Reeling power play not a concern

The Lightning's shootout woes have been well documented, but a struggling power play has also contributed to their mediocre start.

Through the first five games, Tampa Bay converted six of 27 opportunities with a manpower advantage as new advisor Adam Oates stressed quick puck movement and more shooting. But in the past four games, the Lightning are 1-for-16 on the power play heading into Thursday night's home matchup against Ottawa.

"I thought we started out strong on the power play ... we've cooled off a little bit," said second-year C Steven Stamkos, who leads Tampa Bay with three power-play goals. "Teams are starting to figure out what our tactics are. Now we have to find different options if they take certain guys away."

The team's power play ranks 23rd overall at 16.3 percent, but on the road that percentage plunges to 12.5 - 27th among 30 teams.

Coach Rick Tocchet said he is not overly concerned about the downward trend.

"I think there's a couple of tweaks here and there to make," Tocchet said, "but we have the right personnel and we have the right system. I'm not really worried about it."

C Vincent Lecavalier, who has averaged 12 power-play goals in the past four years, is still looking for his initial power-play score of the young season.

"We're moving the puck around pretty well, getting good chances," said Lecavalier, who has four power-play assists from his new position on the point. "Obviously, we want to score more, but the way we're moving the puck, we know it's going to come. Having Adam Oates on staff has definitely helped. He brings a different dynamic about how to think on a power play. When he talks, it makes sense."

Wright stuff

Judgment day is approaching for LW James Wright, who is playing with Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis on the Bolts' No. 1 line.

With nine games already on Wright's NHL record, Tampa Bay must decide whether to send the 19-year-old rookie back to juniors before Thursday's game.

"No one has told me any different," Tocchet said Tuesday when asked whether Wright would remain with the Lightning. "He's done a nice job for us. He's 19, but you wouldn't know it. He's a very mature kid. He doesn't get too high or too low and he's been a pleasure to coach."

Wright, averaging 13:50 of ice time, has registered two points and is plus-2, the best mark of any Lightning forward.

Changing things up

Noting Tampa Bay's 0-3 record in shootouts, Tocchet plans to use some new personnel in those situations.

Tocchet mentioned D Andrej Meszaros and C Jeff Halpern as possible snipers in an effort to end the 0-for-10 record by Lightning shooters.

"You try to look at something different," Tocchet said. "I'd be crazy not to try those guys the next game. Those are valuable points we've left on the table."

How effective was Tocchet on breakaways during his distinguished 18-year playing career?

"You have to be fast to have breakaways," Tocchet quipped. "But I played with the best - Mario Lemieux. He was the best I've ever seen on breakaways. He was almost automatic."

Fighting cancer

In the 10th annual Tampa Bay Fights Cancer Night, the Lightning and The Lightning Foundation will partner with community leader Steve Yerrid and The Yerrid Foundation. More than 4,000 individuals tied to the cancer community of Tampa Bay will be invited to Thursday's game.

Special guests will sit on the bench and in the penalty box for the pregame skate, get to meet Lightning players and visit the radio and TV booths.

Ira Kaufman