolk after Thursday's game. Does that mean Mihalik has made the team? Lawton said no.

A lot to keep track of, I know. And speaking of keeping track, center Zenon Knopka and right wing Brandon Bochenski, who also were sent to Norfolk Thursday, can't be put on waivers until Saturday (the beginning of the 2008-09 waiver season), so we won't know if they clear until Monday. 

Prague is gorgeous

I guess we are important. Check that, the players are important. I just happen to be along for the ride. And what a ride it was from the airport to the team hotel; 30 exhilarating minutes with a police escort and the ability to blow through red lights and avoid Prague's traffic which probably wouldn't be so bad if the streets weren't all about a foot and a half wide.

The ride itself was prettier and prettier as we got closer to the city center. Every now and then you saw an advertising sign on the street promoting the Oct. 4 and 5 games with the Rangers; Vinny Lecavalier pictured on one side, New York's Scott Gomez on the other.

The Czech language does not offer many opportunities for foreigners to figure out what it is talking about, especially on store signs as you drive past. But just when you feel totally out of touch, there pops up a McDonald's or a KFC. The streets are full of people, and lots of young people, so there is a vibrancy here that was very evident when the team got to the practice arena in a suburb called Letnany. About 100 or so fans were there to meet the bus. As the players got off, the Czech natives (Vinny Prospal, Radim Vrbata and David Koci) were swarmed by kids seeking autographs and television and newspaper cameras. Vinny Lecavalier was treated as royalty as well. As he walked from the bus to the rink, at least six men snapping pictures walked backwards in front of him, all while a crowd asked for autographs.

"It's special," Prospal said later in the locker room. "It's my home country. It doesn't happen every day like that. I'll enjoy it for a couple of days. Now I know what Vinny has to do every day of his life."

"They look to the players like gods," Koci said of players such as Jaromir Jagr and Wayne Gretzky, whom he said made hockey popular in his country. "So for a check guy to play in the NHL, it's a big thing."

Not everyone got so much respect. While waiting for his players to put on their uniforms and gear in the O2 Arena (the big arena where the games against New York will be played) and then ride the bus to the practice rink, coach Barry Melrose tried to walk down a hallway to look at the ice. He was met by a stern looking guy with a yellow security jacket, who would not let him by.

"Can I see the ice?" Melrose asked.

The stern guy did not say anything. He just shook his head.

"Tough country," Melrose said. "I hope they let us out there (Saturday) to skate."

Later, associate coach Rick Tocchet tried to get by the same security guy with the same result; though one wonders if Melrose could not get through why Tocchet believed he could.

"I'm tougher," Tocchet said.

It wasn't until almost 8:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. eastern time) that I got to my hotel, which is different than the high-end, and much pricier spot the Lightning is enjoying. Mine is a bit, shall we say, spartan. But it has Internet, a nice bed and a big bathroom and could not be in a better spot; next to the National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square, the heart of the entertainment district.

Lightning reduces roster to 29

The Lightning reduced it's roster to 29 by sending defenseman Matt Smaby, right wing Brandon Bochenski and center Zenon Konopka to training camp for AHL Norfolk. Bochenski and Knopka must clear waivers.

Smaby was a bit of a surprise but hockey ops chief Brian Lawton said it was a numbers game. Smaby said he was surprised. "I try not to think about it too much. My goal is to make the team."

Defenseman Vladimir Mihalik will travel to Europe though he still is not guaranteed to make the team. Lawton said he envisions a scenario in which Mihalik and Smaby both get time in the NHL.

Thursday's lineup vs. Rangers

It took a while but the team finally posted a lineup for tonight's game at Madison Square Garden. Karri Ramo is expected to start in goal and play the entire game. Some cuts may be announced after the game, though it was unclear how many. Likely a big game for players such as Michel Ouellet, Brandon Bochenski, David Koci, Zenon Konopka, Matt Smaby and Andrew Hutchinson :

Goaltenders: Karri Ramo, Olaf Kolzig. Forwards: Evgeny Artyukhin, David Koci, Marty St. Louis, Radim Vrbata, Steven Stamkos, Michel Ouellet, Mark Recchi, Brandon Bochenski, Ryan Malone, Jussi Jokinen, Chris Gratton, Zenon Konopka. Defensemen: Andrew Hutchinson, Matt Carle, Andrej Meszaros, Matt Smaby, Janne Niskala, Shane O'Brien.

Lightning audio slide show

How much different will the Lightning look under Barry Melrose than under John Tortorella? What might we expect from veteran acquisitions such as Gary Roberts and Mark Recchi?

What does the captaincy mean to Vinny Lecavalier? How is Steven Stamkos progressing? And what is the biggest question mark heading into the season?

Times beat writer Damian Cristodero discusses this and more in an audio slide show previewing the 2008-09 season.

Ranger likely out of European games

Never, ever go crosstown into the heart of Manhattan's theater district just as people are lining up to see some shows. An hour from  the Lincoln Tunnel to the team hotel. Brutal.

Anyway, coach Barry Melrose said he was not counting on Paul Ranger to play in the games Oct. 4 and 5 against the Rangers in Prague. That's a tough one for Tampa Bay in the short term as Ranger is the Lightning's most experienced blue-liner after Andrej Meszaros. No real setbacks to report, said the team. And even though Ranger's right shoulder surgery was to repair a torn labrum, same as Vinny Lecavalier, Ranger's injury was long-term and degenerative. Lecavalier's was acute, happening in a moment of a game. That means Ranger apparently will take longer to heal than Vinny. So don't be surprised if Ranger goes on injured reserve, which means he must miss at least seven days.

As we have explained before, that is not a terrible scenario. The Lightning plays just seven games in 26 days after returning from Europe, so keeping Ranger out does not sacrifice much of the season. The same equation will guide whether Lecavalier is held out or put on IR. But Melrose said it seems as if he is counting on Lecavalier playing.

Lecavalier is scheduled to play his first exhibition Sunday in Berlin.

"I want to get it out of the way," he said. "I want to get hit. I want to start using my instincts and playing like I usually do, and not just think about my shoulder."

Even so, Lecavalier said if he doesn't respond well in Berlin and Slovakia, he has no problem sitting out or even going on IR.

"Better to be safe and wait a week or two than forcing it and something happens and I'm out for six months," Lecavalier said. "But it feels pretty good right now. I'm confident I'll play in that first game."

In other news: The Lightning did not release the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers at MSG. ... Why was the Lightning outshot 40-18 Tuesday against New York? "We were weak on the puck," Melrose said. "I can think of 10  times right now when we had the puck and gave it up and they got shots out of it. But that's an area we can clean up very, very easily."

Might Vinny be held out of opener?

Bear with me here, even though this is more speculation and reading between the lines than anything.

We read in Tuesday's paper that hockey ops chief Brian Lawton said he would not hesitate to keep star Vinny Lecavalier and defenseman Paul Ranger out of at least the season opener Oct. 4 in Prague if their rehabbing right shoulders were not ready to go. He said he might even put them on injured reserve to help the team manage their numbers. That's a big hint not to be taken seriously, especially after watching Jussi Jokinen star at center this preseason. And while Jokinen's move to the middle might have been, as coach Barry Melrose said, an "experiment," it is not far-fetched to believe it also was a tryout to see if Jokinen could contribute at the position if Lecavalier isn't ready. In Tuesday's 3-2 victory over the Rangers, Jokinen played between Marty St. Louis and Vinny Prospal and had an assist.

Making a move to keep Lecavalier, and even Ranger, out of the lineup more manageable is the schedule. After Tampa Bay plays regular-season games Oct. 4 and 5 against the Rangers in Prague, it plays just seven times in the final 26 days of October, so it is not as if the team is sacrificing much of the season if it wants to devote part of that time to making sure Lecavalier and Ranger are healed.

So just keep all that in the back of your hat.

What else did we learn Tuesday? Well, we know that goaltender Mike Smith looked awfully good. And isn't it amazing how much better he looked when the guys in front of him are playing with motivation and without fear of, as he said, having someone "on your back." No names, please, but we know to whom he was referring.

Looks like Evgeny Artyukhin is proving he was worth the investment, or at least the coaching staff believes he eventually will be. The big Russian was not supposed to play Tuesday, but coach Barry Melrose apparently wanted to take another look at him with linemates Ryan Craig and Adam Hall, and scratched Jason Ward.

Ward said after the game he is not hurt and was given no reason for the change, but it seems pretty clear the Lightning brass is making final decisions. Both Melrose and associate coach Rick Tocchet called Artyukhin "a project." And, boy, he is a penalty waiting to happen (he has four in three), but he has looked stronger and stronger on his skates in each game. He was particularly strong in the first period when he blew past Rangers defenseman Wade Redden and got off a shot that Ryan Craig put in on the rebound.

Does that mean Ward is on his way out? We'll see. More likely right now is defenseman Andrew Hutchinson, who has shown absolutely nothing. Hutchinson has a $500,000 one-way contract, so if he is put on waivers, there is no chance anyone will take him until he is put on recall, when Tampa Bay will still be on the hook for half his $500,000 salary. And perhaps it was just a coincidence, but defenseman Janne Niskala, who has been noticeable and good with the puck, was moved into Hutchinson's seat in the big locker room at the St. Pete Times Forum. He was in an auxiliary room when camp began.

So how do these lines, on display Tuesday, sound?

Vinny Prospal-Jussi Jokinen-Marty St. Louis

Ryan Malone-Steven Stamkos-Radim Vrbata

Gary Roberts-Chris Gratton-Marfk Recchi

Evgeny Artyukhin-Ryan Craig-Adam Hall

On defense, seems Andrej Meszaros, Matt Carle, Janne Niskala, Paul Ranger (if he is healthy) and Shane O'Brien are set. Assuming Hutchinson is out (and that, again, is speculation), that would mean Mike Lundin, Matt Smaby and Vladimir Mihalik still are in play.

Lots of moving parts and only two days until they leave for Europe.    

6 more cuts

The Lightning reduced its preseason roster to 32 (28 healthy players and four injured) with six cuts: C Wyatt Smith, LW Radek Smolenak, D Ty Wishart, C Paul Szczechura and G Riku Helenius were sent to training camp at AHL Norfolk. C Dana Tyrell was returned to WHL Prince George.

Jokinen makes his case, and so does Melrose

Jussi Jokinen spent most of the summer listening and reading about how he could be traded before the season so the team could cut its cap number and a glut at forward. But Jokinen is making that decision very difficult with a goal, three points, a shootout goal and a plus-3 rating in to games heading into tonight's with the Rangers.

Coach Barry Melrose said he has spoken to hockey ops chief about keeping Jokinen.

"Jokinen has been great," Melrose said. "He's been our best player for two games."

Jokinen, 25, who will make $1.8-million this season, has played center so far after being mainly a left wing last season after being acquired from the Stars in the Brad Richards deal. Jokinen said center is his natural position and likes it because he gets to handle the puck more and can "think" more on the ice.

Lawton did not commit to anything, but added, "There's no need for Barry to put a good word in for Jussi Jokinen with me. Jussi has played excellent."

"I think I've done a pretty good job of blocking it away," Jokinen said of the trade speculation. "I'm not thinking about it too much. The one thing I try to do is play as you can. That's going to help me."

Jokinen's emergence at center, as well as the hard-nosed edge brought by center Zenon Konopka (three fights on Monday), is putting some pressure on other centers in camp. Without naming names, Melrose sounded a warning.

"Hopefully Konopka has woke up some of the big centers of ours, and they have to realize they're going to have to change the way they're playing if they're going to make the team," Melrose said. They've got to play harder."

As for Steven Stamkos, Melrose continued to heap on the praise.

"He's an immense talent," Melrose said. "He's as fast as anybody on the ice. He's a great kid. He's  sponge. Down the road we're going to say we're the luckiest organization in the world to finish last in 2008 because this kid is going to be special."

Melrose said it is no accident Stamkos is sitting next to vet Gary Roberts in the locker room.

"I've always been a guy to surround young guys with  veterans," Melrose said. "Gary Roberts isn't going to teach Steven anything about skill. Gary Roberts will teach Steven a lot about professionalism and competitiveness and taking care of yourself. Part of winning is competing every night, and that's been Gary's M.O. since he came into the NHL. As long as we have Gary Roberts here, that's going to be one of his lasting legacies; what he's teaching those guys away from the rink about being a pro."

It's a loss, but look at the bright side

The Lightning's 3-2 exhibition loss to the Penguins Monday night likely will be bemoaned by those who cannot stomach a loss in any sense at any time. And, yes, the defense, had a couple burps that led to goals and the power play could not score in 9:36 with the man advantage. But after watching the line of Steven Stamkos and wings Radim Vrbata and Ryan Malone, I really believe the Lightning has something here.

Malone was rusty and had just one shot and two penalties in his first game. But Stamkos looked exponentially better in his second game, was constantly around the puck, had four shots, missed another seven and hit a post. Vrbata looked smooth and had a game-high six shots. Most important, Stamkos and Vrbata showed chemistry. If Malone can join in, the line just might be okay. Coach Barry Melrose said the line will play together the rest of the preseason.

"Once we get Malone into playing game speed, the line looked pretty good," Melrose said. "But I think people are starting to see what makes this kid (Stamkos) special. You know, those are NHL defensemen he's going up against and he's posting them and jumping through the middle and stuff. He's a pretty impressive kid."

Impressive also was Jussi Jokinen, who has shined in two games at center. He scored and had another strong game. You've got to feel bad for the guy, though. He's in a tough spot, knowing he likely could be traded, and he is making the most of his showcase. He will play in his third game on Tuesday.

"He's come here and just played great," Melrose said. "He's been our best player in the exhibition games as far as I'm concerned."

The lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rangers at the St. Pete Times Forum: Goaltenders -- Mike Smith, Riku Helenius. Forwards -- Vinny Prospal, Jussi Jokinen, Marty St. Louis, Ryan Malone, Steven Stamkos, Radim Vrbata, Gary Roberts, Chris Gratton, Mark Recchi, Jason Ward, Ryan Craig, Adam Hall. Defensemen -- Andrej Meszaros, Mike Lundin, Shane O'Brien, Janne Niskala, Vladimir Mihalik, Matt Carle.

Smith is expected to start in goal and play the entire game. 

Roster situation could play out in Europe

Coach Barry Melrose has said he would love to have the Lightning's roster situation settled by the time the team leaves for Europe on Thursday after an exhibition in New York against the Rangers. But vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said the team could take up to 27 players to Europe and make final cuts there.

"It's very inconvenient to bring players over, but these guys have worked their (butts) off, and there are more jobs open than people think," Lawton said. "People think that if guys have one-way (contracts) that is the be-all and end-all. We're looking for the best hockey players here. We don't care where the come from or where they're signed at. Nobody should take that for granted."

For the Lightning, and the three other teams traveling to Europe, rosters must be set by 3 p.m. Oct. 3. (Tampa Bay plays the Rangers Oct. 4 and 5 in Prague). The league roster limit is 23, but those four teams could have 24 player only if it has a third goaltender.

The Lightning is in a tough spot at forward with 17 one-way contracts that pay the same whether the player is in the NHL or the minors. How will Tampa Bay trim that down?

"That's my job. I'll figure that out," Lawton said. "We're working daily on options for lots of different things. I'm not worried about it."

Beyond trades, Lawton can trim the roster by putting players on injured reserve. That removes the player from the roster count. Center Jeff Halpern (knee) will be Jeff there and likely wing Nick Tarnasky (thumb). Lawton even said there is a chance defenseman Paul Ranger and center Vinny Lecavalier, both rehabbing shoulder surgery, could be there as well. Lawton wasn't making any predictions on the latter two, but, as he said, "There are no guarantees" they will be ready.

"I'm not going to (expletive) around with these guys if they're not ready," Lawton said. "I'm not stupid. This is for the season."

Making that decision a bit easier is the fact Tampa Bay plays just nine October games, seven after getting back from Europe on Oct. 6.

"Trust me," Lawton said. "I'll do what's best for the players and the hockey club long-term."

Also, Lawton said cuts will be made Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to get down to the 24-27 mark. 

Good strategy or too careful?

As we read in today's paper, coach Barry Melrose is changing the Lightning's system from one of puck pursuit (that was John Tortorella's system that was sparked by the forecheck) to one of puck possession, which is more of a game of keep-away. Puck possession means looking to carry the puck in over the blue line instead of dumping and chasing. It means protecting the puck when challenged instead of getting rid of it and trying to track it down.

Other aspects:

Forcing the defensemen to protect their zone first before committing to the rush or pinching. Even defenseman Paul Ranger said the defense (especially himself, he said) got caught last season looking too quickly to jump into the play. That not only put the defense out of position at times, it left the goaltenders hung out to dry.

Limiting a bit playing time for Marty St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier. St. Louis led all forwards last season with 24:17 of average ice time. Lecavalier was fourth. Melrose said he will not use either as much on the penalty kill. And with the team's increased depth, perhaps cut up to five minutes off their ice time. St. Louis admitted "25 minutes was a bit too much." Lecavalier said limiting his minutes to 21 or 22 would ensure they were good minutes.

Rolling at least three lines. We'll see what circumstances dictate, but we might actually see some people on the ice besides Vinny, Marty and Vinny Prospal; again, to keep them fresher.

It's a work in progress. We'll see how it is executed.   

6 cuts

The Lightning reduced its training camp roster by six to 38 with the following cuts. All were sent to training camp for AHL Norfolk:

D Jamie Heward, C Blair Jones, C Chris Lawrence, RW Sean O'Connor, D Andy Rogers and RW Brandon Segal.

A sad, sad story

From the Associated Press:

FORT LAUDERDALE -- A tanker truck driver has been found guilty of vehicular homicide for a fiery crash in 2005 that killed four people, including the mother of Lightning center Jeff Halpern.

A jury on Sept. 12 deliberated four hours before finding 36-year-old Flavio Santisteban guilty of four counts of vehicular homicide. Each count carries a maximum 15-year-prison sentence. Sentencing has been set for Oct. 27.

In February 2005, Santisteban was driving an oil truck carrying 9,000 gallons of fuel when he flipped his tanker onto a car carrying the four victims — including Halpern's mother, Gloria.

Prosecutors said Santisteban exceeded the advised 35 mph speed limit by up to 25 mph. A defense expert estimated that he only exceeded the advised speed by 5 to 10 mph.

Halpern, through Lightning spokesman Bill Wickett, declined comment.

Monday's lineup

Here is the lineup for Monday's game with the Penguins at the St. Pete Times Forum:

Goaltenders: Olaf Kolzig, Riku Helenius. Forwards: Ryan Malone, Steven Stamkos, Radim Vrbata, Vinny Prospal, Jussi Jokinen, Evgeny Artyukhin, David Koci, Zenon Konopka, Jason Ward, Dana Tyrell, Michel Ouellet. Paul Szczechura. Defensemen: Shane O'Brien, Mike Lundin, Andrej Meszaros, Ty Wishart, Janne Niskala, Matt Carle.

Kolzig will start and is expected to play the entire game.

 

WWGRD?

For anyone who believed I was going a little overboard in my praise of veteran Gary Roberts, check out what a couple of his former Penguins teammates said about him on Saturday. And the quotes came from two kids, Jordan Staal and Sidney Crosby. That is important because Tampa Bay has plenty of impressionable youngsters who want to learn how to really play the game.

WWGRD? It means What Would Gary Roberts Do? It was a slogan not only in the Penguins locker room last season but around the city. Some players even wore wristbands with the notation.

"He's such a leader and been through so much," Staal said. "I feel like, 'What would Gary Roberts do?' He's been through so much and is so smart. Just a great guy. He loves being with the guys. That's one of the reasons he is still playing. He just enjoys being with the guys and playing hockey and being competitive. Hopefully, that's something that rubbed off on me a little bit."

Said Crosby about Roberts' work ethic: "It's pretty easy to expect a lot of yourself when you see someone do what he's doing; the way he battles on every shift. I think that's something that everyone sees, and you don't have a choice but to follow him. ... He was a leader. He was a warrior. He was a guy we can all learn from, for sure."

The morning skate

My, god, Mellon Arena was freezing.

Just some odds and ends from the morning skate before tonight's preseason opener against the Penguins:

The Penguins are putting out their A team with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal and Sergei Gonchar all in the lineup. Good, said Lightning coach Barry Melrose: "Believe it or not, I'm happy Pittsburgh sent a good lineup because we have to find out about our guys."

Goaltender Karri Ramo will play the entire game, Melrose said. "I'm a big believer in game situations," he said. "A game situation isn't where you play half a game.'' ... Jussi Jokinen, who played almost exclusively left wing after being acquired last season from the Stars in the Brad Richards deal, will play center. "Just an experiment," Melrose said. "I just want him to have the puck more. I don't think he's had the puck enough in training camp. I haven't seen that offensive flair out of him." ... Is Melrose nervous about his first game behind the bench since being fired from the Kings in April 1995? "I'm excited," he said. "I love the bench. That's my favorite time of the game." ... Melrose said their likely will be cuts after Sunday's practices. Whether they will be announced then was unclear. ... Ryan Craig, who played just seven games last season because of back and knee problems, will play in his first game since Nov. 24. "I'm excited more than anything." ... Steven Stamkos will play between Craig and Michel Ouellet. Melrose said it's an experiment to see if there is chemistry on the power play, but also, "I wanted two guys who can make plays and create a little offense for him. When he makes a good play, they can finish it off."

Is this any way to make friends?

Well, owner Len Barrie said it again. He said the Lightning is going to win the Southeast. It's the second time Barrie has been so bold; the first time was after Tampa Bay's free agent signing spree. But like he said, "I stand by it."

The quote was part of a larger story about how Barrie and fellow owner Oren Koules believe some around the NHL might not want them to succeed. They mentioned several reasons. They are young and don't readily fit into what Barrie called the "old boys club" of NHL owners. But Koules might have hit it on the head when he spoke of Tampa Bay's $194.3-million investment in new one-way contracts.

It isn't the total money, Koules said, as much as how it was spent. He spoke of a two-year, $4,4-million extension given to unproven goaltender Mike Smith.

"We gambled," Koules said. "We made the decision to tie him up when other guys wouldn't have done that. They think we're spending money foolishly. So, if someone is spending money foolishly, then you're raising the price of all players."

Koules said the gamble is worth it because Smith could have been a free agent next season and, if he had lit things, up, would be worth even more money. In other words, the Lightning took a calculated risk. Smith has looked in scrimmages. We'll see tonight how he looks in a game.

Personally, I like what the guys have done. Yes, it is a gamble, but they have made the team better, more interesting if nothing else, and I believe it will make the playoffs. It may just squeak in, but I believe they will make it, especially if the defense jells and the goaltending makes the strides Tampa Bay believes it can make. And after a 30-th-place finish, that kind of step would have to be applauded.

They still have salary cap issues (which might, if the season goes sour, turn into greater profitability issues), and they have too many forwards. But consider that if things do go well this season, the team is set up, with so many long-term contracts to key players, to be good for quite a few years. That is why this season is so important.

But I'm curious what the perception is from the outside. Are Koules, Barrie and hockey ops chief Brian Lawton doing the right things? Will Tampa Bay make the playoffs, or are there too many new pieces to find chemistry? Go for it.   

Why Gary Roberts could be huge this season

First, it seems Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal will play for the Penguins on Saturday. That is good and cautious news for Lightning No. 1 draft choice Steven Stamkos. While Stamkos said it will be "a thrill" to play against Crosby and "exciting," asked if it was going to be fun being on the same ice, he deadpanned in obvious deference to Crosby's talent, "I don't know about that."

Anyway, back to Roberts. The guy is old-school nasty, a disruptor and a leader. He was all over the ice during Tampa Bay's two scrimmages, was hitting, using his stick and being a general pain in the butt. No one could skate by him without getting a whack.

Off the ice he talks of playing with passion and, at 42, the second oldest NHL player under contract, working hard over the summer to become bigger, stronger and faster, and the guy has a physique that would put most to shame.

There has been some griping that signing Roberts and Mark Recchi, have hamstrung Tampa Bay when it comes to paying for other talent. And Roberts salary of $1.25-million could go over $2-million as he will be paid a $10,000 bonus for every game he plays. From what I've seen and heard so far, it's going to be worth it. Just listening to Roberts talk is an education. And he has played very well so far with center Chris Gratton. In fact, coach Barry Melrose has rotated a second wing to see who fits best on that line. Seems to me it's going to be Gratton, Roberts and, well, perhaps Adam Hall, perhaps Recchi. We'll see.

Sure, Roberts was hurt a lot last year. he broke a leg, had a bad ankle and a bad groin. And he might keel over during his first exhibition game, who knows? But with a team of new faces, it was smart to include one that every one in that locker room already knew. It also was smart to include a voice that will be heeded. 

Stamkos to play vs. Penguins

No. 1 draft choice Steven Stamkos plays his first professional game Saturday against the Penguins in Pittsburgh.

Coach Barry Melrose released the roster for the game, and, as he promised, it is a young one. Stamkos is by far the biggest name on the list. We'll have a Stamkos story in Saturday's paper, but here are a couple of quotes.

Coach Barry Melrose hoped the Penguins dress Sidney Crosby. "That would be awesome for the kid," Melrose said of Stamkos."

"What I'm going to tell Steven is, 'I just want you to go out there and play the exact same way you did in junior,' " Melrose added. " 'Try the same things, do the things that made you great, play with confidence, shoot the puck, make plays and just work your butt off.' He's going to play on the power play and that's what I want to see out of him."

"I'm pretty excited, actually," Stamkos said. "It's good to get this training camp underway ... I'm very excited to get that first exhibition game over (on Saturday)."

Like I said, more in Saturday's paper.

LIGHTNING ROSTER VS. PENGUINS: Goaltenders -- Mike Smith, Karri Ramo. Forwards -- Jussi Jokinen, Radek Smolenak, Evgeny Artyukhin, David Koci, Steven Stamkos, Zenon Konopka, Wyatt Smith, Ryan Craig, Michel Quellet, Brandon Bochenski, Jason Ward, Chris Lawrence. Defensemen -- Andy Rogers, Janne Niskala, Matt Smaby, Jamie Heward, Vladimir Mihalik, Andrew Hutchinson. 

Lightning Camp, Thursday

 

Goalie Olaf Kolzig's mask rests on a set of steps just off the team bench during scrimmage.
 

[DIRK SHADD   |   Times]

Players leap onto the ice during a shift change while playing a scrimmage.

Photo gallery from Thursday practice

[DIRK SHADD   |   Times]

3 fights during season's first scrmmage

Lightning forward Evgeny Artyukhin (left) drops the gloves and excepts the invitation to fight with forward Zenon Konopka towards the beginning of a team scrimmage. [DIRK SHADD   |   Times]

If you get a chance, read tomorrow's story on Thursday's scrimmage. Great quotes from Zenon Konopka who fought twice, once against Evgeny Artyukhin and once against Matt Smaby during what was an edgy intra-squad confrontation. Three fights total, including Adam Hall against Radek Smolenak, and lots of hitting. Artyukhin's run at Vladimir Mihalik bent the boards toward the stands.

It was good stuff for coach Barry Melrose, who said he wants to "create a culture here of physical play and guys who play hard. The question for me is, where is the line? Guys need to make an impression by fighting, that's fine. But should it be done during exhibition games and not against your own teammates.

Melrose said he didn't mind fights between teammates who are trying to win jobs. Asked about the potential for injury, he said, "You can't worry about injuries in hockey. When they happen, they happen. You've got to play the way you play."

The way Konopka plays is to hit everything that moves. He even admitted challenging Artyukhin to a fight 2:09 into a 60-minute scrimmage. The only Lightning players he said were "off limits" as far as targets to be hit were captain Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis.

Asked if he was worried about making enemies of potential teammates, Konopka said, "When I line up against them, they're my enemy and that's the way it has to be. Right now, I'm not here to make friends."

Personally, I don't mind a fight between teammates as long as the officials at the scrimmage break it up before someone gets hurt. The Konopka-Artyukhin scuffle went on for about a minute with no damaging punches landed. The other bouts were short. 

What is a captain?

Lots of discussions about this today after Vinny Lecavalier was named captain for the second time in his Lightning career. Lecavalier spoke about how he will be a captain by example and work with other team leaders such as Marty St. Louis, Gary Roberts, Mark Recchi and Ryan Malone. He said he wants to lead like his childhood idol Steve Yzerman, who was 21 in 1986 when named Red Wings captain. Lecavalier and Yzerman have a connection in that Lecavalier, at 19, was the youngest full-time captain in NHL history when he was given the job by then-coach Steve Ludzik on march 11, 2000.

Lecavalier, of course, had the job taken away before the 2001-02 season, when the team decided he was not ready. The move was a big part of the rift between Lecavalier and then-coach John Tortorella.

"Anytime someone takes something from you , it's tough," Lecavalier said.

As for his style, Lecavalier channeled Yzerman: "I don't think he was a rah-rah guy screaming in the dressing room. He was a guy who led by example and played hard, and that's what brought the team together. He was a great hockey player and leader. I'll try to do the same."

Asked what he believed were the qualities of a captain, coach Barry Melrose had lots to say.

"I think choosing a captain is one of the most important jobs a coach has," he said. "I can't believe coaches who let players choose a captain. It never made any sense to me. ... What sold me on Vinny was in 2004 when he fought (Jarome) Iginla. He didn't need to do it. No one expected him to do it. Jarome is not an easy mark. Jarome is tough. That really changed my impression of Vinny when he did that."

Melrose said Lecavalier is capable of being a "dream captain."

Asked to explain what he meant, Melrose said, "A guy that changes the game. When you're down, he goes out and does something. When you're up, he turns a one-goal lead into a two-goal lead. The captain is the guy you look to to change the way the game is going, the way the week is going."

Melrose, as he has done before when speaking about relationships with players, distanced himself from Tortorella.

"(The captain) has to be a guy that I can challenge, and not worry about hurting his feelings because we have that type of relationship. Hopefully, as Vinny and I work together, and I coach him longer, that will become stronger and stronger. I can challenge Vinny to make him better and I think he'll realize it's not personal, that I'm trying to make him better or the team better. He's my voice in the dressing room. I think he's going to emerge as one of the best captains in the NHL."

Lecavalier named captain

Vinny Lecavalier was named Lightning captain Thursday.

It was not unexpected but significant, nonetheless. Lecavalier is one of the game's best players.

He was captain from 1999-2001 before losing the job prior to the 2001 season.

He is the 10th captain in Lightning history. Alternates will be named later.

Lightning captains:

1992-95 - None
1995-97 - Paul Ysebaert
1997-98 - Mikael Renberg
1998-99 - Rob Zamuner
1999-2000 - Bill Holder, Chris Gratton, Vinny Lecavalier
2000-01 - Vinny Lecavalier
2001-02 - None
2002-05 - Dave Andreychuk
2006-08 - Tim Taylor

-- Damian Cristodero

Mihalik earns praise and Schneider still a Duck

I am very interested on Thursday to watch Vladimir Mihalik in training camp's first scrimmage. The 6-foot-7 defenseman got raves from coach Barry Melrose after Wednesday's practice.

"He skates well. He passes the puck well. He's gigantic," Melrose said. "I told him, 'You can play in the NHL if you compete and do the things necessary because you've got all the physical tools."

Mihalik can make a bit of a name Thursday, and it makes sense he will play in Pittsburgh Saturday as Melrose said he will take a "young" team because he wants to see of the group who is an NHL prospect and who is going to AHL Norfolk.

If Mihalik plays well, he will force his way into the conversation about Tampa Bay's best blue-liners. Right now, you can probably put him No. 9 after Andrej Meszaros, Matt Carle, Paul Ranger, Shane O'Brien, Andrew Hutchinson, Mike Lundin, Janne Niskala and maybe Ty Wishart.

That conversation could change after this week.

"I have to compete, just like he said," Mihalik said.   

Other odds and ends: As mentioned in previous posts, center Vinny Lecavalier and defenseman Paul Ranger will not play in this week's scrimmages since neither are cleared for contact. Lecavalier had noticeable trouble changing a jersey during Wednesday's practice, which indicates some lingering pain in his surgically repaired right shoulder. He did, however, look good taking slap shots. ... Wednesday was a long day of practice as the 42 players were split into two groups. Quite a difference from the two days of testing under former coach John Tortorella. ... Practice was delayed a short time while goaltender Riku Helenius got treatment on his left, middle finger, which was hit by a puck. Helenius said he is fine.

Wrote a lot about Mathieu Schneider yesterday for nothing. Nobody claimed him off waivers, and even though he cleared, he was not sent down to the minors. Appears his being put on waivers perhaps was nothing more than a fishing expedition. But let's keep an eye on it and see what the Ducks do.

Tarnasky out 2-3 weeks

Wing Nick Tarnasky, whose left thumb was bloodied Tuesday when hit by a puck, missed Wednesday's practice and was diagnosed with a fracture. The team said he will miss two to three weeks. No other information was immediately available. 

Lightning Camp, Wednesday

Tampa Bay Lightning autographs and memorabilia flood a Tampa Bay Lightning sweater belonging to Ashley Hartley, a big time Lightning fan from Brandon, who was watching from the stands as fans were welcome on the second day of training camp at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa Wednesday morning. Hartley's first hockey game was the cup clinching game seven! Needless to say she has been hooked since.
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Hockey sticks rest along the glass on the side of the team bench as Lightning players skate down the ice.
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Lightning forward Marty St. Louis takes a shot on goal during a drill.
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Lightning forward Jason Ward looks out to the ice while on the bench between shifts.
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Hockey sticks line the hallway towards the entrance of the Lightning locker room.
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Tyrell gets training camp invite

The Lightning announced that center Dana Tyrell, the team's second-round pick (No. 47 overall) in 2007, has been invited to training camp and will join Tampa Bay Thursday for its first scrimmages at the St. Pete Times Forum. He will join defenseman Ty Wishart and center Chris Lawrence