Lightning Strikes (Cristodero)

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.

Lightning right wing Marty St. Louis talks about a 5-2 victory over the Maple Leafs on April 24, 2012, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in which he had a hat trick and took over the league points lead.

Lightning left wing Ryan Malone is scratched from tonight's game with the Maple Leafs after two games he classified as not good. The question is whether Malone is sitting solely because of poor play or if he still is not fully recovered from a left shoulder injury that cost him nine games from March 20-April 7. Malone said there are no …

The Lightning during Thursday's game with the Bruins at TD Garden will honor the city of Boston by wearing Boston Strong ribbon stickers on their helmets.

After missing 13 games with a high ankle sprain, goaltender Anders Lindback will start tonight against the Hurricanes at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

For the second straight season, a Lightning prospect has been named most valuable player in the American Hockey League. Syracuse's Tyler Johnson was named today. He is tied for the league lead with 33 goals and has 60 points in 60 games heading into the final weekend of the season. Last season's winner was Norfolk's Cory Conacher.

When Ben Bishop takes the ice tonight at the Bell Centre against the Canadiens, it will be his eighth start for the Lightning since being acquired from the Senators. He will have sat out only one of Tampa Bay's nine games, but said the work load is not a problem.

Lightning coach Jon Cooper talks about Tampa Bay's 4-3 shootout loss to the Jets at the MTS Centre on April 16, 2013.

Lightning center Nate Thompson went to the front of the net during Tuesday's morning skate in Winnipeg and faced defenseman Eric Brewer who launched a slap shot right at Thompson.

In what should not come as a surprise, new Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop on Monday signed a two-year, $4.6 million contract extension through 2014-15 -- $2.2 million next season (same as Anders Lindback, $2.4 million in 2014-15. Bishop, 26, was scheduled to be a restricted free agent.

Lightning coach Jon Cooper talks about Tampa Bay's 3-1 loss to the Sabres at the First Niagara Center on April 14, 2013.

Lightning coach Jon Cooper talks about Tampa Bay's 6-5 overtime loss to the Capitals at the Verizon Center on April 13, 2013.