Ryan Malone News

The Tampa Bay Lightning began the NHL season with Mike Smith as their No. 1 goaltender, but Antero Niittymaki is making a serious bid for the job.

The only better outcome for the Bolts would have been if they could have won it in the shootout, which would have eliminated all three albatrosses at once.

Not even a concussion could dull Victor Hedman's sense of humor. 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.

Ita TMs another night, and another overtime loss. A A hard-fought effort where the Leafs perhaps deserved a better fate.

Detroit, 7 p.m. NOTES Coach Ron Wilson had Phil Kessel on a line with Matt Stajan as his centre and Jason Blake as the other winger.

The Tampa Bay Lightning will try to win consecutive games for the first time in over three weeks when they visit the struggling Ottawa Senators tonight for a test at Scotiabank Place.

The Ottawa Senators could get a boost from the return of centre Jason Spezza for Thursday's game against the Lightning.

Toronto forward Phil Kessel, left, battles for the puck against Tampa's Martin St Louis on Tuesday.

New player, new confidence, same old result. Phil Kessel made his much heralded return to NHL hockey a ' his first game in a Maple Leaf uniform.

Vinny Lecavalier may continue to be frustrated that he's not scoring, but it's not the Lightning captain's lack of goals that has coach Rick Tocchet the most concerned.

What to watch for in Monday's NHL games: Shootout shutout Oh for a few well-timed goals! The Tampa Bay Lightning bring their 4-3-4 record to Philadelphia, wondering where they might be in the standings with a little shootout magic.

Steven Stamkos, celebrating the second of his two goals against the Devils in the Lightning's home opener, leads the team in goals with nine and is tied for the points lead with Marty St.

It has often been said that revenge is a dish best served cold. And the Tampa Bay Lightning were undoubtedly hoping for a little payback Thursday night against the Ottawa Senators.

The Ottawa Senators will try for back-to-back wins tonight when they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning for a clash at St.

This unit, Tampa Bay Lightning winger Ryan Malone said recently, "can pretty much do everything." Still, they're lacking in one way.

The Penguins , defending Stanley Cup champions, built their foundation at the top of the draft.

Give Lightning coach Rick Tocchet credit for being philosophical after Saturday night's excruciating 3-2 shootout loss to the Sabres at the St.

Dan Boyle has a rare moment with his former Lightning coach. [Getty Images] The naked shootout The rules were simple.

How cool is it to be James Wright right now? The Lightning's rookie left wing wasn't even supposed to make the team out of training camp and said the first time he saw his name on a Tampa Bay jersey, "it was like a dream." Now he has a memory: his first goal, 30 seconds into Thursday's 5-2 victory over the Sharks at the St.

Zero goals in seven games this season. Zero goals in 14 games, including the final seven last season.