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Several hurdles to overcome before G Riku Helenius would return to the Tampa Bay Lightning
Though the Tampa Bay Lightning has "tested the waters" to see if goaltender Riku Helenius wants to return to the Lightning, assistant general manager Julien BriseBois was clear Wednesday, Helenius is seen as "a prospect." In other words, he is not considered the immediate answer to the big club's goaltending search and would have to take a two-way contract if he wants to again play for the organization that made him the 15th overall pick of the 2006 draft. ... Read more
Tampa Bay Lightning GM Yzerman says he, among others, interested in Swiss star Damien Brunner
Part of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s summer to-do list is to find a top-six forward. That is why general manager Steve Yzerman, at the world championship in Helsinki, Finland, is keeping a close eye on Swiss forward Damien Brunner. ... Read more
Tampa Bay Lightning, down an assistant with Wayne Fleming ailing, might hire a coaching consultant
The Tampa Bay Lightning might hire a coaching consultant to take some of the work load off coach Guy Boucher and assistants Dan Lacroix and Marty Raymond. The move, only a consideration at this point, is taking shape because it is clear assistant Wayne Fleming, in the 13th month of his fight with brain cancer, is not returning to the team. His absence last season created added responsibilities for the remaining staff. ... Read more
Injured Tampa Bay Lightning D Mattias Ohlund: "I want to give myself another chance to play"
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund is at the Tampa Bay Times Forum five days a week rehabbing from February’s major surgery on his left knee. Doctors used a layer of titanium to resurface Ohlund’s femur at the patellofemoral joint behind his knee cap. The titanium created a cushion where the cartilage that usually covers the bone had worn away and created painful bone-on-bone rubbing.
Ohlund on Friday said he wants to play again but knows there is no guarantee he can revive his 14-season career. “I want to give myself another chance to play and I’m hoping that’s going to happen, but who knows?” he said.
Ohlund, 35, who did not play last season after arthroscopic surgeries on both knees and has not skated since November, has four years and $11.75 million left on his seven-year deal that pays $5 million next season.
A full story will be in Sunday’s Tampa Bay Times. Here is Ohlund’s interview with the Times: ... Read more
12:30: Chat live with Tom Jones
Want to talk about the NHL or NBA playoffs, the Rays-Yankees series, the Bucs' offseason, sports on TV/radio? Join Times sports personality Tom Jones for a live chat today, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Can't make it? No problem. Leave a question in advance in the "Comments'' area below, then check back afterward to replay the chat.
... Read more
Nate Thompson alternate captain for U.S. team at worlds
Lightning center Nate Thompson was named an alternate captain for the United States at the world championship, which begins Friday in Helsinki, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden.
Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson, a member of the silver-medal-winning 2010 Olympic team, was named captain, and Jets center Jim Slater was named the other alternate captain. ... Read more
Stamkos among finalists for Lindsay Award
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos is one of three finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award, given to the NHL's most outstanding player in the minds of the players.
Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist are the other finalists.
Here is the official release:
NHLPA ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2011-12 TED LINDSAY AWARD ... Read more
Steven Stamkos named finalist for Hart Trophy
Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos' 60-goal season paid off with a top-three finalist nod for the Hart Trophy, the NHL's MVP.
Why adding goaltender Roberto Luongo is a difficult route for the Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning, according to Canada’s Sportsnet web site, will be on the list goaltender Roberto Luongo submits to the Canucks of teams to which he will accept a trade. ... Read more
Exit interview: Lightning's Marty St. Louis says, "We're not that far away. I totally believe that"
Marty St. Louis, who will turn 37 in June, knows he's not getting any younger. But the Tampa Bay Lightning wing said he has faith the team will quickly bounce back from this season's disappointment and that general manager Steve Yzerman will make the right moves this summer. If he didn't believe that, St. Louis said, he would have thought about playing elsewhere.
St. Louis spoke about about why the team faltered this season, why it is possible to turn things around quickly and assisting on Steve Stamkos' 60th goal: ... Read more
About the bloggers
Follow the Lightning through the season with beat writer Damian Cristodero and the Tampa Bay Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
E-mail Damian Cristodero: cristodero@tampabay.com
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