Kurtis Foster News

Asked Friday about the difference between playing in North America and Europe, the Lightning 's rookie defenseman and Swedish native talked about the quicker NHL game and making faster decisions.

After playing in 181 games with Tampa Bay since being called up during the 2005-06 season and registering 32 goals and 63 points, Craig was sent to the American Hockey League to start the season after not earning a roster spot out of training camp.

In the previous two days, Lecavalier being put on a line with Drew Miller and Stephane Veilleux created a bit of a stir, as did his season-low ice time of 16:06 in Monday's 6-2 loss to Philadelphia.

The Lightning aren't saying why defenseman Paul Ranger was granted an indefinite leave of absence today, and Ranger wasn't available for comment.

The odds of left wing Drew Miller scoring on his brother, goalie Ryan Miller, tonight when the Lightning host the Buffalo Sabres aren't great.

Had circumstances been different, Thursday night's Sharks-Lightning game, won by Tampa Bay 5-2, would have included a notable encounter.

Nothing really worked out today for those of us who like a good story. Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Kurtis Foster was scratched from tonight's game with the Sharks, and San Jose center Torrey Mitchell is on long-term injured reserve with tendinitis in his left knee and is not even with the team.

"You are not drawing too many penalties when you are chasing the puck," Konopka said.

The Lightning could not have played much worse Thursday night against the Senators.

Milan Michalek recorded the first hat trick of his career, as the Ottawa Senators handled the Tampa Bay Lightning, 7-1, at Scotiabank Place.

Make no mistake, coach Rick Tocchet said, Mike Smith is the Lightning's No. 1 goaltender.

Ryan Malone #12 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates with teammate Steven Stamkos #91 after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second period at the St.

G Mike Smith is healthy enough to play but said he had no problem with backup G Antero Niittymaki starting Monday for the second straight game.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been a doormat for most other teams in the NHL for too many years now.

Ryan Malone had three goals, including a go-ahead score midway through the third period, and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 on Saturday night.

Lightning assistant general manager Tom Kur vers said no dots should be connected.

But the Lightning goaltender, without prompting, suddenly steered it head-on toward what he is doing wrong.

David Hale got his first ice time of the season Tuesday in place of injured D Kurtis Foster .

Practices are important, Matt Smaby said. The Lightning defenseman said he tries to be one of the first players on the ice before workouts and one of the last off when they are done.

The Lightning picked up where it left off last season, with a defenseman sidelined because of injury.