Stephane Veilleux News

Coach Rick Tocchet said that coming off a weeklong road trip, he knew Wednesday night's game with the Maple Leafs would be a grind.

Toronto Maple Leafs' Francois Beauchemin and Tampa Bay Lightning's Stephane Veilleux battle for the puck during the second period of their NHL hockey game in Tampa, Florida November 25, 2009.

Hagman doubles up in Leafs' win Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Francois Beauchemin, left, and Tampa Bay Lightning's Stephane Veilleux battle for the puck during their NHL hockey game in Tampa, November 25, 2009.

Tampa Bay Stephane Veilleux, centre, celebrates his goal with David Hale, left, as Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk looks on Sunday.

Nitti on Niitty: Gangster Frank is on goalie Antero's mask. [DANIEL WALLACE Times] Keeping suspect company Lightning G Antero Niittymaki has shunned the artistic interpretations of dragons and bikini-clad women generally found on the side of goaltenders' masks for one of the usual suspects: former Chicago gangster Frank Nitti .

After a run of six consecutive starts, Antero Niittymaki will take a seat tonight when the Lightning visit Jobing.com Arena outside Phoenix tonight .

Commissioner Gary Bettman said he planned to "chat" with Lightning co-owner Oren Koules during Monday's game with the Coyotes, but he offered little new concerning how or when the organization's ownership saga will end.

The league will study whether it should ban hits to the head. But Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said a better idea is eliminating the instigator rule, which penalizes players who intentionally start fights.

Friends turn to rivalsVeilleux, Foster have landed in Tampa BayBy Bruce Brothers bbrothers@pioneerpress.com TAMPA, Fla.

Some things just don't change, so it should come as no surprise that former Wild winger Stephane Veilleux is the Tampa Bay Lightning's reining pingpong champion.

Jason Spezza celebrates the first Senator goal as Lightning players Steve Stamkos , David Hale and Stephane Veilleux look on in first period action as the Ottawa Senators take on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, November 5, 2009.

You certainly can't fault Tampa Bay Lightning coach Rick Tocchet for trying to light a fire under captain Vincent Lecavalier .

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 Globe and Mail reported Steve Yzerman, Team Canada's executive director, will be at the Air Canada Centre to scout Stamkos and Lightning teammates Marty St.

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.

Rick Tocchet played the first 71/2 of his 18 seasons, and 91/2 in all, with the Flyers.

Mike Smith could have been emotional. Instead, he was philosophical. He could have vented.

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

With the Tampa Bay Lightning taking to home ice for the first time tonight, head coach Rick Tocchet wants everybody to play within themselves as they face the New Jersey Devils.

One second. That was how close the Lightning came to winning its first game of the season.