News

In the wake of defenseman Pavel Kubina's injury in last night's game against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Lightning have recalled defenseman Timo Helbling. Helbling will join the Lightning in Tampa as they prepare to host the Atlanta Thrashers on Thursday night.

Helbling has played in 60 games for the Falcons this season collecting seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points and 56 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-2, 209-pound native of Basel, Switzerland started the season with the Lightning registering one assist in five games played. Helbling is currently second on the Falcons in scoring among defensemen.

Decision: Ramo.

Karri Ramo threw a 23 save shutout today to defeat Tuukka Rask and Ilves 1-0. Ramo was named first star of the game in his first career SM-liiga playoff game. HPK eliminated Ilves with the victory, sweeping the series 4-0. HPK will likely face HIFK in the semifinal round.

The Springfield Falcons announced today that they have signed defenseman P.J. Atherton to an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO). Atherton is expected to practice with the Falcons this week and make his debut this weekend with Springfield.

Atherton recently finished his collegiate career with the University of Minnesota. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Edina, Minnesota native collected one goal and six assists for seven points in 41 games this year with the University of Minnesota. Atherton is a solid, stay-at-home defenseman known for his physical presence on the ice. Before going to Minnesota, he showed an offensive upside with Cedar Rapids of the USHL, where he scored 7 goals and 22 assists for 29 points in 54 games.

Wasted a great effort by Grahame.

TB-1
CAR-2

Grahame stopped 27 of 29 in the loss. Defenseman Pavel Kubina was injured on a Craig Adams hit leaving the Lightning with just four of their regular defensemen. Doug O'Brien played better in his third NHL game than in his previous callup, but is struggling still with the size/strength of the NHL, in my opinion. Paul Ranger played 26:13 of even hockey with 3 shots on goal, 1 hit and 3 blocked shots. As injuries have led to an increase in his ice time, Ranger has responded. Ryan Craig played 19:21 of even hockey with 1 shot and 1 hit. O'Brien played 12:24 of even hockey with 1 shot and 1 block. Evgeny Artyukhin was even in 7:38 with 2 shots and 2 hits.

Game sheet from NHL.com.

Linkopings pulled even in their semifinal series with Vastra Frolunda today winning 5-0. Fredrik Norrena threw a 29 save shutout while veteran Lightning property Shane Willis had a goal and an assist. The series is now tied 1-1.