Lightning backup goaltender Olie Kolzig said last week he hoped to be back in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Coyotes. Instead, he now is shooting for Monday's game against the Kings. That is because the muscle strain in his left arm is not responding to treatment as quickly as hoped.

"I've never really had a muscle injury, so for me this is something new," Kolzig said Wednesday. "I guess it's a process. It's good when shots and wristers are controlled and I don't have to have an explosive motion. As soon as somebody is taking a slap shot and I have to really explode my arm up to get it, it's still weak. I wouldn't say it's a setback, I just expected it would be better than what it is. If you want to play a game, you have to be ready for those explosive saves, and it's not ready."

All that mens is that Karri Ramo remains with the team. Mike Smith, who has made a career-high 10 straight starts, gets the nod again against the Coyotes. Coach Rick Tocchet said Ramo likely will start Friday at Anaheim.

"It's frustrating for him," Tocchet said of Kolzig. "I feel bad for him because he's working his tail off. But it's not responding the way it should."

"I don't know," Kolzig said. "I'm hoping for LA. We have a pregame skate  (Thursday). We have a pregame skate in Anaheim, maybe a practice or two before LA, and we'll see where it's at." 

Other stuff from practice: Tocchet confirmed what has been obvious since the return of Ty Wishart and Vladimir Mihalik to AHL Norfolk. Paul Ranger will play against the Coyotes after missing three games with an upper body injury. ... Forward Paul Szczechura's left knee is still sore. Tocchet said he is hopeful of getting him in against Phoenix, but it sounded more likely Szczechura will play Friday at Anaheim.