News:Vincent Lecavalier was held scoreless for the third straight game Monday since returning from a broken hand. He skated 16:09 in Tampa Bay's win over Washington.
Analysis: There's obviously some rust here even though he's not absurdly below his average ice time for the season, plus he's still getting some power play time. Maybe he can get on the scoreboard in one of the team's last two games, but he's going to be under 55 points for the second straight season, not quite what you'd expect from one of the NHL's highest paid players.
News:Vincent Lecavalier (hand) will play against New Jersey on Thursday, Bergen Record writer Tom Gulitti reports.
Analysis: With 46 points in 58 games this year, those who own Vincent Lecavalier will want him active in most cases.
News:Vincent Lecavalier (hand) is slated to play Thursday against the Devils, Renaud P Lavoie of RDS reports.
Analysis: Great news for the Lightning, though it would take a slew of things to work in the team's favor to sneak back into the playoff mix. Vincent Lecavalier, who has 46 points in 58 games, last played on Feb. 18.
News:Vincent Lecavalier practiced with the team on Saturday for the first time since suffering a broken hand on Feb. 18, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: It was also reported that Vincent Lecavalier plans to travel with the team for the upcoming three-game road trip that begins on Monday in Philadelphia. It's been more than a month that he's been out and yet he still remains the fourth highest scorer on the team with 46 points in 53 games. Seeing him back on the ice is big for both Lightning fans and fantasy owners who are hoping to see a late-season push if he can return in a timely fashion.
News:Vincent Lecavalier (hand) will not return any sooner than the end of next week, Tampa Tribune writer Erik Erlendsson reports.
Analysis: If we consider "the end of next week" to mean Tampa's game against Edmonton on Thursday, March 22, then it means Vincent Lecavalier will miss at least another nine days. His next chance to play after Thursday would be against the Islanders on Saturday.
News:Vincent Lecavalier (hand) could be back in the Tampa Bay lineup by the middle of March, the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Analysis:Vincent Lecavalier is dealing with a fractured bone in his right hand, but since the fractured bone is not displaced, he won't need surgery. "These things, generally, can take three-to-six weeks," GM Steve Yzerman said. "Three is on the early side. We just have to wait and see how the bone heals and go from there."
News:Vincent Lecavalier has a non-displaced fracture in his right hand, the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: At least we now know exactly what the injury is. Vincent Lecavalier's still listed as out indefinitely.
News: After Tampa Bay declared Vincent Lecavalier out indefinitely Tuesday he was spotted wearing a cast that appeared to cover the hand/wrist/forearm region, Tampa Tribune writer Erik Erlendsson reports.
Analysis: Erlendsson also reported that the injury won't require surgery, so it appears that Vincent Lecavalier is dealing with a break or bad sprain of some sort.
News:Vincent Lecavalier (upper body) is out indefinitely, TampaBayLightning.com reports.
Analysis: There still hasn't been a disclosure of just what Vincent Lecavalier is dealing with. Hopefully information regarding that will break soon.
News:Vincent Lecavalier (upper body) is day-to-day, TampaBayLightning.com reports.
Analysis: It's not clear whether there's more evaluation to be done on the injury. Consider him questionable for Tuesday's game against Anaheim.
News:Vincent Lecavalier (upper body) will not play Tuesday night against the Ducks, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: His status beyond that is uncertain, as the Lightning have elected not to provide addition info about the nature and severity of his injury. For now, consider him day-to-day. Trevor Smith was recalled from Norfolk on Monday and will likely draw into the Bolts' lineup in Vincent Lecavalier's absence.
News:Vincent Lecavalier left practice early Monday with an upper body injury, the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: The injury is not believed to be serious, but more is expected to be known after practice.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal after banking a shot off Ryan Callahan's face in an OT loss to the Rangers on Thursday night.
Analysis: He was all around the net and it took several attempts before the bank shot. He now has 21 goals and 45 points in 53 games this season.
News:Vincent Lecavalier's recent success has coincided with a reunion with Marty St. Louis. The two were put together on Jan. 17 and they have combined for nine goals and 14 assists.
Analysis: Their chemistry is uncanny and Vinny's Rocket Richard season (52 goals) came with Mighty Mite as his shotgun. Expect big things for Vincent Lecavalier as long as the two remain joined at the hip.
News:Vincent Lecavalier had a four-point night Saturday against Florida. He scored once and added three assists.
Analysis: He'd been held without a point in two games but has been exceptional since the start of January (19 points in 14 games). It's his first four-point effort this season and first since Game 2 of the Bolts' second-round series against the Bruins last year. You know what to do.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored a power-play goal and added an assist Tuesday in a win over Columbus. His point streak now stands at six games.
Analysis: He has three goals and seven assists in those six games and points in 10 of 11 games in January. He has increased his season total to 40 points in 48 games and has regained fantasy relevance for sure. It's also time for those of you in keeper leagues to leverage this rebound into a potential trade, particularly if you're out of this year's race. He'll be 32 in April and his best years are behind him. But you might find someone who thinks otherwise.
Bolts' Vinny: Points In Eight Of Nine January Games
News:Vincent Lecavalier stretched his point streak to four games and seven points with an assist Friday against the Stars.
Analysis: Wow -- it's like someone flipped a switch and we got the old Vinny back. He has points in eight of nine games this year and that includes five goals and seven assists. Continue to ride his hot hand.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and added an assist Tuesday in a win over Boston to extend his multi-point scoring streak to three games.
Analysis: He has two goals and four assists in his last three games and 11 points (five goals, six assists) in eight games in 2012. He's white-hot -- take full advantage.
News:Vincent Lecavalier picked up two assists and 14 minutes in penalties in Sunday's wild loss to the Penguins.
Analysis: The PIMs came as a result of a third-period scrum where he tried to take Evgeni Malkin's head off. Vinny felt Malkin went after his knees on an earlier play but Malkin wouldn't fight. Malkin ended up with a roughing minor; Vinny got a double minor and a 10-minute misconduct. And Vinny left the arena before the locker room was opened after the game. Maybe this is the fire the team needs to climb out of the Eastern Conference basement. By the way, Vinny has four goals and five assists in his last seven games.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and added an assist in Friday's loss to the Capitals.
Analysis: He was impressive in the third when he worked to lift his team back into contention; it wasn't enough. But still, he has impressed us with the strength of his game of late -- he has points in five of six games since the start of 2012. Take advantage.
News:Vincent Lecavalier's points streak stands at four games and five points (three goals, two assists) after he picked up a goal and an assist Tuesday in a shootout loss to the Canucks.
Analysis: His game has improved dramatically over the last month -- he has 12 points (six goals, six assists) in his 13 games since Dec. 10. We hope he can sustain this scoring pace, as it would make him once of the more valuable forwards in the league. We're not completely convinced he'll do it, but we do like what he's doing now. Use him while he's hot.
News:Vincent Lecavalier tipped home the Lightning's only goal in a 3-1 loss to the Canadiens on Saturday night. It was his 15th goal of the season.
Analysis: He's not the dominant player he once was but he does have six points, including four goals, in his last seven games. We'd like more but that's a decent pace for the big center. Fingers crossed it will become more.
News:Vincent Lecavalier picked up an assist Thursday in a loss to the Senators.
Analysis: He's on pace for just 57 points this season. But he is on pace to deliver more goals this season than he has since his glory days. Sadly, his goals are the only reason he's rosterable in standard leagues -- 60 points (give or take) is usually the annual cutoff for centers in leagues that carry just two pivots. He still has value in deep leagues but he's no longer the elite, post-lockout talent he once was.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored his third goal in his last four games in Tuesday's loss to Toronto.
Analysis: He actually has eight points in his last 10 games and appears to be finally heating up. His output is nowhere near what it should be for someone drafted in his position. But we'd take this pace going forward.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored the game-winning goal Thursday against Montreal. He now has goals in back-to-back games and points in three straight.
Analysis: We hope this is a sign that his game is rounding into form. His scoring is well off his career norms but right now, he's actually on a 30-goal pace. He might even finish the season with close to 60 points. Maybe.
News:Vincent Lecavalier, who was held off the score sheet Wednesday in San Jose, has just four points in nine games in December. He has also been thoroughly dominated in the faceoff circle this month.
Analysis: It's the latter that is raising a flag for us. His overall faceoff winning percentage so far this season is 46.5 percent -- his lowest since the lockout. But in December, he's at just 40.2 percent and that includes a 33 percent smackdown in San Jose on Wednesday. We've seen David Steckel of the Leafs have his proficiency fall off the map since he broke his finger and we cannot help but wonder if there's a injury that's frustrating Vinny. Things are awfully quiet on that front but something is clearly going on with him. And right now, you're only activating him on hope. That's not how you manage a good fantasy team.
News:Vincent Lecavalier picked up two assists, one of which came on the power play, in Tuesday's loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: He has points in back-to-back games and 21 on the season. But he is being completely dominated in the face-off circle and we can't help but wonder if he's hiding some kind of injury again. Just speculation, of course. But it bears watching.
News:Vincent Lecavalier notched a power-play goal in Saturday's loss to the Flyers.
Analysis: The goal snapped a seven-game goal drought and is just his second point in that span. It's probably no coincidence that the Bolts have also been slumping, going 2-6 in the last eight. His pace has slowed -- he's on track for just 54 points this season. And he continues to be dominated in at face-off dot. He's not an automatic activation anymore. And that saddens us.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored his fourth goal in as many games in Friday's OT win over the Panthers.
Analysis: While his overall point-pace is down, Vinny is actually on pace for his first 40-plus goal season since 2007-08. It's a remarkable pace considering the team's futility on the power play. Vinny potted 12 of his 25 goals last season on the PP but this year -- that's almost half. But this year, he has three PP goals out of 10. We love the goals; we'd love them more if they came on the man advantage.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored the Bolts' only goal in Tampa's 7-1 loss to Toronto on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, he was also minus-4.
Analysis: He has three goals in his last three games and nine on the season. He's on a 65-point pace and that just doesn't fit his draft position. At 31, it really does appear that his best offensive days are behind him. But at least he's picked up his two-way game. Small consolation to his owners.
News:Vincent Lecavalier got the scoring started Thursday in a win over Pittsburgh with his seventh of the season, then added his eighth into an empty net late in the third period.
Analysis: The Pens pulled Marc-Andre Fleury trailing 3-0 with more than four minutes left in regulation, which was an interesting choice, but we're sure Vinny and the Lightning will take it. With 15 points in 18 games, Vincent Lecavalier has been pretty much as expected this year, except that his plus-8 rating is well higher than any season mark he's posted since a plus-23 in '03-'04. He's been a minus player the last four years in a row.
News:Vincent Lecavalier set up a power-play goal in Wednesday's OT win over the Flyers.
Analysis: He has 10 points in his last 10 games; he was held off the score sheet just twice in that span. His production since late last season has been among the league's best. He's more valuable this season than we expected. Take advantage.
News:Vincent Lecavalier stretched his point streak to three games with a goal -- the game winner -- and an assist in Friday's OT win over Chicago.
Analysis: We're growing more and more impressed with the consistency he's showing in his game. He has points (nine) in seven of his last eight games and 11 in 13 games this season. Couple that with his outstanding end to last year and he has 25 points in his last 24 regular season games. Add in his outstanding playoff run last year and there's only one conclusion. He's back. And in a big way.
News:Vincent Lecavalier's assist Tuesday night gives him seven points in seven games.
Analysis: He's starting to show more consistency and a stronger pace than in his first five games. We'll watch his output in November closely to see if he's point-per-game guy or just another 60-65 point center.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored the game's lone goal in Saturday's 1-0 win over Winnipeg. It came on the power play.
Analysis: It was a bad-angle goal in the last minute of second period but it stood up. Vinny has points in five of his last six games and eight overall on the season. He's chugging on a 60-point pace right now and that's just frustrating for owners how drafted him for more. He should be able to pick up the pace; stay patient.
News:Vincent Lecavalier picked up a goal Tuesday night to extend his current point streak to four games and five points.
Analysis: Slowly but surely, Vinny seems to be picking up the pace. But the thing we're most impressed with so far is his two-way presence. He's plus-4 on the season, a somewhat remarkable feat considering his last plus season was in 2006-07. This maturation in his game may actually help him deliver more consistent offensive production.
News:Vincent Lecavalier's assist Saturday stretched his point streak to three games and four points.
Analysis: He's starting to heat up -- fingers crossed it'll stay that way. We hope we were wrong to think he's nothing more than just another 70-point center.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored and added an assist in Thursday's win over the Islanders.
Analysis: The offensive burst came after coach Guy Boucher shook up the top two lines, putting Marty St. Louis and rookie Brett Connolly with Vinny. Vincent Lecavalier's best production over the years has come alongside St. Louis but the Bolts have typically rolled Mighty Mite with Steven Stamkos. We'll watch this with interest -- the shuffle ignited the team's top-two lines.
News:Vincent Lecavalier sniped his second goal of the season in Monday's loss to the Panthers.
Analysis: It was an ugly game. All but one of the Panthers' goals came on special teams and the Bolts just couldn't stay out of the penalty box. The thing we're most concerned about is Vinny's complete inability to win faceoffs Monday night. He was an abysmal 33.3 percent (six for 18) against guys like Marcel Goc and Steven Weiss. He does have two goals and one helper thus far but we were honestly expecting a bit more powerful start to the season.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored the game-winning goal on the power play in Friday's 5-1 win over Carolina.
Analysis: He also won eight of 13 faceoffs, a sign that his wrist is fully healed and he could be poised for a solid offensive season. Gone are the point-per-game (plus) days for Vinny but 70 or a little more are absolutely within range.
News:Vincent Lecavalier and Teddy Purcell seem to have picked up this preseason right where they left off. Both could be poised for strong starts to the season.
Analysis: Vinny is healthy for the first time in five seasons and while we don't expect a point-per-game any more, we do think 70-75 points, including 30 goals, are possible.
News:Vincent Lecavalier comes into training camp healthy for the first time in five seasons.
Analysis: Yes, you read that right. And no wonder he saw his output drop from 52 goals and 108 points in 2006-07 to 25 goals and 54 points last season. He had arthroscopic wrist surgery after that 108-point season. And then went under the knife for a torn shoulder labrum after 2007-08. The next offseason, he underwent surgery on his other wrist and then had arthroscopic knee surgery last August. "It just drains you," Vincent Lecavalier told the St. Peterburg Times. "Summer is a time to recharge your batteries. When you have surgery, they don't recharge." He's ready to fly this season: "I want to produce. I know if I played the way I played since January, things will come and the goals will come." If so, he could once again rise the fantasy ranks, this time on merit and not on name alone.
News:Vincent Lecavalier will play this season with a visor, something he had only previously worn to protect an injury, reports the St. Petersburg Times.
Analysis: He wore it through the playoffs after getting clipped (accidentally) in a game in April. He then kept it on during summer workouts and now it's a permanent part of his gear. His offensive resurgence in the playoffs should ease any concern the new equipment will impact his play.
News: Lecavalier was unable to slip one by Tim Thomas despite putting five shots on net.
Analysis: Lecavalier wasn't alone as the rest of the Lightning weren't any more successful as Thomas showed why he may be the frontrunner to win the Vezina Trophy with a 2-0 shutout in Game 3.
News: Lecavalier put in a dominant performance in Tuesday's loss to Boston. He scored once and set up three other goals, and won almost 60 percent of his faceoffs.
Analysis: His overall offense this season was down but he has become a more complete player and he showed it Tuesday. His offense was brilliant, though -- few have been better this postseason.
News: Lecavalier scored his third goal in the last two games in Tuesday's Game 3 win over Washington.
Analysis: Vinny actually has points in eight of 10 postseason games and 11 in total -- that's consistency. The Bolts can sew up the series Wednesday night.
News: Lecavalier scored twice, including the game-winner in overtime, in Tampa Bay's Game 2 victory over Washington.
Analysis: The $10 million man sure has stepped things up in the postseason. Vinny has four goals and six assists in nine games and he and Marty St. Louis have been the keys to the Bolts' success so far. But here's a little tip for keeper leaguers -- pray he can carry his team far this postseason. You'll be able to leverage a strong effort into a trade that you'll be glad you made in a season or two. It's all about trading high.
News: Lecavalier had two assists during Game One versus Washington.
Analysis: If the Lightning can get Lecavalier and Stamkos going in this series, than they could very well be the favorite to win this matchup over Washington.
News: Lecavalier stretched his point streak to five games with an assist in the Lightning's Game 6 win over the Penguins.
Analysis: He may not be worth $10 mil a season but he's bringing leadership and experience to the postseason parade. He'll need to be strong to carry the Bolts deep.
Tampa Bay's Lecavalier Scores Game Winner Friday Night
News: Lecavalier scored what would turn out to be the game-winner in Tampa Bay's 5-1 win over the Penguins on Friday night.
Analysis: He scored the goal at the 6:53 mark of the first period to put the Lightning up 2-0 at the time. It was Lecavalier's first point of the playoffs.
News: Lecavalier was named the second star of the week for the period ending Sunday.
Analysis: He picked up goals in each of the Bolts' three games last week, finishing with five points (four goals, one assist). He was also one of the NHL's best scorers down the stretch and is poised for a powerful playoff push.
News: Lecavalier's goal streak stretched to four games Saturday when he scored his 25th of the season in a win over Carolina. He also picked up an assist.
Analysis: Since mid-March, he's been on fire. He has nine goals and eight assists in his last 14 games and he's been able to get his season total up to a respectable 54 points in 65 games.
News: Lecavalier scored twice, including the game winner, in Friday's 4-2 win over Florida.
Analysis: He was the game's best player and now has four goals on a three-game goal scoring streak. He's also picking up the pace as the Bolts head into the postseason -- he has 15 points in his last 13 games and has been held off the score sheet just twice in that span. The Bolts could be a sleeper in the playoffs and Vinny would be a solid target for your squad.
News: Lecavalier (eye) suited up for Tuesday's game against the Sabres.
Analysis: Lecavalier, who was forced from Sunday's game after being high-sticked in the face, evidently dodged a bullet and looks good to go heading into the playoffs. He scored his 22nd goal of the season in a loss to Buffalo.
News: Coach Guy Boucher expects Lecavalier (eye) to play Tuesday against Buffalo, the Lightning's official site reports.
Analysis: Lecavalier made it through the morning skate without any trouble and said he is feeling better by the hour. A late scratch is still possible, but all indications point to him suiting up.
News: Lecavalier, who was forced from Sunday's game after being high-sticked in the face, has no structural damage to his right eye, Erik Erlendsson of The Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: Lecavalier is considered a game-time decision for Tuesday's game against Buffalo, with his status likely hinging on how he feels after the team's morning skate.
News: Lecavalier was forced from Sunday's game after being accidentally high-sticked in the face and cut, according to a report on RDS.
Analysis: He did not return. He had already potted a power-play goal that ultimately stood up as the game-winner. There's no word on the severity but the good news was that he was able to leave the ice under his own power.
News: Lecavalier stretched his current point streak to five games and seven points with an assist Tuesday night.
Analysis: He's warming up at a great time for head-to-head owners who are duking it out in playoffs. Make sure you take full advantage.
News: Lecavalier picked up two helpers in Saturday's win over the Hurricanes.
Analysis: He's riding a four-game, six-point streak and has recovered from a shaky first half of the year to post a respectable 46 points in 58 games. Most importantly, Vinny has delivered 35 points in his last 40 games. It remains to be seen if he can return to his lofty heights of 2006-07 and 2007-08 but we're willing to give the guy the benefit of the doubt for next year. Invariably, he'll be cheaper at the draft table in September than he should, and that means you may be able to score a potential point-per-game guy for 85 cents on the dollar.
News: Lecavalier scored his 19th goal of the season in Saturday's OT loss to Ottawa.
Analysis: He has goals in three of his last four games and four points in that span. Of course, there's also the 15 penalty minutes (and fine) that he picked up when he was booted out of Thursday's game for deliberately slashing Montreal's P.K. Subban. His fantasy value has been depressed this year. It's not likely to pick up significantly before season's end but there's always a silver lining. You'll probably get him cheaper next season. Small consolation right now, we know. But at least it's something.
News: Lecavalier fired eight shots Saturday night and registered two power-play points -- a goal and an assist.
Analysis: They're his first points in four games. He may only have 39 points this season (51 games) but 24 of those have come with the man advantage -- that's an extraordinary ratio. As a comparison, 25 of his 70 points came on the power play.
News: Lecavalier fired a game-high 12 shots Friday night in a loss to Ottawa. He did not record a point.
Analysis: He has just a single point -- a goal -- in his last five games. But his 12 shots were more than he'd had in his previous five games. He's bound to erupt offensively soon. Keep taking the chance.
News: Lecavalier (mid-body) picked up his 16th goal of the season in Saturday's loss to Montreal. He played 21:31.
Analysis: There was some concern that his injury would keep him out a week but he looked good out there. He has 14 points in his last 11 games but that's a deceiving stat -- eight of those points came in just two games. Still, we do like him going forward; make sure you take full advantage.
Lightning's Lecavalier a Game-Time Decision Saturday
News: Lecavalier (mid-body) is listed as a game-time decision for Saturday's game against the Canadiens, Lightning beat writer Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: Initial reports of the injury sustained by Lecavalier on Wednesday had him sitting for up to a week, so his recent progress is a good sign. We may know more as the faceoff on Saturday approaches, but for now, insert Lecavalier in your fantasy lineup at your own risk.
News: Lecavalier noted that the mid-body injury he suffered Wednesday is something that could take a day or a week to recover from, the Lightning's official site reports.
Analysis: While the nature of his injury has not been specified and that's a pretty vague timetable, Lecavalier's comments are at least an indicator that his current injury is not a serious one.
News: Lecavalier will miss Thursday's game against the Bruins with a mid-body injury, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: There's no word yet on specifically what is ailing Lecavalier and how long he'll be out, so for now consider him day-to-day.
News: Lecavalier scored the game-winner on the power play Sunday to lift the Lightning to a 2-1 win over the Rangers.
Analysis: He has seven goals and five assists in his last nine games and is starting to look a whole lot more like the Vinny of old. Be sure he's in your lineup
News: Lecavalier had a goal and four assists as Tampa Bay embarrassed Phoenix 8-3 Wednesday night.
Analysis: With 11 points (6G, 5A) in his past seven games, Lecavalier is finally putting up the numbers he's capable of. His fantasy value has never been higher this season.
News: Lecavalier was one of the best players on the ice for the Lightning on Saturday night.
Analysis: He may not have picked up a point but he earned the game's third star with a dominant, two-way performance. He was particularly strong in the faceoff circle, winning 85 percent (11 of 13) of his trips there against Florida. His faceoff prowess is particularly important to us because it suggests that his previous shoulder injuries are well in the past. Roll him -- he's really starting to gain momentum.
Bolts' Lecavalier Lights Up The Power Play Tuesday
News: Lecavalier deposited a power-play goal in Tuesday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Flyers.
Analysis: Lecavalier is boasting a high degree of marksmanship as of late. He has sunk four biscuits on the man advantage and has five total goals in the last four games. He's too far into his hot streak to still be considered a buy-low candidate, so hopefully you had him before he caught fire.
News: Lecavalier scored a power-play goal Saturday. He now has goals in three straight games.
Analysis: A three-game goal streak (four goals) is great for a guy who had just one in his previous 16 games. He has been struggling to find the balance between his offensive and defensive responsibilities so this little burst is a bit of a relief. Fingers crossed it continues.
Bolts' Vinny: First-Three Point Night In Over Year
News: Lecavalier potted two goals, one of which came on the power play, and added an assist in Tuesday's loss to Buffalo.
Analysis: It's his first three-point game this season and his first in over a year -- this last one came last January 21. He has five points in his last four games and seven in his last six. He may be heading up -- make sure you take advantage.
News: Lecavalier scored the game-winning goal on the power play in overtime to lead the Lightning to a 4-3 win over the Blues on Sunday afternoon.
Analysis: It's his second game-winner and fourth PPG of the season. We wish he was delivering on a more consistent basis for you. There are actually dozens of centers with greater fantasy value that he has right now. You can't drop him but man, we're sure a few of you are wishing you could. Keep putting him in there and do a little fantasy rain dance for some output.
News: Lecavalier set up a goal Tuesday night and is finally showing solid chemistry with Simon Gagne and Teddy Purcell.
Analysis: This line combo has looked strong out there and that can only help this once-dominant center from a fantasy perspective.
News: Lecavalier picked up two assists Sunday in a win over the Thrashers.
Analysis: He'd gone three games without a point before Sunday's two-point effort. Unfortunately for his owners, he has just four, two-point efforts this season. And he has just a single goal in his last 13 games. But he did finally seem to have chemistry with Simon Gagne and Teddy Purcell in this game and that can only bode well for his fantasy future.
News: Lecavalier extended his point streak to four games with a goal Saturday against the Hurricanes.
Analysis: He has one goal and three helpers in that span and 12 points in 16 games since his return from injury. The goal did snap an eight-game goal slump, though. He's delivering steady but unspectacular production right now; only you know how that fits in your format.
News: Lecavalier stretched his point streak to three games with an assist Friday in a loss to New Jersey. He has three assists in that span.
Analysis: His plus-minus is still brutal, though -- his minus-3 Friday gives him a minus-8 rating in seven games in January alone. We don't know if he and his line are just missing their assignments or if they've been lining up against stronger and stronger opponents. We like his increasing output but that plus-minus makes him a bit of an anchor in leagues that count that category.
News: Lecavalier picked up an assist Wednesday against the Capitals.
Analysis: He now has points in back-to-back games and he managed to end up on the plus-side of the ledger this time out (plus-one). After a four-game streak in late December, he has just three assists in his last six games. He's an early-draft frustration but there's still hope that he can piece together a decent run. Trade him if he does -- he may actually be nothing more than a 70-point player. He'll be sellable on name alone.
News: Lecavalier picked up a power-play assist Sunday in a loss to New Jersey. He was also minus-2.
Analysis: He has two helpers in his last four games but he's a combined minus-6 in those games. He's hard to bench but it's almost a must in leagues that count plus-minus -- those negatives are hard to get back in cumulative categories.
Bolts' Lecavalier: Points In Seven Of Last 10 Games
News: Lecavalier got back on the scoresheet with an assist on the game-winning goal Tuesday night.
Analysis: He fired a rocket at the Caps' Semyon Varlamov that produced a juicy rebound for Marty St. Louis, who banged it home. He has been held off the scoresheet just three times in the 10 games since his return from injury; he's returning to must-roll status.
News: Lecavalier stretched his scoring streak to four games with an assist Thursday against Montreal.
Analysis: He has five points in those four games and should be active in all formats.
News: Lecavalier stretched his goal streak to three games with a marker in Tuesday's loss to Boston.
Analysis: He has been much stronger since his return from injury than he'd been leading up to it, and that makes him a solid rebound option for the second half. He's capable of delivering 45 points going forward and he may even come close to that. The window of opportunity to obtain him in trade is quickly closing.
News: Lecavalier scored twice, including the game-winner on the power play in overtime, to deliver a 3-2 win over the Thrashers on Sunday night.
Analysis: Wow -- just when so many had written him off, he dominates a game. Get him in there if you happened to forget to activate him last week -- he looks inspired. And that can only lead to fantasy excellence.
News: Lecavalier picked up a goal in just 14:59 of action Thursday against the Rangers.
Analysis: He's still not up to top minutes but he has three points in his last four games and best of all, the Bolts are 4-0-1 in five games since his return. He's still a worthy activation as he gets back to form; expect more when he's fully healthy.
News: Lecavalier picked up an assist Monday night against the Hurricanes. It was his 750th career point.
Analysis: It came in his 886th game. He has helpers in back-to-back games and should pick things up over the next few games.
News: Lecavalier picked up his first assist since his return from injury in Saturday's win over Buffalo.
Analysis: He's a buy-low candidate but the trouble is most of his owners realize they're only going to get 80 cents on the dollar if they pull the trigger. He can't help but breakout; we just don't know how soon.
News: Lecavalier (hand) returned to action Wednesday night against the Thrashers. He played 16:58 and fired four shots, and was turned away in the shootout.
Analysis: He tried a nifty stutter-step move and shot to the five hole in the SO but Ondrej Pavelec closed and locked the barn door. He may not be at 100 percent strength but you should get him back in there ASAP.
News: Lecavalier (hand) was on the ice for warmups prior to Wednesday's game against the Thrashers, according to Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: Lecavalier just returned to practice Tuesday, but it looks like he already feels good enough to get back into game action. Those in leagues with daily lineup changes should feel free to activate him.
News: Lecavalier was on the ice Tuesday for the first time since undergoing hand surgery a month ago, according to the Lightning's official Twitter page.
Analysis: Lecavalier was expected to miss 4-to-5 weeks, so he should be able to return to the ice before the end of next week. Fantasy owners should be prepared to have Lecavalier back in action soon.
News: Lecavalier (hand) could return to practice next week according to GM Steve Yzerman, the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: According to Yzerman, Lecavalier could return to game action around Christmas time. He could begin shooting by the start of the week. "The hand is still stiff, but we are working hard on getting rid of the scar tissue," Lecavalier said.
News: It has been three weeks since Lecavalier's hand surgery. The Lightning have been extremely quiet about his rehab.
Analysis: We don't think there's anything to read into the team's silence; there are lots of other players who are taking the focus right now. It may be a good time to go trolling in an extreme buy-low situation -- his hand will be slow to rehab but the guy is a top-flight center. You just don't lose skills like that, even at 30.
News: Lecavalier (hand) is expected to miss four-to-five weeks after having successful surgery Monday, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: A plate and a screw were inserted into Lecavalier's right hand, so don't expect to see him back until the second half of December.
News: Lecavalier will undergo surgery on his fractured right hand Monday, reports Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: Surgery sounds bad, but the team isn't changing the 3-4 week timetable for his return, suggesting instead that the procedure will expedite Vinny's healing. Lecavalier missed a few games earlier this season with a finger injury as well, and also had knee and foot problems.
News: Lecavalier is out 3-4 weeks with a non-displaced fracture in his right hand, according to TSN.ca. The injury occurred early in the first period of Thursday's game against Washington.
Analysis: This guy just can't catch a break (no pun intended). The break occurred in the upper part of the hand, near the knuckle of the index finger, and there's no word yet on whether surgery will be needed.
News: Lecavalier picked up another power-play assist in Tuesday's win over the Maple Leafs.
Analysis: He now has four points in his last four games; three of those points have come on the PP. He may not be delivering at even strength just yet but he's certainly picking up the pace with the man advantage. He remains a buy-low candidate.
News: Six of Lecavalier's eight points have come on the power play.
Analysis: He has just eight points in 12 games and is on pace to finish the season in the mid-50s in terms of points. He hasn't found any chemistry with his linemates but he's really clicking with Marty St. Louis and Steven Stamkos on the PP. We can't help but think that the Bolts will do something about his even-strength woes soon. He's a serious buy-low candidate -- there's no way he's this bad.
News: Lecavalier collected a pair of assists in Tampa Bay's loss to the Sharks on Saturday night. One of the helpers came on the power play.
Analysis: This might assuage the concerns of some of his fantasy owners, but we don't think he's out of the woods yet. This is just his second crooked number of the year, and eight points in 12 games projects to a fairly pedestrian season for the once-dominant skater. We suggest that you keep starting him, but we might change that tune if he doesn't pick up the pace soon.
News: Lecavalier scored a power-play goal in Wednesday's win over the Penguins.
Analysis: We had hoped for a hot start to the season to banish all concerns that his best is behind him. But unfortunately, he has just five points in eight games and lies far behind team point leader -- and top-scoring center -- Steven Stamkos who has 18 in nine matches. Vinny hasn't gelled offensively with the now-injured Simon Gagne and we're starting to become just a little concerned that he's once again hiding an injury. Keep an eye on him; there may soon come a day when you have to sit the great Vinny.
News: Lecavalier (finger) scored a goal and added an assist in Friday's win over the Thrashers.
Analysis: He fired four shots and finished at plus-1 on the night. That finger injury is far behind him; make sure he's active in your lineup.
News: Lecavalier reported no problems after Thursday's game and will play Friday night against the Thrashers, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: Feel free to get Lecavalier back in your lineup if you have yet to do so.
Lightning's Lecavalier Plays Through Finger Injury
News: Lecavalier (finger) skated 17:24 in Thursday's overtime loss to the Islanders, recording two shots on goal and taking a second-period tripping penalty.
Analysis: He was scoreless, continuing his slow start to the year, as he has just two points in five games.
News: Lecavalier said he's feeling better after skating Thursday morning and making a couple of adjustments to the taping of his injured finger, but he remains a game-time decision for Thursday night's game against the Islanders, Newsday's Katie Strang reports.
Analysis: This one looks like it could go all the way up to game time, so Lecavalier makes for a pretty risky play in daily lineup leagues unless you can afford to wait for an official announcement.
Bolts' Lecavalier Practices in Limited Capacity Wednesday
News: Lecavalier (hand) was wearing a non-contact jersey, but was on the ice practicing with his teammates Wednesday, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: He appears to be questionable at best for Thursday's game against the Isles, but we'll continue to monitor his status in the event of some improvement in his status. Lecavalier was held out of Monday's win over Dallas after suffering the injury against the Panthers on Saturday.
Lecavalier for Monday: "Very, Very, Very Doubtful"
News: Lecavalier (finger) is "very, very, very doubtful" for Monday night's game, reports the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: Coaching staff wouldn't come out and say he wouldn't dress but probably winked dramatically when they came with all those adverbs. He arrived for Monday's morning skate feeling weakness in the finger which took a full-force slapper off Bryan McCabe's stick on Saturday night. At least it doesn't sound too serious: "We don't think it's anything that's going to be long term," coach Guy Boucher said. "If it was the playoffs, I think he would be in there." Rest him in daily leagues; weekly leagues will have to roll the dice. We think he's worth rolling -- he'll soon be able to grip his stick a lot better and it'll just be a pain threshold issue. The team's next game is Thursday and that feels like lots of time for the swelling to subside.
News: Lecavalier (hand) is still experiencing soreness and his status for Monday's game may be determined after the morning skate, reports the St. Petersburg Times.
Analysis: The Bryan McCabe slapper he took Saturday night went off the first knuckle on his right hand and not his forearm. X-rays came back negative and he returned to the game. As expected, he's still experiencing soreness and may have some continued short-term inability to properly grip his stick. The Bolts have four games this week, the second of which comes Thursday. He may still be a worthy activation; we'll see what comes Monday.
News: Lecavalier took a Bryan McCabe slap shot off his forearm in Saturday's game and while he was able to return to action after the injury, he was unable to take faceoffs and was ineffective.
Analysis: Vinny has not been able to catch a break the last few years but he may have caught one here -- he wouldn't have returned had the arm been broken. Even a deep bruise will impact both his scoring and his face-off ability for at least a week, if not a little more.
News: Lecavalier set up a goal on the power play in the Lightning's overtime win over the Canadiens on Wednesday night.
Analysis: He always delivers against the Habs. And he has points in his first two games. But his accumulated plus-minus is already minus-3. We're confident he'll pull his entire game together; after all, he is just getting back in the saddle after the injuries of the last few years.
News: Lecavalier has four goals and 12 points in his past 10 games against the Canadiens, the Lightning's Wednesday night opponent.
Analysis: He's an auto-play any way but this could be a productive homecoming for the Montreal native, particularly with fellow Quebecer Simon Gagne on his wing. Be sure he's active.
News: Lecavalier (foot) scored a power-play goal Saturday against the Thrashers.
Analysis: He looked strong out there and was tabbed as one of the game's three stars. This is a rebound year for Vinny; enjoy the ride.
News: Lecavalier (foot) was back to practice Tuesday and should be fine to open the season, reports the St. Petersburg Times.
Analysis: He'll be out there as long as he can get his foot in his skate and can tolerate the discomfort. He's poised for a return to his previous lofty scoring heights. Take advantage.
News: Lecavalier missed Monday's practice with a foot contusion suffered in Saturday's game against Florida, reports the St. Petersburg Times.
Analysis: It's not considered serious but we can't help but hold our breath a little bit with this news. Vinny has been saddled with injury after injury the last few seasons and was finally healthy. We'll watch this carefully.
News: Lecavalier is showing a renewed vigor since the start of training camp, reports the Tampa Tribune. If he can maintain his current edge, he could be poised to return to the elite of the NHL.
Analysis: General manager Steve Yzerman has been impressed by his captain. "I think he's doing the little things well. When the puck is dumped in the corner, he's the first one in on it, he's pursuing," said Yzerman. "He's skating, getting up and down the ice pretty well at this point of the season. He's been working on his faceoffs, he's playing responsibly in all areas and he's really working on it." Vinny has been one of the team's hardest workers on the ice this preseason and has finally started to toss around the word "fun" on a regular basis. It looks like his two years of sub-par performance are behind him. Go get him.
News: Lecavalier scored twice in Saturday's preseason OT loss to Calgary.
Analysis: He played almost 22 minutes and there didn't seem to be any lingering effects from his recent injuries. We expect a point-per-game this season; we're hoping for more.
News: Lightning coach Guy Boucher intends to reunite Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis, reports the St. Petersburg Times.
Analysis: It isn't carved in stone but Boucher had nothing but praise for the duo that toyed with the league from 2006-08. "To me, that tandem, Lecavalier and St. Louis, is extremely, extremely strong in possibilities on ice and off," Boucher said. "They might not start together, but they will play together at some point, whether it's power play or five-on-five." The possibility of a Simon Gagne -- Vinny -- Marty line is nothing short of tantalizing for fantasy owners.
News: Lecavalier (knee) is pain-free but still has some swelling after activity, reports Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: Now it's about gaining strength and cardiovascular endurance back. "Strength-wise, coming out of the corners, that jump that I usually have is kind of slow," Lecavalier said. "So it's just about building it back up. ... Hopefully I'll feel really good coming into camp, meaning by Monday, hopefully I'll be 100 percent. The sooner the better." Watch the start of camp carefully -- Vinny's good health will mean a return to point-per-game production.
News: Lecavalier (knee) hopes that he will be able to skate on Thursday, only a week after undergoing an arthoroscopic procedure on his left knee, the St. Petersburg Times reports.
Analysis: He was adamant that he would be ready for training camp, which opens September 17th. Lecavalier said "(Wednesday) I had a good leg workout. It wasn't heavy, obviously, but I'm slowly starting to get there. Once I start skating (Thursday), I'm going hard to get back where I should be."
News: Lecavalier's knee surgery last Tuesday revealed less damage than expected and the center is expected to fully participate in training camp which opens September 17, reports the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: He didn't have a torn meniscus as originally suspected so the joint was simply 'cleaned up.' This news is a huge relief to his keeper owners and for those of you preparing your draft sheets. He may finally be 100 percent healthy and that spells big production for this elite center.
News: Lecavalier will undergo minor arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday and will be sidelined for up to four weeks, reports TSN.ca.
Analysis: The team says Vinny will be ready for training camp which opens September 17. This news sends a shiver through most fantasy owners as the stud center was thought to be injury-free this year after enduring two seasons of sub-par performance because of various hurts. Watch camp closely and adjust your draft lists if needed.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 on Sunday against the Panthers. The Lightning took a 2-1 lead when Lecavalier put a wrist shot high into the net over Scott Clemmensen at 10:20. It was his 24th goal and second score in seven games.
Analysis: Lecavalier made it to 70 points with his last-game effort on Sunday, but it was not a banner year for Vinny, who finished at minus-16. The emergence of Steven Stamkos really cut into Lecavalier's offensive chances. While he had a good season by most standards, we expect more from the veteran forward. Tampa Bay is under new ownership and Vinny might be traded in the offseason. A fresh start could help revive Lecavalier's career. If he returns to Tampa Bay, he might be more of a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy forward on Draft Day 2010.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier has gone cold in recent games. The 29-year-old former Rocket Richard Trophy winner is scoreless in his past five games, a season long stretch. In his past three games games, Lecavalier is a minus-7 while he has not played more than 20 minutes of ice time in his past eight games.
Analysis: It's been a shame Lecavalier has hit another cold spell after playing so well from mid-December through mid-January. The trade rumors have started back up and could be a distraction. But it probably has a lot to do with the fact coach Rick Tocchet is relying heavily on his top line of Martin St. Louis, Steve Downie and Steven Stamkos. We know Lecavalier can be a very productive Fantasy option, so don't lose faith in him just yet.
News:The Sports Xchange reports once again, Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier finds his name churning through the rumor mill even though he holds a no-trade/no-movement clause in his contract. Recent reports in The Hockey News suggested that a potential sale of the franchise to Boston-based financial advisor Jeffrey Vinik would mean a slashing of payroll with Lecavalier's name at the top of the list. Lecavalier is in the first year of an 11-year contract worth $85 million. "We have no plans on doing anything," Lightning general manager Brian Lawton said. "I have no plans and I haven't approached him. Vinny is playing very well after a slow start, and he needs to continue to play well and even pick it up. That should be the focus, and quite frankly we're sorry that he has to even read other things, but there is nothing we can do about it. It's a free country, and we respect that. ... And it's so erroneous and baseless that at some point you wonder, where is the accountability?"
Analysis: Every season as the trade deadline approaches, Lecavalier's name seems to pop up in trade rumors. And every year has come and passed with Lecavalier continuing to wear the only NHL jersey he has ever put on in his career. This year, he deals with them the same way he always has. "It's just stuff in the newspaper. I don't really listen to it," Lecavalier said. Lecavalier probably wouldn't mind being shipped to a Canadian team, particularly Montreal, but he is definitely not demanding it. As we learned with the Dion Phaneuf trade that anything is possible, but don't plan on Vinny being dealt. As Lawton said, Lecavalier is finally playing well and is back to being a high-end Fantasy start.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal through his legs Wednesday in a win over the Canadiens.
Analysis: Lecavalier only has 14 goals this season, but five of those have come in his last 11 games. It's about time he started contributing a little more for the owners who took him high in all drafts this summer. Lecavalier is back to being a reliable high-end Fantasy forward after an awful first half of the season.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier tallied three assists during Thursday's game against the Maple Leafs. He has three goals and eight assists during a seven-game point streak.
Analysis: Lecavalier has posted 29 points in his last 25 games and is starting to get back to the level we are accustomed to see him playing. He is doing this amid all the speculation that he will be on the trade block for a second straight season. Lecavalier is back to being a reliable high-end Fantasy forward.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier picked up his 400th career assist while setting up Alex Tanguay for his 200th career goal on Saturday against the Panthers. In his past 14 games, Lecavalier has five goals and 13 assists and has points in six of his past seven games.
Analysis: Lecavalier has quietly posted 24 points in his last 22 games and is starting to get back to the level we are accustomed to see him playing. He is doing this amid all the speculation that he will be on the trade block for a second straight season. Lecavalier is back to being a reliable high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier tallied an assist and finished at minus-1 on Sunday against the Devils. Lecavalier has one goal and two assists in four January games.
Analysis: Lecavalier had his finest month in 2009-10 when he posted 16 points in December. Still, he only scored four times. Lecavalier has been passed on the center depth chart by the young Steven Stamkos. With the March trade deadline approaching, don't be surprised if Vinny's name pops up again. Lecavalier isn't as strong as a Fantasy option as he once was, but he is still a nice start in most formats.
News: The Tampa Bay Lightning are going to have to wait a little longer to end their 10-game losing streak against the New Jersey Devils. How long? Nobody really knows after the Devils-Lightning game was suspended Friday night when a lighting problem on one side of the arena could not be fixed. The teams waited almost two hours before the league decided to suspend the game with the Lightning leading 3-0 with 9:12 left in the period. "We felt the teams could not continue playing," said Colin Campbell, the NHL's senior executive vice president of hockey operations. "We tried for an hour and 52 minutes to restore power and appropriate lighting, but were left with no alternative but to postpone further play for the evening." The game will resume at the point where play was stopped. Lightning coach Rick Tocchet wanted the game to resume Sunday, provided the building was available. "I think we got a five-minute power play, too," Tocchet quipped. Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello said a circuit breaker at three-year-old Prudential Center went down during the second period. The teams went to their locker rooms after initially waiting about 10 minutes for the lights to come back on. Lamoriello said arena personnel turned up the LED lights on the scoreboard to provide more light, but there were too many shadows for play to continue. "Safety has to come first," said Lamoriello, who said he was in constant contact with the league during the problem.
Analysis: The teams could not afford to wait much longer for a decision on Friday, as the Devils play in Montreal and the Lightning are in Philadelphia on Saturday night. The last time an NHL game was postponed was on Nov. 22, 2005, when Detroit defenseman Jiri Fischer had a seizure on the bench in the first period of a game against the Nashville Predators. Doctors had to perform CPR on Fischer. Steve Downie, Brandon Bochenski and Steven Stamkos scored for Tampa Bay, which had won five of its last seven games. Kurtis Foster had a pair of assists, while Vincent Lecavalier, Ryan Malone and Martin St. Louis all had one assist. Mike Smith had 20 saves while working on a shutout. His counterpart, Martin Brodeur, wasn't having as good a night having made only four saves. Not knowing when this game will be continued makes for a tough situation in Fantasy. As soon as we know more about the makeup date, we will let you know what happens with the scoring in Fantasy.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier picked up a hat trick of assists in Saturday's win over the Thrashers. He now has 15 points in 13 December games.
Analysis: It looks like Lecavalier is finally getting his game going after average two months by his standards. Continue to roll with him in all Fantasy formats.
News:Vincent Lecavalier had a pair of assists, giving him 700 points for his career, and the Tampa Bay Lightning snapped a six-game winless skid with a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Friday. Lecavalier has two goals and five assists in his last six games.
Analysis: Lecavalier now has 10 points in 10 December games. He managed at least 10 points in each of the first three months, but Lecavalier has still brought out the critics with only eight scores in 35 games. The trade rumors are surfacing again, but maybe this year the Lightning will finally act on it with the emergence of Steven Stamkos. Lecavalier isn't as valuable as he once was in Fantasy, but he is still a nice start in most formats.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored two goals and added an assist on Tuesday against the Predators. Lecavalier struck on the power play with 3:30 left in the period to give the Lightning a 2-1 lead. Kurtis Foster passed the puck to Lecavalier just above the right circle for a slap shot that beat Pekka Rinne to his glove side. Lecavalier made it 6-4 at 12:20 of the third period for his eighth goal. He hadn't scored in his previous five games.
Analysis: Lecavalier has three goals and eight points in eight December games. He managed at least 10 points in the first two months of the season and is well on his way to making it three straight, but Lecavalier has still brought out the critics with only eight scores in 33 games. The trade rumors are surfacing again, but maybe this year the Lightning will finally act on it with the emergence of Steven Stamkos. Lecavalier isn't as valuable as he once was in Fantasy, but he is still a nice start in most formats.
News: After going eight games with only one goal, Vincent Lecavalier will take a score however it comes. Lecavalier had two goals and an assist and Mike Smith made 30 saves as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Phoenix Coyotes 4-1 on Monday night. "They weren't beautiful goals at all, just shots on net going in," Lecavalier said. "They've been tough to get this year." Lecavalier gave the Lightning a 1-0 lead at 5:59 of the first period, beating Jason LaBarbera on a soft backhand shot from the right faceoff circle. Lecavalier, who also had an assist, capped the scoring with 8:14 left with a shot that bounced off the inside of LaBarbera's right pad and the goalie's left skate before going into the net.
Analysis: Fantasy owners have been waiting for Lecavalier to get on a roll and Monday's performance could go a long way to getting him on the right track. Fantasy owners might want to blame and injury for Vinny's slow start, but you can't. The complexion has changed in Tampa with the emergence of players like Steven Stamkos and Ryan Malone. The goals should come in time for Lecavalier, so keep him active in most Fantasy formats.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier stopped a personal 15-game goal-scoring drought during Saturday's outing against the Sabres. Lecavalier put the Lightning ahead 1-0 on a backhand rebound with six-tenths of second left in the first. It was the Tampa Bay captain's first goal since March 17 against Toronto.
Analysis: While Lecavalier has just one goal, he has been productive with seven assists in nine games. Lecavalier has definitely been a frustrating Fantasy option dating back to last season. He is clearly better than a guy who scores once every 10 games, but is starting to lose some Fantasy appeal while he struggles to find his scoring touch.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier tallied two assists and finished at minus-1 during Monday's game against the Panthers. He has five assists in five games this season, but has yet to score a goal.
Analysis: While Lecavalier has still been effective with the puck to begin the season, we would like to see the All-Star get on the board with a goal. It's not like he is being bothered by some lingering injury. It's just that Tampa has gotten most of their scoring from Steven Stamkos, Ryan Malone and Martin St. Louis. The goals should come for Lecavalier, who remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Martin St. Louis scored with 25.1 seconds left in overtime on a nice pass from Vincent Lecavalier (wrist), lifting the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 2-1 preseason victory over the Atlanta Thrashers on Friday night. The Lightning failed to capitalize on a two-man advantage in the extra session, but Lecavalier picked up a loose puck moments later and moved in unopposed on goalie Ondrej Pavelec and set up a backhander by St. Louis. Lecavalier assisted on both of Tampa Bay's goals.
Analysis: Lecavalier was not on the ice at the end of the 2008-09 season because of a wrist injury. However, he is in much better shape heading into 2009-10 than last season when he was restricted coming off shoulder surgery. He didn't start his training on time last year and it probably contributed to his down season -- 67 points in 77 games. He also failed to score 30 goals for the first time in six seasons. It also didn't help that Lecavalier was distracted by all the trade rumors. Tampa Bay has made it clear Lecavalier is in their long-term plans, so a clean bill of health and no distractions could help Vinny get back on track in 2009-10. He still has high-end Fantasy appeal.
News: The St. Petersburg Times reports Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier said he is playing golf regularly and expects no restrictions with his surgically repaired right wrist when training camp opens.
Analysis: Lecavalier seems to be in a much better situation this offseason than last, when he was still recovering from shoulder surgery. He didn't start his training on time and it probably contributed to his down season -- 67 points in 77 games. He also failed to score 30 goals for the first time in six seasons. It also didn't help that Lecavalier was distracted by all the trade rumors. Tampa Bay has made it clear Lecavalier is in their long-term plans, so a clean bill of health and no distractions could help Vinny get back on track in 2009-10. He still has high-end Fantasy appeal.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier has returned to Montreal to begin his offseason training program, which will focus on regaining strength in his shoulder and improving his explosivness in his skating. Lecavalier, who also underwent wrist surgery in April, intends to get back on skates by the middle of July.
Analysis: Lecavalier was a hot topic at the 2008-09 trade deadline, but GM Brian Lawton refused to deal his star player and said the team will honor Vinny's 11-year deal, which he signed prior to last season. However, Lecavalier's name has once again surfaced in trade rumors and it will be interesting to see if Tampa parts with the veteran forward after 2008 No. 1 overall pick Steven Stamkos really matured toward the end of his rookie season. Lecavalier will be a high-end Fantasy forward wherever he plays in 2009-10, but there has to be some concern among Fantasy owners since Lecavalier has had major surgeries the last two years and is having trouble staying healthy.
News: Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier underwent successful wrist surgery Friday. The arthroscopic procedure was done at the Philadelphia Hand Centre to repair damaged cartilage in his right wrist, the NHL team said Friday. Lecavalier will miss the last five games of the season. He's expected to resume unrestricted training within four to six weeks, the team said.
Analysis: The operation was originally scheduled for last summer but was delayed because Lecavalier needed shoulder surgery. He also underwent left wrist surgery two years ago. Lecavalier, a four-time All-Star center, had 67 points (29 goals) in 77 games this season. Lecavalier signed an 11-year, $85 million contract extension last July. He led Tampa Bay to its only Stanley Cup title five years ago. His production has been kind of a sketchy in 2008-09 and now we are able to pinpoint the issue. Hopefully, the surgery will have Lecavalier as close to 100 percent heading in 2009-10. Despite the down season, Lecavalier still has high-end Fantasy potential on Draft Day 2009.
News: Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier will have wrist surgery and miss the last five games of the season. The team said Thursday he will have arthroscopic surgery on his right wrist Friday in Philadelphia. The operation originally was scheduled for last summer but was delayed because Lecavalier needed shoulder surgery. He also had surgery on his left wrist two years ago. "We feel that it is in both his and the team's best interest to have the wrist operated on now," general manager Brian Lawton said. "Vinny has been battling this injury all season and I really can't say enough about his ability to play through the pain and discomfort."
Analysis: Lecavalier is a four-time All-Star center who has played in all 77 games this season. He leads the team with 29 goals and is second with 67 points. Lecavalier signed an 11-year, $85 million contract extension last July. He led Tampa Bay to its only Stanley Cup title five years ago. His production has been kind of a sketchy in 2008-09 and now we are able to pinpoint the issue. Hopefully, the surgery goes well and it will have Lecavalier as close to 100 percent heading in 2009-10. Despite the down season, Lecavalier still has high-end Fantasy potential on Draft Day 2009.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier was reunited with Martin St. Louis midway through the second period Sunday against the Senators. Lecavalier appeared to have lost his status as No. 1 center to rookie Steven Stamkos of late but wound up between St. Louis and Ryan Malone for the better part of Sunday's game. However, he failed to record a point for a fourth straight game.
Analysis: It has been hard to pinpoint Lecavalier's problems in 2008-09. He was coming off a major shoulder injury, but it looks as though it hardly effected his game. Then there was the poor coaching of Barry Melrose. But when Rick Tocchet took over, his coaching style benefited the scorers like Lecavalier. Then there was the trade deadline drama with Montreal. But that has been long past and Lecavalier is still struggling. His goals and point production has been on the decline the last few seasons, but we hardly think Lecavalier is done as a NHL superstar. He will still have elite status heading into 2009-10.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier has points in three consecutive games and has a point in nine of the last 10 games, all in March. During the month, Lecavalier has four goals and seven assists.
Analysis: Lecavalier has had a very disappointing campaign in 2008-09 in comparison to totaling 90-plus points the previous two seasons. He has pretty much returned to the level he has been at for most of his career, but it would be a real shame if Lecavalier is already on the decline after inking an 11-year extension in the offseason. Lecavalier is still an elite scoring threat and has high-end Fantasy potential.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored and assisted in Saturday's heavy loss to the Hurricanes.
Analysis: Lecavalier has seven points in a current four-game streak and is up to 62 on the season. This campaign is definitely going to be his worst in three years, but he's still too god to bench in many Fantasy formats.
News: While the Lightning were involved in a few trades at Wednesday's deadline, two players that remained put were All-Stars Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis.
Analysis: It was no secret that Montreal coveted Lecavalier, but Lightning GM Brian Lawton was adamant the face of the franchise wasn't going anywhere. He was right. Lecavalier has been real sluggish since the All-Star break and you have to wonder if the trade rumors were getting to him. However, now that the trade deadline has passed, Lecavalier could relax and get back to his high-scoring ways. He remains a must-start Fantasy option as long as Vinny is healthy.
News:Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis each had two goals and an assist, and Mark Recchi had five assists to help the Lightning beat the Flames 8-6 on Sunday night. Lecavalier put in his first goal 14:57 into the second before adding his second on a power play 8:32 into the third. It was the first time in eight games Lecavalier scored.
Analysis: Lecavalier has been real sluggish since the All-Star break and you have to wonder if the trade rumors to Montreal are getting to him. Tampa management has been adamant the All-Star forward is staying put, but maybe once the Wednesday deadline passes, he will feel the weight of the world off his shoulders and get back to scoring. Lecavalier remains a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 during Thursday's game against the Devils. He has 29 assists on the season and four in his last four games.
Analysis: The Lecavalier to Montreal trade rumors have died down a bit since the All-Star break, but with the March 4 deadline looming, they could pick up here in the coming weeks. Whether Lecavalier, who signed an 11-year extension in the offseason, finishes his career with the Lightning or not is irrelevant. He will be a top scorer wherever he plays and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal, added an assist and finished at plus-3 during Thursday's 6-4 win against the Maple Leafs. Lecavalier added his team-high 25th goal with 6:32 left. He has three goals and two assists in his last five games.
Analysis: The Lecavalier to Montreal trade rumors have died down a bit since the All-Star break, but with the March 4 deadline looming, they could pick up here in the coming weeks. Whether Lecavalier, who signed an 11-year extension in the offseason, finishes his career with the Lightning or not is irrelevant. He will be a top scorer wherever he plays and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and had an assist in what ended up being a 4-3 overtime loss to the Penguins in which the Lightning melted down in the third period. The goal increased his points total to 49 on the season with 24 goals and 25 assists for the woeful Lightning.
Analysis: Lecavalier has eight points in his last seven games with five goals and three assists. He is a point-per-game player even with the Lightning, so keep him active at all times. There's a lot of trade talk going on regarding Lecavalier, so stay tuned to see if he ends up getting shipped away even though the Lightning say they aren't going to.
News: Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier scored the team's lone goal during a 3-1 loss to the Islanders Tuesday. Tampa Bay finally broke through at 3:05 in the third. With two seconds left on a two-man advantage, Lecavalier's wrist shot from the top of the right circle got past Danis. The scoreless opening period featured 11 shots for Tampa Bay, seven for New York, and a fight between star forward Lecavalier and Islanders enforcer Tim Jackman.
Analysis: Lecavalier has just two goals and one assist in four games since the All-Star break, but no need to worry. He will get going again and rack up points for Fantasy owners. Where, remains the only question. Tampa Bay is still adamant about Lecavalier not being traded, but the Canadiens desperately want the Montreal native. Continue to stay tuned to the developing saga surrounding Vinny.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored and assisted in Tuesday's win over the Canadiens. He now has 19 points in his last 14 games.
Analysis: Despite all the trade rumors surrounding him, Lecavalier is managing to keep up his All-Star pace recently. Wherever he plays the rest of this season, Lecavalier remains a must-start in all formats.
News:Vincent Lecavalier's wild weekend back home in Montreal took another positive turn Sunday night when he was added to the Eastern Conference starting lineup, replacing Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby. The Tampa Bay Lightning center has garnered tons of attention since he arrived Thursday and was greeted at the airport by enthusiastic fans who hope that Lecavalier might soon make Montreal his home again. Recent rumors have suggested that Lecavalier could be dealt to the Canadiens before the March 4 deadline, and the Bell Centre crowd lauded him with the loudest ovation Saturday night during introductions for the All-Star skills competition.
Analysis: Jean Beliveau and Guy Lafleur, who forged Hockey Hall of Fame careers with the Canadiens, believe that Lecavalier would easily handle the stress of playing in Montreal should a trade occur. "I always thought that the pressure was part of the professional athlete," Beliveau said Sunday, a few hours before the All-Star game. Lafleur took it even further. "He's got some pressure playing for Tampa. He still has pressure there to produce and perform," Lafleur said. "Playing in Montreal, I don't think it would be any change except the public would be behind him and it would improve the quality of the game from the Montreal Canadiens." Lecavalier, an All-Star starter for the second straight year, finished 14th in voting among Eastern Conference forwards this time after placing second for the 2008 game in Atlanta. Had he already been traded to the hometown Canadiens, his candidacy could have been greatly enhanced as three Montreal forwards earned more votes. The Lightning have insisted that Lecavalier is staying put, but no matter where he finishes the 2008-09 season he will be a top-point producer. Continue to start Lecavalier in all Fantast formats.
News:Vincent Lecavalier was immediately greeted with questions about recent trade rumors that speculated about the possibility of the Tampa Bay Lightning center making a homecoming with the All-Star host Montreal Canadiens. Lecavalier, who grew up in suburban Montreal, was asked if he expected to finish the season with Tampa Bay. "I think I will, but in the end, it's not up to me to answer a question like that because it's a bit out of my control," Lecavalier said. "A lot of things have been said over the last few weeks. Montreal is a great city and I'm happy to be here for the All-Star break."
Analysis: Tampa management has already said they don't intend to trade Lecavalier after signing him to an 11-year extension in the offseason, but Lecavalier doesn't sound as confident. Fantasy owners shouldn't bank on Lecavalier being dealt, but even if that were the case, he would still get a ton of scoring chances. Ever since Lecavalier was named to the All-Star team he has looked the part after a sluggish first half. He reached 20 goals for a ninth straight season. Continue to start Lecavalier through thick-and-thin.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored twice to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning past the Dallas Stars 4-2 on Monday night. Lecavalier, who also had an assist and plus-1 rating, put the Lightning ahead 1-0 on a short-handed goal 1:33 into the first. He then gave the Lightning a 3-2 lead with 5:06 left in the third period from the top of the right circle during a power play. The Tampa Bay captain has a goal in three consecutive games, and has 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) over his last 12 games.
Analysis: Ever since Lecavalier was named to the All-Star team he has looked the part after a sluggish first half. He reached 20 goals for a ninth straight season, and according to the Tampa organization isn't on the trading block. Continue to start Lecavalier through thick-and-thin.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored and assisted in Saturday's loss to the Panthers. He now has 41 points this season and three goals in his last four games.
Analysis: Lecavalier got off to a sluggish start since he was coming off major shoulder surgery and Barry Melrose's poor offensive game plan. But he has really taken off under Rick Tocchet and is back to being a must-start Fantasy option.
News: All-Star center Vincent Lecavalier gave Tampa Bay a 4-1 lead Thursday against the Flyers on a penalty shot at 12:34 of the third. It was his second goal in three games and his seventh point in seven games.
Analysis: Lecavalier appears to be sticking around Tampa despite numerous rumors suggesting the Lightning were toying with the idea of trading him to Montreal. Lecavalier got off to a sluggish start since he was coming off major shoulder surgery and Barry Melrose's poor offensive game plan. But he has really taken off under Rick Tocchet and is back to being a must-start Fantasy option.
News:Vincent Lecavalier and the Tampa Bay organization finally had enough. After weeks of speculation about a trade of the star center to Montreal, both Lecavalier and Lightning management denied those rumors Tuesday. "I am from there. My family is from there," Lecavalier told Montreal's La Presse. "My friends as well. I grew up with the Canadiens. I understand there are a lot of rumors presently. But they are rumors. I have heard them throughout my career. I like playing in Tampa, I am a loyal person." Lightning GM Brian Lawton also dismissed the reports. "To suggest we're engaging in conversations to trade him or we're shopping him to all teams in the National Hockey League is completely inaccurate," Lawton told the St. Petersburg Times. "It's false, egregious and it's abusive toward the player. I can tell you if a player of that stature were ever going to be traded, I would go meet with him, face to face, and discuss the situation. That has never happened."
Analysis: Lawton went on to say that "there are no players who are untouchable," but the All-Star forward is not at the center of those remarks. "And that has nothing to do with Vinny Lecavalier," Lawton said. "That has to do with the status of any team I'm managing. It has to do with our macro goal of being committed to winning, being committed to giving our fans a winner. No player supersedes the goals of any team I'm working on." Lecavalier has consecutive multi-point games and three in his last six appearances. Lecavalier is headed to the All-Star game despite not having one of his best seasons. He is almost back to being a point-per-game player after Barry Melrose slowed his offensive progression early in the season. Lecavalier has high-end Fantasy potential, so let's hope for a big second half as it appears he will be staying put.
News:Evgeny Artyukhin and Mark Recchi scored 41 seconds apart late in the first period, Vincent Lecavalier also had a goal, and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 Monday night. The teams were skating 4-on-4 when Lecavalier, who also had an assist, gave Tampa Bay a three-goal lead at 5:48 of the second. He used defenseman Sean O'Donnell as a screen and beat Erik Ersberg to the stick side with a one-timer from the middle of the left circle after he was set up by Martin St. Louis. Lacavalier's team-high 17th goal came on the seventh shot against Ersberg, who was replaced at that point by Jonathan Quick.
Analysis: Lecavalier has consecutive multi-point games and three in his last six appearances. Lecavalier is headed to the All-Star game despite not having one of his best seasons. He is almost back to being a point-per-game player after Barry Melrose slowed his offensive progression early in the season. Lecavalier has high-end Fantasy potential, so let's hope for a big second half.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 during Friday's game against the Ducks. He has four goals and five assists in his last seven games.
Analysis: Lecavalier is headed to the All-Star game despite not being among the top 35 scorers in the NHL. He is almost back to being a point-per-game player after Barry Melrose slowed his offensive progression early in the season. Lecavalier has high-end Fantasy potential, so let's hope for a big second half.
News: The Tampa Tribune reports that Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier, RW Martin St. Louis and LW Vaclav Prospal all saw their ice time cut significantly during Sunday's win over the Thrashers.
Analysis: All three players saw their ice time cut anywhere from four to six minutes on Sunday in a move that apparently worked for Coach Rick Tocchet. Don't expect this trend to continue, as this was probably just to send a message to the team's stars. Lecavalier and St. Louis remain solid starting forwards in all Fantasy formats, while Prospal should be left for deeper leagues for the time being.
News: Tampa Bay fell on New Year's Day to Washington 7-4 but C Vincent Lecavalier did his best to avoid that fate. Lecavalier scored two goals in the game. He picked up his 15th of the season in the 2nd period to cut the lead to 3-1 and then scored later in the period for his 16th to make it 4-3.
Analysis: The two goals give him 32 points on the year. He's got five points in his last three games. Lecavalier continues to play like a must-start Fantasy center across the board.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Tampa Bay's top line of Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier and Ryan Malone combined for four goals, seven assists and a plus-12 rating in Saturday's 6-4 victory against Florida on Saturday.
Analysis: St. Louis and Lecavalier have always been elite scorers and it's no surprise to see them have success. But Malone has been something else since late November. Outside of missing some time due to injury, he has five goals and 10 assists in his last 12 games. Malone is quickly shooting up Fantasy boards everywhere.
News:Vincent Lecavalier had a goal and an assist and the Tampa Bay Lightning ended a nine-game losing streak with a 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday. Lecavalier assisted on Martin St. Louis' goal in the 1st period to tie the score at one and then scored his own 1st period tally to give the Lightning the lead for good. It was his 12th goal of the year.
Analysis: Lecavalier now has 26 points on the season for the Lightning and has six points over his last five matchups. Lecavalier has been red hot since the coaching change in Tampa Bay and that's not shocking seeing how Rick Tocchet's coaching style is better suited for offensive players. It's safe again to trust Vinny as a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and finished at minus-1 during Monday's 5-3 loss to the Bruins. He scored his 11th goal of the season on a tip-in 9:27 into the third period. Lecavalier has a point in 10 of his last 11 games (13 points).
Analysis: Lecavalier has been red hot since the coaching change in Tampa Bay and that's not shocking seeing how Rick Tocchet's coaching style is better suited for offensive players. It's safe again to trust Vinny as a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier assisted twice in Saturday's loss to the Sabres. He now has 23 points on the season and at least one assist in seven of his last nine games.
Analysis: Along with the rest of his Lightning teammates, Lecavalier is off to a poor start this season. He is on pace for less than 80 points, after averaging 100 points over the last two campaigns. He remains a must-start Fantasy option through thick or thin, however.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored and assisted in a loss to the Avalanche on Saturday. He now has 20 points (10G, 10A) on the season.
Analysis: Along with the rest of his Lightning teammates, Lecavalier is off to a poor start this season. He is on pace for less than 80 points, after averaging 100 points over the last two campaigns. He remains a must-start Fantasy option through thick or thing, however.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored two goals in Friday's game against Nashville on just three shots. It was his third straight game with a point.
Analysis: Lecavalier is already responding to new head coach Rick Tocchet. He missed most of the preseason following offseason shoulder surgery, so the lack of conditioning has contributed just as much as Barry Melrose's poor coaching to Vinny's early-season slump. However, Tocchet could be ready to snap his star player out of the funk since he wants to utilize a more up-tempo style. Despite some struggles, Lecavalier remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier is already responding to new head coach Rick Tocchet. The All-Star scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Sunday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Hurricanes -- the first game of Tocchet's coaching career. Lecavalier hopped over the boards to get on the ice, and the puck bounced off his skate before Vaclav Prospal could get to the bench. Instead of a call for too many men on the ice, the officials allowed play to continue, and Lecavalier scored off an assist from Mark Recchi to make it 2-0. It was his seventh goal of the season and first in seven games.
Analysis: Lecavalier missed most of the preseason following offseason shoulder surgery, so the lack of conditioning has contributed just as much as Barry Melrose's poor coaching to Vinny's early-season slump. However, Tocchet could be ready to snap his star player out of the funk since he wants to utilize a more up-tempo style. Despite some struggles, Lecavalier remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports in the past three seasons, Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier has been among the leaders in ice time among forwards. He'd like to keep it that way. But so far, Lecavalier has been above the 20-minute mark three times in the first eight games and has dipped below the 19-minute mark in each of the past three. If he plays like he did Tuesday in Toronto, however, he may see that ice time rise again when the team shuffles off to Buffalo on Thursday. Lecavalier registered his 34th career multi-goal game with a two-goal effort and had four shots on goal. Though his time was 17:49 for the game, it was up by over a minute from Saturday's loss to San Jose. The captain, however, would like to see that total rise back over the 20-minute mark. "I think you get used to playing 23 minutes, and then start playing 17 you feel like it's tough to get into the game, at least that's what I find," Lecavalier said. "I wish I played a couple of more minutes maybe, but we'll see in the future. Right now we got the win, so that's the most important thing."
Analysis: Lightning coach Barry Melrose, who was considered a strong motivator in his days behind the L.A. Kings bench and who once sat out Luc Robitaille, praised Lecavalier for the work he did Tuesday and hinted that he needs to do more if he wants to be on the ice more, particularly in key situations. "It's the old saying, where a player says I got to have more ice time to play and the coach says you have to play better to get more ice time," Melrose said. "(The top line) played better and got more ice time, it's a simple equation. We don't want (Vinny) playing 25 minutes a night like last year. I would like to get all of those guys at 21 or 22 minutes so they have something left in the third period." Lecavalier has scored in four of the last six games and is starting to look like his former self. He will get plenty of scoring chances and will remain on the ice on a nightly basis as long as he isn't injured. Continue to start Lecavalier in all Fantasy formats.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored a pair of highlight-reel goals and Mike Smith made 37 saves to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night. Lecavalier put the Lightning up 2-1 at 15:37 of the first period. Skating through the neutral zone, he dragged his leg at the Leafs blue line to allow Vaclav Prospal's breakaway pass to slide past him into the zone onside. Lecavalier cut in on goalie Vesa Toskala and tucked in an against-stride, one-handed backhander. Lecavalier stretched Tampa Bay's lead to 3-1 at 4:08 of the second when he took a pass from Prospal in the slot and made a move before beating Toskala high during a power play.
Analysis: After not scoring in the opening two games in Prague, Lecavalier has found his scoring touch back in the states and that's good news for Fantasy owners. He remains a must-start option in Fantasy.
News: Barry Melrose's first victory as Tampa Bay coach was nearly a heartbreaking loss for the Lightning. Tampa Bay blew a two-goal lead in the third period and needed a power-play tally from Vincent Lecavalier with 3:19 left in overtime to beat the Atlanta Thrashers 3-2 on Tuesday night. Lecavalier scored from near the low slot off a pass from Martin St. Louis. "I just tried to shoot it and it went in," Lecavalier said. "I didn't know where it was going."
Analysis: After not scoring in the opening two games in Prague, Lecavalier has found his scoring touch back in the states and that's good news for Fantasy owners. He's got four points on the year and seems to be getting back to 100 percent after offseason shoulder surgery and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal during Thursday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Islanders. Lecavalier cut the Tampa Bay deficit to 2-1 at 3:43 of the third when he skated in from the right wing and scored from the low slot. It was his second goal in as many games.
Analysis: After not scoring in the opening two games in Prague, Lecavalier has found his scoring touch back in the states and that's good news for Fantasy owners. He seems to be getting back to 100 percent after offseason shoulder surgery and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored his first goal of the 2008-09 season during Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Hurricanes. Lecavalier made it 3-0 with a power-play goal on a slap shot from the right circle nine minutes into the second.
Analysis: Lecavalier has two points in his first three games and a minus-1 rating. He is still adjusting to life under Barry Melrose, but the good news is that Lecavalier has not been bothered by his nagging shoulder that required offseason surgery. As long as Lecavalier is on the ice, he remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier recorded an assist in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the New York Rangers in the Czech Republic. He finished with a plus-1 rating.
Analysis: Lecavalier spent most of the offseason recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. He rehabbed for over five months and is now off to a good start to the season. He is one of the best scoring forwards in the NHL and remains a must-have Fantasy option.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier (shoulder) was able to play in his first exhibition game Sunday as Tampa Bay played Eisbaren (Germany) in Berlin. Lecavalier looked a bit rusty and didn't have any points, but he did make it through the game without any problems, according to NHL.com.
Analysis: Lecavalier spent most of the offseason recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. He rehabbed for over five months, but had said all along he expected to play in Saturday's opener against the Rangers. He remains on track for that game as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks. Lecavalier is one of the best scoring forwards in the NHL and remains a must-have Fantasy option.
News:The St. Petersburg Times reports Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier, who is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder, is hoping to play in the preseason by the end of September. Nothing is set in stone, but Lecavalier is expecting to miss the four preseason games against NHL teams before trying to play exhibitions against Eisbaren Berlin in Germany and HC Slovan in Slovakia. "My goal is to play the last two games," he said. "We'll see before that. I can't predict how it's going to feel." Lecavalier worked out with his teammates Thursday and took several slap shots and wristers. "I just started again this week and it feels pretty good for slap shots and wristers," he said. "It's mostly when the puck is far away, reaching, it feels a little weak."
Analysis: Lecavalier has been rehabbing five months and likely won't be cleared for contact before talking to renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, who performed the surgery. "I would like to," Lecavalier said of playing before the Europe trip. We'll see how I feel." The Lightning are in no rush to get Lecavalier on the ice for meaningless games, especially after they inked him to an 11-year extension in the offseason. It's kind of alarming that he is cutting it close to the regular season, but don't shy away from Vinny in Fantasy. Lecavalier is still an elite Fantasy forward and a guy that can total 90-plus points.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier continues to regain the strength in his surgically repaired right shoulder. Though he will be ready when training camp begins, he will be held out of contact which means there's a chance he might not play in any preseason games.
Analysis: Lecavalier is entering his 10th NHL season and just inked an 11-year contract extension in July. Tampa Bay doesn't need their best offensive player getting dinged up in the preseason, so it's no surprise he might sit out the exhibition schedule. However, he is expected to healthy come the regular season and serve as a mentor to 2008 No. 1 overall pick Steven Stamkos. Lecavalier has 90-100 point potential and remains a must-own Fantasy player.
News: The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed Vincent Lecavalier to 11-year contract extension, a source told The Canadian Press. It is believed to be worth $85 million.
Analysis: The 28-year-old center was drafted 1st overall by the Lightning in 1998. Lecavalier had 92 points (40-52) last season. He has had 90-plus points for two straight seasons and will once again be a featured offensive player in 2008-09 under first-year head coach Barry Melrose. Lecavalier did have surgery to repair a bum right shoulder in April, but is expected to be ready for training camp. He will be among the top Fantasy forwards on Draft Day.
News: Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier will have surgery to repair damage to his right shoulder. Lecavalier was hurt in Thursday's game at Washington. His shoulder was dislocated when he fell awkwardly after a hit by Washington's Matt Cooke. Tests on Friday showed Lecavalier damaged the labrum of the right shoulder. A date for surgery and the establishment of a rehab schedule should come in seven to 10 days when inflammation subsides.
Analysis: Recovery time is expected to be 12 to 15 weeks, which means Lecavalier could be ready for the start of training camp next season. "While I'm disappointed to be facing surgery at this time, I'm looking forward to working hard during the summer to be ready for training camp in September," Lecavalier said in a statement. Lecavalier had zero goals in his last seven games and just three assists in that span, however, he reached 90 points for a second straight season. Luckily for Fantasy owners, his first major injury comes with just one game left. Lecavalier has finally reached his No. 1 draft pick potential and that means he will remain a top Fantasy forward heading into 2008-09.
News:Vincent Lecavalier had a goal (40) and an assist for the Lightning, who lost for the second consecutive night 4-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins and have the conference's worst record. Lecavalier tied it on the power play 4:18 into the second when his wrist shot appeared to hit Brooks Orpik's hand before getting by sprawling goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.
Analysis: This is the second consecutive season Lecavalier has had at least 40 goals. He scored an NHL-best 52 goals last season. Lecavalier remains a must-start Fantasy option in all formats.
News:Vincent Lecavalier capped the scoring with an empty-netter with 7.8 seconds left and the last-place Tampa Bay Lightning also got goals from Jeff Halpern and Andreas Karlsson on Thursday night in a 3-1 victory over the slumping Boston Bruins. Even with the win, the Lightning remained in last place in the Eastern Conference, with little hope of making the playoffs. Lecavalier, who played in his 700th NHL game, has scored five goals in the last three games.
Analysis: Lecavalier has 37 goals and 85 points this season, which are the second-best outputs of his nine-year career. Just imagine how well he would be doing if the Lightning were playing better. He remains a must-start Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored his second hat trick of the season Tuesday in an 8-4 win over the Islanders.
Analysis: Lecavalier has 36 goals and 84 points this season, which are the second-best outputs of his nine-year career. Just imagine how well he would be doing if the Lightning were anything but horrible. He remains a must-start Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and finished at minus-3 during Sunday's game against the Blue Jackets.Lecavalier converted a penalty shot at 17:37 of the second period. It was his 33rd goal of the season and first since Feb. 9.
Analysis: Lecavalier went without a point in four March games before Sunday and hadn't scored a goal in a month. He still managed 11 assists in 12 February games, but he hasn't been an efficient goal scorer since 2008 began. Still, he is far too valuable of a Fantasy option to bench in any format.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier has 80 points on the season, the second consecutive campaign in which he has registered at least 80 points. He is the first player in team history to record back-to-back season of 80 or more points. It is also the eighth time in team history a player has recorded at least 80 points. The others are: Marty St. Louis (2007, 2004), Vinny Prospal (2006), Richards (2006), Cory Stillman (2004), Brian Bradley (1993).
Analysis: Lecavalier set a career-high with 108 points last season and has been a points machine in the last five seasons. He has been in a little slump recently as he hasn't scored in nine games. The trade of Mike Richards wasn't good for Lecavalier, but he still remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News:Vincent Lecavalier picked up his second assist of the game in setting up Dan Boyle for the winner on the power-play goal with 2:58 left in overtime and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 on Friday night. Lecavalier also hit the post from the right circle with 4:33 remaining in the third period. He has gone eight games without a goal, but has eight assists over the stretch.
Analysis: Despite the goal slump, Lecavalier continues to stay among the leaders in points in the NHL. He is on track to possibly produce a second straight season of 100 points.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier tallied two assists and finished at plus-1 Tuesday against the Canadiens. He extended his points streak to four games. He has one goal and five assists in that span. He now has 42 assists on the season.
Analysis: Lecavalier continues to stay among the leaders in points in the NHL. He is on track to produce a second straight season of 100 points and you would be foolish to sit him in Fantasy leagues.
News:Vincent Lecavalier, second in the NHL with 72 points, gave Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead with a second-period goal, his 32nd this season. He lifted a backhand shot over Kari Lehtonen at 12:48.
Analysis: The goal was Lecavalier's first in four games. Needless to say, Lecavalier a must-start option in all Fanntasy formats.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier reached the 70-point barrier for the fourth time in the last five seasons when he assisted twice in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Blues. He now has 31 goals and 39 assists and is only two points behind league leader Alex Ovechkin.
Analysis: Lecavalier now has 26 multi-point games this season, but is still likely to come up short of his 108-point haul from last year thanks to his mini slump in late January. He remains a must-start option in all formats.
News:Vincent Lecavalier gave Tampa Bay its first lead at 3-2 over the Vancouver Canucks with a shot from the low right circle off a pass from Martin St. Louis with 3:21 remaining in the second. Lecavalier has 31 goals this season. He also had a first-period fight with Alexandre Burrows.
Analysis: Lecavalier has three goals and two assists in the last five games, which followed a stretch of four games without a point -- his worst drought this season. Still has 31 goals and 37 assists in a solid season. He should be starting in all Fantasy formats because he can go on a hot streak at any time.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier tallied one assist and finished at minus-1 during the 56th All-Star game Sunday. Lecavalier came into the All-Star break second in points with 66. He only trails Senators RW Daniel Alfredsson.
Analysis: Lecavalier has actually been in his worst points drought of the season. He has just three points in his last seven games. He still has 30 goals and 36 assists, but his points production has slowed down just a little. Still, he is worth starting in all Fantasy formats because he can go on a hot streak at any time.
News: One game after seeing his season-high, four-game pointless streak end, Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier tallied a goal and an assist in a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers. It was his fourth two-point game of the month.
Analysis: Lecavalier leads the NHL in points with 66, so obviously continue to start him in all Fantasy formats.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored into an empty net with 12 seconds left to seal Saturday's 2-0 victory over Ottawa. The goal snapped a short four-game points and goal drought for Lecavalier.
Analysis: Lecavalier has had some sporadic scoring bursts since late December, but it is nothing to worry about. He is back on track and leads the NHL in points. Continue to start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and added an assist for the second straight game Saturday against the Senators. Lecavalier netted his team-leading 28th goal after making a sensational stick-handling play. Lecavalier, who leads the NHL with 62 points, received defenseman Paul Ranger's pass behind him and pushed the puck forward between his legs. He then put a backhanded shot past Ray Emery at 11:17.
Analysis: Lecavalier extended his points streak to four games. He has three goals and four assists in that span. Lecavalier has had some sporadic scoring bursts since late December, but it is nothing to worry about. He is back on track and leads the NHL in points. Continue to start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier tallied two assists and finished at plus-1 during Tuesday's game against the Maple Leafs. He now had three multi-point games in his last six outings. He has four goals and three assists in that span.
Analysis: Lecavalier has had some sporadic scoring bursts since late December, but it is nothing to worry about. He still has 58 points in 40 games and is putting points on the board more often than not. Continue to start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and added an assist Saturday against the Capitals. Lecavalier, who finished at plus-1, extended his points streak to three games. He has a goal in each of those games and at least one assist in his last two games. He has three goals and three assists during the points streak.
Analysis: Lecavalier has posted 51 points in 33 games this season and is on track to put 125 points on the board this season. Lecavalier has developed into one of the most dominant offensive players in the NHL and is a must-start Fantasy option.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored his 20th goal Tuesday at Montreal. On a power play, Lecavalier beat G Carey Price on a slap shot from the point that went in off the rookie goalie's glove. "It was like trying to catch a knuckleball," Price said.
Analysis: Lecavalier, who led the league with a team-record 52 goals last season, reached 20 goals for the eighth straight season. Lecavalier had 13 goals as an 18-year-old rookie in 1998-99. Interestingly, he has 31 points at home this season -- and only 15 on the road, which is one of the bigger splits among the league leaders. Lecavalier has developed into one of the most dominant offensive players in the NHL and is a must-start Fantasy option.
News: League-leading scorer Vincent Lecavalier did not get a point for the first time since Tampa Bay's game Nov. 29 against Detroit. "It's very disappointing, not the game we wanted to play," said Lecavalier. "We played well in the first period but after that we couldn't keep the play in their zone."
Analysis: Lecavalier has developed into one of the most dominant offensive players in the NHL and is a must-start Fantasy option.
News:Vincent Lecavalier scored his 19th goal of the season, in Tampa Bay's 2-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. Lecavalier put the Lightning up 1-0 on a power-play goal 16 minutes into the second.
Analysis: Lecavalier also had an assist, giving him 22 goals and 51 points in 50 games against Carolina. He has developed into one of the most dominant offensive players in the NHL and is a must-start Fantasy option.
News:Vincent Lecavalier displayed his scoring touch and toughness, and helped the Lightning end a long slide. Lecavalier had two goals and an assist and the Lightning snapped a six-game skid with a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Saturday night. "It's definitely a confidence-booster," Lecavalier said. "You could feel right from the beginning we played very well." Lecavalier was sporting a large welt on his right cheek after the game, the result of being hit by a tipped puck in the second. "It feels all right," Lecavalier said. "First time I ever got a puck that hard in the face. It doesn't feel too good."
Analysis: Lecavalier has failed to record a point in three of his last seven games, but in the other four games he has multi-point outings. Don't worry about the minor face laceration. Lecavalier is not expected to miss any time and it is safe to keep him active for Fantasy Week 10 (Dec. 3-9). He has developed into one of the most dominant offensive players in the NHL and is a must-start Fantasy option.
News: C Vincent Lecavalier put the Lightning ahead 1-0 on Saturday against the Devils from the high slot 35 seconds into the second period. Seven of his 16 goals this season have come in the past six games. Lecavalier also had an assist in the game and now has multi-point outings in 10 of his last 11 games.
Analysis: Hold on to your hat folks. Lecavalier has nine goals and 16 assists in November. Numbers that any Fantasy owner will welcome. At the age of 27, Lecavalier is maturing into perhaps the best player in the game -- and in Fantasy.
News: Now that Vincent Lecavalier's scoring streak is over, it's well worth a closer look. The Tampa Bay Lightning captain lifted his club out of an offensive slump almost single-handedly when he posted multiple points in eight consecutive games. The amazing run earned him NHL top star honors in consecutive weeks. Starting with a three-assist performance in a 6-4 loss to Atlanta on Nov. 3, Lecavalier went on a tear during which he scored seven goals and helped set up 14 others. "Once you start scoring, it seems like you can really see the net," said Lecavalier, who entered the weekend with an NHL-best 34 points. "But, you know, if you go three, four, five games, you get to squeezing your stick a little bit. You see the goalie a lot bigger. It kind of goes both ways.
Analysis: In his streak alone, Lecavalier put up more points than five-time scoring champion Jaromir Jagr has all season. Lecavalier tied a career high with five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in the Lightning's 6-1 win over Carolina last week. He was tied for fifth in the league with 14 goals one season after taking the Rocket Richard Trophy with an NHL-best 52. At the age of 27, Lecavalier is maturing into perhaps the best player in the game -- and in Fantasy.
News: Tampa Bay center Vincent Lecavalier had his team-record streak of eight multipoint games snapped against the Rangers Wednesday. He had seven goals and 21 points over the stretch.
Analysis: At the age of 27, Lecavalier is maturing into perhaps the best player in the game -- and in Fantasy.
News:Vincent Lecavalier had a goal and an assist at Atlanta Monday for the Lightning to extend his multipoint streak to eight games, longest in the NHL since Jaromir Jagr had 10 straight for Pittsburgh from Feb. 18-March 9, 1996. The talented center leads the league with 34 points. Lecavalier earned his 20th assist on Martin St. Louis' shot from the bottom of the left circle.
Analysis: Lecavalier earned No. 1 Star of the Week honors from the NHL for the week ending Nov. 18, the second consecutive week in which Lecavalier has earned the honor. Despite playing only two games, Lecavalier led all scorers with eight points -- four goals, four assists. It was the second consecutive week in which he led the league in scoring. It's the third time in Lecavalier's career he has been named the Player of the Week. The last player to earn consecutive No. 1 star honors was Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg in February 2007. At the age of 27, Lecavalier is maturing into perhaps the best player in the game -- and in Fantasy.
News:Johan Holmqvist and Vincent Lecavalier helped the Lightning overcome a sluggish performance for their fifth straight victory. Holmqvist made 28 saves, Lecavalier had a goal and two assists to extend his team record for consecutive multi-point games to seven, and Tampa Bay beat the Washington Capitals 5-2 on Friday night. Lecavalier has six goals and 13 assists during the points streak.
Analysis: Lecavalier put the Lightning up 1-0 with a power-play goal at 1:31 of the first period Friday. He nearly scored again with 13 minutes left in the period, but Capitals goalie Brent Johnson made a strong save on a breakaway. Lecavalier, who totaled a career-high 108 points last season, now has 32 points in 19 games this season. At the age of 27, Lecavalier is maturing into perhaps the best player in the game -- and in Fantasy.
News: The Sports Xchange notes: Vinny Lecavalier had a career night Wednesday, setting on franchise record, tying two others while matching a career-high in yet another. Lecavalier set a team record with his sixth consecutive multi-point game in a 6-1 win against Carolina. He tied the team record with four points in one period (2 goals, 2 assists in the second) and a plus-five rating. And on the personal front, he notched his fifth career hat trick and tied his career high with five points, one shy of the franchise high.
Analysis: Lecavalier enters Friday's game against Washington sitting atop the league-leaders in points heading into Thursday. A five-point night will do that. He is as good as any player in the game right now and his overall game may be better than anybody, including reigning MVP Sidney Crosby. Lecavalier is counted on in all situations and tends to be a factor in all of them. After going through all of last season having been held scoreless in consecutive games only one time, Lecavalier is well on his way down that path again in terms of consistency. He has been held off the score sheet just four times in the first 18 games, but not once in consecutive games. At the age of 27, Lecavalier is maturing into perhaps the best player in the game -- and in Fantasy.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier posted two assists during Saturday's game against the Capitals. He extended his points streak to five games. He has two goals and nine assists in that span.
Analysis: Lecavalier -- the league's leading goal scorer with a career-high 52 in 2006-07 -- has the same number of goals (nine) as he did through 16 games last season. Lecavalier continues to pour in points at an alarming pace and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored the only goal for the Lightning at New Jersey on Wednesday. Lecavalier broke through for the Lightning with 1:47 remaining in the period with a power-play blast from the top of the right circle.
Analysis: Lecavalier is averaging over a point per game so far this season and he remains a must-start player in all formats.
News: Vincent Lecavalier netted his sixth goal on a second-period penalty shot, but the Lightning -- 5-0-1 at home -- fell to 0-4 on the road as they started a three-stop trip in the New York area. On the sixth penalty shot of Lecavalier's career, the talented Lightning center skated down the middle as Henrik Lundqvist drifted in front of his crease. Lecavalier glided to his right, going to his backhand and sliding a shot back between Lundqvist's pads to tie it 1-1 at 6:28.
Analysis: Lecavalier is 2-for-6 on penalty shots. Owners in formats which encourage bad behavior are elated with Lecavalier's recent fights and his 30 PIM. He remains a must-start skater in all Fantasy formats.
News: Lightning center Vinny Lecavalier, who hadn't been called for a penalty all season, has been involved in fights the past two games and has amassed 24 penalty minutes.
Analysis: Owners in formats which encourage bad behavior are elated. He remains a must-start skater in all Fantasy formats.
News: Vincent Lecavalier was scoreless with a minus-2 rating in Wednesday's game at Washington, but he showed off a little frustration in the loss. He picked up a slashing call, two-minute instigator penalty, fighting major and a game misconduct for a total of 19 PIM. "Vinny's fight sparked us," coach John Tortorella said.
Analysis: Lecavalier mixed it up with D Shaone Morissonn, but that crushed Fantasy owners in leagues which discourage penalty minutes. Owners in formats which encourage bad behavior were elated despite the scoreless night. He'll look to get back on the scoresheet on Thursday against Philadelphia.
News: The line of Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier and Vaclav Prospal, which had 17 points in the last four games, did not score Thursday night in Boston. "Richards, Prospal, Lecavalier and St. Louis ... it doesn't get more difficult than that," goaltender Tim Thomas said. "We came in after the second period and got a good talking to, and it was a feeling of shame on me after how we played."
Analysis: Despite the scoreless night, Lecavalier, Prospal and St. Louis are each must-starts in all Fantasy leagues. They'll look to get back on track on Saturday night against the Thrashers.
News: C Vinny Lecavalier took a high stick to the face in the second period against Atlanta Saturday. He missed three shifts while receiving three stitches to his right eyelid.
Analysis: Lecavalier was still able to punch in his third goal of the season and make an assist on another. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues and will be looking for his second consecutive 100-point season.
News: The Tampa Tribune reports that Vincent Lecavalier, who had been battling an upper body injury, was back in the lineup for Saturday's preseason game against the Stars. He had missed a pair of games due to the ailment.
Analysis: Lecavalier will be on the team's top scoring line and he is primed for another big season. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues and will be looking for his second consecutive 100-point season. The Lightning open against the Devils on Oct. 4.
News: Vincent Lecavalier has picked up an assist and plus-1 rating in his only preseason game with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Analysis: Lecavalier will be on the team's top scoring line and he is primed for another big season. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues and will be looking for his second consecutive 100-point season.
News: Vincent Lecavalier had a career-high 52 goals and 108 points in 82 games in the 2006-07 regular season with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Analysis: Lecavalier really took a huge leap forward and is a must-have in all keeper Fantasy leagues heading into the 2007-08 season. He also might have vaulted into the top two rounds in all formats on Draft Day.
News: Vincent Lecavalier and Dan Boyle scored just under two minutes apart early in the third to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning past Carolina 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Lecavalier has six goals in eight games against Carolina this season. Needless to say, he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues and is a tremendous keeper. He'll be a first or second round pick in all drafts in 2007-08.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored his NHL-leading 50th goal on a deflected backhand and added two assists to lead Tampa Bay to a 4-2 victory over the slumping Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night. "It was obviously really fluky," Lecavalier said. "But it seems like it's always like that, something fluky."
Analysis: Lecavalier had just 35 goals last season. He has managed seven goals and 14 points over his past 10 games. Needless to say, he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored his league-leading 49th goal in Tuesday's game against the Islanders and he took a game-high seven shots on net.
Analysis: Lecavalier has 499 NHL points. He has 15 goals and 15 assists in 31 career games against the Islanders. He has eight goals and 13 points over the past nine games, but he also has an odd minus-4 rating during the span. If he keeps scoring goals the way he is, Fantasy owners aren't going to mind one bit a less-than-perfect plus/minus.
News: Tampa Bay's Vincent Lecavalier scored twice Friday against the Sabres, giving him an NHL-leading 48 goals. He has set a team record with 96 points this season.
Analysis: Lecavalier is currently on a seven game points streak in which he has seven goals and five assists. He has already set a career-high in points and continues to build on his career-best season. Start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier had a goal and two assists in a 5-4 win over the Capitals Thursday. He has eight goals and nine assists in his last 10 games.
Analysis: Lecavalier now has 42 goals and 45 assists on the season. He has already set a career-high in points and continues to build on his career-best season.
News: Brad Richards had a goal and three assists, Martin St. Louis matched a career-high with his 38th goal and Vincent Lecavalier added his 41st, leading the Southeast Division-leading Lightning past the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1 on Sunday night.
Analysis: Lecavalier has posted seven goals and seven assists during his current eight-game points streak. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues during his career year.
News: Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier (7 assists, 13 points) and F Brad Richards (9 assists, 11 points) both extended their point streaks to seven games by assisting on the goal Friday against the Bruins.
Analysis: Lecavalier has been nothing short of spectacular this season with 40 goals and 43 assists. He remains a must-start Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored two more goals in Thursday's game against the Capitals, as he now has an league-leading 39 goals. "We keep after teams and keep pressuring them," Lecavalier said.
Analysis: Lecavalier has a career-high in goals, three shy of Brian Bradley's team record set during the 1992-93 season. Lecavalier has scored a goal in 15 of 19 games.
News: Vincent Lecavalier had two goals and an assist, and Brad Richards scored a tiebreaking power-play goal early in the third period as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Phoenix Coyotes 5-3 on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Lecavalier has scored at least one goal in six of the past seven games, posting seven goals and 11 points during the impressive stretch. Needless to say, he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and added two assists in Sunday's game at New Jersey. He also picked up a plus-2 rating with four shots on goal in 21:58 of ice time.
Analysis: The All-Star Lecavalier has been on fire lately, posting at least one goal in 13 of the past 17 games. He has 14 goals and 24 points during the impressive stretch and he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Lightning C Vinny Lecavalier had his four-game goal scoring streak snapped Friday against the Rangers.
Analysis: Lecavalier has been outstanding this season with 34 goals and 36 assists. He is showing everyone why he was the No. 1 pick back in 1998. He remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored his 34th goal and connected in the shootout, leading the Tampa Bay Lightning past Los Angeles 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Lecavalier also posted a minus-2 rating, but Fantasy owners can’t complain too loudly. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored a tiebreaking power-play goal with 8:07 left in the third period to help the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the New York Rangers 3-2 on Saturday night. Lecavalier's goal from the top of the right circle came after the Rangers were penalized for having too many men on the ice. Rangers captain Jaromir Jagr argued with officials to no avail after the penalty was called.
Analysis: Lecavalier has scored a goal in three straight games. He has 10 goals and 16 points over the past 12 games and remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Ryan Craig and Doug Janik scored four minutes apart in the second period on Thursday at Carolina, and Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis each scored their 32nd goal early in the third.
Analysis: Lecavalier also had an assist and plus-1 rating. He has nine goals and 15 points over the past 11 games and remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Lecavalier scored in regulation and then added a goal in the tiebreaker as the Lightning extended Philadelphia's franchise-worst home losing streak to 11 with a 4-3 victory over the Flyers on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Lecavalier has eight goals and 13 points over the past 10 games and remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Tampa Bay C Vincent Lecavalier had his 10-game point streak end Friday against the Devils. He had nine goals and 16 points during the stretch.
Analysis: Lecavalier remains a stellar offensive player in all Fantasy formats in this, his career year. He is on pace for a 104-point season.
News: Vinny Lecavalier saw two personal streaks end against New Jersey Thursday: he had scored goals in five straight and had picked up points in eight in a row.
Analysis: Lecavalier remains a stellar offensive player in all Fantasy formats in this, his career year. He is on pace for a 104-point season.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored a shorthanded goal in the first period of Tuesday's game against the Maple Leafs, tying teammate Martin St. Louis for the NHL lead in goals with 29.
Analysis: Lecavalier also extended his points streak to eight games with the goal. He now has eight goals and 14 points during the eight-game run and needs just 13 points to eclipse the 75 he recorded in 80 games last season.
News: Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards each had a goal and an assist as Tampa Bay beat the New York Islanders 4-3 on Monday for its fifth straight win.
Analysis: Lecavalier has seven goals and six assists during his current seven-game scoring streak. He needs just 14 points to eclipse the 75 he recorded in 80 games last season.
News: Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier, who were named Eastern Conference reserves for next week's All-Star game and are tied for the team lead with 60 points, also will try to extend their respective point streaks.
Analysis: Lecavalier has six goals and five assists during his current six-game run. He needs just 16 points to eclipse the 75 he recorded in 80 games last season.
News: Lightning C Vinny Lecavalier extended his scoring streak to six games and has scored a goal in three consecutive games.
Analysis: Lecavalier is headed to the All-Star game with teammate Marty St. Louis and he is well-deserving with 27 goals and 33 assists. He remains red hot and a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Vincent Lecavalier had two goals and an assist and Martin St. Louis snapped a third-period tie with his 28th goal of the season, giving the Tampa Bay Lightning a 5-4 victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday night.
Analysis: Lecavalier has five goals and 10 points with a plus-2 rating over the past five games. He remains red hot and a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Vincent Lecavalier and Andreas Karlsson also scored for Tampa Bay on Tuesday, which has an 11-game winning streak against Pittsburgh. Lecavalier also had an assist in the win.
Analysis: Lecavalier has three goals and seven points during his current four-game point streak and he has managed five goals and 12 points in the past 10 games.
News: Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richards and Martin St. Louis picked up assists in Sunday's shootout win at Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Lecavalier has five goals and 13 points over the past 10 games. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier each had a goal and an assist for Tampa Bay, which ended Minnesota's eight-game home winning streak with a 3-2 victory Thursday night.
Analysis: Lecavalier ended a four-game goal drought. He has managed four goals and 10 points over the past eight games.
News: Lightning C Vinny Lecavalier extended his scoring streak to five games on Thursday with an assist in the third period. He has three goals and eight points in that span.
Analysis: Lecavalier is easily on pace to surpass his 2005-2006 point toal of 75. He currenty has 49 points (21 G, 28 A) in just 38 games. He is on fire right now and should be starting in all Fantasy formats.
News: Ruslan Fedotenko, Paul Ranger and Vincent Lecavalier scored third-period goals to help the Tampa Bay Lightning rally for a 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.
Analysis: Lecavalier has nine goals and 19 points over the past 10 games. He is on fire right now and should be starting in all Fantasy formats.
News: C Vinny Lecavalier extended his points streak to six consecutive games with an assist on Ruslan Fedotenko's second-period goal against Anaheim Saturday.
Analysis: It was the 20th assist of the season for Lecavalier. He's a Fantasy stud this year.
News: Lecavalier had three goals and two assists, helping the Lightning stop a four-game losing streak with an 8-0 victory over the Southeast Division-leading Atlanta Thrashers on Thursday night. "It seemed like every shot went in," said Lecavalier, who took six shots. "Some nights you can have 10 shots and nothing goes in. Tonight, three go in. I don't know what to say."
Analysis: It was the fourth career hat trick for Lecavalier, who has scored a goal in five consecutive games. The Lightning record for goals in a game is four, set by Chris Kontos in the team's first ever game on Oct. 7, 1992, against Chicago.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and Martin St. Louis had two assists to extend their points streaks to 11 games, helping the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Atlanta Thrashers 5-3 on Saturday night. St. Louis assisted on Lecavalier's goal from in close with 4:31 left in the second that put Tampa Bay ahead 4-0.
Analysis: St. Louis has 10 goals and 10 assists, while Lecavalier has eight goals and 10 assists during their respective streaks. Tampa Bay's record for points is 13 straight games, held by Brian Bradley (1992), St. Louis (2004) and Vinny Prospal (2005). Continue to use Lecavalier and St. Louis as they rack up the points.
News: Vincent Lecavalier had an assist in 19:45 of ice time in Monday's game at N.Y. Islanders to extend his point streak to nine games.
Analysis: Lecavalier has posted 16 points (6 G, 10 A) during his current nine-game point streak. He is a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: With a goal and two assists against the Flyers on Thursday, Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier extended his scoring streak to seven games. He also has scored a goal in six straight games.
Analysis: Lecavalier is tearing through the competition to start the 2006-2007 season and should be starting in all Fantasy formats.
News: Vincent Lecavalier has scored a goal in five straight games against Toronto on Wednesday.
Analysis: Lecavalier also has eight points during a six-game point streak and should be starting in all formats.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored for the fourth straight game against San Jose on Sunday night.
Analysis: Lecavalier has seven points in his past five games and should be starting in all formats.
News: Vincent Lecavalier had a goal and an assist for the Lightning, while Ruslan Fedotenko and Martin St. Louis also scored on Saturday in the Lightning's 6-4 loss to the Hurricanes. Lecavalier, Fedotenko and St. Louis each pushed their point streak to four gam
Analysis: Lecavalier and St. Louis are must-start Fantasy players regardless, but Fedotenko has been putting points on the board as of late and should be inserted into your lineup while he is scoring. But usually he is nothing more than a reserve forward.
News: Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards each posted a pair of assists and with three shots apiece in Thursday's game against the Flyers.
Analysis: The dynamic Tampa duo have not gotten off to the greatest starts in the world, but they remain must-starts in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Tampa Bay Lightning coach John Tortorella said he expected Vincent Lecavalier to score 40-45 goals this season. "He has to shoot the puck more," Tortorella told the Tampa Tribune. "I don't want to hear about him being in the top 10 in shooting; I want him to lead the league in shooting. That's how he's going to get more goals for this team."
Analysis: Tortorella is trying to light a fire under key members of his stagnant offense. Vinny has four points (2 G, 2 A) in six games, managing no more than one point in any of his starts. Despite the slow start, he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis scored rare Tampa Bay power-play goals, helping the Lightning stop a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers on Saturday night. Lecavalier made it 1-0 at 4:20 of the first with a power-play goal.
Analysis: Both of Tampa Bay's forwards are solid starters in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards assisted on Ryan Craig's power play goal in the second period in Thursday's regular season opener at Atlanta for their only point of the game.
Analysis: Richards posted a career-high 68 assists last season and is off to a good start again. The talented Tampa Bay duo remain must-starts in all Fantasy formats once again in 2006-07.
News: The Tampa Tribune reports Vincent Lecavalier is the preseason leader in points with nine. He has been a man on a mission during the exhibition season, as he looks to turn in a career year.
Analysis: Lecavalier has second or third round ability in seasonal Fantasy drafts and this might be a breakout year for the 26-year-old. His career-high is 78 points and he might be able to shatter that if he carries over the momentum from the preseason into the real games.
News: Vincent Lecavalier was scoreless with a plus-1 rating in Monday's game at Florida in 19:47 of ice time with two shots on net.
Analysis: Nothing is more frustrating for Fantasy owners in a 6-5 hockey game to see their guy go scoreless. At least he did not finish with a negative plus-minus rating and helped out a little.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal, added an assist and had a plus-2 rating with four shots on goal in Sunday's game against the Islanders in 22:37 of ice time.
Analysis: Lecavalier has scored in four straight games, posting five goals and two assists with a plus-4 rating during the impressive span.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored two goals with a plus-1 rating and four shots on goal in Tuesday's game at Ottawa.
Analysis: Lecavalier has four goals and two goals during his current five-game point streak.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and had a plus-1 rating in 17:25 of ice time for Monday's game at Montreal.
Analysis: Lecavalier has two goals and two assists during his current four-game point streak.
News: Vincent Lecavalier has posted 24 goals and 25 assists with a plus-5 rating through 56 games at the Olympic Games break. He also leads the Lightning with 216 shots on goal.
Analysis: Lecavalier is helpful to Fantasy owners in Roto leagues in all offensive categories, including SOG. He should finish up with 65 to 70 points and remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Vincent Lecavalier (upper body injury) was back in the lineup for Monday's game at N.Y. Islanders. He posted a goal and had a plus-2 rating with four shots on goal in 22:48 of ice time.
Analysis: If you reserved Lecavalier as a precaution, it appears safe to get him back into the Fantasy lineup in all leagues which allow daily transactions.
News: The Tampa Tribune reports Vincent Lecavalier did not participate in a scrimmage on Thursday and instead skated on his own due to an "upper body injury."
Analysis: Let's consider Vinny day to day for now. Keep him reserved in all daily Fantasy leagues just as a precaution.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored the only goal for the Lightning on Sunday at Washington. He also finished up with a plus-1 rating and five shots on goal in 19:26 of ice time.
Analysis: Lecavalier and the Lightning have just two games in the upcoming scoring period, so he is only worth using in average leagues.
News: Lightning star Vincent Lecavalier has remained steady over the past couple months. He has five goals and two assists in his past 10 games. In December, he had four goals and four assists.
Analysis: As a center, you certainly want to see more assists out of Lecavalier, but at least he doesn't hang you out to dry with just one point in six games. Trade for him if you can, March has been his best month throughout his career. Lecavalier and Pavel Kubina are the only players in NHL history to have suited up for 500 games in a Lightning uniform. Doesn't it just seem like yesterday that he was the No. 1 pick?
News: Tampa Bay played Buffalo Friday without center Vinny Lecavalier, who was given a one-game suspension for a high-sticking incident Thursday against the New York Rangers.
Analysis: Lecavalier has 14 goals and 35 points in 35 games this season. He should be safe to start again in all formats.
News: The Tampa Bay Lightning will have three forwards representing Team Canada in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, as Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richards and Martin St. Louis will represent their country.
Analysis: Unfortunately for the Lightning, they will have three forwards who will travel overseas to Italy to play on a team expected to go deep into the tournament, as Canada will be a favorite for the gold medal.
News: Vincent Lecavalier had two assists in Wednesday's game at Anaheim with five shots on goal in 20:21 of ice time.
Analysis: After a four-game scoreless streak, Lecavalier has posted seven points (2 G, 5 A) during his current five-game point streak.
News: Vincent Lecavalier picked up three assists and a plus-2 rating with four shots on goal in 18:30 of ice time in Monday's game against Philadelphia.
Analysis: Lecavalier had only one assist and a minus-2 rating over the past three games, so Monday's game was good to ease the minds of nervous Fantasy owners.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and was a plus-1 in 17:57 of ice time in Wednesday's opener against the Hurricanes.
Analysis: Lecavalier and the Tampa Bay offense are off to a good start, as they look to defend their championship.
News: The Lightning re-signed Vincent Lecavalier to a four-year contract on Tuesday.
Analysis: Lecavalier posted 32 goals, 34 assists and a career-high plus-23 in 81 games with the Lightning in 2004-05. He emerged as a must-start over the past two seasons, averaging 72 points.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored two goals to go with two assists against the Rangers Friday.
Analysis: Lecavalier has certainly developed into a solid Fantasy forward over the course of the past two seasons. Keep him active in all leagues.
News: Vincent Lecavalier picked up a goal and assist in Wednesday's win at Chicago.
Analysis: Lecavalier has been on fire recently, picking up 29 points (13 G, 16 A) in the past 20 games dating back to Jan. 22.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and added an assist in Monday's game at Colorado.
Analysis: Lecavalier has picked up 27 points (12 G, 15 A) in 19 games since Jan. 22.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored another goal in Thursday's game against Toronto.
Analysis: Lecavalier has 17 points (9 G, 8 A) in 12 games during the month of February.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and added two assists in Monday's win at Washington.
Analysis: Lecavalier has 14 points (6 G, 8 A) in 10 games during the month of February. It is his highest scoring month of the season after posting 11 points in January.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored once and tallied one assist against Florida Saturday.
Analysis: Lecavalier has five goals and 10 points in his past six games.
News: Vincent Lecavalier had a goal and two assists in Thursday's game.
Analysis: Lecavalier has apparently shaken off his early season troubles. He has 15 points (6 G, 9 A) over his past 10 games.
News: Vincent Lecavalier had a goal and assist in Thursday's win over the Penguins.
Analysis: Lecavalier now has seven points (2 G, 5 A) over his past four games.
News: Vincent Lecavalier picked up three assists in Saturday's game at Calgary. He also dropped the gloves and picked up seven PIM.
Analysis: Lecavalier promised to pick up the pace after being a disappointment during the first half and he has lived up to that promise thus far, picking up six points (1 G, 5 A) over the past four games.
News: The Tampa Tribune reports that Vincent Lecavalier says he sees good things in his future. "I know I'm not playing good hockey right now and I'm not producing the way that I should, but I believe in myself and I know in the last 38 games I'm going to get out of it and have a great second-half," said Lecavalier. He has just five goals and 13 points in his past 12 games.
Analysis: Using last year as a barometer, Lecavalier performed about as well after Jan. 22 as he did before. But there is no doubting his talent, and a good finish to the season is more probable than it is unlikely.
News: Vincent Lecavalier was suspended for one game on Monday for a kicking incident involving Darius Kasparaitis in Sunday's overtime loss to the N.Y. Rangers.
Analysis: Lecavalier will miss Tuesday's game at Pittsburgh and is eligible to return Thursday against Carolina. Keep him reserved in daily leagues.
News: Vincent Lecavalier picked up an assist in Thursday's game.
Analysis: Lecavalier has at least one point in each of his past three games. It is his longest streak since the first three games of the season.
News: Vincent Lecavalier had an assist in 15:39 of ice time, but he was benched by coach John Tortorella in the second period.
Analysis: The rift between Lecavalier and Tortorella will either light a fire under the slumping forward or continue his downward spiral. It remains to be seen.
News: Vincent Lecavalier was scoreless again on Thursday against Ottawa. He also picked up an uncharacteristic seven PIM.
Analysis: Lecavalier has only one point in his past seven games.
News: Vincent Lecavalier scored the only goal of the game on Thursday at Columbus. "When I got it, I knew he was on the other side. I just had to jam it quick," Lecavalier said. "It's lucky when you get a puck like that behind the net. I can't give myself credit."
Analysis: Lecavalier has two goals so far this season. He is a must-start in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Vincent Lecavalier missed Sunday's preseason game due to an infected right ankle, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: Lecavalier is taking antibiotics for the injury, which is not considered serious. He is considered day to day.
News: Lecavalier returned to action Friday against Washington. He had missed two games with a right knee sprain, and had an assist in the game. Get Lecavalier back into your active lineup in a deeper league.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier (knee) is expected to return to action on Friday. The Tampa Tribune said he was cleared to play after skating for 30 minutes on Thursday. Lecavalier is a must-start player in deeper Fantasy leagues, and he should be activated for the upcoming scoring period.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier (right knee sprain) was scratched from Monday's game. He is expected to be sidelined 10 to 14 days with the injury he suffered Saturday in Pittsburgh. Lecavalier will probably not be placed on injured reserve, but you should keep him reserved for now.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier suffered a knee injury in Saturday's game in Pittsburgh. He has been diagnosed with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, and will be evaluated again Monday before a decision is made on his status for Monday's game in New York against the Rangers. Since Lecavalier looks unlikely to play Monday, you should reserve him for this week.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier, who had seven points in the first three games, left the ice late in the first period on Saturday with a mild knee sprain and did not return.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier returned to the lineup for Tuesday's preseason game after missing four games with a sprained shoulder. He is still a very risky Fantasy selection, but might be a good gamble in the later rounds of your draft.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier, who has a sore shoulder, participated in a full practice session Thursday, according to The Tampa Tribune. His status is still unclear, but this probably shouldn’t affect his Draft Day value. Lecavalier remains someone you shouldn’t select until the later rounds.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier was sidelined once again because of a foot injury. He will be evaluated on a daily basis but consider reserving him this week.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier missed Tuesday's game. He skated earlier in the day. He is still recovering from a chip fracture in his left ankle and will be evaluated on a daily basis.
Analysis:
News: An MRI taken Monday revealed that Lecavalier has a high ankle sprain and a chipped bone in his left ankle. He is expected to be ready to play after the Olympic break.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier sprained his left ankle in the first period of Saturday night's game against Washington. After Lecavalier was hurt in the opening minutes, he returned with six minutes left in the period and played two shifts before it was decided he would sit out the rest of the game.
Analysis:
News: Lightning president Ron Campbell said the team has no plans on trading Lecavalier, according to the Tampa Tribune. "I don't think Vinny should plan on going nowhere," said Campbell. "We signed him to a long-term deal before the season. He is a cornerstone of our team. I think he will be a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning for a long time." Lecavalier's Fantasy value would be much higher on a team other than the Lightning, but expect him to remain in the plus/minus drain that is Tampa Bay for now.
Analysis:
News: Rumors are abound that Lecavalier will be traded soon, although Lightning general manager Rick Dudley has denied the reports. Dudley told Tampa Bay media that he is not shopping Lecavalier, and "no one has made an offer that would be even close." New Jersey, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Colorado, Edmonton and St. Louis are reportedly interested in the young center, and his Fantasy value would certainly get a boost with any of those squads. You might want to acquire him now while his price tag is relatively cheap.
Analysis:
News: According to the Tampa Tribune, Lecavalier has demanded a trade due to a rift between him and Lightning Head Coach John Tortorella. The team and Lecavalier have denied the report, but it bears noting that he has gotten off to a terrible start this season. You should probably keep him reserved until this blows over and he starts showing results.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier will skate with Brad Richards and rookie Jimmie Olvestad in Thursday's game in San Jose, according to the St. Petersburg Times. While Lecavalier and Richards are Fantasy starters in some leagues, remember that the poor Tampa Bay team will hinder all three players' Fantasy values. Olvestad isn't worth picking up unless he clicks immediately on this line, as Richards did last season.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier is expected to play his first game of the season Thursday in San Jose, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Get him active as soon as possible.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Lightning on Friday. He is not expected to be in the lineup for Friday's season opener against the Islanders, but could be ready for Sunday's game against Florida. Get Lecavalier into your active lineup as soon as possible.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier met with team officials on Tuesday and there is hope he could soon be signed by the Lightning, according to the Tampa Tribune. "This is a very positive sign," said general manager Rick Dudley. "We sat down and had a good conversation. [Lecavalier] expressed a keen interest in getting back to Tampa and playing hockey and we want him back here playing hockey... now we hope we can get the ball rolling in the right direction." We still believe Lecavalier will be back on the ice by November, but keep him on reserve until then.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier will meet with Lightning general manager Rick Dudley on Tuesday to discuss a contract for this season, according to the Tampa Tribune. It doesn't appear as if Lecavalier will come to terms in time for the season opener, so keep him on reserve for the first week of the Fantasy season.
Analysis:
News: The Edmonton Sun reported Sunday that Lecavalier is unlikely to be signed in time for the Lightning’s season opener on October 5. He’s still one of the game’s best up-and-coming star and we expect him to rebound, but bump him down a few spots on your draft list as a result of this news. We doubt Tampa Bay would allow him to remain unsigned far into the regular season.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier was activated from injured reserve in time to play in Tuesday's game against Phoenix. He missed 13 games with a broken left foot, and the Lightning went 2-10-0-1 without him in the lineup. Get Lecavalier back in your lineup as soon as possible - he's a good young talent.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier, who has missed 12 games with a broken left foot, will travel with the Lightning on their two-game road trip to St. Louis and Boston. He is expected to resume practicing on Wednesday, and could be able to play before next week if all goes well. It's probably safest to keep Lecavalier benched for the next week or so until it's certain when he'll be back.
Analysis:
News: The Lightning may not get Lecavalier back from a broken foot for at least another two weeks, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. He was able to skate in practice for just five minutes last week. Keep him reserved until then, and try to avoid relying much on your Tampa Bay players in his absence.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier may begin skating over the weekend and could be able to return to game action in two weeks. He has missed seven games with a foot fracture. Activate him as soon as he plays his first game.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier was placed on injured reserve by the Lightning on Sunday with a non-displaced fracture in his left foot. He suffered the injury during Friday's game against Philadelphia, and will be sidelined two to four weeks. Lecavalier, one of the NHL's brightest young stars, has 15 goals and 19 assists, but had been struggling of late. It's recommended that you keep him on your bench, but don't drop him unless your league has strict roster restrictions.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier surprisingly returned to the lineup Wednesday against Toronto after leaving Sunday's game with a strained neck. Ryan Johnson was moved up to play alongside Lecavalier and Brad Richards on the top line. It remains to be seen whether will improve Lecavalier's Fantasy production, but get him back in your lineup.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier suffered a neck strain and a cut nose midway through the third period of Sunday's game against Chicago after colliding with an official along the boards. He's still one of the game's best young stars, so keep him in your lineup unless this is deemed serious.
Analysis:
News: Tampa Bay Coach Steve Ludzik is experimenting with his top three lines, putting rookie Alexander Kharitonov and Fredrik Modin alongside Lecavalier on the Lightning's top line. Todd Warriner and Mike Johnson have been demoted. If Kharitonov and Modin continue their inspired play, Lecavalier can only benefit from this switch.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier left late in the third period on April 6 with an ankle injury. Lecavalier was to have X-rays when the team arrived in Toronto late Thursday night.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier continues to put up solid numbers for the Lightning this season. He added a goal last night against the Stars to top the 60-point plateau for the first of many seasons.
Analysis:
News: Lecavalier topped the 20-goal plateau for the first of many seasons in his career. With 55 points, he has nearly doubled his offensive totals of a year ago.
Analysis:
News: Vincent Lecavalier of the Tampa Bay Lightning is on pace to more than double his offensive production from last season. No sophomore jinx here.
Analysis:
News: The Lightning's last two wins were over Dallas and Detroit, and the team has to be happy with the progress of the No. 1 pick of the 1998 Entry Draft, Vincent Lacavilier, who leads the team with 10 points (6-4-10).
Analysis:
