Saturday is Green Night

First Rays Appreciation Night and now this. From the team:

The Lightning will host ‘Green Night’ presented by Waste Services of Florida, in association with Heineken, to celebrate recycling and environmental awareness on saturday, when they take on the Ottawa Senators at 7:30 p.m. (AM 620 WDAE).

Fans attending the game will be encouraged to assist in the St. Pete Times Forum’s green efforts by receiving ticket discounts for supporting green initiatives.  Those who bring a used phone book to recycle will receive a lower level ticket for $20 or an upper level ticket for $5.  Fans who ride their bike to the game will receive free admittance to the game.  Secure bike parking will be available.  The first 10,000 fans will also receive an eco-friendly rally towel courtesy of Waste Services.

Thanks to Waste Services of Florida, Tampa Electric will power the St. Pete Times Forum with renewable energy for the entire day.  It is the first time in the history of the Times Forum that it will be run on renewable energy. There will also be multiple organizations on the Chrysler/Jeep Plaza before the game to educate fans on various green programs.  Groups on the plaza will include Tampa Electric, the City of Tampa and the Mayor’s Beautification Committee.

"I applaud the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Electric for demonstrating strong leadership in making tomorrow night's NHL game at the St. Pete Times Forum the first-ever using 100-percent Florida-based renewable energy,” said Florida Governor Charlie Crist.  “Florida is a leader on energy issues and good corporate citizens are playing an important role in that change.”

“We have prided ourselves in the past for being a community leader when it comes to certain things,” said Lightning owner Oren Koules. “We have extensive ‘Go Green’ programs throughout the building on a daily basis. The opportunity to power the building on renewable energy tomorrow is a fantastic one and we look forward to being able to embrace more and more green opportunities as they present themselves in the future.”

Tampa Electric President Chuck Black said, “It is a pleasure to support the Tampa Bay Lightning and the St. Pete Times Forum by providing the Lightning with renewable energy for their game. This renewable energy will offset 30 tons of carbon dioxide or the equivalent of taking five cars off the road for one year or planting eight acres of trees."

The St. Pete Times Forum is dedicated to water and energy conservation.  Waterless urinals were recently installed in all 37 public restrooms, reducing water consumption and saving energy throughout the building.  These revolutionary urinals provide an average savings of 1,665,000 gallons of water per year.

The Times Forum also promotes reuse of office products and other items by donating to non-profit organizations such as Teaching Tools for Hillsborough Schools.  It also recycles all restaurant grease, which is most commonly used as biodiesel.

A huge step forward

It wasn't so much that the Lightning won two straight road games, it is that it won two straight in arenas that have been houses of horrors the past few seasons. Tampa Bay snapped a 0-5-1 streak at the Air Canada Center, and beat back memories of seven- and six-goal periods by the Sabres at HSBC Arena.

And if you don't think such things make a difference, check out the way the team played in Buffalo after beating the Maple Leafs. In that sense, it will be interesting to see how Tampa Bay does Saturday at home against the Senators.

It will be another test. Ottawa generally handles the Lightning, but the signs, for now, anyway, are on the upswing. And it is amazing, isn't it, after all the worry and negativity, the team is third in the Southeast with a 3-3-3 record that has to be considered a noteworthy accomplishment.

So, take these signs for what they are worth:

The Lightning held the Sabres to just 31 shots and had a team-high 40. Tampa Bay was as quick as Buffalo, a team that ran rings around the Lightning the past few years. The defense is better (thumbs up to Mike Lundin), and it is so, in part, because the forwards are engaged in the defensive zone. Toward that end, props to Vinny Prospal, who is setting an example for his linemates in that area. Olaf Kolzig is a brilliant backup in goal.

Most important, you are starting to see what the team can do offensively. It still is a work in progress, but Vinny Lecavalier's line was flying against the Sabres and Steven Stamkos' line is starting to show signs of life.

"We are quietly turning into a good hockey team," coach Barry Melrose said.

Wait for the bumps, because they will come, but the trajectory has generally been up the past four games. That's more than could be said after the first four.

Stamkos gets first NHL goal

Lightning rookie Steven Stamkos, one game removed from his first NHL point, scored his first NHL goal 9:51 into the first period of Thursday's game with the Sabres. It was a power play goal. Stamkos, in front of the net, sharply deflected Vinny Lecavalier's one-timer from the right wing faceoff circle.

Stamkos always said once he gets his first goal, he hoped the flood gates would open. We'll see, but the more he plays the better he has looked.

Give the kid a hand. He has handled the questions and the expectations beautifully for an 18-year-old. And as Lecavalier has said, "He's always smiling."

And now he has been rewarded.

Marty St. Louis also got an assist on the play, and that was significant. Since putting Stamkos on the power play, the Lightning has used four forwards on the first unit with St. Louis on the point. Lecavalier rotates that way as well, but St. Louis controls the play. That is partially to get as much firepower on a power play that has struggled, but coach Barry Melrose said that also is about what right now the defense.

"Right now we don't have a defenseman who is that type of D," Melrose said. "Marty has ice water in his veins."

Important road trip coming

The five-day road trip that begins Wednesday and goes through New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia Washington and Florida is going to be big, and not just in relation to where the Lightning will be in the standings. 

General manager Brian Lawton said he is going to start making some determinations about personnel at that point. Not that he hasn't started that process already, but the extended road swing will give him a chance to really look at where changes are necessary.

"As we hit New York and New Jersey, I'm really looking forward to that to form some serious opinions of what goes on here," Lawton said.

"From a macro view, I want to see the direction of the team. What is our personality of our team? What is our chemistry as a group? From an individual level, I'm trying to get a full accounting if where every player is at. What can they take and what is too much for them? What's the breaking point? And trying to build the team from there."

Lawton said he still is trying to absorb as much as he can about the team, and likely will be at every game -- EVERY GAME -- except for some scouting duties as we get closer to the March 4 trade deadline and at the world junior championships.

"My job ... is to get to know this team like I know the back of my hand," he said. "I don't feel I'm there yet at all. It takes time."

As for what he has seen so far, Lawton said, he believes players got a "pop" from finally getting away from home on this short two-game swing. But also,  "Some players, frankly, are much better than I thought thy were. Others aren't at the level I thought they were. That's what you determine by being on top of it."

Other stuff from this morning: Olaf Kolzig will start in net tonight against the Sabres. Coach Barry Melrose said he envisions a three-to-one ratio in how many games Mike Smith starts to Kolzig. That could change if Kolzig goes on a tear or Smith slumps, but right now the plan is for Smith to run with the  No. 1 job. ... Melrose said forward Ryan Craig (groin) is ready to play. Right wing Radim Vrbata (groin) is close). ... With Steven Stamkos getting more power play time, it has been interesting that Tampa Bay is going with four forwards and one defenseman with Marty St. Louis running the show on a point. Vinny Lecavalier also rotates to the point, but it is St. Louis with the quarterback responsibility. Melrose said it is partly necessity. "We just don't have a defenseman who is that type of D. To run a  point on a power play you have to have ice water in your veins. You have to have moxie. You have to be willing to wait out the forechecker. You have to be a special type of player to play that position, and that's why Marty is so good. Marty has ice water in his veins. He'll wait guys out. Our other D aren't those type of D."   

Lightning to host Rays Appreciation Night

The Lightning will host Tampa Bay Rays Appreciation Night Saturday when they take on the Ottawa Senators at 7:30 p.m.

In honor of the Rays’ improbable run to the World Series, any fan wearing the team’s garb, including hats, t-shirts and jerseys, on Saturday will have the ability to purchase a ticket to the game at a 50-percent discount.

Tickets must be purchased on Saturday at the McDonald’s Box Office at the St. Pete Times Forum only.

Steven Stamkos' excellent adventure

Talked about this a little in the previous post and touched on it more in the game story in Wednesday's paper, but I wanted to give a little more background to the little trick the team played on rookie Steven Stamkos before Tuesday's game.

We all know the story about Stamkos, last summer's No. 1 draft choice, growing up in the Toronto suburb of Unionville, and that Tuesday was his first NHL game at the Air Canada Centrre. So, the Lightning players, who have really taken to Stamkos ("He's always smiling," captain Vinny Lecavalier said), decided to let him skate onto the ice first during warmups. What Stamkos didn't know is that his teammates were going to hold up in the runway to the ice and have him skate out by himself. It worked as it took Stamkos about a half a lap of the Lightning zone to realize he was out there alone.

"I guess it was one of those rookie initiation things that I've never heard of," Stamkos said. "I guess we're going to start doing it every time here if we keep winning."

"It was pretty funny," goaltender Mike Smith said. "He got a chuckle out of it. He looked back and he was the only one on the ice and he had a grin on his face and shook his head. He gave me a tap on the pads when I went out there, so it was pretty funny, and I'm sure a moment he will never forget."

It was a good moment for the players as well. But it was Stamkos, who showed class by knowing when it is okay to laugh at one's self.

"When I was behind the net, I thought Smitty was behind me," Stamkos said. "I looked back and he gave me a little grin through his mask. I felt a little ashamed there, but I don't think many people noticed. It was pretty funny."

Stamkos finally gets a point

Steven Stamkos' first NHL point came on Vinny Lecavalier's second goal of the game, a power-play tally that gave Tampa Bay a 3-1 lead over the maple Leafs 4:03 into the second period. It was a secondary assist, but at this point does it really matter.

Stamkos, who grew up in the Toronto suburbs and was playing his first game at the Air Canada Centre, was the butt of a joke by his teammates before the game. As Stamkos sprinted onto the ice for warmups, the rest of the team behind him held up. It took Stamkos several moments to realize he was on the ice by himself. Good for a laugh.

Stamkos' assist was good for a smile to as he got his stick on the puck that Vinny Prospal then pushed to Lecavalier with a diving effort. Lecavalier's crisp backhander was his second goal of the game.

Have to set the record straight here, too. Coach Barry Melrose, who, as we have seen in the past, has used deception to try to confuse opponents, did not split up the Lecavalier line as he did in practice and during Tuesday's morning skate. Prospal, Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis were still together and looking, really, better than they have in a while. Matt Pettinger, instead of playing with Lecavalier and St. Louis, was with Chris Gratton and Mark Recchi.

Just FYI, the Lightning, winning 3-1 with 9:56 left in the second period, is being outshot 24-12.   

Lecavalier politely asks for more minutes

Captain Vinny Lecavalier didn't make a big deal out of it. He was speaking more matter of factly than anything else. But Lecavalier said he would like to play more than he has. Entering Tuesday's game Lecavalier was averaging 19:31 of ice time, though he played just 18:25 and 16:38 the past two games.

"it's definitely a change," Lecavalier said before the game with the Maple Leafs. "I would like to play more, and I like to play more. I want to get the 20 minutes in there, or 21 minutes. A lot of people say we played too much last year and I understand that. But 20, 21 minutes, I think, would be a good number."

Coach Barry Melrose has said he does not want Lecavalier or Marty St. Louis averaging the 25 minutes they did last season, the better to keep them fresh. But Lecavalier said, "The more you play, the more you're into the game. I'm so used to always being back out there and being in the game. When you play 16, 17 minutes it's a little tougher to do."

Lecavalier admitted his surgically repaired right shoulder still is sore and has not regained its full strength.

Crush of reporters greets Lightning

Just a rough count, but it appeared there were about 50 reporters at the Lightning's morning skate on Tuesday, six with television cameras. Most were attending to speak to rookie Steven Stamkos, who grew up in the Toronto suburb of Unionville, and was to play his first game at the Air Canada Centre.

Stamkos was treated well by the media; no accusatory questions about his lack of points or lack of playing time. It was kind of comical, though, to see the stakeout at his locker before he even got off the ice. There was such a crush of reporters, Chris Gratton had to change out of his uniform two stalls away from his assigned space, which was right next to Stamkos.

Stamkos reaction to the whole thing: "It was pretty cool."

There were other subjects as well. Vinny Prospal stood firm in the face of a Toronto reporter who pestered him about "grumbling" in the Lightning locker room. That became a point of interest after Hockey Night in Canada's Al Strachan reported that owner Len Barrie was diagramming plays in the locker room during one of the two season-opening games in Prague (a report the team has been very strong in condemning) and that his source was a player.

Anyway, Prospal was polite but shot down every attempt to get him to say players are unhappy.

"I don't think there's anything like that," he said. "We have a good group of guys here. We get along great. We have no problems with this group. We've just got to get some wins."

Coach Barry Melrose again said the report was "a lie."

"Canada used to be a country where you couldn't lie," Melrose continued. "I was brought up in Saskatchewan, and if I lied, my father would kick my butt. But, obviously, that's not the case in Ontario, where you can say anything you want without repercussions. ... I guess there's not much journalistic integrity anywhere in Canada."

But back to Stamkos. Melrose said he will try even harder to get the No. 1 draft choice more ice time by perhaps putting him on both power play units; as a forward on the first unit and perhaps on the point on the second.

"we're trying to get him his first goal, too." Melrose said. "We want to get him fired up and going, too. That will give the people something else to write about when he scores his first goal."

As for the game: Mike Smith, who enters with a league-best .941 save percentage, will make his fourth straight start in goal. ... Matt Pettinger will start on left wing on Vinny Lecavalier's line. Prospal was moved off that line and will center for Gratton and Mark Recchi. ... Forwards Ryan Craig and Radim Vrbata, both out with groins, skated but were scratched. Defenseman Janne Niskala also was scratched. ... The Lightning has scored just four first-period goals but has allowed just one, that's best in the league. But Tampa Bay has scored only two in the second and allowed seven.

 

Front office blasts Canadian reporter

What a long day. The flight to Toronto was nice enough but immigration took longer than usual and traffic from the airport to downtown was such that it took an hour to get to the team hotel. Then had to work, and finally got something to eat on a rainy and cold night.

So, those are my excuses for not submitting something to this site earlier today.

There was much interest around the Lightning about a weekend report by Hockey Night in Canada's Al Strachan, who said owner Len Barrie was in the Lightning locker room during one of the games against the Rangers in Prague and started diagramming power play and penalty kill strategies.

Both Barrie and coach Barry Melrose said it did not happen.

"What a joke. I mean, come on," Barrie said. "We've got four capable coaches to do that. The day we don't think they are capable of handling that is the day I don't go into the locker room to diagram plays but to make a change (at coach)."

"Al is sort of a spaghetti salesman," Melrose said. "Al just throws so much against the wall and hopes something sticks. It's B.S. Al thrives on B.S. It's total lies."

Strachan said his anonymous source was a Lightning player. Asked if that bothered him, Melrose said, "Well, if it is, then the liar is in the dressing room. If that's the case, yeah, I'd be worried about that. But I can't worry about that. If a guy is a liar, he's a liar."

As far as practice on Monday, Melrose broke up Vinny Lecavalier's line, putting Matt Pettinger on the left wing in place of Vinny Prospal, who was centering a line that included Chris Gratton and Mark Recchi. ... Both Ryan Craig and Radim Vrbata, both out with groins, practiced and made the trip to Toronto, but it seemed unlikely either would play.

Prospal: "It's punishment"

The Lightning skated for 45 minutes Sunday morning, and we mean skated. Pucks were scare, though they were used in one-on-one "combat" drills, and most of the time the players' legs were made to burn. With sprints and end-to-end dashes.

But that's what you get when you play a game as the Lightning did Saturday night, a 3-0 loss to the Sharks in which Tampa Bay was dominated, not because San Jose was so great but because the Lightning played so badly and without effort.

"The message is, if you're not going to work at night, you're going to work during the day," coach Barry Melrose said. "There has to be repercussions for lack of effort. That's the one thing that can't be accepted."

"It's punishment," left wing Vinny Prospal said. "If we would have been winning, there would be no practice like that, so, basically, it's to tell us to wake up.. To play at home and play like that is unacceptable."

General manager Brian Lawton watched from the stands and later said there are no immediate plans for any personnel shakeups. But he is interested in how the players respond to a stretch that begins Tuesday in Toronto in which eight of 10 games are on the road.

"We're looking to see what kind of character they do or don't have," Lawton said.

"We've got to show some heart," Melrose said. "Maybe the road is what we need. Maybe it will simplify things and get guys to pay a higher price."

As the best players so far for Tampa bay, goalies Mike Smith and Olaf Kolzig were excused from the skate, as was wing Mark Recchi, for personal reasons.

"An embarrassing effort"

That's all you need to say, really, about what went on during the Lightning's 3-0 loss to the Sharks Saturday night at the St. Pete Times Forum.

The stats are one thing: outshot 45-22, winning just 18 of 46 faceoffs, failing to challenge backup goalie Brian Boucher, who got his second shutout in his second start. But the most disturbing thing for the team was its lack of passion. The Sharks simply outworked Tampa Bay in every facet, along the boards, in open ice, in battles for the puck. That is why Tampa Bay's parade to the penalty box continued. When you are a step behind, you take penalties.

There were some who tried to play with emotion: Ryan Malone, Mark Recchi and even Steven Stamkos, but few others joined in. Not even the addition of 6-foot-6, 235-pound Marek Malik helped.

Here is what the team should really be scared about. Tuesday begins a stretch in which it plays eight of 10 on the road. And we're not talking cream puffs either. The series begins in Toronto and Buffalo, two places where the team has stunk the past few years. Ottawa comes to town as do the Red Wings. There are games in New York, Washington, Philadelphia and New Jersey.

In other words, it's gut-check time for a team with a league-low 11 goals. Eleven. Think of that.

"What's the definition of insanity?" coach Barry Melrose asked. "You do the same thing over and over again and think you're going to get a different result. We've got to come at it from a different direction. We've got to get our star players to score. We've got to get everybody to compete harder. We've got a lot of work to do."

Okay, that was nice

If Dan Boyle was worried about how he would be received by Lightning fans in his first game in Tampa since the trade to the Sharks, he shouldn't have been. Boyle received a nice cheer when he was named as part of the starting lineup. He and Brad Lukowich got another nice cheer when Lightning PA announcer Paul Porter thanked them for the memories. The scoreboard also showed images of both players wearing Lightning and Sharks jerseys.

Oh, and Ryan Malone just dropped Ryane Clowe with a left.

Hearing from Brad Lukowich

Brad Lukowich is an interesting guy. Always has been. The Sharks defenseman, who was traded along with Dan Boyle to the Sharks in the Matt Carle deal, said he has gone through a transition in the past year. He said he is getting out of the bar business and the music business (he was a producer/manager), trying to sell his home in the Tampa area. He said he wants to be just a hockey player.

"I go home and spend time with the kids and my wife, and I have time to watch hockey now and study it," he said after Saturday's morning skate. "I'm not doing music anymore. I'm not doing bars, nothing. I'm getting out of everything; old school, being a hockey player."

Lukowich said missing the playoffs last season was the catalyst.

"I had that appreciation for winning again," he said. "You just hate not being in the playoffs. It's a failure feeling. It wasn't something I was too fond of. I made a decision this summer that I was going to get rid of everything and just be a hockey player, and that's what I'm doing."

While Lukowich said much of what went wrong last season could be traced back to injuries, especially Boyle's wrist problems, stuff outside the locker room crept in.

"I signed one day and three days later I'm reading in the paper the team's for sale," Lukowich said. "That was the beginning of it for everybody. It was a tough situation. We had a good team on paper, and through different situations, we had to deal with it. Always overhanging was, what's going to happen with ownership? We were sold. We're not sold. Who's our boss? Torts had to deal with that more than us. A lot of time he got the finger pointed at him. It was a terrible situation for everybody."

As for what's going on with the Lightning, he said, "There's a transition period going on with this team. I know the leaders in that room, and they'll get through it. Tampa has a lot to look forward to."

Regardless of what you thought of Lukowich as a player, that was good stuff.

Other tidbits:

Defenseman Janne Niskala will be scratched tonight. "Niskala, probably his weakness is physically against big forwards and San Jose has a ton of those," coach Barry Melrose said. ... Melrose called the Sharks "probably the last seven or eight years, one of the four most talented teams in the NHL year in and year out." ... Melrose on Steven Stamkos: "He hasn't scored yet so all of Canada is in an uproar. ... People got to relax. He's 18 years old. Once the first one comes, he'll score consistently. I have no doubt about that. He's going to be a great player in the NHL for a lot of years to come." ... Melrose said it is unfair to compare Boyle and Carle. "Different players; totally different points in their careers." 

Boyle: You have to turn the page

Had a fairly interesting, but guarded conversation with former Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle on Friday after the Sharks' morning skate in Sunrise. Boyle did not really want to talk about Saturday's game in Tampa since he had a game Friday night against the Panthers, but he did say this about his claim he was "disrespected" by the Lightning's new ownership before being traded July 4 to San Jose.

"Am I ever going to be happy with the way it went down? Absolutely not. No way; that was the wrong way. I think most people know that. But at some point, you have to turn the page, and I've done that."

What Boyle has done is settled in with San Jose. heading into Friday's game he was sixth among NHL defensemen with six points on two goals and four assists. As Sharks coach Todd McLellan said, he has fit in San Jose "like he belongs here."

We all know the story of Boyle's lost 2007-08. Three tendons in his left wrist were severed by a skate that fell off a hook above his locker in September 2007. Two surgeries later he played just 37 games. He signed a six-year, $40-million contract in February. But new ownership thought the deal bad economics. Boyle said he was threatened with waivers unless he accepted a trade. Owners Len Barrie and Oren Koules said at the time there were no threats.

Boyle waived his no-trade clause and was traded to San Jose. He said his wrist is now 100 percent.

"Obviously, it was frustrating," Boyle said of last season. "It was just bad all around. I had never really been injured in my whole career. I had never really gone through an injury, and I had to go through it twice. ... It's unfortunate. It's not the way I wanted to end my career there. But I'm proud of what I accomplished there. We won the Cup so I look back on that."

The Lightning can look back on it, too, in a sense. Losing Boyle left the team without a real dyanamic puck mover. Paul Ranger is very good, and may get to that level, but he's not there yet. Andrej Meszaros or Matt Carle may develop as well. But until then, Boyle, let's face it, will be missed in that area.  

How will fans react when he steps on the ice?

"If they want to boo me, so be it," he said. "I don't see why, right now. We'll see how it goes."

I'll have a complete story in Saturday's paper.

Other stuff:

Coach Barry Melrose said Mike Smith will make his third straight start in goal, and wing Jason Ward will get his first game action of the season. He is filling in for right wing Radim Vrbata, who has a groin strain. Remember, defenseman Marek Malik plays his first game since being signed as a free agent and will wear No. 22, Boyle's old number.

Lightning signs Malik

The Lightning on Thursday finally signed defenseman Marik Malik to a one-year deal worth $1.25-million but prorated from the beginning of the season. As GM Brian Lawton said Wednesday, Malik will play in Satruday's game with the Sharks. He will wear No. 22, which was worn by former defenseman Dan Boyle, who, coincidentally, will make his return to the St. Pete Times Forum with San Jose.

"It's been a long time," said Malik, who has skated with the Lightning for about a week. "I can't wait to do something else other than practice."

Malik, 33, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound, 12-year veteran, who spent the past three seasons with the Rangers, practiced Thursday mostly with Janne Niskala. But coach Barry Melrose did not reveal which of the Lightning's defensemen would be scratched.

"The simple game is going to be the best," Malik said of his debut. "And talk on the ice, and help each other out as much as we can."

Other tidbits:

Right wing Radim Vrbata apparently sustained a groin injury on Wednesday and did not practice Thursday. He said it was "better" but still "a little tight." Melrose said Vrbata will not play Saturday against the Sharks. That means newly acquired Matt Pettinger likely will play, or perhaps even Jason Ward who has been a good soldier while waiting his turn to get in the lineup. ... Forward Ryan Craig also did not practice as Melrose said he had a "setback" in his recovery from a groin injury. "It's a setback," Craig said. "We want to make sure it's not going to be long-term."

This is why we like Melrose:

The coach on winning: “Every cigar tastes like a Cuban after you win. Every cigar tastes like a Honduran after a loss; which is still good, but not quite like a Cuban."

The coach on losing: "One of my jobs is you have to make life hell after a loss. Losing has to be a very hated thing. The players have to feel that way. It can’t be a good place after a loss.”

Lawton: Marek Malik to play Saturday

New Lightning GM Brian Lawton said Wednesday he has "no doubt" defenseman Marek Malik will play Saturday against the Sharks. Lawton, speaking before he boarded a plane to Thursday's GM meetings in Chicago, said Malik's work visa has been secured and his conditioning is such that the 6-foot-6, 235-pounder is ready to play.

Malik still must sign a contract. He has tentatively agreed to a one-year deal believed to be worth between $1-million and $1.2-million.

"It's been really helpful for him not to get thrown in right away," Lawton said. "He hasn't had a training camp, and this gave him a chance to get his feet wet. He's a big man, and the last thing you want to do is have a big guy out there who hasn't had a chance to have a good four, five, six days skating at a very, very high tempo. he's really working hard. I have no doubt he'll be ready for Saturday."

That will make things very interesting around practice the next few days. Adding Malik, and barring any other personnel moves, means one of seven defenseman likely will be scratched against San Jose. With Ward still around, the roster will be at the 23-player limit with forward Ryan Craig (groin) still on injured reserve. How the team handles that little glut, also should be interesting. For now, with Craig still working his way back and the schedule about to kick into high gear, Ward might be considered a hedge against injury.

In any case, Lawton said he is not going to the GM meetings with the intention of making a personnel move.

Lawton named GM; Vrbata leaves practice

It won't change his job description at all, but vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton on Wednesday was named executive vice president and general manager. The GM position has been vacant since Jay Feaster "resigned" in July. Lawton leaves today for the GM meetings that begin Thursday in Chicago.

Right wing Radim Vrbata had to leave Wednesday's practice after spending some time on the bench flexing his right leg. Vrbata walked himself to the locker room but was noticeably limping. There was no report about the problem or how bad could be the injury. But coach Barry Melrose said Vrbata apparently took a shot off the hand, which seemed kind of strange since Vrbata was limping. Since NHL teams no longer have to disclose injuries, we'll have to wait, for now, for some official word.

Wing Jason Ward practiced, which would seem to indicate he cleared waivers. It was unclear what the team was going to do with him or the roster. With newly acquired forward Matt Pettinger, the team is at 22 players, one under the limit. There are indications defenseman Marek Malik may be in Saturday's lineup against the Sharks and forward Ryan Craig (groin) is on injured reserve. But the fact that Ward was not immediately sent to the minors seems to indicate calculations are being done. Tampa Bay has 30 days to re-assign Ward if it wants.

Pettinger skated with center Chris Gratton and Vrbata. Asked about his relationship with owner Len Barrie, Pettinger said it is crazy to believe the team would bring him aboard because he invested in Barrie's Bear Mountain resort.

"As much as he's my friend, it's too much of a business to bring someone in because he's a buddy," said Pettinger, friends with Barrie from Victoria, British Columbia. "People can look at it and say, 'He's bringing in his buddies,' and this and that. But he's the first one to tell you, the NHL is serious business, and he's here to do one thing, win."

Coach Barry Melrose had interesting takes on some of his players. Of right wing Adam Hall, he said, "Adam Hall is a very good hockey player. He's so disciplined and so strong, can take draws. I can't believe there's a better third- or fourth-line guy in the league than Adam Hall right now."

Of Vinny Lecavalier, whose winning goal Tuesday came after he created time and space by coming off the side wall: "Vinny has to go to the net. He's a big man. With video today, people see him there (along the wall) and everybody goes to him. He's got to get off that wall. He's got to do different things. He's got to change the way he plays too."

Baby steps for team, MVP line in first victory

Yes, the third-period collapse was uncalled for, but we can chalk that up to the pressure of a five-game winless streak to start the season. No wonder the sticks were gripped tighter and the team was back on its heels. What the Lightning has to hope for now is that with the pressure to win its first game gone, the jitters that surfaced Tuesday stay away.

More good news on Mike Smith, who played another great game and saved the day a couple times when the defense let him down. But to me the most notable part of the game was that Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis and Vinny Prospal made big contributions. St. Louis had two assists and won a wall battle to get the puck that led to Lecavalier's winning goal. Prospal also scored. A nice pick-me-up for a team that had just eight goals coming in.

The line, like the rest of the team shouldn't get too cocky. It still spends way too much time running around in its own end, and the power play, which counts so much on the line to get going, is 3-for-30. Still, if the Lightning is going to go anywhere this season, its star line has to start clicking. Did we see the start of that on Tuesday? Perhaps. As Smith said, "Build Vinny's confidence a little bit, get that line going. Tonight they were big for us."

I know a lot of you are upset about losing David Koci to the Blues, but listen to what coach Barry Melrose said after the game.

"Hopefully, if St. Louis puts him on waivers, we'll pick him up again."

A last bit of intrigue concerns the acquisition of wing Matt Pettinger, an investor in owner Len Barrie's Bear Mountain resort in Victoria, British Columbia. Barrie said Pettinger is a "very minor" investor and their relationship had "zero" to do with acquiring him.

Vice president of hockey operations, Brian Lawton, said Barrie told him, "I've known him for X number of years but you have to go with what our scouts and say and what our management says. Yes he does like him and he was very forthright about that. But it's not at a point where he is making that decision for the hockey club."

Wing Gary Roberts and special assistant Mike Vernon also are investors. Asked about making hockey decisions based on his business connectuions, Barrie joked, "I wish it could be because we'd have a Hall of Fame team."

And just a couple stats to wrap things up:

The Lightning tied team records with its sixth straight one-goal game and fourth straight overtime game. ... Roberts played his 1,200th NHL game. ... St. Louis got his 300th NHL assist. ... Melrose won his first NHL game since April, 6, 1995, when he ran the Kings.

Pettinger in, Koci out, Ward on waivers

Busy morning for the Lightning, which claimed forward Matt Pettinger on recall waivers from the Canucks, lost enforcer David Koci on waivers to the Blues and put Jason Ward on waivers as well.

Pettinger, who turns 28 on Wednesday, had three goals for AHL Manitoba, and has 56 goals, 105 points in 354 NHL games with the Capitals and Canucks. His contract calls for $1.1-million in salary. But since he was claimed on recall waivers, Tampa Bay is only responsible for half ($550,000). He is expected to join the Lightning and not be sent to AHL Norfolk.

Koci was put on waivers Monday and claimed by the Blues. That is the most interesting part of this process because coach Barry Melrose had hyped Koci since the summer. But Koci played only one game, Satruday against the Wild, and played just 41 seconds and had four minutes in penalties, and neither were good penalties.

Melrose even said he would be trying to get Koci more playing time. Anyway, asked before the announcement of Koci going to the Blues, Melrose said, "That's a business decision. David Koci did everything we asked of him. Obviously, going out and getting those two penalties, I was forced to play him a little bit different than I hoped. I hop David Koci doesn't get picked up. I want to keep him in the organization. We will have injuries and he wil be a guy we get back. But that's a business decision more than a hockey decision.

Still, it isn't as if there have been brawls breaking out all over the place that Koci has had to address. But as Melrose said (in what might be the quote of the year), "That's why the United States has a nuclear aresenal. It's called a deterent. Do you think (Minnesota's Derek) Boogaard is in the lineup because he's going to get 10 goals? I don't think so."

Vice president of hockey operations, Brian Lawton, was not immediately available for comment.

As for Ward, no surprise he is on waivers. He has not yet played this season, and tonight will be a healthy scratch for a fourth straight game. And the Lightning has numbers issues. The roster was at 22, one under the limit when the day began. Adding Pettnger and losing Koci keepis it static. With center Ryan Craig (groin) almost ready to return and defenseman Marek Malik close to being signed (we assume), that would bring the number to 24. Ward leaving the roser reduced the number to 23.

We'll know at noon tomorrow if Ward is claimed or if he is off the Norfolk.

Kolzig's Saw V mask

Olaf Kolzig will wear this the next time he plays and then auction the mask off to benefit Athletes Against Autism.

Kolzig said if he wins with the mask, it will not be a problem to let it go to auction.

"I'm not like that," he said of being superstitious.


(Images courtesy of Paul Cena/Pros Choice. Click to enlarge)

Vrbata, who didn't like press box, is back in

Thought this was an interesting back and forth with coach Barry Melrose and wing Radim Vrbata.

Melrose said Vrbata will be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game with the Thrashers, and Vrbata practiced Monday with center Chris Gratton and Mark Recchi. Anyway, Melrose said he wanted to reward Vrbata for a good practice, and said he hoped Vrbata got something out of watching Saturday's game with the Wild after he was scratched.

"I've got to give Vrbata a chance," Melrose said. "I wanted him to watch a game and, hopefully, it will spur him on. And he had a good practice today, so, hopefully, that will get Vrbata going."

Asked if he got anything out of watching Saturday's game, Vrbata said, "That might help a first- or second-year player. But I don't think you play over 400 games, I don't think you pick up anything from the press box. That's my point of view."

Other news from Monday: Melrose said Mike Smith, who entered Monday third in the league with a .944 save percentage, will make his second consecutive start in goal. ... No word on when the Lightning will sign defenseman Marek Malik, who continues to skate with the team. "He's not in great shape," Melrose said. "He's worked hard three days in a row, and we'll evaluate him tomorrow. But, as of now, he's not in great shape and needs more work. ... Melrose said center Ryan Craig (groin) could be ready for Saturday's game with the Sharks. ... LW David Koci, who played 41 seconds in his Lightning debut Saturday, will be a scratch against the Thrashers, Melrose said. ... Tampa Bay's roster is at 22, one below the limit. A move will have to be made to accommodate both Malik and Craig, who is on injured reserve.

Another note on penalties. Tampa Bay had seven against the Wild. But Melrose seemed more interested in talking about what wasn't called.

"We take too many penalties," he said. "But I also think Minny took more than three. The same things that were called on us could have been called on Minny five or six times, too. Ours were penalties by the letter of the law. But I'm saying there was stuff going on at the other end, too, that I thought were penalties that weren't called."

And, finally, did you like the ad the Lightning worked up for the offer of tickets to the premiere of Saw V in Centro Ybor? It's Vinny's body with a mask of the evil Jigsaw, from the Saw movie series, Photoshopped onto Vinny's face (see above). You buy a lower level ticket to Tuesday's game and you get a free ticket to Thursday's showing of the movie.

(Pictured above: Saw V promotional ad. Courtesy Tampa Bay Lightning.)

Lightning sends Heward to Norfolk

In a move that likely is clearing the way for the signing of defenseman Marek Malik, the Lightning on Sunday sent defenseman Jamie Heward to AHL Norfolk. Heward is a true professional, who gave the Lightning some badly needed depth while the team played in Europe, and he handled himself understanding fully what was his situation with Tampa Bay.

Lightning coach Barry Melrose has said his target was to have Malik play Tuesday against the Thrashers, and though Melrose voiced some reservations about Malik's conditioning, there is little doubt Tampa Bay will move forward signing the big man.

This is going to be a good hockey team

I know, they're 0-2-3. They matched the 1998-99 team as the only Tampa Bay squad to start a season winless in five games, and the team lost a franchise-record third straight overtime game. It has just eight goals. But I really believe this is going to be a good hockey team.

I'm not saying it will make the playoffs or anything beyond what we can evaluate right now. And I know I'm going to hear about this on this post and at the end of the season if things don't work out, but this team is so much better than it was even three games ago, the difference is notable. Paul Ranger has single-handedly settled the defense; I'm not saying it's great but it is a huge improvement. The goaltending is solid. All the team needs right now are goals, and it is not possible the top two lines will continue to be as lame as they've been so far.

I know, Marty St. Louis has just five shots, Ryan Malone eight. Radim Vrbata already is scratched.

Now, think about this. It's five games into an early season that really is Tampa Bay's training camp. I am discounting the trip to Europe. It was great for bonding but lousy for building the on-ice product. Too much travel, sloppy, though enteraining, games against non-NHL oponents. Don't bring up the Rangers, a different situation with a generally stable core of players.

Hey, I could be so wrong it's laughable. It's happened before. But the Lightning buzzed through one of the best defensive teams in the league, and if not for Eric Belanger covering up two open nets, Tampa Bay wins.

Geez, they had 30 hits (Steven Stamkos even got two), 59 total shots, including blocks and misses.

The key might be the mind-set of the players. If they get discouraged at the early lack of results, that's trouble. But there was enoughy chatter in the locker room after Saturday night's loss that it shows the players had some perspective. I don't think it was false bravado either.

I'm sure they are disappointed they have to wait three days to face the Thrashers. What this group needs now is games.

This is going to be a good hockey team

I know, they're 0-2-3. They matched the 1998-99 team as the only Tampa Bay squad to start a season winless in five games, and the team lost a franchise-record third straight overtime game. It has just eight goals. But I really believe this is going to be a good hockey team.

I'm not saying it will make the playoffs or anything beyond what we can evaluate right now. And I know I'm going to hear about this on this post and at the end of the season if things don't work out, but this team is so much better than it was even three games ago, the difference is notable. Paul Ranger has single-handedly settled the defense; I'm not saying it's great but it is a huge improvement. The goaltending is solid. All the team needs right now are goals, and it is not possible the top two lines will continue to be as lame as they've been so far.

I know, Marty St. Louis has just five shots, Ryan Malone eight. Radim Vrbata already is scratched.

Now, think about this. It's five games into an early season that really is Tampa Bay's training camp. I am discounting the trip to Europe. It was great for bonding but lousy for building the on-ice product. Too much travel, sloppy, though enteraining, games against non-NHL oponents. Don't bring up the Rangers, a different situation with a generally stable core of players.

Hey, I could be so wrong it's laughable. It's happened before. But the Lightning buzzed through one of the best defensive teams in the league, and if not for Eric Belanger covering up two open nets, Tampa Bay wins.

Geez, they had 30 hits (Steven Stamkos even got two), 59 total shots, including blocks and misses.

The key might be the mind-set of the players. If they get discouraged at the early lack of results, that's trouble. But there was enoughy chatter in the locker room after Saturday night's loss that it shows the players had some perspective. I don't think it was false bravado either.

I'm sure they are disappointed they have to wait three days to face the Thrashers. What this group needs now is games.

Saw fans, Lightning masks are for you

Lightning goalie Mike Smith on Saturday night wore a mask the team hopes will become a collector's item for fans of the grisly Saw movies and benefit some charities in the process. On one side of the mask, a picture of the creepy clown doll that taunts the movie's victims and police, on the other, the evil Jigsaw and his female accomplice, the architects of the bloody on-screen mayhem. Chains on both sides of the mask appear to pull apart a mouth.

Lightning owner Oren Koules is the Hollywood producer responsible for the series that continues Friday with the release of Saw V. Goalie Olaf Kolzig also will wear a mask depciting the movie, but the team said it has yet to arrive.

It was unclear how many times the masks will be worn. Smith's will be auctioned to benefit the Lightning Foundation. Kolzig's will be auctioned to benefit Athletes Against Autism.

Vrbata a late scratch, Koci in

Not that this is a surprise in that right wing Radim Vrbata (zero points and six shots and zero hits) has done little this season, but coach Barry Melrose said this morning he was not changing the lineup because of the good things he saw in the third period of Thursday's game with the Islanders.

David Koci gets in his first game this season, perhaps as a counter to Minnesota's giant Derek Boogaard, though Boogaard isn't a crazy thug nd wouldn't necessarily run around for the sake of running around. He's more of a cop.

Whatever, it still was a bit startling when they announced Vrbata was out since he came off the ice early this morning, as does a player who is expecting to play, and Koci came off late.

Melrose: Time for stars to step up

I wrote about this earlier in the week but you have to like a coach who at least puts his stars on notice that they aren't playing as well as they should. I don't know what he can do about it if they keep underachieving. It's not like Tampa Bay is so deep he can start benching a lot of people, right? But at least he's making the effort.

So, from today's morning skate:

"I'm going to give our skill guys a chance to get going, but it's time for them to start doing the things we hoped they would do. ... It's time for some guys in our lineup to start going. They've played four games now. If you're a goal scorer and not scoring, what else are you giving our team? They have to decide. If you're not scoring and everybody goes into a slump, you've got to help the team in other ways. It's time for some of our stars to put the puck in the net and start helping us out all over the rink."

Nice, right?

Thing is, we saw what happens when Tampa Bay players decide they're going to really play and get to the net and work for position and the puck: three goals in a third period against the Islanders to salavage a point it appeared they wouldn't get.

"In today's game, you have to go to the traffic areas to score," Melrose said. "You have to get to near the front of the net and you have to shoot the puck and score rebounds and tip-ins. Pretty goals are tough to come by in today's NHL with everybody coming down and protecting the front of the net."

Melrose didn't name names, but it's not hard to tell to whom he was referring. Marty St. Louis with four shots on goal, Radim Vrbata with zero points and demoted for tonight's game against the Wild to Chrs Gratton's line; Ryan Malone, though he scored the other night, has seven shots on goal.

What do you think of Vrbata's response?

"It's a team game," he said. "Obviously, the goal scorers are here to score goals, and we scored some goals. But we still made some mistakes defensively, and we're taking to many penalties. I think those penalties are the worst thing, since training camp, because the goal scorers are sitting on the bench and out of the play. When you're sitting on the bench for four minutes if you take two penalties in a row, it's tough to get back into it."

So, as we discussed in the paper the other day, when things are tough, the goal scorers have to come to the rescue. They did it Thursday against the Islanders. The team needs much more of the same. It needs what Melrose said Vinny Prospal brought against New York.

"Vinny was the one guy who wouldn't quit," Melrose said. "Vinny was out there winning battles and going to the front of the net and honding the puck, and then all of a sudden another line starts doing it and another line starts doing it. I thought he was awesome."

Other stuff from this morning: Mike Smith will start in goal. ... Defenseman Marek Malik will not dress as Melrose said his conditioning is not where it needs to be. Not surprising, really. It's tough to push yourself when skating alone, as he had been doing in the Czech Republic. Tuesday against the Thrashers is still a possibility. ... Melrose called Minnesota's Mikko Koivu "one of the five best young players in the game." ... Center Ryan Craig (groin) skated with the team, and Melrose said he is "close" to being ready to play. Craig called it "a positive step forward." ... David Koci and Jason Ward are scratched again, as is defenseman Jamie Heward.

More on the refs

Lightning coach Barry Melrose said if you look at all 10 Lightning penalties called in Thursday night's game against the Islanders, "they're all penalties by the book."

By the book. That is the key phrase.

As NHL director of officiating Stephen Walkom said of maintaining the strict standard of enforcement for obstruction and stick fouls, "Honestly, I think that's our ongoing message for league consistency, that our team of officials work to the same standard every night. I think we established it after the lockout and our goal is just to maintain it. we recognize it's work every night, and we'll never be perfect, but the commitment of the guys is to work to it every night."

(View the NHL's video on obstruction and stick infractions here.)

In other words, the game is going to be called as the rules are written, and that means if a stick comes up, it's going to be called. If a player uses an open hand on another, it's going to be called regardless of how it affects the play.

Walkom said that is not a crackdown, just playing by the rules.

Melrose seems on Walkom's side here and said he is having a video made up of all the calls on the Lightning against New York, and he will show it to the players.

"Some guys think they're not penalties. They're penalties," Melrose said. "The referees and the NHL has made it clear this is what's going to be called. It's got to be a commitment thing. They (the players) have to decide winning is more important than a lazy hook or hold."

Tampa Bay entered Friday shorthanded a league-high 29 times. It is hard to argue though that referees are being stricter than years past. According to the NHL 366 restraining fouls (hooking, holding, interference, tripping, holding the stick) have been called so far this season compared to 379 last year at this time. There have been 55 slashing calls compared to 46 last season.

Still, defenseman Paul Ranger said it's difficult when a team is put two men down when contact hardly has been made.

"It's not really the way I would choose to call a game," he said.

We'll have more in Saturday's paper.

Stuff from today's practice: Lots of line dancing. Vinny Prospal was back on Vinny Lecavalier's line. And Ryan Malone as back on Steven Stamkos' line. Radim Vrbata, with zero points while playing with Stamkos, was dropped to Chris Gratton's line. Adam Hall went from Gratton's line to Stamkos'. ... Denseman Andrej Meszaros, who took a shot off his "lower body" Thursday sat out Friday's practice but is expected to play Saturday against the Wild. ... Defenseman Marek Malik has not yet signed a contract, the team said, but Melrose made it sould like Malik could play against Minnesota. We'll see, though he also said the blue line against the Islanders was the best it played all season. ... Assistant coach Wes Walz will face his former team for the first time on Saturday. ... Ranger said he had no ill effects from Thursday's game, his first of the season after April's sholder surgery. ... Melrose gave high praise to Vinny Prospal. "Vinny was the one guy who just wouldn't quit," Melrose said of Thursday's game. "Vinny went out there and was winning battles and going to the front of the net and hounding the puck. ... I thought he was awesome. I thought he was our best forward."

Crackdown needs some common sense

I'm not even going to write about the game tonight because I believe you're starting to see some good things happen for the Lightning, I really do. I know, they lost again, but, I don't know, just seemed like a little different team. Paul Ranger made a huge difference and the stars came through in the third period. Okay, so Olaf Kolzig made a bad play. Happens. Does a fighting spirit really mean anything? I'm willing to wait and see.

Plus after writing three straight days of very negative stories, I'm sick of being a downer.

So, let's get on the refs.

The NHL is cracking down on stick and obstruction fouls and the referees are calling anything, no matter how small. Seventeen minor penalties were called in Thursday night's game, 10 on the Lightning. Some were barely touch fouls. And can we please have some sense of game situations?

Tampa Bay already was killing off a second-period penalty when Ranger was called for holding. Even if that was a penalty under the strictest sense of the word, if a team is killing a penalty, you don't call another penalty, in my opinion, unless the play is affected. Not even close in this case.

This isn't a homer rant. It is a rant to let the essense of the game come through. Bogging the game down with so many penalties just kills the flow and momentum of the game. Look, I'm all for taking obstruction and stick fouls out of the game, but calling almost non-existant penalties is not the way to do it. There has to be some middle ground. I know I don't want to watch a special teams battle.

You think the refs don't know they are injecting themselves into the game? Listen to Lightning coach Barry Melrose after Thursday's game and read between the lines.

"If you look at the tape, they're penalties," he said. "They're ticky-tack or whatever you want. That's what the referee comes over and tells us when we ask him. He says it, 'The letter of the law is the letter of the law.' Obviously, our guys, you can't touch a guy in the pants. That's it. Some referees call it different. But that's the bottom line. If you touch a guy with your stick, hopefully, it will be called both ways. That's all we can ask for."

So, here is my plea: Call it close, call it tight. But, please, read the flow of the game, and let the guys play. Geez, sounds like I'm channeling John Tortorella, there.

Bloggers' Happy Hour

Coach Bill wants everyone to know that any and all bloggers on this site are invited to a Bloggers' Happy Hour, from 6-7:30 p.m. before the Oct. 25 game with the Sharks at the St. Pete Times Forum. Coach Bill says the manager at Shots, the arena's restaurant on the west plaza, has promised to set up a "big" table or perhaps a whole section for everyone to get together. So, if you're going to the game, or even if you're not and just want to chat face-to-face, drop by. 

Malik on the ice; Heward sits

Have to apologize for yesterday's post. I obviously misunderstood hockey ops chief Brian Lawton when he explained Marek Malik's timetable for getting to Tampa. The defenseman was on the ice during Thursday's morning skate, having gotten into town Wednesday night from Prague. He is a big boy, and will wear No. 22, Dan Boyle's old number.

Malik said he still has not signed a contract. He confirmed he and the team had talked during the summer but said conversations really heated up the past two or three weeks. Malik said he has been skating for the past two months, five or six times a week.

He said sometimes it's best to jump right in but figured he'd be ready to play in five to seven days. Coach Barry Melrose, though, said his tentative plan was to have Malik ready for Tuesday's game with the Thrashers.

Malik said he decided between three or four other teams.

"Tampa Bay seemed like the best choice for me," he said. "I really liked what they did with the team in the summer, signing free agents. I always liked how they play. They try to play offensive hockey, and with the signings in the summer, the team looks really, really good; really, really positive. There's a good mix of players."

Beyond that, "With my age (33), I didn't want to choose something just to be signed. I wanted something that was good for me and I could help the team. Plus, if the team is going to be god and have a chance to make the playoffs."

"Marek Malik has been around a long time," Melrose said. "You know what he gives you. He's a big body, good defensively, takes up a lot of room, takes away time and space and is a good penalty killer."

As for the dustup Malik had last season with Rangers coach Tom Renney -- the Daily News and New York Post reported Malik, upset about being a healthy scratch refused to shake the coach's hand after a game -- was overblown by the media, and the air has been cleared.

"Me and Tom talked, basically, the very next day and straightened things out," Malik said. "I didn't try to disrespect anybody."

He said he and Renney parted as friends.

"Nothing bad," he said. "That's from my standpoint. I hope from Tom's, too."

Morning skate: With Paul Ranger back, Jamie Heward will be scratched. Melrose said it came down to skating ability with Janne Niskala. "Niskala jumps into the play, can play on the power play a little bit. Just a little bit of a better skater," Melrose said. ... It was unclear if Rick DiPietro (knee) would start in goal for the Islanders. He came off the ice first after the morning skate but would not say if he would play. He came off the ice first in Jersey and was the backup. ... Melrose said he wants to use Ranger about 18 minutes. "But that could turn into 28," Melrose said. ... Other scratches are David Koci, Jason Ward and Ryan Craig (groin).

Why don't they wear visors? And other topics

Every year we see somebody almost get their eyes poked out by errant sticks. Remember last season and Chris Gratton sustaining a scratched cornea that bothered him for much of the season? This season's disaster almost befell Ryan Malone on Wednesday when the left wing took an accidental stick blade across his left eye socket from teammate Evgeny Artyukhin.

Malone said there were no stitches, but there was lots of blood and a greenish, brownish scab that covered the top of his eyebrow, and drops of very red blood dripping from a cut next to his on the side of his eye.

Malone brushed the whole thing aside.

"Part of the game," he said. "I don't mind them. Usually try to get a couple of scars and black eyes early in the year -- get the feeling back."

I don't know, just seems so scary to me. Can't imagine not wearing a visor out there. But we have done countless stories on the topic that explain how players say they can't see well out of them even though the latest ones are supposed to be optically perfect and resist condensation. What can I say, I am obviously not a hockey player.

On to other things:

Olaf Kolzig will start in net Thursday against the Islanders. ... Couldn't make a completely informed call on who will sit on defense for the Lightning, now that Paul Ranger is back, but it seemed (and that is as far as I will go) Mike Lundin was the odd man out during practice Wednesday. This is the same Mike Lundin coach Barry Melrose said the other day was the team's best defenseman the past two games. Melrose said he will not make a decision until Wednesday night when he is outside his house smoking a cigar. ... As for what comes after that, this team is going to have some tough decisions. It is at its roster limit of 23 right now. If Marek Malik is signed, that makes 24 and with eight defensemen. When Ryan Craig (groin) is ready to come off IR, that's 25. Melrose indicated today he sees a time when he will have six left-handed shots on defense, which seems to indicate right-handed Jamie Heward's future is in play. But in what way? Will he go down to Norfolk or hang around as insurance against injury? There was some indication, though nebulous, Tampa Bay could keep eight defensemen and make cuts from the forwards. Jason Ward and David Koci have yet to get in a game. It's all a lot of moving parts yet. Let's just wait and see what happens. ... Good stat: Tampa Bay entered Wednesday second in the league in faceoff wining percentage at 56.4. ... Mark Recchi will play his 100th game against the Islanders on Thursday. He also has 100 against the Rangers.      

Lawton: Malik not signed ... yet

Well, we got the basic plot right last night.

Hockey ops chief Brian Lawton went on the record with the Times and one other reporter on Wednesday, confirming the team and defenseman Marek Malik have a "tentative" deal -- Lawton didn't say how much but it is believed to be for one year and somewhere between $1-million and $1.2-million -- that will not be signed until Malik proves he is ready to play.

"Before he signs a contract, he has to be in game shape," Lawton said.

Under the rules of the collective bargaining agreement, players can use their own judgment whether to skate with a potential employer without having signed a contract.

That process, Lawton said, begins Thursday night when Malik flies to Tampa from his native Czech Republic and takes a physical. Then, Lawton said, Malik has to get in game shape. Our timetable from last night was generally correct, too. Lawton said there is no chance Malik plays Thursday against the Islanders and a somewhat better chance he plays Tuesday against the Thrashers. The best chance right now is seeing Malik suit up Oct. 25 against the Sharks.

Lawton said Malik has been on Tampa Bay's radar since the summer, and the sides had conversations through training camp.

"Finally, something got worked out that we all can be in agreement with, if everything is as advertised," Lawton said.

Malik, 33, a 12-year veteran, has 33 goals, 163 points, is plus-136 and has 584 penalty minutes in 649 career games. 

   

Malik might not play right away

Tough to get information on exactly what is going on with defenseman Marek Malik, but this seems to be the most plausible scenario.

He is supposed to get to Tampa Thursday night, and as soon as he passes a physical, will begin working out with the team. There seems to an outside chance he could play Tuesday against the Thrashers but a more likely target is probably Oct. 25 against the Sharks.

Assuming no other roster moves, signing Malik will give the Lightning eight defensemen, though it was unclear if the team would cut that to seven or keep the eight and make roster trims from the forwards to stay at the 23-player limit.

Things are already getting crowded. Adding defenseman Paul Ranger to the roster puts the team at 23 with center Ryan Craig on injured reserve.

Anyway, none of that is in stone, but, like I said, that seems to be the prevailing opinion as to how this whole thing will happen.   

Seen Stamkos?

This is the main story for tomorrow's paper but thought it would be a good discussion here. Seems Steven Stamkos, the No. 1 overall pick, is averaging just 9:47 of ice time. That was 41st among rookies heading into Tuesday's games. Saturday against the Hurricanes, he played just 6:05.

Many factors seem to be involved.

First, the kid does not play on the penalty kill. Considering the amount of time the team has spent killing penalties (the Lightning was shorthanded nine times against Carolina), it was tough to get Stamkos in. But six minutes? Coach Barry Melrose, who said 12 to 15 minutes would be best at this stage of Stamkos' development, said he took some of the blame for not getting the hugely talented youngster into the game.

"It's got to be a conscious effort on my part," Melrose said about finding Stamkos some ice time. "You want to get him in the lineup. You want to put him in situations where he will succeed. We have to get him more than six minutes."

Beyond getting a regular shift, and Melrose said he would consider double-shifting Stamkos and linemates Vinny Prospal and Radim Vrbata, getting Stamkos on the power play is an option. The kid has an NHL-quality shot and has shown an ability to create. He also has been terrific on faceoffs, winning 12 of 18.

For his part, Stamkos said he understands the situation.

"It's not frustrated," Stamkos said. "I get frustrated the team is not doing as well as we hoped. There's still plenty of hockey left, and as the season progresses, hopefully, I can keep working hard and prove I can perform at an elite level in this league."

Ranger cleared to play

Good news out of Lightning practice today as defenseman Paul Ranger was cleared to play in Thursday's game against the Islanders at the St. Pete Times Forum.

"I can't wait to get back in there," Ranger said.

Ranger, 24, did not play in any exhibition games this season and has been rehabbing April arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder that repaired a torn labrum. He traveled to Birmingham, Ala., on Monday to visit Dr. James Andrews, who did the surgery.  Ranger's addition should help Tampa Bay's lagging transition game and it should alleviate some of the pressure on Andrej Meszaros and Matt Carle, both of whom are averaging more than 27 minutes of ice time.

Ranger said he is not worried about contact.

"I tested it in practice (Tuesday) with some hits in the corners," he said. "It feels really comfortable. I feel ready to go."

Don't expect Ranger to play 25 minutes, which coach Barry Melrose said is the long-term plan. Perhaps 15 to 20, depending on how the game goes, Melrose said. And let's give him some time to re-adjust to the speed of the game.

The real question is, who will sit out against New York? Melrose said he hasn't decided yet. But by a process of elimination, we can make a guess.

Figure Meszaros, Carle, Jamie Heward, Lukas Krajicek and Ranger are in. Melrose has praised Mike Lundin as the team's best defenseman the past two games. Does that leave Janne Niskala outside looking in? We'll see.

Ranger's return imminent

Forget Marek Malik, the Lightning might be getting defenseman Paul Ranger back for Thursday's game against the Islanders. We likely won't know officially until tomorrow, but Ranger on Monday flew to Birmingham, Ala., to consult with noted orthopedist James Andrews, who performed the arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in Ranger's right shoulder.

What would Ranger's return mean to a team that has struggled with the transition game?

"What would any best defenseman on the team coming back to the lineup mean?" coach Barry Melrose said. "That's what it means to us. We get another big body that skates well. He's important to us."

Rangers' confident first pass out of the defensive zone will be the biggest addition. Even Melrose has said the blue line has struggled with the transition because of a lack of composure in the defensive zone, where players are more likely to wrap the puck around the boards than hold for a second and look for a play.

Said Ranger: "I just want to get back in there and play."

As for Malik, he is not expected to show up until later in the week, perhaps Wednesday or Thursday. The thinking is the Lightning wants to see him skate first before making the signing official, but that is just me speculating.

Tomorrow's main story in the paper explores just what the heck is wrong with the Lightning so far. We know the obvious signs:

Not getting the puck and bodies to the net, a lack of production by star players, a transition game hindered, Melrose said, by the defense's lack of composure with the puck and a lack of physical play.

But Melrose and the players made the case on Monday that it comes back to play in the Lightning's defensive zone, not just by the defense but the forwards as well. Think back to Saturday's game with the Hurricanes. When Tampa Bay was aggressive and forcing the play, Carolina was on its heels and taking penalties and falling behind 3-0. But when Carolina surged, the Lightning retreated, almost conceding control of the puck in some cases. One of the goals in the Hurricanes' four-goal surge came after the team relentlessly cycled in the Lightning zone without challenge.

Said right wing Marty St. Louis: "We can't have a team cycle us to death for an extended time. You get tired when that happens, and once you get the puck, it's a dump-in and you're off the ice. You can't create like that. All five of us in the end zone, we have to find a way to break the cycles, get the puck back and get it out; not at the end of a shift when you've got to get off the ice. Break the cycles midway through shifts and you still have energy to go on offense."

Coach Barry Melrose addressed those concerns Monday at practice, pushing the players to battle in five-on-five drills and then in one-on-one puck battles.

"We're brutal at that," Melrose said of winning those battles. "If you're going to win in today's NHL, you have to win the physical battles. That's what we worked on (Monday). We'll work on them (Tuesday). We'll work on them Wednesday and continue to work on them." 

Marek Malik? Lightning blue line in flux

Marek Malik could be the next addition to the Lightning's ever-evolving defense. The 6-foot-5, 233-pound unrestricted free agent is expected in Tampa this week, though it is unclear if he will sign a one-year, $1-million contract or practice as a tryout.

Add the expected return, perhaps as soon as Thursday against the Islanders, of Paul Ranger (shoulder), and Saturday's addition of Lukas Krajicek, and you have a real episode of Extreme Makeover.

After the team (0-2-1) allowed 126 shots, the worst three-game stretch in club history, it needs it.

Malik, 33, a 12-year veteran, spent the past three seasons with the Rangers. But his relationship last season with coach Tom Renney was stormy. The New York Daily News reported Malik, after a January victory, refused to shake Renney's hand. Renney would normally shake his players hands in the locker room after victories. When Malik refused, some teammates got in his face.

Coach Barry Melrose on Sunday said the Lightning's defense has to be better with puck possession.

"It's composure," he said. "If you have a guy like (Chris) Pronger, and you have a guy like (Nicklas) Lidstrom, where they have the experience to, when they're under pressure, take take an extra step and make a direct pass; right now, our D, when they're under pressure, it's around the boards."

Beyond that, Melrose would like more physical play off his blue line, and that's where Malik, who has 584 penalty minutes in 649 career games, might help.

Bottom line, Melrose said, "What's happening now is unacceptable."

Other notes: Ranger said he will know Monday or Tuesday if he will play on Thursday, and Melrose said the team is as confident as it has been about a quick return. If nothing else, Ranger's return will help with puck possession and the transition and lower the average 27:32 of ice time Matt Carle is lugging. ... Center Jeff Halpern (knee) said he is skating an hour a day five days a week and still expects a mid- to late-December return. As for the absurd rumors Halpern has gotten fat and his career is over, I can tell you, that is not even close to being true. ... Merlose joked of the three-game season, "It feels like 30."

Barrie preaches patience

Granted he said this before the Lightning blew a three-goal lead in Saturday night's 4-3 overtime loss to the Hurricanes. But owner Len Barrie said he is not panicking and neither should fans.

"I would say be patient," he said. "We've got a good hockey team. There's nothing won in September. The only thing won in October is baseball, so that's what I'll say. we really believe in our group. We believe in our guys."

I'll have more of Barrie's comments in Sunday's paper, but just as a primer, he said the extenuating circumstance this season are valid: the 13 new players trying to find chemistry, the hectic and shortened training camp, the coaches also trying to find a comfort zone with each other and Vinny Lecavalier continuing to try and round into shape after April shoulder surgery.

Actually, Lecavalier's one-timer goal on Saturday speaks volumes about how far his shoulder has come.

Anyway, Barrie said he is not going to judge the team until the end of November.

"You have to remember, we were in 30th place, so we've made a lot of changes we really believe in, so we're going to be patient with them," he said. "There's no panic here, for sure. ... I said to (hockey ops chief) Brian Lawton, 'If this team isn't a good hockey team, then we should do something else.' I really believe it's a good hockey team."

Palace Sports financed $70-million of team sale

Why is this interesting? Because the company that wanted so badly out of the hockey business is still so entwined, and even more deeply (about $20-million more deeply) than we originally believed. It also is in a position, though unlikely, to regain control of the team if OK Hockey cannot repay the loan.

"We're just filling the role of a lender right now," Palace CEO Tom Wilson said of his company's $70-million financing of the $200-million sale. "We just had to step in and get it done."

This was a marriage of convenience more than anything else. OK Hockey, which includes principal owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie, lost financing from two investment banks while trying to buy the team. And Barrie said having a deep-pocket business like Palace Sports, given the worldwide credit crunch and the uncertainty of the banking industry, is really a blessing. Barrie called his dealings with Palace Sports "fantastic."

We've gone through this before when the sale was announced, but here is the plan:

OK Hockey came up with $100-million of the $200-million purchase price. Palace Sports and Galatioto Sports Partners, a New York spots investment bank came up with the rest. The plan is to pay off Palace Sports' interest bearing note and have GSP as the sole lender. But that won't happen until the credit crises eases. Meanwhile, Barrie said OK Hockey has a three-year plan to make the team profitable.

Palace Sports has said it lost $80-million in the nine years it owned the team. But Barrie said, "There's a solid business here. We think we can turn this around and make it profitable."

Krajicek expected to play

Coach Barry Melrose said he expects newly acquired defenseman Lukas Krajicek to play in tonight's game if the schedule laid out does not hold any glitches. Krajicek, who apparently has his visa issues worked out, was supposed to land in Tampa this afternoon. Worst case scenario, he gets to play. Best case, if his plane gets in on time and the coaches can spend some time briefing him, he might even see some power play time.

"It's not ideal," Melrose said of the situation. "We just expect him to compete."

As for the defensive pairings, who knows?

"There's a lot of gray areas in this whole scenario," Melrose said.

The only definite, he said, was getting Andrej Meszaros playing against Eric Staal. After that, he added, "You're basically trying to find two guys that work well together, that seem to have a little bit of sense together. It's an experiment back there."

Other tidbits: Mike Smith starts in goal. ... Wing Jason Ward said his strained groin is about 90 percent healed and added, "Now I just have to get back in the lineup. ... Vinny Lecavalier said the biggest thing wrong with the 0-for-9 power play is players are not "moving and attacking the net. ... If all we're doing is passing the puck, that's not going to lead to anything." ... Melrose praised what Sun Sports Paul Kennedy aptly named the Old School Line of center Chris Gratton and wings Gary Roberts and Adam Hall. "What I like is their work ethic. They just outwork the teams they're against. Our goal is to get our skill guys playing with the intensity of that line. If you get (Ryan) Malone and (Radim) Vrbata and (Vinny) Prospal playing with the intensity of those guys, then you have something great because skill guys finish a play." ... Lecavalier said he "loves" playing with Prospal and is sure he will again, though he said his line is set tonight to start with Malone at left wing. Prospal moves to Steven Stamkos' line.