The Lightning on Thursday called up defenseman Vladimir Mihalik from AHL Norfolk on an emergency basis. That means someone is hurt and that is likely defenseman Paul Ranger, who came off the ice late from this morning's morning skate.

No word on what is Ranger's injury. With defenseman Lukas Krajicek also out with what could be as many as two upper body injuries and while wearing bandages today on fingers of both hands, Tampa Bay had just five available defensemen headed into tonight's game with the Capitals.

Mihalik, 22, at 6 feet 7, 222 pounds, has two goals and eight points in 29 games for the Admirals. He played the first two games of the season in Prague after a very good preseason and amid many good words from the coaching staff.