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Ranger Back In Lineup

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 8, 2009

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The start of the new year looked too much like the start of the new season to suit defenseman Paul Ranger, who will be back on the ice at Phoenix today after consecutive days of full practice.

"It has been frustrating," said Ranger, who has missed the past three games with an undisclosed upper-body injury after sitting out the first three games of the season following summer shoulder surgery. "Injuries happen. Players understand. The best thing about it is, you know you are going to get better and you are going to be back in there.

"That frustration leads to a wealth of determination to get back as soon as possible."

Ranger, one of the Lightning's top defensemen, said the injury is not related to the offseason surgery to repair a torn right labrum.

The Lightning have lost two of their past three games in Ranger's absence.

"He's a 25-minute guy for us," interim Coach Rick Tocchet said. "He plays against their top guys. He's a big part of our hockey club."

RAMO ON THE READY

With Olie Kolzig still bothered by an upper-body injury, goaltender Karri Ramo could see his first start of the season Friday, Tocchet indicated, when the Lightning play the second game of their current road trip in Anaheim, their second in as many nights.

The Lightning also have back-to-back games to end their four-game trip, at Los Angeles on Monday and San Jose on Tuesday, another possibility for Ramo.

"I want to get him in a game very soon," Tocchet said. "We have to get him in."

Ramo made his one appearance this season against New Jersey on Nov. 23, playing 28 minutes in relief of Kolzig in a 7-3 loss to New Jersey. Ramo made 15 saves on 17 shots.

"I don't think Olie is responding like we thought it would, which is kind of frustrating for him," Tocchet said.

Kolzig had targeted today as a possible return date as a backup to Mike Smith, who has made 10 consecutive starts. ... Center Jeff Halpern and defenseman Andrej Meszaros practiced Wednesday after a lighter day Tuesday and are set to play against the Coyotes.

Jack Magruder

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