Andrej Meszaros News

A management purge cost Kurtis Foster any opportunity to stay with the Minnesota Wild.

The Tampa Bay Lightning continued to revamp its blue line with the addition Wednesday of free agent Kurtis Foster, formerly of the Wild.

Mattias Ohlund said he never has met Victor Hedman, the Lightning's top draft choice, but can't wait to get acquainted.

Mattias Ohlund got exactly what he was looking for when NHL free agency opened Wednesday.

The future is here for the National Hockey League's 30 teams. Friday night's NHL Entry Draft will finally bring to the league highly touted forwards John Tavares and Matt Duchene, as well as defenceman Victor Hedman.

Nothing is in stone, but the way it looks now, theLightning seems more inclined to keep the No.

Lightning fans have the opportunity tonight to voice their opinions and concerns straight to the team's decision-makers. Tampa Bay co-owner Oren Koules, general manager Brian Lawton and coach Rick Tocchet will be available to answer questions during a town hall assembly at the St.

The biggest news coming out of the meeting will be the expected introduction of Rick Tocchet as Lightning head coach without the "interim" tag.

A year that began with sweeping changes to the Lightning organization turned into a season they'd rather sweep under the rug.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Despite the losses piling up throughout the season, RW Marty St.

Two wins, one loss, one still up for grabs, one long shot in progress. That's where Brian Burke stands in his effort to use every and any means necessary to find hockey players for his Maple Leafs.

Under the guidance of new owners, new management and new coaches, the Lightning were supposed to be winners this season.

Tampa Bay heads into the offseason with plenty of questions after a second consecutive season at the bottom of the NHL standings, but these might be the top five that need to be answered: What's Mike Smith's status? The Lightning's No.

During a question-and-answer session with former and prospective season-ticket holders before Tuesday's game, Lightning general manager Brian Lawton told the group that the team intends to dip into the free-agent waters again this summer, particularly to upgrade the defense.

Another Lightning death drop is at an end. The home schedule wraps up tonight at the Forum against Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals.

The Lightning will be without the services of left wing Ryan Malone for the remaining two games of the season after he suffered a broken right hand during the second period of Tuesday's game against Pittsburgh.

Throughout the season, Lightning co-owner Len Barrie has stood in the background.

The Lightning hit a milestone Sunday when it passed 300 man-games lost to injury or illness.

Keep an eye on ... 4 Vincent lecavalier C Age: 28 Ht: 6-foot-4 Wt: 219 lbs. THE SKINNY: Selected No.

G Mike Smith , D Paul Ranger , D Andrej Meszaros and D Marek Malik are out; D Matt Smaby and F Paul Szczechura are day to day.