Mike Smith News

The agent for Lightning right wing Radim Vrbata said his client "100 percent" wants to return to the NHL next season after playing much of 2008-09 in the Czech Republic.

TAMPA a ' The Lightning added depth to their front line on Tuesday, signing former Minnesota Wild left wing Stephane Veilleux to a one-year contract worth $750,000. Veilleux, a former linemate with current Tampa Bay assistant coach Wes Walz on the Wild, had a career high with 13 goals and 23 points last season with Minnesota.

No, big long analysis here, since we have a story in tomorrow's paper that will also appear on the web site, but wanted to give a heads up, and perhaps prompt some discussion, about what players the Lightning could be looking at in free agency, which opens at noon on Wednesday.

The Fourth Period noted this rumor from the St. Petersburg Times' Damien Cristodero, discussing the Lightning's free agent plans: July 1, St.

Last year, Lightning ownership dived into the free-agent pool headfirst, hoping to make a big splash.

Andy Strickland is reporting that Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Karri Ramo has signed a two year contract with Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.

Lightning co-owner Len Barrie apparently did nothing wrong when he solicited investors because the league was aware.

Here is the order of selection, pending trades, for the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Draft.

There was no immediate confirmation from the Lightning, but the web site hokej.cz is reporting that Karri Ramo, Tampa Bay's expected backup goaltender, has signed a two-year deal with Avangard Omsk of the Russian Kontinental Hockey League.

What will the Lightning do with the No. 2 pick in the NHL Draft? How is goalie Mike Smith progressing? What is the latest on Vinny Lecavalier? Join Times beat reporter Damian Cristodero for a live chat Wednesday, June 24 from noon to 1 p.m. Can't wait? Leave a question in the 'Comments' area below.

We'll havemore on this in Saturday's paper, but it appears the Lightning is satisfied enough with the progress goaltender Mike Smith is making while recovering from post-concussion syndrome that GM Brian Lawtonwill not look for a goalie in free agency.

A bolt of lightning strikes near Folsom in this view looking south toward Rancho Seco as showers pass through the area Wednesday.

Lightning and a windblown tree have been blamed by authorities for killing two women in Southern California.

Lightning dances over Placer County late Wednesday. The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Sacramento area and neighboring counties.

The Lightning, for now, seems more inclined to keep the No. 2 overall draft pick than trade it.

When: Approximately 5:05 p.m. Saturday. TV/radio: NBC; 97.5 FM. CAN LIGHTNING STRIKE TWICE? How Kentucky Derby long shot winners since 1940 fared in the Preakness Stakes: Derby Preakness Preakness Year Horse odds odds finish 2005 Giacomo 50-1 6-1 Third 2002 War Emblem 20-1 2-1 Won 1999 Charismatic 31-1 8-1 Won 1995 Thunder Gulch 24-1 3-1 Third 1982 ...

Former NHL forward Rick Tocchet guided the Lightning to a 19-33-14 record after taking over from the fired Barry Melrose behind the bench last November.

So many things are going on right now that are taking Lightning general manager Brian Lawton away from the area, the formal signing of what is believed to be interim coach Rick Tocchet's new three-year deal keeps getting pushed back.

Charlie Gilbert, a Binghamton resident, took the lead from Tyler Yeagle on the final lap to win the pure stock race in the Five Mile Point Speedway's season opener in Kirkwood.

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.