Lightning superstar center Vinny Lecavalier, rehabbing from arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder, said his goal is to play the last two preseason games. He stressed that nothing has been determined, but if Lecavalier holds to that schedule, he will miss the four preseason games before the team travels to Europe.

"My goal is to play the last two games," he said of exhibitions against Eisbaren Berlin in Germany and HC Slovan in Slovakia. "We'll see before that. I can't predict how it's going to feel."

Lecavalier worked out with teammates Thursday at the Ice Sports Forum and took several slap shots and wrist shots. And while he said he was testing his new sticks, and not necessarily is shoulder, it was a good experiment, nonetheless.

"I just started again this week and it feels pretty good for slap shots and wristers," he said. "It's mostly when the puck is far away, reaching, it feels a little weak."

Lecavalier said that likely is simply a matter of re-strengthening the shoulder. He has been rehabbing five months and likely won't be cleared for contact before talking to James Andrews, the orthopedist who performed the surgery, before the European trip.

"I would like to," Lecavalier said of playing before the trip. We'll see how I feel."

In other Vinny-related news, coach Barry Melrose, who has said Lecavalier would be "the perfect captain," said he still wants to watch Lecavalier during camp before making a final decision.

"I've got some time I want to spend with him," Melrose said. "Just because you're the best player doesn't necessarily mean you're a leader. But I've been very impressed with him. I think Vinny is really maturing into that leadership role."