Andre Roy (bruised tail bone): Skated the entire practice on Thursday. Was even able to touch his toes. Said he should be good to go for Saturday's game vs. the Caps. Whether he plays is another story.

Chris Gratton (cornea abrasion): He missed Thursday's practice and did not hang around to talk to reporters, but the Lightning called him day-to-day, and the checkup at Tampa General Hospital Wednesday night showed no permanent damage.

Jan Hlavac (bruised right foot): Practiced Thursday and likely will play Saturday.

Michel Ouellet (strained left hamstring): Said it felt better Thursday but did not practice. He said he has never before had hamstring trouble.

Torts on injuries in general: "You don't find a position within your hockey club when you're sitting in the tub. I'm not too interested in players because they're sore they're going to miss some time. If they're hurt, that's fine. I think the new guys come in, I think that needs to be defined right away. It hasn't put anybody behind yet, but if it continues, it sure hurts people, and I'm not going to wait. Guys get hurt and it creates other opportunities. I'm not going to wait because of a name or because of someone projected. I'm not too interested in projections. I'm interested in getting people on the ice and getting their work done. I'm not coming down on any body here, I just want define it. Everybody is sore. Everybody is nicked up once you start camp. That's what we go by here. We're looking for people to get through things and find a way and not get put behind because we're not going to wait. If another guy steps up they're going to get that opportunity.''