Lightning Strikes (Cristodero)

The Lightning, it is believed, has a potential goaltending star in Andrey Vasilevskiy. And head amateur scout Al Murray did nothing to change anyone's mind in a recent discussion about the 18-year-old Russian.

Lightning center Nate Thompson called winning a bronze medal with the United States at the world championship "a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget."

Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier was off to one of his best starts in a while (four goals, 11 points in his first seven games) when his left foot was hit by a slap shot from teammate Sami Salo in the final second of a Feb. 2 game with the Rangers.

Lightning right wing is a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy, given annually "to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability,”  as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

For all the negativity that surrounded the Lightning this season, right wing Marty St. Louis sounds relatively upbeat about what is in the team's future.

Lightning right wing Marty St. Louis on Thursday was named a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Awad, given annually by the NHL Players Association to the league's "most outstanding player."

Coach Jon Cooper is passionate about how he wants the Lightning to develop over time. The last thing he wants is a team that, in terms of the playoffs, is "out, out, out, in, out, out, out, in."

The Lightning on Monday signed dfefenseman Radko Gudas to a three-year, one-way contract, the team announced.

Lightning star Steven Stamkos has started what he called "a long summer" after the team for the second straight season finished out of the playoffs.

The Lightning on Thursday agreed to terms with prospect Cedric Paquette on a three-year, entry-level contract. The center had 27 goals, 83 points, 103 penalty minutes and was plus-29 in 63 games for Blainville-Boisbriand of the junior Quebec league.

Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman understands their is impatience with the team's lack of success. But that does not mean abandoning his long-term plan.

Want to talk about the 2012-13 Lightning season? What went right or wrong? Who'll be back? Who won't? How about the NHL playoffs? Whatever's on your mind, join Times beat reporter Damian Cristodero for a live chat TODAY, from noon to 1 p.m.

The Lightning has agreed to terms with prospect Nikita Nesterov on a three-year, entry-level contract. The defenseman was taken 158th overall in the 2011 draft. He is expected to play for AHL Syracuse next season.

Want to talk about the 2012-13 Lightning season? What went right or wrong? Who'll be back? Who won't? Who'll be in goal next season? Join Times beat reporter Damian Cristodero for a live chat Wednesday, May 1, from noon to 1 p.m.

Lightning star Steven Stamkos on Sunday had an MRI exam on his injured left knee that general manager Steve Yzerman said showed "nothing of significance."

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier said that, considering the way the season started - winning six of the first seven games - he felt "for sure" that they'd havea  great year.

Lightning right wing Marty St. Louis talks about winning his second Art Ross Trophy after Tampa Bay's season-ending 5-3 loss to the Panthers at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on April 27, 2013.

Steven Stamkos did not play in last year's world championship because of a left shoulder issue he wanted to heal.

Lightning prospect Cedric Paquette, a forward for Blainville-Boisbriand of the Quebec junior league, was fined $1,000 by the league for "inappropriate behavior" for his part Wednesday in starting a bench-clearing brawl with Baie-Comeau, the Canadian Press reported.

The Lightning on Thursday had three players named to the initial group of 15 who will play for the United States at next month's world championship in Sweden and Finland: goaltender Ben Bishop, center Nate Thompson and defenseman Matt Carle.