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Ranger Back On Ice, Close To Returning

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON

eerlendsson@tampatrib.com

Published: October 9, 2008

Defenseman Paul Ranger participated in full practice drills Wednesday, the first time he has been cleared for full contact since undergoing shoulder surgery during the offseason. But he hasn't been cleared to return to game action - yet.

"I'm starting to do some battles now in practice and that's a big step," Ranger said. "Now I'm just doing the things I need to do in order to be cleared to play."

Lightning coach Barry Melrose said Ranger will not be ready to return for Saturday's home opener against Carolina, but they are hoping he can be back in time for the Oct. 16 game against the New York Islanders or Oct. 18 against the Minnesota Wild.

Nothing Enticing Just Yet

Lightning vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said none of the names that came across the waiver wire the past two days - which includes defenseman Rhett Warrener and Kyle McLaren - was anything the team really had interest in bringing into the fold, even with an open roster spot after rookie Vladimir Mihalik was sent to the minors Monday.

"There's been some good players, but nobody that was the right fit for us," Lawton said.

There is still the possibility the Lightning could claim somebody on re-entry waivers, leaving Tampa Bay responsible for only half of any particular player's remaining salary.

Newly Acquired Krajicek's Locker Stall Empty

Newly acquired defenseman Lukas Krajicek was not at practice Wednesday and his status for Saturday's game is up in the air due to immigration problems. The Lightning hope to have Krajicek in Tampa prior to Saturday's game.

"It's pretty standard stuff," Lightning vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said of the immigration issues involving Krajicek. "It will all get worked out, but when that will be, we're not sure yet.

"The optimism is pretty high Krajicek will play Saturday but talk to me today and that might change."

Should Krajicek, who will wear No. 2 on his jersey, not be able to make it, Lawton said he will be in Norfolk, Va., on Friday for the Admirals' season opener and if a defenseman needs to be called up, that decision will be based on what takes place Friday.

Craig Leaves Practice; Jokinen Misses Practice

Ryan Craig, who was a healthy scratch for the first two games of the season, was targeted to possibly get into the lineup for Saturday's home opener against Carolina but will likely be out up to a week.

Craig left about 20 minutes into practice with a groin strain and will be held off the ice for at least a few days, according to Coach Barry Melrose.

Craig had been working as the third-line center between Evgeny Artyukhin and Mark Recchi, the line centered by Jussi Jokinen in the first two games. Jokinen missed practice Wednesday for personal reasons, but Melrose said Craig was not set to take Jokinen's place in the lineup.

"Jussi has been great," Melrose said. "He came here expecting to be gone right away, but he's played himself into a pretty pivotal part of our team."

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