Tampa Bay Lightning

Winger Jim Campbell has been returned to Springfield of the AHL according to the Falcons. Campbell played in just one game during his call up, the Lightning's 1-0 overtime win against the Rangers, but became the odd man out when Ryan Craig returned last night from a broken toe.

One step forward, two steps back...

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Ryan Craig returned from injury and helped set up the lone Lightning goal with a strong forecheck to register the first assist of his NHL career. Craig played 16:48 and was +1. Paul Ranger was -1 in 15:37 of ice time with one shot on goal. He showed surprising strength on a second period hit on power forward Daniel Paille as his physical game continues to evolve. Evgeny Artyukhin played 8:12 with 1 shot on goal and the seemingly obligatory goaltender interference minor.

Game sheet from NHL.com.

What a gritty, gutty performance by a tired and undermanned Tampa Bay Lightning led by John Grahame.

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John Grahame made 36 saves for the shutout while Vaclav Prospal picked countryman Petr Prucha's pocket to deposit the game winning goal late in overtime. Prospal's thievery was made possible by an incredible diving poke check just moments earlier by Paul Ranger on a Michael Nylander breakaway attempt. Ranger played 15:46 of even hockey with two takeaways. Evgeny Artyukhin played a quiet 10:56 as the checking lines were limited in ice time due to newcomers Jim Campbell and Norm Milley joining the team. Ryan Craig was scratched again with a broken toe.

Game sheet from NHL.com.

In response to last night's injuries to Fredrik Modin and Rob DiMaio, the Lightning have recalled wingers Jim Campbell and Norm Milley from Springfield of the AHL. The domino effect was the recall of left wing Randy Rowe from Johnstown of the ECHL to Springfield.

The Lightning actually found a way to beat a goaltender standing on his head tonight.

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Sean Burke was outstanding stopping 35 of 36 faced for the victory. The Lightning outshot the Islanders 43-36 but Garth Snow was equal to the task until Paul Ranger sprung Martin St. Louis for the game winning short handed goal. Ranger was +1 in 13:21 of ice time with 2 blocked shots. Evgeny Artyukhin played well again in 15:11 of ice time with 3 shots on goal. Ryan Craig was scratched in favor of Dimitry Afanasenkov.

Unfortunately, the win came at a price as forwards Fredrik Modin and Rob DiMaio were forced to leave the game with leg and back injuries. It remains to be seen if the situation is serious enough to warrant recalls from Springfield.

Game sheet from NHL.com.