Well, five years between two points in Atlanta.

It could be much worse — such as 14 seasons between playoff appearances or 84 years between World Series championships. Much worse when you think of those two standards (set by the Buccaneers and Boston Red Sox, respectively).

At any rate, Vinny Lecavalier scored two goals - one to open scoring in Atlanta tonight, and the other to break a 2-2 tie late in the third — while Ruslan Fedotenko notched 2 assists to further propel the Lightning away from it’s southeastern conference rival.

Of course, the focus of the Lightning (and this fan) is looking forward, and the Eastern Conference top seeds are closer for the moment….

Pardon the pun :smile

The Herald News

Washington Capitals defenseman Rick Berry was issued a one game suspension for a spearing incident that occurred on Monday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

This spearing incident against Martin Cibak — who was speared directly in the cup — led to two Tampa Bay goals on the ensuing 5 minute power play and was part of the reason the Lightning were victorious over the Capitals on Monday.

Berry will be docked a game check of $2,520.83. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. The incident occurred during the third period of the loss to Tampa Bay. Berry was assessed a major penalty following his actions. The defenseman will miss Wednesday’s game against Carolina.

NHL.com News

Lightning acquire Helbling from Nashville

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired defenseman Timo Helbling from the Nashville Predators on Wednesday for an eighth-round draft pick.

Well, the dealing obviously isn’t done then. I don’t know anything about this guy to be honest with the readers but Feaster and Barber know what they are doing — I hope.

Helbing will, if nothing more, help stock the Springfield Falcons when the Lightning take them over next season.