The team announced that Tuesday's arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in Vinny Lecavalier's right shoulder was successful and a full recovery is expected. The star center, after a 12- to 15-week rehab, is expected to be ready for September's training camp.

The day apparently got off to a much later start than anticipated as noted orthopedist James Andrews was running behind schedule. Lightning assistant trainer Jason Serbus accompanied Lecavalier to Birmingham, Ala., where the surgery was performed at St. Vincent's Hospital. Serbus observed in the operating room.

"It went very well. That's what Jason told me," Lecavalier's father, Yvon, said. "We were a little concerned. Now we're very happy.''

Lecavalier, who turns 28 on Monday, was injured in an April 3 game at Washington on a check by the Capitals' Matt Cooke. The team said Lecavalier's rehab protocol will be determined by Andrews' office and be supervised by the Lightning medical staff.

Arthroscopic surgery on Lecavalier's painful right wrist is expected to be scheduled at a later date.