In an encouraging sign for a banged-up Lightning team, RW Steve Downie (neck/back strain) is participating in pre-game warmups for tonight's game against the Wild.

Downie had missed the last three games, but hoped to return tonight.

C Dana Tyrell (illness) and C Mattias Ritola (balance issues) are also out there for warmups, good signs that they'll be playing tonight. Coach Guy Boucher had said that all three players were question marks heading into tonight. But D Matt Smaby wasn't in the warmup, so he could be a scratch, as Boucher indicated in the morning.

- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com