Lightning prospect winger Radek Smolenak is back with the Kingston Frontenacs after his late cut from the Czech Republic's WJC team. Smolenak was held scoreless in a 6-3 loss to Ottawa Wednesday night.

Finland was more than game tonight against tournament favorite USA going down in a narrow defeat 6-5 to fall to 0-2 on the tournament. Finland roared back from a 6-3 deficit in the 3rd period to get the game within striking distance before failing to get the tying goal with the extra attacker on. Prospect Karri Ramo made his first appearance of the tournament facing a 43 shot barrage and making 37 saves in the contest.

Slovakia was successful in its tournament opener [url=http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_06/output/w20/hydra.iihf.com/data/iihf/output/xml/55/IHM055B06_74_1_0.html]defeating lightweight Latvia 7-4.[/url] Lightning prospect winger Stanislav Lascek moved into a tie for the tournament lead in points notching a hat trick and adding two helpers while playing on the top line for Slovakia with his Chicoutimi teammate Marek Zagrapan. Fellow Lightning prospect Vladamir Mihalik helped the cause with an assist on a Juraj Gracik second period goal in his first U-20 World Junior Championship appearance. In the night's other contest Switzerland squeaked by underdog Norway 2-0. Slovakia's next match is tomorrow night as they draw marquee Pens prospect Evgeni Malkin and the Russians. Also tomorrow, the much awaited contest between Finland and USA that will likely be goaltender Karri Ramo's tournament debut.

And the losing streak continues... PRO-5 SPR-2 Gerald Coleman allowed 5 goals on 26 shots. The Falcons actually outshot Providence 31-26 but clearly didn't get the same level of goaltending the Bruins did. It may be time for Coach Graham to try and get Eklund back in the starters role or it may be time for the Lightning to recall Jonathan Boutin or Morgan Cey to Springfield. Clearly something has to change. Game sheet from [url=http://ahl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1001463]TheAHL.com.[/url]