The Lightning added to an already grueling preseason schedule by adding a game against its AHL affiliate in Norfolk, Sept. 25 at Scope Arena. Tampa Bay now has eight preseason games (only one at home), including five games in five nights all on the road, ending with the game against the Admirals.

While creating a road trip that covers four time zones, the game is a nice nod to an affiliate that has taken it on the chin during its two years with the Lightning, finishing out of the playoffs both seasons after 18 straight seasons in the playoffs. As we know, this is a crucial season in the relationship between the clubs as the five-year agreement between them has an out clause for both sides after three years. ... Read more

Here is the announcement from the team:

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced the "Tampa Bay Lightning Fan Fest 2009, presented by the Embassy Suites Downtown", will be held on Saturday, August 29 from 3-8 p.m. at the St. Pete Times Forum and it is free to the public. A season ticket holder party, presented by Sweetbay Supermarket, will begin at 1:30 p.m.

The season ticket holder party, presented by Sweetbay Supermarket, will feature free food and beverage along with an exclusive question and answer session with Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Lawton as well as goaltender Mike Smith. Lightning season ticket holders will also get the first opportunity at autographs and all the excitement going on at Fan Fest before the doors open to the public.  ... Read more

The business manager for free-agent wing Alex Tanguay said his client will sign a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning after he passes a physical that will occur in Tampa on Monday or Tuesday.

"We have an agreement in principal," said David Ettedgui, who works in the office of Tanguay's agent Steve Kotlowitz. "We're pretty happy he is with the Lightning and he's looking forward to giving his best."

Tanguay, 29, has been a sought-after asset,  and it is believed the Wild, and perhaps even the Islanders, were in competition with Tampa Bay. Ettedgui admitted the Lightning did not offer the largest contract, though he declined to get into specifics. But Ettedgui added, "Sometimes money is not as important for us. It was very important we find (Tanguay) the best fit possible." ... Read more

Alex Tanguay said he probably came back from his left shoulder injury too quickly last season. You remember that, don't you? Tanguay, then a member of the Canadiens sustained a separated left shoulder from a hit by then-Lightning forward Evgeny Artyukhin. The hit was so big, it shattered some glass at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Tanguay missed 32 regular-season games and two of Montreal's four playoff games. While that injury healed on its own, Tanguay also had arthoscopic surgery on his right shoulder in April to ensure his readiness for next season. He said the doctor found a partially torn labrum.

The shoulders will be the Tampa Bay Lightning's main focus on Tuesday during Tanguay's physical. If all is found in order, the Lightning will sign the left wing to a one-year contract.

"I saw the doctor four weeks ago in Colorado, so I expect everything is normal," Tanguay said. "We'll see (Tuesday) what the doctor says, but I'm not expecting anything. I've got myself ready to go."

Tanguay, who was in town Monday looking for houses (I guess everyone is sure he's going to pass this physical)  also said he is "hungry" to start next season.

"I have a lot to prove, for sure," he said. "That's why I took this opportunity. It's a very good opportunity for me to get back to the level I'm capable of." ... Read more