Paul Ranger 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.

Tampa Bay's most prized youngster knows better days are ahead. Steven Stamkos believes the Lightning, who were supposed to make some noise in 2008-09 after a major roster overhaul, are on the right track to have a breakout season in 2009-10. Tampa's 18 losses in overtime or the shootout give him faith.

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

The Tampa Bay Lightning have removed the "interim" tag from Rick Tocchet's job title, signing him to a multi-year contract to be the team's head coach.

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.

After last summer's big splash acquisitions didn't quite pan out as hoped, the Tampa Bay Lightning's new braintrust may want to go for more something more reliable this summer.

At a time when the Lightning season is all gloomy, at a time when many players are just looking to get through the final three games, coach Rick Tocchet sounded a bit of optimism after Tuesday's morning skate, saying he believes the team isn't far from competing.

With plenty of flash and just as much dash mixed with a whole lot of renewed excitement, sweeping changes surrounded the Lightning's new ownership group led by Oren Koules and Len Barrie heading into the season.

Brooks Laich had two goals and the Washington Capitals secured the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a 4-2 victory over the host Tampa Bay Lightning last night.

The Tampa Bay Lightning signed free agent defenceman Geoff Kinrade to an amateur tryout contract on Thursday.

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.

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 970-AM Injuries: Tampa Bay - C Vinny Lecavalier , G Mike Smith , D Andrej Meszaros , D Paul Ranger , D Cory Murphy and D Marek Malik are out; D Richard Petiot and D Josef Melichar are day to day.

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

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the 21 players the Lightning has used on defense this season are the most by an NHL team.